Kald moved his blade in a form and then moved into another form. His form showing in his tight clothing. He was small as most elves are compared to humans, but he was defined due to his years of training. He moved to another form. His green clothes made him blend in with his surroundings. He switched forms again. He kept moving in the same patterns practicing and practicing.
He had found the men and woman here to mostly ignore him so staying on the outskirts of civilization fitted him just fine. He didn't seem to bother anyone and thus wasn't bothered. He froze as he swore he heard something.
Orenda watched from the back ground, giggling softly to herself. She rarely saw elves, and rarely had the time to pay attention due to her near constant paranoia. She stood behind a tree, watching with her icy blue eyes. Her warm tan skin helped hide her in the shadows. Though she had been forced to at grown most of the time, she was still a hormone raging, giggling, coy, teenage girl.
He listened again and heard nothing and went back to his forms moving through them again. His real intent was to find out if someone as nearby. He was sure there might be someone, but than again he was paranoid at times. He loved perfecting his swordsmanship. It was his pride. It was also why he had left home and went to wondering, He wanted to prove himself as a master of the blade, and that meant he needed to practice and practice. He listened for another noise wondering if it was just his mind.
Orenda shifted her weight, causing a stick to break beneath her feet. She giggled softly again and stepped behind the tree, listening carefully. She didnt know if he had heard it or not. She was kinda hoping he didn't hear her so she could continue watching. Then again she was hoping that he did, she had never met an elf before. She closed here eyes, figuring a warrior like himself would move rather silently. She tried to open her mind, see him coming with her psychic abilities, hoping they would work this time.
Kald quietly flowed out of his form into another form that happened to take him closer to her. He kept his form up, careful to try to not look so obvious. He then dropped all attempts of his form and looked around. He didn't see anyone but that didn't mean there wasn't anyone there. He poked his head around a tree, then another and that was ehen he saw a girl. " Hello?"
Kald figured she was mostly harmless, " are you ok?" He kept his sword low, ready if she tried anything but lowered enough that she would not see it as a immediate threat.
Orenda looked him over quickly, her eyes stopping at his sword, she had never had good experiences with swords, and at this distance they made her very uncomfortable. Her cheeks started to turn bright red, for she had checked him out before she spotted the sword. Plus she wasn't use to being this close to guys, especially a cute one. She took a deep breath, trying to gather words to make her not appear as a complete creep.
She contemplated trying to use her powers of pursausion, but decided they were too iffy and she didn't spot a place to she could touch him skin to skin, and she defiantly wasn't going to grab his hand of touch his face.
"I-I'm fine," she studdered, her eyes glued on the sword the entire time.
Kald looked at the girl and smiled, It as sort of nice being approached by someone finally. He put his sword away, convinced she was not here to hurt him, as she had ample time. He didn't know why she might of been watching but perhaps she was interested in swordsmanship. His lower arms bare due to his short sleeves. "I am Kald, "He stuck out his hand, as he believed that was the form of greeting most humans used. " I don't often run across anyone out here, Sorry for coming at you with a sword. " He hoped she would warm up now that the sword was put away.
Orenda hesitated, if she didn't shake his hand he might get suspicious, if she did she might prove she was magic. She didn't know what his feelings on magic were, which made the decision harder then it should be. Slowly though, she reach out her hand, her cool palm touch his, but only for a split second.
As her skin touched his she was knocked back, it almost appeared as if someone had hit her, she stumbled back then fell. She set on the ground propped up on her elbows, blinking slowly as if she had been stunned. She always hated visions. Her mind was clouded and slow, taking a moment for everything to start to register.
Orenda looked up at him, her face dark crimson, she wondered what he thought just happened, hoping she could play it off as she fainted.
Kald was at a loss as to what just happened. Was she ok? What had caused it? He quickly yet fluidly moved towards her and offered her his hand to help her up. " What happened? are you ok? I have never seen that happen. " He hoped all was fine. Perhaps she had feinted.. or maybe something else was going on. He made a quick look around to see if perhaps someone had indirectly caused the incident.
Kald just didn't know what to think. He looked her over trying to see if anything had hit her.
She took his hand, her mind still foggy, and her body still woozy. She leaned against him slightly after she stood, not meaning to not realizing it, but her head was still spinning. She felt a slight stink on her elbow, she was sure she had scraped it, and felt a warm wet livid start flowing from her nose.
"I-I'm f-fine," she stuttered, turning so he wouldn't see the bloody nose. She was contemplating telling him the truth, but he was a complete stranger, so she decided against it. She pinched the bridge of her nose, hoping it would stop quickly, this was all she needed.
This was why she never went around boys, she always either looked completely stupid or like a helpless damsel in distress. The cuter they were the worse it was, her sister who was only a year yonger was already married as she could still hear her mothers words degrading her.
Kald was glad to be there to help her stand and didn't mind at all as she braced her self against him. He had never really been this close to a non elven girl. She was interesting and seemed intent on not worrying him as he noticed her nose. He pulled out an handkerchief and handed it to her. " Here for your nose." He smiled at her and then thought to his stuff. " Here lets go sit down and I can share some food and drink with you. It is not much just some berries and such that I found around here and some water of course. "
Kald hoped she was alright, She seemed nice and he felt bad that she had fallen down. " Do you know what caused you to fall down? did something hit you?"
Orenda looked down as she took the handkerchief, placing it to her nose. Hoping the bleeding would soon stop.
She looked up at his, her eyes darting from his face slightly as she lied, "I just feigned I think, I-I don't know why," she spoke softly, despritely hoping he believed her.
She sighed, pulling the handkerchief away, glad to see that the bleeding had stopped.
Kald laughed " No need to Feign, I won't hurt you, hmm What was your name?" He grabbed a leaf and placed some berries and such in it and handed it to her. " Here have some, I have plenty, and it is not often someone actually stops by and says hello. I find most of your kind stay away from me. I hope I don't offend them. "
Kald smiled and took some berries into his left hand and then used his left hand to grab a couple and placed them into his mouth. He loved what amazing things you could find to eat in an area.
" So what brings you out here? Surly not just to watch me train" he looked up at the sky and the trees noting how nice of a day it was.
"You're in Connloath, and an elf," Orenda started softly, nearly in a whisper. "And where elves are natural mages, and with the anti magic law, most find it safer to just not go around you, in fear of pumishment if you turn out to be a magic user," she continued, looking around, relieved that no one else was around.
She causiously put a berry in her mouth, plesantly surprised at its sweet flavor. She smiled softly, looking down at her hand.
"I was out for a walk in the woods, I was heading back to where I am staying when I saw you, and decided to stop and admire," she spoke, in disbelief at herself when the last part spilled out of her mouth.
Kald didn't care much either way about magic, It wasn't his thing. But he forgot that Connloath was anti magic and most of his kind had some sort of magic. " That makes sense, I didn't think about that. But I don't know any magic, just how to use my sword.'' He was glad she liked the berry.
He wasn't use to being admired, Humans always seemed to look at his kind in awe, and it always was interesting for him to learn about humans. " Well I could let you try your hand at some forms, Then you wouldn't just have to watch, and you could learn how to protect your self a bit better. " He smiled again wondering what she did with her time.
"Women here have to know basic fighting, this is really a very war centered place, it has to considering magic is out lawed," she spoke softly, though she could fight, she honestly didn't like it, and would probably only do it if her life depended on it.
"I will decline on practicing my swordsmanship though, I honestly dislike fighting, my father use to make my siblings and I fight and wrestle to make us better fighters, I've grown to dislike it honestly. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, there are no winners in war, only death," she spoke softly, but looked at him with a soft almost flirtatious smile, "but if practice is what you wish to do, I will sit here and admire you."
"I am sorry to bring it up. I love my swordsmanship, I suppose I live in the fight, but that is how I grew up. But it has its time like any other thing. You are wise, It does bring death but I rather be prepared to protect those I care about. That is why I practice because one day Mine and other's lives will depend on my blade. " Kald smiled back, " I don't know wouldn't you be bored?" He ate the last bit of the berries in his hand and then took out his sword.
" I would hate to bore you with my forms but I do need to practice for a little longer for today. " He looked it over, It was light and strong, being elven made it was unlike most of human's swords. Another thing he noticed the differences in smithing were astounding.
"Don't worry about it, and trust me, I won't be bored," She spoke, her voice getting soft as a soft pink blush filled her cheeks.
"So feel free to continue to practice," She continued to speak while looking down at the berries in her hand, which she continued to slowly eat. She was surprised at this man's kindness. She knew how he must have been treated while in Connloath, but yet he still showed kindness. She wondered why he was there in the first place, you rarely saw elves, for they were instantly marked as mages because of the magical blood that ran through there veins.
Kald smiled and quickly went into his forms again. Ensuring to fluidly move through them, He began to add spins and jumps into his forms. Kald grinned as he did his more and more complicated ones. There was no doubt he was showing off, as his elven grace and dexterity allowed him to move seamlessly. He hoped he was putting up good enough of a show. He didn't like excluding guests. He noted how his muscles had warmed up and he seemed to quicken everything he was already doing.
Kald was in his element, It was him and his sword. Until he finally decided to stop. He looked at here and then smiled. His body glistened with beads of sweat. " So what was your name again? I don't believe you said? " He put his sword away and went back over near her.
Orenda watched intently, honestly impressed. She had watched her father train, but her father more of a brute force axe swinging type of guy. She clamped softly as he walked towards her.
"My name is Orenda... Orenda Ossie, what might your name be sir?" She asked, her manners showing well. Both her mother and father beat manners into her siblings as well as herself, both physically and mentally.
"You have great skill," she complemented him sweetly, with a slight smile. Her mother always told her it was better to be nice to strangers, you never knew who they were, and how they will effect your future. She looked back down to her now empty hand, she honestly missed her home, her family, being able to have a typical teen life.
Kald smiled, " Thank you, I am Kald, Kald Rannwar Do you want more food? take some, I can always find more. " He motioned to a couple containers made of wood and leaves, holding berries and the like. He didn't know what she might do for a living but he thought she might want to get back as it was getting late.
"So Orenda, do you have some place to get back to? It is getting late and if you don't head back soon you might end up alone in the dark and I can't have that. Or I suppose I can escort you back if you want. as I wouldn't be able to rest until I knew my new friend was safe. "
He didn't want her to go, as her company was nice, it was just that he didn't want her in a dangerous position due to his selfishness.
"No, but thanks for offering," Orenda said softly before looking up. She just knew it was go to start to rain. "Yes, I have a small little place, rather close " she replied standing.
"You could still walk me there, if you wanted too anyways " she spoke, looking down. She could almost already feel the rain on her skin, she knew she knew it would start raining before they got to her small little dwelling.
"I think it's about to rain soon though, I can just feel it in my bones," she spoke softly, chuckling to herself. So she turned in the direction in which her small home was, waiting to see if he was going to follow her.
Kald sighed as he looked up and saw the signs of rain. He smiled, and spoke "I think I will then" He said as he walked towards her. Rain was wonderful when you weren't outside in it. Well even then it was still nice for a little bit. He would keep a lookout for a good tree to stay under until it stopped. He smirked realizing he was worried about her and the rain and didn't have any way out of it himself. Well he would just find a nice tree to stay under. They stopped most of the rain. He followed her as he didn't yet want to part company with his new friend. " I am glad you stopped by, it has been a while since i have had the pleasure sharing the company of anyone. " He smiled as it started to sprinkle.
Orenda started to run while laughing as it started to rain, her small house wasn't far. Once under the edge of the roof she looked up at Kald, she was drenched.
"I'm glad I stopped as well," she admitted with a bashful smile, her hands figetting at her waist. She wasn't use to talking to people, and had never really said goodbye to anyone. She usually just up and left, but she wasn't running this time.
"Maybe we will see each other again," she said looking down.
Kald smiled " Well farewell, I shall be in the area for a while so just look for me training. I haven't much else to do. " He turned and left looking for that tree he thought he saw earlier while they ran. He was soaked already, he made it part of the way back and found a fir tree he could get under. And crawled under it hoping the rain would stop soon.
Orenda watched after him for a while before stepping into her one room shack with a shiver. She quickly started a fire to warm herself up. She thought about Kald, and how cold he must be. Orenda rarely tied to people, so when she did she got attached rather quickly, she didn't care that he was an elf or not.
Then thoughts of Klad led to thoughts of her family, how she missed them, and how if they knew about her standings, they would probably be disappointment. She did t have the luscious curves that her mother and sisters had, she wasn't married, she wasn't the best fighter, and most of all she was a Mage.
Kald sighed and looked around his tree. He found a tree he didn't have to crawl under and moved, He found some dry timber and started a little fire to warm himself up. He was soaked to the bone and covered in dirt and needles. He laughed at his state and went into reverie. Kald just wanted the rain to stop. He liked it out here, He was left alone by trouble makers and he hoped he could find a chance to find friends and establish himself. So he had friends and family to protect.
Orenda stared in to the fire for a long time, her mind deep in thought, memories, hopes and dreams. Finally though, exhaustion took over and called her to her little excuse for a bed. It was warm at night, that's all that mattered. She crawled into it, thankful that her cloths had dried rather quickly when she was sitting by the fire. She started her simple routine before drifting off to sleep, adding a new name to the list. "Good night mother and father, sisters and brothers, and Kald," she whispered softly.
Kald only left reverie after it had stopped raining and the sun had come out. He looked at the mud and such covering him and sighed. He found a nearby stream and stripped of his clothes and began to wash off all the dirt. As he did so, Kald listened to the birds chirping and the various animals as they woke up and ventured forth for the day. He grabbed his spare clothes from his bag only to realize they were wet as well. So he sat on the side of the stream, mostly naked, just his loincloth on with his clothes on some trees. He couldn't believe his luck and only hoped no one came upon him in this state.
Orenda woke up shortly after dawn, her small fire had gone out and a slight chill had snuck in. She stretched and stood, planning on going to the small stream to clean up a bit. She headed to the stream, humming to herself as she walked slowly, enjoying the sounds of nature that surrounded her. When she happened upon Kald she quickly turned on her heels. Her face turning a bright red.
"Oh sorry," she spat out, her words just coming. She would have rather just turned and left with out him knowing she had seen him in such scarce clothing.
Kald ducked behind a bush with his elven speed and turned a bright red. He didn't know what to say... " its fine... " He didn't know what else to say.. He then grabbed his clothes and put them on still a little wet, making his way toward Orenda, still red. " There we go... I suppose I will just let them dry while I wear them." He smiled, recovering himself a bit. " Are you up to anything today? "
Kald wondered because he figured they could do something fun together. He thought he might have an good friend here.
Orenda had a hand up, coving her eyes slight, her face still a bright red. "Um, no I have most of my work for this week done " she replied softly, not wanting her voice to break and make the situation any more awkward.
"Do you often sit on a back so close to being nude?" She asked softly before she decided to turn around. That was the closest to nude she had ever seen a man. Orenda kept her eyes low, looking at the ground, fearing her blush might get worse then it already was.
Kald couldn't believe that she had stumbled across him. " I am sorry, I don't usually do that, but my clothes got dirty last night under a tree, and i went to wash them and change only to find my extra clothes wet as well, So I was drying them all, hoping no one would come around. " He crouched down so they could see face to face. " Do you want to have some fun then? We can go visit a town.. explore the area, gather some food and have a grand feast, What ever you want" He smiled at the girl, his face still red. " it will be fun, and plus I would love to get to know more about you. "
Orenda sighed softly, she didn't have anything better to do. Though hanging around an elf could bring unwanted attention, but where he was clearly a warrior maybe not. He seemed to be a gentlemen, which was good.
"Well I know the area pretty good, considering I live here, the next town is a full days travel away," she spoke,walking past him, kneeling by the stream, seeming to be washing her hands and face. She sat back on her heels for a moment, thinking about what would be fun to do.
Kald smiled " Well, I am up for an extended trip to town if you are, or... " he thought for a moment, something spur of the moment, but then remembered magic was disallowed. and neither of had the ability either. " We could go hunting, and prepare our selves a feast " He thought about some other things. " if you need any repairs done around your home, I can help with that , or we can explore for treasure, and maybe find something unique." He was suprised he offered the repairs but then thought of her by her self and guessing that she wasn't good at that sort of thing. Though he lacked the tools to do anything too major...
Orenda stood, turning to face Kald. "I've been on my own long enough that I've learned to manage repairs, if I didn't there wouldn't be a shack there," she said looking down with a blush. She paused, seeming to to consider something.
"Well I do need to go to town to sell my blankets and rugs," she spoke out loud, more to herself then to Kald. "Or you could go hunting and I can gather, because I'm not much for killing things," she contined to think out loud.
Kald put his hand to his face in thought for a moment. " How about I hunt a few things, you gather and then we make for town? I can help take your stuff over, and I can sell some furs and things. " He thought about his cache near by. He could grab some things to sell as well. He thought it might be the best idea yet. " Of course this means you would have to put up with me for an extended period of time I hope it won't be too terrible." He smirked at her. He was having fun here, He might just stay here for a while.
"Sounds like a plan," She spoke softly giving Kald a small smile.
"Would you like a blanket? It would only seem polite to give you one, sense you have been so nice," She asked looking down at the ground bashfully. She started to wonder why he was traveling around, he would never have anyone to protect if he continually moved around. She also wondered what really brought him to Connloath, not many elves traveled there simply because of the discrimination they received.
"I would love one, how much? " he asked with a smile before taking off " Meet you back at your hut in 2 hours. " Kald made it back to the clearing and packed upt some stuff and then made it to his cache, moving quickly through the forest. Dropping off his bag, he found his bow, and strung it. He had made it himself and it shot straight.
Kald stalked the woods, slowly making it a ways from where they had been the last few days. He was looking for anything from a rabbit to a deer, He slowly traversed the woods, carefully avoiding leaves, and branches. He didn't hunt much but had learned how from his home as any elf would have. He saw a fox, It was beautiful, of course it had somehow smelled him and took off. The chase was on.
Kald quickly followed the thing, jumping over fallen logs, and gracefully moving through the forest. He couldn't believe he had been upwind. He finally had a shot and fired. hitting the fox but not killing it. He stopped, out of breath, He fired another shot and killed it just in time. After taking his time Kald found his way to the fox and began his skinning.
Orenda shrugged off his question, deciding she would trade him something for it. She nodded to meeting back in 2 hours before turning to return to her hut to retrieve a basket. Once she had her large gathering basket she set out into the woods.
She slowly picked berries, making sure she was avoiding anything that would have any negative effects. Once she had enough berries and fruit in general she started picking herbs. She found a few wild vegetables which she threw in the basket, figuring she could do something with it once she returned home.
Orenda returned to her hut with plenty of time. Setting up a fire outside, and setting up her heavy metal pot. She started making a stew, adding the starchy vegetables and waiting for Kald to return.
Kald strung up the fox figuring he could skin it when he got back. Making it back to his cache took a while, as he took his time, and finally made it there. He grabbed his strung up furs, and unstrong his bow, tieing the furs to his pack, and placing his bow in a sheathe. Kald finally made it back to Orenda, holding out the fox, it was a bit tough meat but would do.
Kald laughed as he saw the stew and took a big whiff of the scent in. " Smells good! " He held up the fox and quckly skinned the thing. He handed the fox, to Orenda, "Here, I am not sure if you want it in the stew or separate." He smiled, as he put the fox hide with the others on his pack. He knew he had arrived a bit late. But thus was hunting.
Orenda cut up the fox before throwing it into the pot to cook. She began to add herbs and stir the pot with a wooden spoon.
"Thanks," She replied afterwards, rinsing off her hands. She walked into her hut and returned with a well made blanket, it was clear Orenda was a master at weaving.
"Don't let the fact that it's light fool you, it is super warm, though not waterproof," She said offering up the blanket. The blanket was surprisingly soft, and was dyed a dark green.
She seemed nervous, she really wanted him to like it, she honestly didn't know why she was as nervous as she was, she figured she was just felt like she was expecting judgement. Her mother was always overly critical of her work, and no matter how perfect her work was, her mother always had something negative to say about it.
Kald looked over the blanket admiring its fine craft. He noted its weave work, from what he could tell, it was the best he had ever seen. He felt its softness, and then put it and his pack to the side. " Its amazing, your a great weaver! though I can't believe its not waterproof! " Kald said not being able to contain his laugh as he said the false comment. " It is great, I will treasure it always. " He dug around his pack and found a carved hummingbird, he had made at some point and handed it to her. " Here, something I made once. I hope you like it. I carve every once in a while to take up the time. It was clearly made out of a wood, from his homeland, not from a normal forest. But one tended by elves. It seemed to have an almost alive quality yet it was just wood carved in immense detail.
Orenda smiled, taking the carved hummingbird n both her hands and holding it close to her heart.
"It's beautiful," She replied in a whisper, clearly loving the simple gift. She turned and walked into her hut, placing the intricate ordainment into a wooden box beside her bed. She returned soon after returning to the pot and stirred it in silence, a small smile still lingered in her face as she looked down at the stew.
"Its almost done, I have some bread, would you like some?" She asked softly, a slight pink hue on her cheeks.
Kald was glad she liked it, as it wasn't often that he gave out his carvings. He laughed as she left and sat near by, watching her cook. " Sure I will have some. " He smiled at her and sat contently. It wasn't often he found himself in such a situation. And he had to admit, he was groing fond of the young woman in front of him. She wasn't like most he ran into and it was refreshing. That was when he grabbed something from his pack, with a frown noting it was battered from his journey. " I got this blue flower for you.... but it seems like it is a little worse for the wear. " he held the flower that looked like a rose, but was blue. " I thought you might like it"
Another smile graced Orenda's face, as she took it in hand. It was true it was a little worse for wear, but still she found it beautiful, it was so rare that she got gifts, or even talked to people so she cherished it.
She walked back into her hut to place the flower somewhere safe. She returned with a loaf of bread she had made a few days before.
"Its raisin bread, I hope that's okay," She replied, placing the bread on a plate made of leaves. She also had two bowls and spoons with her. She handed Kald a spoon and a bowl, "Here."
Kald took the bowl with a smile and dipped it into the pot, getting some stew. It smelled heavenly. It had been ages since he had had anything this prepared. Usually just sticking with whatever was around. He blew on it and waited a bit for it to cool. He then took a bite and it was great. " Your a great cook! "
Kald ate some more before grabbing a bit of bread and dipping it into the stew and taking a bite. IT was so good, He couldn't believe it. She knew how to cook better than him. He knew it wasn't quite like what he had back home but it had been so long since he had a decent meal it might as well be the best food in the world.
Orenda moved to sit beside Kald, putting the basket of berries and fruit between them. She looked down, blushing at his complement. She wasn't use to being complemented.
"Thank you," She spoke softly as she dipped herself a bowl and started to eat. She had only heard of elven food, and it's incredibleness.
Orenda tore off a piece of bread and dipped it into the stew, smiling when she took a bite. That was one of her few talents, though she was sure Kald had had better.
"So what brought you to Connloath? Why leave your family? If you don't mind me asking."
Kald thought about it for a while. " Well I came to Connloath for no particular reason.. It just happens to be where I have found my self for the time. No one has bothered me. I figure I will move on when I do. I left my family to better my self with my sword. I was told by my master that if I wanted to get better, then I needed to find a better master or tough foes. So here I am. Though I have learned alot in my wondering, such as to appreciate new friends and the simple pleasures. I also find the world interesting and more fun then a bunch of elves. As much as I miss home, the rest of the world always amazes me. " He grabbed some fruit and ate some more. " What about you? why did you leave your family?"
Orenda hesitated, stopping herself, she had almost spoke the truth, of running away because of her ability. She looked down, "my parents died a few years ago, so my siblings and I just separated, and went our separate ways," She spoke softly, her voice sincerely full of sadness. To her, her parents were dead to her, she could never return home unless she wanted to be killed. She took a deep breath, then sighed. "How can you have friends and family to protect if your always moving around?"
He frowned at her story. It was sad, " Well, I don't have any friends or family to protect really. All i have ever really known is my master. I was sent to train at an young age. The didn't want anything to do with me for some reason. Most likely because even the simplest of magic seems past my grasp. So While trying to become the strongest, I am trying to find friends and family. and here I am, just wondering. " He ate some more and looked at her with a smile. " So why are you all alone, surely you would rather live in a town or something. "
"I-It's just better for me out here, and its much more peaceful anyway," She said looking at the fire. She contemplated telling him, but she was afraid of his reaction, she had been lying to him the whole time. She decided that she would tell him after they returned from town.
"Well, if your always moving you can't make friends, or find a wife and all of that," Orenda replied blushing looking down. She was the one to talk, she moved around, and stayed nearly completely secluded.
He didn't believe her, not many her age stayed out of the way like that, but perhaps she was truly different. "As I said, I don't plan to be always moving, I just haven't found a place I want to stay yet. " He laughed, a wife huh... He hadn't ever put much thought into that. Kald smiled as he place his bowl down. " Lets go then, I have a feeling we should leave soon, other wise we will be stuck traveling late. " He picked up the basket and the bread and set them in her house. noting how homey it was. Kald then went back out hoping she had started tearing down the cook site.
Orenda had all but completely desimboled the small little cook site, backing the heavy lot I side her hut, taking her her hands to keep a good grip so not to drop it. While inside the house she carefully and neat packed her blankets and rugs to be sold, the. A small bed roll just in case they didn't make it. She slipped a small daggor in a hidden pocket made into her dress then walked outside. She looked up, unless they were running half the time, it would be dark before they made it, she had made enough trips to know that. Orenda wondered when he was going to leave and were he would be going, though they had only met twice, she would miss him. Where she lacked going out and socializing, the people she ended up socializing with she quickly formed bonds to.
((Last post for tonight, good night, and thanks for being an awesome RP partner :) )
Kald smiled and began to walk, His pace rather quick, not quite a jog but not a walk either. He carried all his stuff with ease, not even noting the extra weight of the furs. He stayed silent for most of the walk so far, keeping his pace an only slowing for Orenda. He loved the thought of going to a town, It had been so long since he had been at one, he hoped it was at least somewhat decent size as to have some unique wares. He knew it would probably be dark before they got there but wasn't that concerned.
Orenda was carrying a rather large load. With many blankets, a small portion of bread, a small bottle of ale, and a bed roll just in case. She showed surprising strength, with her small lean form most would assume she wouldn't be able to walk, let alone walk a days journey. She couldn't power walk like Kald, though she tried to keep up the best she could. Only about half way through the journey did she start to slow down to a moderate walk, the blankets and rugs seeming to grow heavier with each step.
"I propose a break, and its getting dark, and when it gets dark, it gets cold rather quickly as I assume you have observed in your stays here," She said with a smile.
Kald laughed " Of course, I shall get some wood. " He walked around for a bit gathering any sticks or such he found. Going back and forth a couple times, he had enough for the night he thought. He smiled as he realized he had started singing an elvish work song. The words flowing out as he walked back with his last load. Kald stopped as he tried to get the fire started, He also didn't want to bother Orenda with his song. He smiled up at her as he caught her eye for a moment, then going back to the fire. He wanted to make sure she was warm for the night.
Kald was relieved as flames began to spread among the tinder. " So, tomorrow do you want help with your load?"
She was enjoying his song as she set out her bedroll even though she didn't understand the words. It brought a slight smile to her face anyway. Once he had the fire lit she set close, place her hands even close rubbing them together.
Orenda blushed at his question, she was use to carrying the load and wasn't use to even having the option of someone to help her. "Um, no thank you, You have your own stuff to carry, I will manage, once you have moved on I will have to still carry it, so mines well not get use to the luxury," She spoke softly, here eyes staring into the fire.
She was getting an odd gut feeling, like the ominous feeling that something bed was about to happen. She turned her eyes to the forest, figuring that's where what ever this bad thing was, was going to come from there.
Kald shrugged, " suit yourself then. " he had tried, that was the least he could do. He would grab his containers out of his bag soon and offer some food he thought. Or he could try to hunt again. It was a nice night out .
Kald, looked around listening to the sounds of the encroaching night when he heard something. He froze listening intently. He didn't like the sound of it. He stood there quietly his hand ready to pull his sword out as something approached.
Orenda hoped Kald was more focused on the sound as she closed her eyes. A look of concentration crossed her face as she tried to focus her powers. She had to know what was coming, what was going to happen. Then she felt something touch her face, at first she couldn't tell if it was her powers foretelling what was going to happen or is it were real. She felt a hand run down from her cheek to her throat and squeeze slightly. It was definitely real.
"We're just going to borrow your little friend here," A deep voice breaking the silence. The man was clearly a rogue, and wasn't alone, there was at least one other in the woods, watching. At first a panicked look crossed her face as she felt the man yank her up to her feet and stand with his body pressing against hers. He held a knife to her, "Now don't try to be a hero my friend, or if you would like we could share," a dark laugh followed. Orenda grabbed the mans bare arm gently, and pleased when she felt the warm tingly sensation. Her eyes started to glimmer as she started to use her power.
"Now, take that knife and bring it to your own throat, as well as let me go, if you or your friends don't make themselves seen your going to slowly start to cut, if you make one move to hurt me your going to kill your self," She spoke, her voice sounding slightly different.
Orenda stepped away, the man seemed in panic as his hand raised the knife to his own throat.
"Your a witch a magic user," the man whispered in fear, as he tried to struggle again her magic.
Slowly two men walked out of the woods, pure fear on there faces. Orenda looked at Kald, she had fear on her face as well, but it was fear of what he would think or do now that he had witnessed her ability.
Kald was confused, What was this she was able to do? He watched the man pull knife to his own throat, and the men do as she stood. Kald pulled out his sword, and charged the nearest man. IT was best these men didn't live. They knew her secret now and were a risk. Kald caught the first one off guard and pulls his sword out of the man. The second one was ready. Kald held his sword out as he plotted his approach. He wondered what the other two were up to. But having seen Orenda's display of power, He had faith she could handle him. He was glad he had let them think he wasn't on to their approach, He didn't think that last foe would of went down so easily had he not have. Kald held his sword with two hands looking at the next man. Wondering if he was any good with the sword he held dispite his fear.
Orenda walked to the man, fear in his eyes as he watched Kald kill his men.
"You will not die, look at me," She spoke. She grabbed the mans strong arms and looked him in the eyes. He soon appeared to be in a deep trance, swaying slightly on his feet, dropping the knife that was in his hand.
"Listen, and listen close, you will go and wonder off, then hit yourself in the head with a rock, not hard enough to kill yourself, but hard enough to knock you out. When you woke up you are no longer Connloathian, you are from seredipity. Your name is Kieth and you are a merchant who was robbed. You are gay, and are actively searching for love. You came to Connloath for something, but you can not remember what, so you will return to seredipity, start your life over and never return back to Connloath again," She spoke, when she let go of him he started to wonder into the woods, seeming rather lost.
Kald had killed the other man, as fear had crippled him. Kald then was afraid him self a bit as he saw the power that Orenda had. He had never seen anything like it. He didn't know what to think. So he laughed, at Orenda and the absurd nature of the mans new life. " Wow... " He didn't know what else to say " So that is why you live alone, I wouldn't want connloath to know about my gifts either if I were you. " He was glad he was her friend and never wanted to be her enemy. He was a bit freaked out, the power she had over that man was scary, but he also noticed she only did it to protect her self. He could respect that. " It takes a strong person to resist the urge to use that gift. You could have anything you wanted. " Kald also hoped he wasn't the project of her magic but figured if he was then there wasn't much he could do anyways. He also thought he had too many memories for it to be any different. " Remind me not to get on your bad side" He laughed and then proceeded to loot the weapons and gold of the two men he killed. and moved them next to each other. " What should we do with the bodies?"
Orenda walked back to the fire, it was clear her use of power had taken its tole.
"Drag there bodies into the woods, scavengers will have them mostly consumed before morning," She spoke, exhausted laced into her voice. She waited patiently until Kald had returned from desposing of the bodies before speaking.
"I usually do better on life stories, but I don't like feeling like a piece of meat, so I made him gay," Orenda said with a shrug. Se sighed, her back hunched over as she leaned towards the fire, "and if your wondering, which I know you are, no, I haven't tampered with your memories or swayed any of your decisions," She spoke, with a hint of relief in her voice, since it seemed he was okay with her abilities.
"I could have anything I want, but its too draining to keep it up, sway or influencing is less work, and my abilities don't always kick in, I don't have complete control over all of them. The stronger the power the less control I have over it," She tried to explain. She pulled her bread and ale from her pack, offering Kald some as well.
Kald declined the offer and pulled his own food. " I am good, and it is relieving to hear, of course I think I trust you enough to know you haven't . Still it is a great power and you seem to have not let it go to your head. I am impressed. Complain about its cost all you want. " He smiled, Dispite the weirdness of her gift it seemed that she was an average girl, who just wanted to live in peace, much like him, he thought. He ate a little, and then folded his legs, and seemed to go off into meditation, but he was in reverie. A trance like state where he was aware of his surroundings but was resting. His thoughts turned to the day, and its fun. Kald was glad he had met this young woman.
Orenda had grown tired, dark circles forming under her eyes from the stress her powers caused her. She felt like she had been hit by a horse at full gallop. She laid on her bed roll, closing her eyes. It had been a nice day, and she found it nice that she found a new friend who wouldn't judge her because she was born with a gift. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep. Her breathing deepening and slowing. She looked at peace, with a small smile left on her lips.
Kald only need 4 hours to her 6, and thus woke up first. He smiled as he observed her sleep, so peaceful. He stayed still as to not stir her. Once he was sure she was still fast asleep, he began preparing breakfast using the bread and the fruit and leaf plates, He had come up with something unique, if he had some other componets it would be better, but using a combination of some smashed berries and such and whole ones, It looked much like a dessert. A layer of bread hidden underneath the sweet taste of berries. He set hers near her, and continued to go through the bandits stuff, A few gold piecies and 2 cheap daggers, hardly anything worth much. No wonder they were so easy to dispatch. He went back to watching her sleep and munching on his creation.
Orenda woke up before too long, slowly blinking her eyes open. She looked around, when she spotted Kald she smiled softly. She set up slowly, stretching. A bigger smile crossing her face as she saw the food he made. She picked it up, inspecting it slightly before taking a bite.
"Mmm, that's actually pretty good," Orenda said with a soft smile. She slowly finished the bread with the berries on it. She then started to roll up her bed roll, knowing they should get moving before too long.
Kald, smiled and finished packing, his bed roll, and had put out the fire. He smiled and grabbed his string of furs and before Orenda could some of her blankets. " Lets go then " He said, and if she looked hard enough for his face behind the blankets she would see a large smirk. He won this round of help her anyways. He laughed as he began leaving her, wondering if she would follow or if he would need to stop for her.
Orenda threw her stuff together and caught up with him. For a while she was silent, almost contemplative.
"Let me carry my blankets, you know I'm going to win this, either by simply taking them away, or there is always the alternative," She said only partly joking, poking him in the side. She looked up at him as they walked one hand on her hip and one eye brow raised. She was prepared to wrestle him if she had too.
Kald laughed and began to run, He was in better shape he might win this... depending how far away they are. Or he might exhaust himself. He laughed some more and put his legs into it, and once he was decently away returned to a jog. He had a large smile on his face as he tried to keep the blankets in his arms, as he did so. He hoped he would win.
Orenda dropped her pack and ran after him. It was made clear then why she had a slight, long slender build. She was made for running and speed, not strength like most Connloathians. She quickly, and surprisingly caught up with him, tackling him. They hit the ground hard, it nearly knocked the wind out of her, of course she wasn't use to falling.
Orenda looked down at Kald, her hands on his chest, pushing her upper body a few inches above his. She smiled, "Don't make me have to put you under my spell, I would hate to have to make you gay!" She replied laughing.
Kald laughed looking up at her, it wasn't often he was tackled. " You win... " He laughed and pushed her off of him. " I would hate that too." He shook his head, She had won... " Well then, lets get going.. and why are your blankets all over the ground? " He said with a smile, turrning around and walking slowly ahead, knowing she had to pick up eveything. since she didn't want his help he wouldn't give it he thought. Kald was still laughing lightly as he kept going slowly.
Orenda was still laughing, a bright smile across her face, it had been a long time sense she had been that happy. She walked to her stuff, picking everything up and quickly packing it away before standing.
"WAIT UP," She yelled playfully. She jogged the best she could with all the weight she was carrying. Slowly catching up to Kald. That's when the thought hit her, she couldn't let herself get too attached, he would move on to continue to better himself as a swordsman.
Kald, was having more fun than he had had in a long time, He thought about his goal, and decided if nothing else he would put it off to spend some more time here. He saw no reason to leave when he had a friend, and was having a good time. " So Orenda, do you get much for your blankets? " He wondered, as it might not be very profitable to sell blankets but with their quality he hoped it was. He only did the fur thing on the side. He mainly helped people take care of problems and did odd jobs. He had saved up a pretty penny. Kald smiled as Orenda caught up and smiled. " Its fun being around people again.
Orenda nodded slightly, the smile had faded from her face. 'I get enough for them, they sell good for the merchants so they pay me well enough to keep making them," She answered slowly as she continued to look forward, not even glancing over at him. She nodded in agreement about it being fun, but she had learned that it only made it worse when they decided to leave. She sighed deeply, she even considered erasing his memory of her and sending him on his way so it wouldn't be any worse, so she wouldn't get anymore attached. Sometimes she wished she could erase memories of her own.
Kald, wondered why she seemed to change her demnor. " So what if I built a shack near yours? I could store some stuff there so even if I wonder a bit, I have a reason to come back and visit my friend. " He had been thinking it since all of her questions, and the last day. Kald smiled at Orenda wondering what she thought of the idea. He would have to buy several tools but it would be fun and give him something new to do. He hadn't even approached the subject before. Now he was actually thinking about it and it sort of scared him. He didn't normally entertain such ideas let alone propose them to other people.
Orenda blushed softly, "I like the idea," She admitted softly, looking down. She didn't know if he was trying to get her spirits up or if he was speaking the truth, she prayed it was the second. They were drawing near the town, the smell of burning wood start to fill the air as they started to pass homes. "okay, time to make some money," She said with a smile. She knew she would make good money, she always did, even with out any swaying.
Kald's face lit up as he saw the town seem to spring up around them. He would wait to see how Orenda approached the venders her. He wanted to know what sort of relation she had with them. It would be intriguing. Kald was glad she liked the idea, It was the key to it happening. So he would set up a suprise for her he thought. A way to make her life a bit more cheery. He would also have to get a wagon, as there was no way he was carrying all he planned on getting.
Orenda walked up to a merchant, it was clear they knew each other and both smiled softly at each other. The merchant was an older man who appeared to be in his late forties to early fifties. They talked for a moment before she pulled her blankets out. It seemed no one had any suspicions about her abilities as she sold half of her blankets to the man.
She then walked to a different merchant, this one being a younger female, she appeared to be part elf. Orenda seemed to have a bit of small talk with her, both girls laughing before she sold the rest of her blankets.
Kald was impressed. " I will be back I have to find someone to buy my furs, and get some other things. " He left and headed to a stall or two taking much longer to peddle his furs. It seemed not many wanted to buy from an elf. But finally he got them sold. He then began his big purchases. He bought a wagon, Some horses to pull it, He then filled it with some tools and such that he could not make in the woods. Kald was impressed as it seemed everything was fairly priced in this town. He than found a couple other things and found his way back to Orenda. " So Need anything else? and should we stay the night in the inn? " He said with a large smile.
Orenda waited patiently, wondering around looking at the different stales. Once he was done she walked up to him, she was surprised. He must have had quiet a bit on money, she shrugged and looked at the horses. "Since we have horses now, we will make much better time, so I think we could leave and make it back before it got too cold," she said walking up to one of the horses, petting its side.
Kald knew what she must be thinking. He did put a considerable dent in his wallet. " Well you would be amazed how much you can save up, when you live in the woods and depend on your self. Kald petted the side of the other horse, "Good girl, Well come on up then, he said climbing up on the wagon and grabbing the reigns. He even offered her his hand. This would be a much quicker ride. He smiled knowing that alot of work was ahead of him.
Orenda reached up and grabbed his hand, pulling herself onto the the wagon. She smiled, she had only been on a wagon once before when she was much younger. She looked over at Kald with a smile, she knew now that he was serious, which made her rather happy. She now had a friend, someone who knew her secret and didn't fear her because of it.
Kald yelled out to the horses and they started moving. He couldn't believe what he was doing. This was the boldest move he had ever taken. He would have a place to defend, and a friend to protect. Kald looked in back making sure all was there and increased the speed of the wagon. He hadn't driven one in a long time. He had mostly traveled on foot for the longest time. He was glad things were coming together.
Orenda smiled, she was happy and content. She had a friend, something she hadn't had in a very long time. Her smile seemed to grow slightly, looking out at the trees around her, listening to the wounds of the wagon, horses, and nature around them. Orenda turned to look at Kald, looking at his face, judging if he was having a good time or not.
Kald had a big smile as he drove the rest of the way back to her hut, It had gotten later, He was relieved when he got near her shack. " Well here we are, and problem free. Shall we make some dinner? Kald looked at her wondering what was going through her mind, and if she was actually glad he was moving nearby.
"Left over stew? The pots enchanted, if anything is left in that pot it takes in a couple of weeks for it to spoil, which is good when you only have one person eating," Orenda offered, her face still beaming with a smile. She was excited, she was going to have a friend, though he might not be there all the time, he would always have to come back though, he had a house there.
Kald was impressed, " That is handy!" He smiled getting down and then offering his hand to Orenda. He patted the horses and began to unhitch them. He would tie them up near her house, as it was the best place fore them. He set their hitches down and tied them up. Kald admired his new beasts, he would have to find some use for them other than carrying his wagon once. He laughed a thought he had and put it aside.
Kald, hoped she was setting up dinner, His stomach groaned as he approached where he thought she was. The horses tied up and the wagon resting, He couldn't believe how invested he now was in this.
Orenda took his hand and jumped off the wagon, then walked quickly into her hut. She grabbed the pot and packed it the best she could outside. She started a fire, letting it get going before putting the pot over it to heat the stew. The smell of the stew had started to make her stomach growl and her mouth water, she hadn't realized how hungry she was.
She waited for Kald though, and smiled when he showed up. She handed Kald a bowl before dipping hers into the pot.
Kald smiled as she handed him a bowl. " Well I have some work to do, it seems. " He laughed dipping his bowl in and then taking some large spoon fulls. " just as good as it was the other day. " He wondered what Orenda thought about his decision, did she mind? How close should he build, should he build real close, or far. He was in thought as he ate the stew, finding him self enjoying it very much.
Orenda looked up at him, "What are you thinking about?" she asked softly. She looked over his face slowly, trying to judge his thoughts by this facial expressions. She slowly ate the stew, the warmth soothing her stomach, and warming her body. Though it wasn't yet dark, it had already started to get cold, she Orenda welcomed the warmth of the fire.
"I am thinking about where to put my new home. " Kald looked at her. " should I put it near by? or would you want me to have it farther away? " He hadn't ever really observed the placement of houses for humans. He wondered if there was some standard he should follow. A certain distance or something. The warm fire and food, set the evening perfectly he thought.
"Well as long as it doesn't look like an addition to my hut I do not care, though I wouldn't want it to be too far away," She said with a smile. "Plus if its too far away I can't keep an eye on it when your gone, so it might get ransacked if left empty for long," Orenda reasoned with a soft smile. She thought that this was nice, the cool evening hair and the sounds of nature around them, it was nearly romantic. The thought brought a dark blush to Orenda's face, causing her to quickly push the thoughts away.
Kald smiled figuring he would cut down some trees and put it a good 30 feet away from her hut. He smiled at her and tossed a box he had kept at his side for some time to her. He then pretended to go into reverie, his bowl down next to him. He hoped she liked it. He thought.
Orenda took her time look between the box and him, a warm smile filling her face, he had gotten her a gift. She slowly opened it, her eyes lighting up. She stared at it in near shock for a few moments. She thought that it was beautiful. She slipped it over her wrist before giving him a hug, she didn't care if he was doing his meditation thing. No one had ever gotten anything really, especially not something pretty like the bracelet.
Kald smiled and hugged her back. " Do you like it? " He said knowing the answer, It was the least he could do to one who had helped him so much. " I saw it and thought I could give you something a little bit elven." His smile and face showed that he was glad she liked it. He wondered if it was too much but decided it was fine. He sat back and waited for her reaction.
"I love it!" She replied squeezing him one last time before letting him go. "It's absolutely beautiful," Orenda continued, her face glowing. It was clear he had made night if not her whole week. She looked back down at it, how the silver gleamed with the light of the fire. She felt the rush of tears to her eyes, but forced them away. A sense of guilt and indebtment started to build in the back of her mind though. She wondered how much it cost, probably more then she could give him.
Kald didn't care for the cost. He had made her day, And he was happy about that. He really did go to bed this time. He was tired and knew he would be busy the next day. So he meditated right next to the fire. He didn't care as long as it didn't rain.
Orenda carried the lot back into her hut, and added wood to the fire so it would keep Kald warm through out the night. She then returned to her hut, slipping into her bed in silence. She knew that he would be up earlier then her working. She was trying to think of ways she could repay him for the bracelet he had bought her before she fell asleep.
Kald was up before her of course, Where he got out the new tools. He grabbed the axe and began chopping down the trees in the way of his location. He tried to do the ones farther away from her hut first. He planned, to cut down them first and then prep them for building. He used the felling axe, his muscles at work he mad short work of some thin trees but then he got to the bigger ones. He was covered in sweat as it got to be time Orenda was up. This was harder than he thought.
Orenda could hear Kald and decided to make him something to eat. She picked berries quickly and started to crush then, making something like jam with half and putting the rest in bread she started to bake. She put the jam on some bread she already had and grabbed some of her ale. She walked to find him, bread and drink in hand.
Kald smiled as he stuck his axe in the tree, and looked at what Orenda was bringing him. He wasn't sure if it was for him, but hoped it was for him. He wondered what she was up to this early. He hoped he hadn't caused her to wake up earlier than she should. He looked to the trees he had fell. It was going to be a long day. full of work, he could have at least a quarter of them done by the end of the day. He figured.
"Here, I'm sure your starving," she said with a softly smile. Her new bracelet jingling softly as she walked. "I hope you like it," she added as she handed it to him. She looked at his work with her hands on her hips. He had got a lot done, she was pleasantly surprised. "Is there any way I can help?" She asked looking around.
He took the food and began to ate it. "hmm you can begin to turn the trees I fell, with the other axe, its an broad axe, I have here. It is made for squaring the wood," He finished the bread and swigged the ale, setting down the cup. " Here, " He began her how to make notches and to hew the wood into planks. by hitting the tree from a side. It would be an involved process but she was strong, and he had faith in her. He went back to felling trees. It was hard to fall the bigger trees.
Orenda was rather a slow worker, but he work was of high quality. After a tree or two her back was screaming. She sat down, using the back of her hand to wipe the sweat from her brow. She wasn't use to all of the hard manual labor. She popped her back loudly and watched him for a bit.
Kald was impressed by her work, he noted it as he walked by. He smiled as she took a break. He decided to take one with her. " Its hard work... but think about this, you will get some muscle" He smiled sitting on the tree that he had felled earlier. He was glad to know this was soon going to be a home one day.
Orenda smiled and shook her head. "I don't really ever gain muscle, trust me, my mother use to always try to put 'meat on my bones'," she said with a slight laugh. "But I'm sure you will build a few pounds of muscle," she said poking his side playfully.
Kald smiled, " I am sure you will, I mean all this work, and you will gain something... You have too. I think your just saying that. But never the less, Thank you for the help. " He said laughing as she poked him in the side. " that is just mean" He said as he poked her in the side.
"How is it mean?" Orenda asked him as she poked him, laughing all the while. Even with the slight ache in her back she was having the best time she could ever remember having. "Really though, I don't gain anything, fat, muscle, nothing," she said laughing, a smile on her face the reached her eyes.
As she poked him in the side he laughed again, the instant her finger had touched him, his secret was out. "nothing? Nothing at all? Surely you gain something? I mean.. are you some sort of strange occurance of nature ? " He said with a smile hoping she knew he was joking. He then moved over a bit to try to get out of range of her hand. He had a smug smile on his face as he realized he hadn't had this much fun for ages. Kald would try to dodge her next attempt at poking.
Orenda laughed, moving to poke him again, "Your ticklish aren't you," she accused with a soft smile. She set back looking at him, as if trying to judge something, "So how old are you?" She asked with a smirk, knowing elves aged a lot slower then humans.
Kald moved away a bit. " I am 100 You?" He was young for an elf, in fact just an adult... He then realized you shouldn't ask what a woman what age she is but it was too late. He just had to live with it. " It isn't old where I am from... I am just barely an adult. " He was probably older than her but it didn't matter to him. He loved life and thinking about age depressed him. He decided he wouldn't worry about his human friend's age, and just enjoy his time with them.
"I'm sixteen, your old enough to be, like, my great great great grandfather," Orenda said laughing, clearly finding the thought funny. She shrugged, sighing, "it's funny, you know my mother was already married and had my oldest brother by sixteen," she started. Her mother would consider her an old maid, she knew her sister who was fourteen was married.
We are about the same age then in our respective cultures, He laughed. " Why aren't you married yet? your such an old maid" He said with a smug smile. " He knew that women were suppose to marry young, and have lots of kids, Elves were a bit different with long engagements, and looser stigmas on unmarried women. He didn't envy her, no wonder she lived in the wilds, she was probably not liked by her family for not marrying.
Orenda shrugged, pulling her knees to her chest, "I don't know, haven't met someone that I could get alone with and was attracted to, that was attracted to me and could get along with me," she answered honestly. She sighed deep, turning to look at him, "why aren't you married, or at least engaged? Or are you?" She questioned.
Kald laughed, " good question, I took off before my family could arrange an marriage, Plus I have never met anyone who I liked enough, He smiled wondering what his relationship was with her, he had already done more with her than anyone else, but he blocked out that thought " Well I am back to work" He went and began felling trees. Liking the repeatability of the task. He enjoyed the moment the tree fell, it was relieving to hear the tree fall and crash down, and then he delimbed them.
Orenda followed soon after, still slow, but not as slow as before, she seemed to be getting the hang of it. She started to hum to herself as she worked, glad to have the job at hand to focus on. The more she heard about Kald the more she wanted to know, the more she wanted to know what he was thinking and feeling.
Kald smiled at the sound he heard between, his chops. So he decided to start singing. His elvish tongue might be foreign but they were the only songs he knew. He sung a song often sung during work and did so as loud as he could manage. He enjoyed this work it was making something. He was making a difference, as these trees were going to be his house especially with the high quality boards, Orenda was making. She was good at that he thought.
Orenda smiled as he heard Kald start to sing, she really liked hearing him sing, it relaxed her. Her mind started to wonder off, thinking about how her life would have been different if she was born somewhere else, somewhere where magic was accepted or even encouraged. Of course she would have never met Kald if she had been.
Kald had fell several trees, and was nearing his max not to mention all he had eaten for the day was that bit of food she had brought. He laughed as he stopped singing and had realized it was getting dark, and he was as sore as he could be. The axe used different muscles and he could tell, impressed with how far he had got, and how long he had went. He wondered what sort of shape Orenda was in. It couldn't be good, if he was this sore.
Orenda set the axe down heavily, leaning back to pop her back. She sighed, she was sore, but not nearly as bad as she though it would be. "I vote that we go finish off that stew, and I made some fruit bread as well. Sound like a plan?" She asked turning to look at him.
Kald laughed " I couldn't say it better my self " He was going to say race you there but then he realized that would hurt too much. He laughed again " I am sore all over and everytime I move I am reminded... " He made it to the pot and restarted the fire, glad to be sitting for once. He didn't want to move again. He decided. even if she poked him. He was going to stay right there next to the fire for as long as possible. His body demanded it of him.
Orenda carried the pot and bowls and spoons back out. After placing the pot she set down beside him, waiting for the stew to heat up. She ran her hand through her hair, reaching up and started to braid her hair to keep it out of her face. Then with a smile she turned to him, poking him gently.
He laughed and fell over " Hey! " He didn't have energy to resist. " I will find your weakness one of these days! " He didn't know how she could still move. And he was an elf.. " how about you use your power to tell me I do have energy and am not sore " He joked, if only it was that easy. It would be nice.
"It would only dull the pain a bit," she answered honestly with a shrug, if he really wanted her to she would try. She took a deep breath, pulling her knees to her chest while looking into the fire. This was nice, she liked it, and that scared her. How would she act once this was over, once he had to leave for a while, or she had to move because people became suspicious, or he found a nice elven girl. She sighed and closed her eyes, trying to force the thoughts away.
Kald, laughed " I figured it wouldn't work " He reached over and weakly poked her "hey whats on your mind?" He wanted to know, she seemed to be struggling with something again. He then poked her with his foot as if to get the answer out of her.
She glanced at him, a smile sliding onto her face, a facade to hide what was really going on. She was jealous, of who, she did not know. He was nice, kind and seemed to be a perfect gentlemen, she wondered what about him had stopped a girl for falling for him back where he was from.
"Nothing really," she spoke, deciding not to reveal her feelings for him or the situation. It was better if she wasn't attached, she knew that, she knew she didn't deal with loss well, but yet here she was setting herself up for another loss.
Kald tapped her with his foot again " Come on, if it helps I will tell you whats on my mind. " He thought about it ." You see I met this really nice girl, and I find myself spending tine with her more than I have ever with anyone else, and now I am moving near her and enlisting her aid in building my house and wondering why would I ever want to go anywhere else when I can have this much fun here " He couldn't believe he said that all... Well it was out. He thought wondering her reaction.
Orenda felt emotions twist in her stomach like waves in the ocean, fear, happiness, hope, it nearly made her gasp. She looked over at him, her eyes lingering on his face before she looked back at the fire. "Well, I have met this really nice guy, he seems perfect " she started, her voice frail from fear, she could believe she was saying this.
"I know he travels a lot, and he's not human either, and I'm scarred if he leaves he won't come back," she spoke her voice starting to shake as tears started to flood to her eyes. She took a deep, shaky breath, her emotions raging inside of her.
Kald looked at her and couldn't believe how worked up she was. He forced his self closer to her, Hurting with every inch. " I would never not come back for one, I wouldn't be building this house. I wouldn't be here now. I would of left after yesterday if I wasn't going to come back. " He couldn't imagine not coming back to a friend.. or perhaps more, He wasn't sure how he felt about her, but he knew she was a close friend, and he wouldn't leave her like that.
She pushed the tears back, refusing to let them fall, "you never know, nothing in life is certain," she spoke as she wiped her eyes to get rid of any of the remaining tears. She shook her head before laying her head on her knees. This was why she never got close to anyone. Once she let someone in she clinged to them, completely territorial over them. She never had much, especially when it came to friends and companionships, that had made her this way. She was rather a lonily girl her entire life, she looked different, not having the curvy strong bodies all of the other Connloathian girls had, she was a Mage to boot. She looked up at the fire for a moment.
"You should eat some stew," she finally spoke after a long pause of silence.
Kald, got closer yet, and put his arm around her " Come on now, I would take you with me if I had to leave if it matters that much. " He said getting some stew for the two filling the two bowls and placing hers near her. He just now sat near her, He hated when girls cried. It always made him want to make it better. He sighed... " Surely you can't be this worried over me leaving.
"Does it appear that I make lots of friends out here?" Orenda asked her voice holding a hint of bitterness.
"I'm happy, and then you come along, show me what it feels like to have a friend get me attached, buy me a pretty gift, now I can't be happy if I'm left all by myself again," she spoke her words both angry and shaky. She didn't ask for this and neither did he, but still it didn't seem to bother him at all.
She was upset, she had worked herself up and knew she was taking it out on Kald. She wished he would had left it alone when she lied, something's were better left unsaid and left alone.
Kald shook his head, " Orenda... " He didn't know what to do, " Life isn't fair.. You were born in a place that shunned your gift, You live alone, away from your family. But you do have a friend again. You won't be left by your self again" Kald got closer trying to show that he was here for her. He hated seeing her like this. Her words hurt him but he knew that she didn't mean it. Kald in retrospect never saw this action coming, but he found himself giving her a kiss, leaning forward and kissing her as close to her lips as he could get, more of her cheek. He couldn't believe what he just did...
At first Orenda's body was stiff and rigid at the contact, her eyes widening. She froze for a moment, she was definitely not expecting that, she mentally cursed at her gift for not preparing her for that one. Her body, and naturally raging hormones kicked in, high jacking her body from her minds command. She turned her head just enough to where her lips met his, leaning in slightly.
What she had said, the fears, all of it had disappeared. What such a simple action could do, and the meanings that it could hold. Orenda blushed as she felt her heart beat started to race, looking down to break off the kiss.
"Sorry," she said simply.
Kald smiled and pulled back. still a bit shocked at the kiss. " Its ok, I hope you know I won't be leaving you like that, I wouldn't want to, You mean to much to me, to leave forever. I don't know how much... but I would never leave a friend to such a fate. Now eat, before your stew gets cold. " He said grabbing his bowl and eating his, looking at the young woman next to him, wondering what implications that kiss just made. He wasn't sure if that was such a good idea..
Orenda started to eat her stew in silence, appearing to still be in a haze. She knew Kald might not know it, but he had just given her her first kiss, which drew a dark crimson blush to her face. She wondered what that kiss ment, was it just a way to shut her up or was there something behind it, if so was it something simply physical, or something even more. The more she though about it the more knots her stomach seemed to twist in.
He didn't know, she was pretty, nice and generally friendly. She was a bit young but he thought he could deal. He smiled at her, He set his bowl down and placed his arm around her, and fell into his reverie, exhausted.
Orenda sat there for a moment as if testing it out, and of course she liked it. She found him rather attractive and he was thoughtful and sweet and kind, there wasn't much about not to love. She sighed before walking IMO her hut to lay down. She brushed her fingertips lightly across her lips,'she liked the way tht kiss felt and wanted to feel more honestly.
Kald woke up early and this morning went hunting and cleaned up the pot and made a new stew. granted he didn't have the gathering skills for vegetables that Orenda had but he found several and started a stew. He smiled at the thought of what had happened last night, He knew it was implusive but He kind of liked her. He then went to chopping down some more trees, figuring she would wake up in time to take off the stew. He of course moved the horses to a new grazing spot first but then started felling trees again, his arms sore, but doing it anyways.
Orenda woke to the smell of new stew which made her belly growl. She wondered if what happenedZt night was just a dream, but she doubted it was. She walked the stew, pouring herself a bowl before taking it off the fire. Orenda ate the bi quickly, clearly she was hungry. The. With a full stomach she returned to her job from yesterday in complete silence.
Kald smiled at the sight of Orenda, glad to see her alright. He kept felling trees, not wanting to approach her yet. The work began to make his muscles numb. He didn't much care for this, but he would be done soon he thought, with them both working on it and his crazy hours, which he wouldn't be able to have done had he not been an elf. Kald walked next to Orenda almost wrapped his arms around her from behind but felt uncomfortable doing it just yet. " How is my favorite girl in Connloath. " He said with wide smile on his face Not sure what she might do in reaction.
"How many Connloathian girls do you know?" She retorted with a soft smile. She looked up and over her shoulder at him, her smile widening slightly.
"Are you ready for a break, or have you cleared all of the trees that you need to?" She continued her questioning, letting the axe rest lazily against the tree she had been working on.
Kald smiled, and acted like it was a hard question to answer " hmmm i think just 1, That I am aware of. " He laughed, and leaned against the tree she was working on. " A break, I am almost done, but not quite. and then I will help you if you haven't caught up to me. " He admired her soft smile and wondered how she was doing since last night.
"If I'm the only one you know I am your favorite as well was lest favorite, the most loved as well as the most hated," Orenda said with a chuckling letting the smooth handle of the axe go. She was much more then the day before, and she couldn't wait until it was over. She was never much for hard extrainious labor.
"We could always go get some stew," she spoke looking up, noting how the sky was starting to grow overcast, then turning a dark gray. She didn't like the looks of it, knowing those clouds. Knowing it would soon start to grow cold. She definitely needed to build a fire.
Kald sighed, " I looks like the weather and us are going to not get along today, so sure lets go get some stew. " He said taking a final look at the trees, noting that he didn't have much left. He was so glad this part was almost over. He almost wanted to work through the rain. He had made the stew but had not tried any. He laughed as he tried poking Orenda in a different spot on her side trying to find a tickleish spot.
Orenda jumped, her body then tensing with pain from the sudden motion. She looked at him with a half pout, half glare before the look slowly shifted into a bright smile. The wind had started to pick up and the air starting to get a slight bite to it. "Let's get to the fire, before the chill gets to out bones, I don't want to get sick and I doub you do either."
Kald smiled and ignored her glare, He started the fire outside her house that he had been sleeping by the whole week. He looked up and then at the trees.. that were now down. A new one to stay under he thought. He put the stew over the fire, and watched Orenda when he could, wondering what she was up to.
Orenda walked into her house, returning with two thick blankets. The blankets had skins on the out side, making the mostly water and wind proof. She handed Kald one, before taking the other and curling up in front of the fire. It was quick getting cold and dark. Orenda looked up at Kald, wondering where or if he was going to sit at all.
Kald smiled and took the blanket, drapeing it over him and sitting next to Orenda. He smiled " Your blankets are amazing, I don't know how you make them so well. " he was glad for it as it seemed to get colder. He was glad for the fire and for the company. He wondered how best to approach the subject of last night, He was sure it happened, and wondered what she made of it. He had kissed her, The moment going through his mind again. Not his first, but he had them rarely enough to make them special.
Orenda had her yes closed, absorbing the heat that was out off by the fire, her small frame on the verge of shivering as it continued to get cold. She pulled the blanket tighter arounderself, the only thing visible was her dark chocolate brown hair and her sun kissed skin of her face. She wasn't thinking of the night before, not of the kiss. She had vowed the night before to forget it, figuring it probably meant nothing.
Kald got closer to Orenda, and put his blanket around both of them, seeing that she needed it more. He was still fine, the fire warmed him up decently. He was sitting right next to her now, reminded of the night before in this similar position. "So about last night," He was bright red " I think I like you Orenda... " He had never been tongue tied before He looked at the part of her head he could see under the blanket, she was obviously very cold.
"What do you mean by you like me Kald? What kind of like are we talking about? Like a friend, snuggle buddy every now and then, or you seriously like like me," she questioned, turning to look at him. She looked back down, she felt increasing venerable, "what did that kiss mean, is it something I should focus on or forget?" She asked, her lips tingling with the memory of the kiss.
Kald sighed, he forgot how young she was. He would of kissed her to answer her... but she was looking down again, He shook his head. Did he really like this girl enough to get her hopes up... to open up a part of her only to find out he wasn't that interested in her? He thought of the time he spent with her and decide he would take this nice and slow. But he had mentioned it, if he had wanted to take it slow he wouldn't of mentioned it. He would of let it sit, and grow into something more. He looked at her, smiled and decided to go for it. and go for it he did, He leaned in and attempted to kiss her again. He would let actions speak, instead of words.
Orenda had looked up just in time for Kald's warm lips catch her own. Her body instantly relaxed and her mind quickly emptied of any moments. Her senses were absorbing this moment, every sensation, every moment. She had moved a hand to carress his cheek before she broke the kiss off short. She really did like him, but she didn't want to change his mind in a few days, she had heard about elves and how fickle they were. "Don't kiss me unless I'm the only girl you want to kiss for the rest of my life," she spoke softly. He mom had always beware of love that is quick and hot because it usually consumed its victims.
Kald was surprised at the comment, it caught him off guard, Was she the only girl he would want to kiss, " Your right, we should wait it out, see how it goes, " He smiled at her, as he respected her decision, " Can I at least stay this close to you, its cold its warmer together" He said wondering what she might think of his impulsiveness, He reached for the bowls and set hers by her, and dipped his in. He was glad he had caught a rabbit, it was his favorite stew. He ate it slowly, glad for the warmth. He was started to like being around her, She brightened up his day, and was stronger than she knew.
Orenda sighed softly, part of her despritely hoped, screamed, and silently pleaded with in her soul that he would say yes and continue the sweet, sweet kiss. The part of her was at least glad he wouldn't lie to her and he was actually considering everything.
Orenda looked down at her soup, though her stomach was screaming for nourishment, she wasn't hungry, a weird feeling indeed. "I suppose you can," she finally spoke, her voice sounding uncertain.
Kald looked at the young woman who was next to him. " I wouldn't want to cause you that pain you were afraid of the other night, I want to make sure that I don't go back on my word and cause you that pain. Next time I kiss you will be the first of many. " He said knowing he would have to get his head straight. He would go contemplate on the marrow when the weather cleared up. He didn't want to ruin things here. He enjoyed her company too much to lose it completely. He ate more of his stew thinking on the recent events.
"It's going to rain in a few minutes, better figure where you are going to sleep and stay ," Orenda spoke, her voice soft, almost comforting. She poured her bowl back in the pot, not eating in fear her stomach would lash out at her for it.
Kald found a tree, and stayed under that for the evening, It was the perfect place to think. He ignored the weather, and found himself hoping she was alright. Kald laughed at himself as he settled down in to reverie, He started as soon as the rain was up. He began cutting the rest of the trees down, He gave out an elvish shout of victory as the last tree fell, which turned to one of warning as it almost hit Orenda's hut. Once he was sure he missed it he began to do split the long square boards Orenda had made and turned them into narrower planks. He needed a frame first. Kald left the few trees not yet hewed, down. He would let Orenda do them or do them later if she didn't . Kald now was drawing his proposed building in the dirt, as it was morning now and no longer the early early morning. He needed to figure out what he was going to do.
Orenda woke up slowly, wrapped up tightly in her cozy warm blanket. She didn't want to get up, so comfortable and relaxed. Slowly though, she got up, carrying the pot of stew outside and after a little struggle, liting a fire. She set the pot there and returned to her hut, deciding she would work on her weaving for part of the day. With skillful, practiced hands she run the shuttle through the loom, softly humming as she did.
Kald figured out what he was going to do, planned for a simple two room house, He began building the frame, using the nails and such he had bought. He sighed and went to Orenda with his best smile. " I know your busy and all... but could you possibly help me, I need someone to hold the frame in place while I place the nails. " He felt bad, occupying so much of her time and taking her away from her craft. He figured she would help him but wasn't sure, if not he would have to improvise and try to do it him self. " if your too busy though don't worry, I will figure it out " He said smiling knowing he could probably rig it to hold up ther some how. He had the planks ready, and he just needed to put up the frame. He was sort of amazed at the speed it took to build.
Orenda set down the shuttle with a sigh, what Kald didn't know was she was working on the gift she was making for him. Not only to repay him for the bracelet that she never took off, but also as a home warming gift. Plus she knew he would need blankets and such for his bed. Finally She stood and turned to Kald, "No problem, I will help you if you need it, I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself trying to do it by yourself," She spoke with a slight smile.
Kald smiled as she helped him, All he needed was that extra pair of hands you never have. He needed her to hold boards in position and such as he nailed away He had a sore thumb for those few times he missed the mark. but Kald had the slight fram of a house finally. It was amazing, to think that he had nothing there before. He looked at Orenda and spoke " Thank you so much, I couldn't of done it near as fast without you. " He coudn't believe how late in the afternoon it already was. He sighed," Well I should be able to do the rest my self. " It was then that his stomach groaned in hunger" Kald laughed " Hmm seems my stomach is complaining"
"Good thing I put the stew on earlier then, isn't it," Orenda spoke with a soft chuckle. She led them slowly back to the fire in front of her hut,looking back at him, over her shoulder, once at the fire. "I hope you didn't get too cold last night, I'm sure you will be relieved when you have a home to sleep in, so you don't have to be out in the elements," She spoke, her words compassionate. She sat down close to the fire, glad to feel the heat sink into her skin. It was nice, the warmth from the fire, the thought made her think of the night before, the warmth of his lips. She shook her head, pushing the thought away.
Kald laughed and grabbed a bowl. He thought about Orenda and if he was that into her. He poked her in the side where he had the other night for good measure as he returned to his stew as if nothing had happened. " your blanket kept me warm, I don't know how but it did." He said with a smile wondering how she slept and that he didn't wake her up.
Orenda smiled, pleased the blanket was enough to keep him warm. She dipped her bowl, pleased at the warmth that the stew offered. She was content, even happy, something she hadn't been for a really long time. Though he said he wouldn't just leave and not return she was worried. She knew how fickle elves were, what if he decided he didn't like her all that much, that it was just a passing fancy. Orenda sighed as she started to eat her stew.
Kald smiled and finished his stew, sad that she ignored his poke. He found himself catching glances at Orenda, His heart and emotions were behaving like he had never experienced before. He wasn't sure what he thought of Orenda, hoping it wasn't one of his passing fancies. He didn't want to do that to her. Kald really didn't. He went to bed glad tat it wasn't raining.
Orenda stayed in deep thought for a long time as they ate, even after he went to bed, she sat at the fire staring deeply into the flames. She wondered if she should have let herself start having feeling for Kald. She didn't want to get hurt, she wish he didn't have the fickleness that most elves seemed to possess. Finally though, exhaustion captured her mind, causing her to fall asleep curled up in a ball beside the fire.
Kald snuck away in the morning, putting his blanket on her. He snuck away and took one of his horses and left for the morning, preparing something. He then came back early afternoon and began working on the walls. He saw the beginnings of a house, and was glad. He loved the fact he would own something now. He worked hard on it going all out on it. He had a side up farely quickly. He would have to seal them more but they were for most purposes done.
Orenda wasn't by the fire when he returned, nor was the blanket. She wasn't even outside. The fire in her hut was also lit and burning. Orenda sat at her loom, she didn't look the best, it appeared sleeping outside, even by a fire and given her at least a slight cold. Still wrapped in the blanket, she worked at her loom, the quality not suffering any.
Kald frowned at the sight of her but went back to building until it was the time they usually ate. He rode the horse bareback, bringing the other behind him. He called out to Orenda " Come out and get on the horse, I have a surprise. " He smiled looking at her hut, and waiting for her to come out.
Orenda walked out shortly after he called, still wrapped in the blanket. She looked at him and the horse shortly before hesitately jumping on the horses back, making sure to keep the blanket wrapped around her best she could. "Wake me up if I ever fall asleep outside," she started softly.
"Sorry, I thought you were fine" He smiled and led her and the horse quite a ways a way, to a small water fall, that seemed to glisten in the light. In front of the body of water was set a blanket with a meal on it, There was a fire near by for warmth, two hunches of meet were sitting in the air on sticks near the fire on sticks keeping warm. He had made some bread, well not as good as hers but it was bread some might say. The usual fruit and such were in a wood container in on the blanket. He was silent waiting for her reaction.
Orenda's eyes got wide and her mouth hinged open, this was beautiful, sweet, and romantic. She had heard the there were not better lovers than eves, for they were romantic, sensual and caring. She didn't know about sensual, and she knew they were not lovers. If this was how he treated her before they were lovers so could only imagine how amazing it would be if the saying stayed true.
"It's.... It's beautiful," she whispered.
Kald was so glad she liked it. " I wanted to make it up to you" He said smiling and dropping down from his horse, and offered to help her down. His horse began to free graze. He laughed, noting it didn't try to run. " I am so glad you like it" He was glad, he had worked hard on it. Making sure it was all just right.
Orenda accepted his help. She smiled softly, looking over the area slowly. "It's so beautiful, how did you find this place?" She asked looking up at him, pulling the blanket tighter around her body. She then waited for Kald to lead the way.
Kald smiled and led her to the blanket, He sat down grabbing the meat and placing it on small wooden plates. " I found it while hunting the other day. I thought it would be perfect for an occasion such as this. " He looked around and then at Orenda, and her blanket." we can move everything closer to the fire if your cold. " He wanted to ensure she was comfortable.
"I'm okay for now, if I get cold I'll just move closer to you," Orenda said with a weak playful smile. She gently poked his side as she sat down, sitting only a few inches away from him. She started to get butterflies in the pit of her stomach only causing a bigger smile to slide across her face as well as a blush.
He laughed and jumped as she poked his ticklish spot. "hey! " He playfully glared at her. " So would you like some meat, its deer, or perhaps some fruit or berries. Or some bread? " He wanted to make sure she had anything she might want for at the moment. He gestured to the various objects.
Orenda started eating some bread and berries but avoided the meat. "You can have the meat, I don't think my stomach can handle it, and thank you," Orenda said, her voice soft almost a whisper. She offered him a small smile before taking a bite of bread.
Kald, frowned, " are you sure your ok? He ate some of the meat, it had been a while since he had had any not in a stew. He hoped his attempt at bread was good. " So I have the start of a house! " He smiled, " The last week has been busy, I was thinking next time you sell your blankets, You can use my wagon, and horses. " He then looked at her, admiring the strong young woman that was in front of him. She lived alone but He hoped to help her now. She was special to him he decided.
"I'll be fine," Orenda offered with a soft smile, eating some fruit. This was nice, she just couldn't get over how perfectly everything seemed to be going for her. Everything about him seemed perfect, the though brought a bashful blush to her face as well as a soft smile. She looked away, taking a deep breath. "If you keep hunting you will be able to go with me and sell some of the skins, so I won't have to travel alone."
He smiled " your right, If I do, I can go with you. " He ate some more, trying some more of the other stuff, but leaving it for her. He couldn't help but smile eveytime he saw hers. She seemed so nice and simple, living out here, making her wares and selling them. He could come to like it. He would love a reason to not wonder anymore, and it seemed, she liked him. He had a strange feeling in his stomach as he found himself nervously smiling at her, he never got like that...
Orenda looked up, about having her fill of food. She gave him a bright smile, her body seemed rather relaxed under the blanket. "Is there something on your mind Kald?" She asked softly, stopping her self from reaching out and touching him.
" Your on my mind" Kald said as his smile got bigger for a moment. He ate the rest of his piece of meat, and looked at Orenda. " does it bother you that I am an elf and older than you?" He wondered, he was sort of self consicos of it for the first time as he thought of the earlier moments and how often elves mated with humans, Some lasted for a long time, others just fleeting encounters.
"Age is simply a number, and you being older only means you have more skills. You being an elf doesn't bother me ether, just means we have different talents," she looked down. Knowing that if anyone had a problem it would be him. "Does any of that bother you?"
Kald thought for a second. " Not really, I find that I agree with what you say, I just hoped it didn't bother you. I know elves have an interesting reputation among humans. I hoped you didn't distrust me for some story you heard about elves. " He moved a bit closer to her. He had never gotten so close to a human before, she seemed to value life more than any elf he had met. She lived it day by day with no hurry. He loved that about her. He was like that, and thought of the great way to end the night was this. " I made one last thing for tonight" , He pulled out an pastry, that he had bought the ingredients for and or found them. He had worked hard making dessert for the date. He thought she might like it, as treats were a rare thing out here.
Orenda's face seemed to glow as she saw the pastry, for a moment she didn't even appear sick as a rush of color filled her face. Many things came to mind. Things she could say. Orenda stayed silent though. A small smile slowly filling her face.
"Curse the devils, I'll never be able to repay you for all of this," she spoke softly, leaning against him slightly. She didn't want to get too close, she didn't want to get him sick as well. She sighed, turning to look at the waterfall, "How are you so perfect and single?"
He smiled at her, glad she liked it all. " You don't need to," He laughed wondering how to answer her next statement. He had never done any of this before, it had all been ideas for the one who was growing more important to him. He spoke " me perfect? and I wouldn't call my self single necessarily." He said smiling at her. He handed her the pastry, not wanting any.
Orenda looked puzzled, "w-what do you mean, your not exactly single?" She question. She looked down, not letting her heart drop just yet, not letting herself assume anything. She looked up at him, her eyes pleading.
Kald was confused, what was suppose to mean her, just seemed to mean something else. He sighed " I mean you silly! " He laughed at her , wondering what might be going through her mind. Why else would he put this all together for her. He had wanted to show he wasn't being fickle and that he was thinking about her. He couldn't believe she was confused about his last statement.
"Oh," she started, her face quickly growing a dark crimson. She was so embarressed, of course that's what he meant. She couldn't believe she even considered it was anything else. She was just always so use to disappointment.
"Sorry," she spoke simply, her eyes glued to the ground. She could feel the heat coming from her face.
Kald laughed, He noted that it was now the moon shining off of the waterfall, He couldn't believe it had been that long. He found him self glad to be in the moment and this close to Orenda. "its fine, I can't believe you thought it any other way. " Kald looked at the moon and smiled then looking back at her. He was glad she had come to his suprise.
"It was just the way you said it, and I was afraid," Orenda replied softly. She leaned against him gently, seeing what he would do, how he would react. This was all so new to her, which made it exiting and frightening all at the same time.
Kald smiled as she leaned against him. He put his arm around her and laughed " You need not be afraid, you should look on the bright side of things" He looked out at the moon and down at her. He didn't know what to say He wanted to say something but nothing came to mind. He kept almost saying something, but never did, he kept thinking it wasn't the right thing to say.
Orenda leaned her head on his shoulder silently, closing her eyes and relaxing. "I'm glad I found you," she said before taking a small bite of the pastry. She smiled, is was sweet, and sugary. This was nearly perfect in her mind. She didn't mind the silence, in was nice, it wasn't awkward, at least for her. After anouther bite of pastry she looked up at him, offering a soft smile.
Kald had never felt anything quite like it. " I am glad you found me as well" He thought about that.. if she had never been watching him.. He was glad she had made that noise and that he had found her. . He was glad she liked the pastry, He looked at her smile and decided to go for it. You only live once right? Kald kissed her, tasting a bit of the pastry on her lips he almost laughed mid kiss. He hoped he was ready for what it meant because he was now commited.
Orenda smiled against his warm lips, feeling butterflies in the pit of her stomach. She really hoped, wished, and prayed her wasn't lying to her with that kiss. And with that kiss, he was agreeing that she wasn't just one of his passing fancies.
Orenda timidly snaked her arms around his neck, wrapping him in her blanket. She was warm, probably running a slight fever. That's when she pulled away, remembering she didn't want to get him sick. She leaned her head against his chest slightly. "I don't want you to get sick," she said simply as an answer to why she pulled away.
Kald smiled, " I don't care if I get sick, worst things have happened" He didn't realize how sick she was, and here he was keeping her out in the cold. " I think its time to get you back and in bed, We can't have you getting too sick on me, and this isn't helping. " He smiled at her, knowing that he was feeling the same , his stomach fluttering about, and the ghost of her arms around his neck, He had the moment frozen in memory. " I won't have you die of a cold on my watch! "
"I won't, your keeping me warm," she spoke softly with a smile. Was this what it felt like to be falling in love? She really hoped so. Her heart seemed to leap and she couldn't remember a time when she was happier. Plus, she wasn't alone, which she found comforting. She kept her arms around him, keeping them both wrapped in the blanket. She sighed, completely content at that moment.
Kald laughed and wrapped his arms around her. He was so glad to be with her in that instance. It was as if time stood still and nothing mattered but them. He supposed this is what his father had meant when he described love. " You win" he sighed giving up at his attempt to get her to return. He kissed her again dispite her being sick, so that he could keep his promise of his next kiss being the first of many. He wasn't afraid of catching her cold, figuring being an elf he had an leg up. " So, I have decided that the next time you kiss me that it will mean I am the only man you will kiss, for the rest of your life. " Feeling it was only fair to put the same implication on her.
Orenda giggled, "you worded that differently then I worded mine, if I kiss you again, then you die defending me some how, I wouldn't ever be able to try to move on because of the promise I would have made to you," she spoke looking up at him. Her eyes were bright, her smile soft. She had never dreamed she would find any sort of companionship, especially not love. She never thought she would leave. Connloath, but she would follow Kald where ever he wished her to.
Kald sighed, She was right,
" Then let it mean you won't kiss another guy for the rest of my life. "
He smiled at her, knowing he had messed up that promise, it was good she fixed it. Wondering what life would bring them. He had never been this close to anyone before, It was nice, and he hoped the night would last forever.
Kald waited for her to decide, hoping she had the same answer as him.
Orenda timidly leaned forward, gently pressing her smooth lips to his. She liked this moment, she liked the feel of Kald beside her. It was all very nice. She let the kiss linger for a moment, before finally breaking the kiss off. It was getting cold, and she knew it would be best if she got back to her bed. The more she rest, the sooner she got better, the more enjoyable time she spent with Kald.
"It's getting cold, you should probably be taking me back home," she spoke softly.
" ah ha, i knew you had to be getting cold " He said glad that she had kissed him. Kald got up, and just picked up the whole blanket letting its contents gather in it like it was a bag and put it over his shoulder. He whistle, and spoke a phrase in elven and the horses came suddenly. He smiled and helped Orenda up on her horse before climbing on his own. " Your on your last present" Kald said with a smile knowing the Mare that Orenda on was a fine creature. He began to lead them back home. He liked that he could refer to it as home. He smiled at Orenda and went back to paying attention to where they were going.
Orenda smiled brightly, her face beaming the joy she was feeling. He was perfect, she was convinced. She leaned forward on the mare, rubbing its warm fur slightly. Kald had been nothing but good to her, which only made her want to be good to him. As they rode, she began to get tired, she could tell she was sick. Only when she was sick did she get that exhausted. She hoped though, that if she slept good and stayed warm she would be feeling better in the morning.
Kald smiled as he dropped her off, making sure she went straight to bed. He gave her one last kiss and then put the horses over by his partially built house. He had a small fire in the dirt floor of his soon to be house, and he laid down looking at the stairs, falling into his reverie, not beliving the wonderful night he had just had. It was perfect. and she was perfect. Kald prayed to what ever god that would listen that they could grow old together and be truely happy.
Orenda quickly went to bed, only stopping to put a log or two on the fire. She curled up in he warm bed and thought of the night she had just had and the man she had had it with. Even once she fell asleep a smile was left on her face. She was happy that they had met each other, she didn't think about how it would have been if they hasn't.
Kald smiled as he woke up realizing he his fire had died and he had slept in his house for the first time, if you could count sleeping in the structure next to a fire. He laughed to himself as he began to build the next bits of walls. He had a system and it went fairly quickly. He sighed as he sneezed and tried to hate the one who got him sick but then realized he couldn't ever hate her. He just kept working, he wasn't going to let a cold keep him down. He laughed as the horses watched him, They seemed to like it here, He would have to build them a stable to keep warm in. " Don't worry you guys are next, I haven't forgotten about you, just make sure you stay near us, don't want horse theieves getting any ideas. " He knew they didn't understand him but he talked to them anyways. He was feeling like the luckiest man in the world.
Orenda slept in, but once she woke up she was feeling much better then the night before. She could hear Kald, which only brought a smile to her face. She was growing to like this life even more, especially with him there. She set at her loom, starting to work. She was about halfway done. A thick dark blanket as forming. She continued to move the shuttle back and forth in their rhythmic way. It was comforting and relaxing, even though she really didn't need either, she was already happy.
Kald looked at his walls, and then looked at the hut not far away and smiled. He was so close, yet so far. The roof... He got the ladder he had made himself and began to make the frame of the roof. It was then that he sneezed and let go of the ladder, and fell, and with a foul word he didn't even know was in his vocabulary, he let the world know he was hurt. He cursed himself for working to hard. For trying to push himself. He then realized how lucky he was that the wood peice he was working on didn't land on him with the ladder . It as then he realized he was more than just a little sick. He as just as sick as she had been. He hurt all over due to his fall and his sickness. And didn't really want to move. He laughed at himself in self pity.
Orenda heard the crash of him fall, her heart started to race. For a moment she was panicked, she stood and ran with ll she had until she saw that he was okay. She sighed in relief, her stomach still in her throat from the scare.
"You can't do that to me, you nearly gave me a heart attack," she spoke kneeling down beside him. She placed her hand on his head when she looked at him, "your warm," she spoke before shaking her head. "You went and got yourself sick I see," she playfully poked him.
" it was worth it " He laughed looking up at her face " its your fault if your lips were so inviting I would of never risked it. " he smirked moving his head on her legs, not wanting to get up. ' He looked up at her and saw that she had ran here, in concern, He didn't know why, but it was nice someone cared i so much about him. He hadn't had that in a long time. He was a pitiful sight, covered in dirt, and ash from the fire pit he had nearly fell in and the ladder had kicked up. He surely looked sick and felt it. He didn't know how she did so much while she was sick.
"You should come to my hut, it's warm and you need to rest. I can't pack you though, and I would be lucky to drag you," she said running her fingers through his hair affectionately. She knew she could best take care of him there. He could sleep in her bed while she worked on her loom. Plus, she could just put the stew on in the hut, she he wouldn't have to go back outside.
Kald sighed and got up and slowly made his way to her hut, He couldn't believe she as taking care of him. He was suppose to take care of her. " I am suppose to take care of you, I... can't believe I am this sick, darn you and your human germs" he said laughing the best he could with how bad he felt. He collapsed on her bed and took in the scent that was her and thought how wonderful it was.
"Well you can't say I didn't warn you, so suck it up," she said playfully, poking him in the side again. She moved the pot over the fire. Then after looking at him for a second she returned to her loom. This was nice, even though he was sick, they were spending time together. She smiled, humming as she continued to work.
Kald blacked out as soon as he laid down. Never having got sick like this before, He didn't even jump from her poke, He just fell into his reverie with nothing but the sounds of the loom, he thought it was very peaceful, and couldn't believe that he was puting his burden on her. He felt bad, he would have to make it up. He thought, as he tried to rest up.
Orenda worked for a long time, humming as he skilled hands ran through her loom. After while though, she knew be herself and Kald needed to eat. She stood from her loom before walking to Kald and sitting beside him. She placed her hand on his shoulder, shaking him gently. "Do you think your up to eat?" She asked, her voice soft and caring.
the Bad thing about reverie some times was that you knew you were being woken up before they wok e you up. " I suppose " He said not really wanting to do anything but knowing he should eat. " my house..... I am so close...." He hated being sick and half wanted to go out there anyways dispite his body telling him to not do that . Kald looked up at Orenda and smiled knowing how lucky he was.
"It will be out there waiting for your return as soon as your better," she spoke encouragingly as she placed the back of her hand to his fore head. He was still warm. She got him a bowl of the hot stew and diluted ale.
"I know you don't feel like it, but try to eat as much of it as you can," she spoke caring befor getting her own bowl of the soup. She are slowly, watching him, making sure he was okay. She was glad she could do this, she felt it was a way she could start paying him back for all the wonderful things had had done for her.
Kald ate it all, forcing himself to eat it, not wanting to make her worry. "your evil" He said with a laugh and He took his time eating it. He enjoyed being this close to Orenda, and glad that she was the one taking care of him. Even if she was the one who had made him sick. He loved being around her. She was wonderful to him.
"How am I evil, you knew I was sick, you should have waited to kiss me, remember, you said you didn't care if you got sick," Orenda teased with a slight chuckle. She was glad he ate all the food, she just hoped he would feel better the next day. She decided she would let him sleep in her bed that night, she would sleep on the other side of the fire with a blanket.
Kald. moved over making room for her if she wanted, "here don't .let me hog your bed. " he meant it with honest intentions as he was too sick to realize. Kald fell back in to reverie
Orenda hesitated, thinking about it for a long time. Finally she slid into her bed, figuring it wouldn't hurt anything, he was too sick to have anything but noble intentions. She turned her back to him before slowly sliding into unconsciousness.
Kald woke up, feeling much better, other than a few sore spots from his fall. He looked over to see Orenda and almost jumped waking her up. He wasn't sure what to think of that. He didn't remember saying anything, but it was her bed.. and he was using it. He was sure the fact he had stirred at all would wake her up, but tried none the less to get up without waking her. He smiled looking at the sleeping beauty and kissed her on the cheek before leaving the hut. He began finishing the roof's frame. It was good he could work on it again. He smiled thinking of Orenda as he worked.
Orenda made a few groggy noises as he got up, but never fully woke up, she had stayed up rather late looking after him. Slowly though she woke up, slowly sitting and stretching, her joints popping noisily. She got up from her warm bed when she heard Kald working. She made her way outside, and to Kalds forming house. "So why did you make your house a two room?" She started to question with a soft smile. A bottle of diluted Ale in hand.
Kald, didn't really have an answer, he had just figured it could have a bedroom, and living room/kitchen " Well that way I have two rooms to do things in? I suppose, I didn't really have a reason. Plus I thought one day it might come in handy. " He said with a smile. He thought of his choices, He had basically promised himself to Orenda, That meant that one day she would probably move in with him. He walked over and gave her a kiss, as he grabbed another board. He then spoke, " So I was thinking I will need a way to say thank you for taking care of me yesterday. any ideas? " He said wondering if she needed anything.
"Me taking care of you was repayment for the bracelet, the horse, and last nights romantic dinner. So there is absolutely no reason to repay me," she answered with a sweet smile. She relaxed very gently against one of his walls and watched him work for a while, sighing and smiling with contentness. She waited there in case there was anything he needed her help on. Plus she figured if she stood there long he come back and give her another kiss, something she couldn't get enough of.
Kald smiled. He supposed she was right. He kept building, sort of surprised that she stayed around. He walked over giving her a lingering kiss, Can you hand me some wood while I am up on the roof? He gaver her another kiss, this time with a little tongue.
This shocked Orenda, having never even heard of kissing that was more then the lips pressed together. The action made her heart pump fast, and chills run up her spine. Even when he pulled away she stood there frozen for some time. Was it fair to excite her like that then just pull away, did he even notice how it toyed with her body? Finally though she began to pick up the wood for her, though her mind stayed on the subject.
Kald was worried, after he had kissed her, she seem to have frozen... He decided to approach the subject, " Orenda... Is all alright? Did I go to far in my kiss? " His face had an apolgetic look on it, as he felt that he went to far and thus her reaction. "I didn't mean to...." He had stopped everything and looked at her, hoping he hadn't just messed things up. He pondered what could be upsetting her like that. It was a kiss shared by couples among the elves... He hadn't meant to upset her though.
A dark blush started to slow spread through her face, starting at a light pink and ending up a dark crimson. "No, no, just.." She started, trying to piece her words together correctly.
"Its just, I've never been... kissed like that and I-I, well I haven't even heard of kissing like that... It probably isn't saying much, just.... Nothing," She babbled, looking down. This felt so awkward to her, having to explain stuff like this, having to try to put her feeling into words.
"It just.. Makes me feel weird, different then the other kisses," She tried to explain, her hands beginning to move as she spoke.
Kald laughed, " You have never heard of it? " He had to admit it was his first time trying it but he knew about it. " I am sorry if it made you feel weird, I will not do it if you wish, It is something I heard about back home. I didn't know it was rare" He also knew that it had made him feel different too, which was why he had cut it short. Kald smiled at Orenda, "Your cute when you blush"
Orenda covered her face playfully. "Don't tell me that you devil you," she spoke her blush momentarily growing worse. "Get to work on your house, you need to have it done before it gets any colder," she continued, getting a hold over her emotions. She knew he needed to get the house done, it if got any cold sleeping out side would no longer be suitable.
" Yes, boss " he said playfully before going back up the ladder to put up the roof. he smiled as she handed him some wood, He was almost done he thought. It was just a matter of time. " You know, I was thinking we should start a garden when it begins to warm up. That way we can grow our own things to make into stews and such. " He also wanted it so that if he was gone, she had plenty of food. Kald sighed wondering if he would ever actually leave for any period of time, He liked being around Orenda, even if it just meant being in the house near her.
Orenda shrugged as she continued to bring pieces of wood to Kald. It was do able but where Connloath was up north it was cold a lot. She had farmed at her home though, so she knew how to do it successfully. Then again, she had always been good at foraging as well so she didn't see a point, but is Kald really wanted too, she would help.
Kald was glad she was helping, He smiled as he built the roof, finally finishing. "Now all I need is a fire place off to the side, and all is good. He said, glad he had moved the wagon closer to his house, as it had the bricks/stones to do it. But it can wait, He looked around, the empty house, just dirt floors, and a hole where the chiminy went. " Hmm not very homey " He laughed, knowing it always seemed like every step closer meant more work. "I suppose I should figure out how to make a bed, and some other stuff, I think I can make some decent enough furniture, nothing grand but praticial... I mean it can't be that hard right?"
"It depends," Orenda started, thinking how she made her bed. "It depends on how much you want to spend. If you have a lot to spend, and I mean a lot, go with down, other then that you have draw," Orenda stated. "My bed is down and a straw mattress underneath that with animal skins on top of both," She said with a soft smile, walking up to him with a smile.
Kald surely had a confused look on his face. He wasn't sure what any of that meant, He usually slept on the ground... "If I gave you some gold? could you maybe figure that bit out? whatever you think is best... and the skins part I can take care of, I will just have to set some snares and such. " Kald walked closer to her and gave her a quick kiss and smiled as he looked at her. " It seems like I can start living in it at least. I figure I will add a stable off to the side for the horses... nothing fancy just a roof extending and some supports for now... maybe some half walls. or something
" Kald was lucky to have a girl like Orenda around.
Orenda hugged him, pulling him close, "Yeah, I can deal with it," She said softly, closing here eyes, relaxing in his arms. "I think you need to finish up here before you start building the stable, which includes finishing the chimney," She spoke, her words slightly muffed by his chest. She smiled, being in his arms was so relaxing, so comforting, she couldn't imagine being with out, being anywhere else, or being in any other mans arms.
kald breathed in deep, loving the feeling of Orenda being so close to him. " I plan to I was just speaking of future plans. You might have to stop me or you might end up with a manson next to your home! " He laughed knowing he wouldn't get that bad, but time and resources meant he could keep going for a while. " I love you, Orenda" He got out as he held her tight.
Orenda was shocked by his words, not expecting them. How could someone know if they really loved someone one this soon. How could she know that her feelings were love and not her raging teenage hormones. She took a deep breath and hoped she didn't offend him by not returning the gesture. When she said it she wanted to be sure she really meant it.
Kald sort of expected that reply, he just smiled and looked around holding her still, he let go and tried to step back as he spoke. " So, Orenda, I was thinking we should eat soon, as I am starving. " He hoped that one day she could reply to him with a I love you. Kald was happy just to be with Orenda and blamed himself for saying it so soon.
Orenda nodded, "Sounds like a plan," She said turning back to her house. She walked to her hut and grabbed the pot, not knowing whether to put the pot on in her hut or outside. She thought about it for a moment and decided that she would put it outside. She walked to the fire pit, getting the fire going slowly before setting the heavy pot over it.
Kald grabbed the what stuff he had gathered over to the fire, and set them down, as he sat down watching her start the fire and pot. " So, now that we are neigbors, you are going to get sick of me" He said with a smile. He hadn't practiced his sword in forever, He realized, he would have to start doing that again soon. He sat there enjoying the presence of Orenda, hoping she would give him a kiss, He did like those he thought, they always seemed to make everything better.
Orenda sat very close to Kald, looking up at him. This was nice, she had found someone, she wouldn't have to be alone again. She looked down, biting her lip slightly before looking back up, looking at his lips before slowly moving her lips to his. Letting the kiss linger there for a moment. She liked the contact, his lips smooth and warm. She let her arms slowly wrap around his neck, letting her body relax into his.
Kald was glad when her lips met his, He wrapped his arms around her kissing back, he tried to use a little bit of tongue this time, pushing his luck. Also if she did get embarrassed again, he would get to see her cute red face again. He didn't let up though, leaving it for her to disengage if she wanted.
Orenda turned her head, breaking off the kiss. Her stomach had a million butterflies and her blood coursed through her veins in a way it had never done before. It wasn't fear, something else, and the fact scared her.
She looked away, her face a dark red. "No Kald," She spoke softly, she didn't want to feel that way. It's not that it was bad, but it made her feel like she might do something she might regret later. She sighed, her face in her hands, waiting to hear Kald get mad at her for breaking the kiss.
Kald frowned at first but couldn't keep it as her face was that dark red again. " I am sorry... just thought you would like to try it again. " He would never be mad, if anything he blamed himself for putting her in such a postion.
Kald put his hand on hers. " If you want to set some lines, lets do so, I don't want to make you uncomfortable, and do things your not ready or comfortable doing. " He gave his most compasionate smile. The woman in front of him could get him to do anything if she tried.
Orenda nodded, "I just, I don't like the way it makes me feel, I'm sorry," She spoke softly. She didn't know how she should feel about the subject. She also didn't know how Kald would feel about the subject. She hoped he wouldn't get mad that she felt that way.
kald nodded, " its ok, then lets not do it. I don't mind. " He gave her a regular kiss, his lips lingering. He was ok with whatever she decided. He didn't want to push her in a direction she didn't want to go. He wondered how far they might ever go. His being this close to her, always put his mind at ease, She seemed to erase his cares, and worries. He didn't know how she did it but just a kiss did this.
Orenda liked the warmth of his lips and touch, the lingering sensation that they left. "I'm sorry," She spoke, not knowing how to put what she meant into words. She had always heard how men had needs. She hoped she wasn't denying him those things.
" about what? you have done nothing wrong, " He smiled at her giving her a hug before sitting straight again. " I am happy as long as your happy, really, I am rather easy going if you haven't noticed. " He than had a thought, " What if when we finish my house, we take a trip to where ever you want to go. be it far or close. " He looked at her and smiled, It would be fun, or else we can stay around here, and trap and weave, and have some small trips to some places you might want to go. I am fine with whatever... I just want to let you have some fun. " He gave his signature smile to her.
"I would have no clue where I would want to go honestly, I haven't been any where out of Connloath, I, I just don't know," She said simply with a frown. She took a deep breath and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. She didn't know what to say or do, she was just getting tired and wasn't use to this. She had always been alone. She didn't know how to not be alone.
Kald hugged her back tightly "hmm what if I showed you a map and then tried to answer questions about places. " He had been alone of late, but before than had been among many elves, it was nice to be close to anyone again. He wasn't so sure he wanted to wonder along again. It was great being this close to someone. He loved being around Orenda, Her scent, her lips, the cute way she blushed when she was embarassed, it all added to why he loved being near her.
"Tell me about being an elf, what was it like growing up, what are the cultures and the customs?" She asked, her arms still wrapped tightly around him. She was completely satisfied with staying in his arms like they were for a while. It was innocent and didn't make her feel uncomfortable. It made her feel relaxed and safe, something she rarely felt.
Kald didn't even know where to start, So he began telling Orenda about elves, and elven society, He covered the basics for now, explaining what life is like until your an adult, and would only go in detail if asked. Kald told her about, couples, and how they showed affection such as the kiss he had tried earlier. He then told her the story about the time he stayed out all night praticing with his sword just to beat the other students after losing horribly. His stories seemed to flow as he switched from topic to topic.
Orenda listened contently, wanting to hear everything. Still though, in his warm arms , she slowly started to drift off to sleep. The only thing that brought her out of her sleepy fog was hearing the stew start to boil.
"Well I think that means we need to take that off," She stated, the sleep clear in her voice. She stood up hesitantly, not really wanting to leave his arms. She grabbed the handle, cursing as she ripped her hand away, the handle had grown hot as well. She cradled her hand to her chest, feeling the sting spread.
Kald jumped up and grabbed a salve out of his pack and ran to Orenda. It wasn't burn salve he didn't normally have that on him but he did have something that would help with the pain, and at least help her with that. He grabbed her hand and put some on it, It should take effect quickly but it depended person to person. He then took off the stew with his shirt. " are you ok?"
"I'll be okay," she said softly, continuing to cradle her hand. The pain eased quickly but still the pain was there. It was a nagging pain. A throbbing type of pain but Orenda didn't complain. She wondered if kissing woulda me it feel better, distract her.
kald gave her a kiss, and then a bowl of stew. " you should be careful " he gave her the best scolding look that he could until it turned into a smile as he grabbed himself a bowl of stew. " you know your a good cook, better than me. " He sat next to her, and gave her his hankerchief, to wrap around her hand if she wanted. He knew how much a burn could hurt, and maybe he could find some herbs to help make some sort of burn salve, but then again he doubted he could find any of the ones he knew around here.
She wrapped the handkerchief around her hand, nodding a thank you to Kald. She took the bowl he offered though the pain had taken her appetite away. She looked down into the dark stewm it was still steaming hot.
"Did you ever like any of the elven girls?" She asked, curious. She wondered what about her had drawn him to like her. Was it physical, or was he just lonely. Was it the way she sounded, or something about her personality. She hated when her mind did this to her. When it became over analytically and cynical, when it had to know reasons why instead of just enjoying the happiness that it brought her.
Kald thought about it, " I have liked a few, thought several were pretty. but none I ever knew were like you. You are strong, and independent, beautiful, and the one I have chosen. " He leaned over and kissed her, then taking a bite of his food. and thinking. " Also none of them really returned my attraction towards me. It may of been that I was busy training and didn't really notice though...."
"I don't see why they wouldn't return your attention. You are nice, kind, and considerate. Not to mention you are very attractive. I think any girl would be lucky to have you, whether they be human or elven," Orenda spoke with a slight blush.
She rarely admitted things of the sort to anyone. It was probably her fear or rejection that she rarely spoke of things of the sort, and could be the reason she rarely received attention before she left. She took a small sip of the stew. It was pleasant, still very hot though.
" I think the same things about you, yet here you are in the wilderness alone, I focused too much on my skill with a blade and other pursuits of knowledge. " He smiled, taking a spoonful of stew and blowing on it before eating it. " I just wonder if you won't get tired of me, I mean, surely you are use to being alone. " He had a slight smirk knowing it not true. He saw the cute look of her blushing face again and smiled. " I am lucky to have found such a kind, and beautiful woman. "
"If anyone was to get tired of the other it would be more likely that it would be you. You are the elf with the fickle nature, and you are also use to being alone," She spoke with a soft smile. She looked down at her stew as he spoke, he was definitely a charmer. The soft blush that lingered on her face intensified slowly. He could definitely get her to blush, of course that wasn't very hard. She took another small sip. This was pleasant, nether of then were sick, they had basically promised themselves to one another, and she was happy and content.
Kald wondered about the fact he had promised himself to her. He then smiled as he grabbed a piece of wood from what was going to be fire wood. It was good enough for him. he took out a knife and began to carve something, as he looked at Orenda. She was beautiful, and he loved being near her. " So I was thinking that you tell me about where your from and your culture, I told you about mine. " He smirked knowing that it set her to talk for now, and gave him time to carve and listen. He smiled and awaited her to start, Kald wanted to know more about humans from a human.
"Well, we aren't complicated. connloathian people are different then the other nations though. Magic is completely outlawed. Most girls are married and getting pregnant by the ripe age of sixteen. Most of us rarely make to seventy let alone a hundred. Um, well, lets see. I don't know," She spoke with a sigh, she didn't know what to say, there was so much to cover or that she could talk about she couldn't find anything at all to say.
" Completely? Explains why i am avoided... and then well I am glad your not married and pregnant yet. It would mean I would not get the chance to do this. " Kald says as he leans over and gives her a kiss. He then goes back to carving, cutting away most of the wood, trying to get a small ring like shape, eventully. "So, what do couples do when courting around here?" he said with a smile, knowing why he was asking.
"Well they spend time with each other and learn about each other, then, if they decide that they love each other and there parents give there blessing, then they become engaged, and so on so forth, " She explained, laying her head on his shoulder.
Kald listened intently, " and your parents, they are dead you say?" He smiled as she leaned on him. He loved her presence near him. Kald kept widdling the wood, trying to get the bigger chunks away, and making it a perfect circle. He hummed a bit of an elven song, calling the wood out to shape it self. He thought about his old home and his new one. he liked it here, as long as it was with Orenda... He decided home would be where she was. He smiled as he looked at her, the sight of her seeming to always bring a smile to his face.
Orenda's eyes were closed, it was time to own up about her parents. She took a deep breath, her cheeks turning a dark red. "When I said my parents were dead, I meant it more as they are dead to me. They found out, so I had to fake my death and run away," She explained in a near whisper. She hoped he didn't think any less of her. She had to do it she didn't have any other option. If she stayed she would have been sent to the church.
"So asking for their blessing is a no go?" he had figured they could go to their graves or something.. Now he felt bad, He thought they should seek them out maybe. Surely they would be glad she was alive? Kald would like to have their permission. But if not... then he would still do so. He loved her, and as long as she was happy he was happy. " you mean you tricked them into thinking your dead and ran away.... and have been living alone since? How long ago was that?"
Kald kept working on his wood.
"Yeah, a super no go," She said with a sigh. She didn't like to think about it but of course, it was something that had to be discussed, better off to do it now. "My parents would turn me into the church, I would most likely be killed. I had to trick them, I had no other choice. They loved me, but they love the church and the law more," Orenda looked down with a sigh, setting her bowl of stew down. She was no longer hungry. "It's been a while."
Kald set his stuff down and put his arm around her. " I am sorry I brought it up, it must be hard to have your gift and live in a country that hates you for it" He squeezed her a bit. " I don't know what its like but I am sure its hard, and your stronger for it. " He said knowing that the woman in front of him was a lot stronger then she let on.. being able to do that at such a young age. He didn't know if he could of done the same. " So what does the church do with those with the gift?"
"Well if your just a mage, then they take you in and brainwash you basically. If you have any kids they take them for the first most meaningful years of there life and brainwash them too. If you are caught using your gift, well, the punishment is death," Orenda explained.
"Why do they hate magic so much? What is wrong with it? It can be wonderful and brings wonderful things with it. You can heal, create, and make things easier with it. " He didn't know much about how to actually use it, other than some things all elves seemed able to do.. like call wood to form the shape they want it to.. and some other things with nature. " I wonder why you still live here...."
"It has to do with the religion," She started with a soft smile, closing her eyes again. "I stay because its my home, I don't think any other place would feel right honestly, maybe to visit, but to live there. I, well I just don't think it would feel right," She said with a sigh. She didn't notice what he was doing, she was just leaning against him, enjoying the moment.
Kald smiled as he picked it up again. He hummed a bit again as he carved some detail into the edges of the wood. He loved how fast it seemed to go when he hummed a bit. He put it down though and put his arm back around orenda. He cursed the fact the rings would take a while to make. That was what he was calling the wood to make. Two identical rings. He would replace them some day, but wood was what he had on him. He couldn't wait He took a twig, and used his elven magic to call for it. It seemed to magicly move and twist into a weave, that looked like a ring. He then looked at Orenda, and smiled. ' Orenda, I promised to kiss no other woman for as long as you are alive. You have blessed my life the short time I have come to know you, and your wonderful to be around. So I ask if you would marry me." He Held out the simple twig ring. It would do, he knew he was being impulsive but it was what he wanted to do. he would make a better ring, and then buy a even better one. " I know the ring isn't much, and its rather fast. The engagement can last for as long or short as you want, I just want you to know that I will not be fickle, A promise is a promise, and I feel this ring would say that for me. I don't want you afraid I will leave you, So Orenda, Will you marry me?"
Orendas eyes opened wide and her mouth hinged open. She let it set for a moment just to make sure she was hearing him correctly. Did he really just say what she thought he had. She had to be have a hallucination. There was no way he had just said that, no way that he was actually holding a ring.
Then tears flooded Orenda's eyes, he was actually proposing. She was silent for a moment, her mouth refusing to speak as she sat in pure shock.
Kald had never felt so vulnerable, she was crying now with a wide open mouth and wide eyes, he sat there nervously. He didn't know how long he should wait.. if it looked like she was going to say yes. "I am making a better ring.... and if you don't like that one... I can buy you one... of gold or silver or... iron " He thought great now he was proposing changing the ring to anything... he looked at her. He had never felt so hinged over the answer to a single question. He had never put his emotional well being out so far. He waited silently hoping she said yes. He didn't know what he would do if she said no.... He wasn't ready for that. It would shatter him he feared.
Orenda's mouth still refused to work. She tried to speak but still nothing would come out. So instead of saying anything she hugged him. Wrapping her arms around him tightly, pushing her face against his chest. She hoped that he would know that this meant yes. She didn't care about the ring, or what it was made of. All she cared about was what it meant.
Kald smiled and hugged her back hoping that he was reading her reaction right. He laughed and managed to get out. " kiss me if its a yes" He said looking at her. He loved the woman in front of him. He squeezed her tight. He couldn't believe it, it seemed she had said yes, and the kiss would seal it. Kald looked down at her, and waited for the kiss. The thing he hoped that come. This was nerve wracking.
Orenda quickly leaned up and pressed her lips against his. She loved the tingling feeling that his lips brought to hers. Her heart started to race and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. No one had ever made her feel like that before.
She couldn't help but feel thankful, she had gotten so lucky. She found a man that accepted her for her.
She let the kiss linger for a moment before pulling back. She wondered if his family would care that he was proposing to a human and not an elf.
Kald let it linger. Glad she said yes. He held her and smiled not wanting to end the moment. Not wanting to have it end. He just enjoyed the silence and the feeling of her arms around him. Kald couldn't believe his luck, ending up with a woman like Orenda. For a young woman in the wilderness, she was strong, funny, beautiful, and independant. He had never met someone so unique. This was why he left his home... to become better at his sword and to meet truely unique people. Kald only hoped he could bring Orenda all that she could ever want for. He would strive to do just that.
Orenda smiled. This was nice, she reached up, playing with his long brown hair, chuckling softly. Her eyes then moved to his ears, she wondered if they felt differently, she had always heard elves ears were extremely sensitive to both sound and touch. She the. Leaned forward again, but instead of kissing Kald she rubbed the tip of her nose against his.
"Would your family approve of you marrying me?" Orenda asked softly, wondering if they would disapprove since she was a human.
Kald smiled and spoked " I don't believe they will be. They encouraged me to do what I wished. I mean... if they had aspirations of me marrying anyone in paticular they would of arranged it. I do believe it was their intent to let me choose. I could be wrong. But even if they did, I wouldn't care. I have you thats all I need. " He gave her a kiss and lingered a bit before retracting. " Is there any other questions you might have? " He said with a smile wondering what else was on her mind.
Orenda nodded as she listened. Laying her head against his shoulder, she sighed closing her eyes. "Your ears," Orenda started with a soft chuckle. "Can I touch them," she asked, a soft blush rising to her cheeks. She knew it was probably an odd and stupid request but still she didn't grow up around elves.
Kald laughed loudly. " Of course, just be gentle, they are sensitive and if you are too rough it will hurt. " He wondered if she knew about just how sensitive they were. He smiled turning his head so she had access to his ear. He hoped she was gentle and braced himself for the coming touch. He was intrigued on her reaction, wondering what it might be.
Orenda slowly moved her hands towards Kald's ears. She moved very slowly, making sure to be gentle, she didn't want to hurt him. She gently ran her fingers up the outside of his ears, barely touching. She soon pulled her hand back, she had touched an elf's ears. It was odd though they didn't feel any different then her own.
She set her hands in her lap and looked up at Kald with a smile. She didn't know what to say now.
Kald smiled and pretended to cringe as she touched his ears. " So we are engaged... " he couldn't believe it. The last thing he had ever expected to have happen to him in his life. " I have an idea if you are up for it.." He left it at that, he raised his hand and touched her ear, wondering if it was as sensitive as his own, trying to do what felt good on his ear, lightly touching it. " Anything?" He smiled figuring that her ears probably weren't as sensitive as his.
Orenda pulled away laughing. "That tickled," She spoke softly, reaching up to rub her ears to try to get the sensation to stop. Orenda then gave Kald her hand so he could place the ring on her finger with a smile.
"Whats your idea?" She asked looking down at her hand softly. It was going to take a while for this to sink in. She had never thought that she would ever find someone. She never thought that her life would ever be this good.
Kald smiled and put the ring on her finger. He couldn't believe it.. He had asked her to marry him and she had said yes. " I was thinking we go travling a bit after we finish our house. " He smirked wondering if she would catch it. " Maybe go see some elven lands or if that is less of your taste... hmm we could go to Serendipity or Adela, or maybe Thanatos, I hear those islands are nice to visit. " He wanted to offer the world to her. This was his way.
Orenda shrugged, she had never been anywhere outside of Connloath. The thought of going anywhere kind of scared her if she was honest. She leaned her head against Kald's shoulder closing her eyes, enjoying the moment.
"I don't know where I would want to go. I mean, I would like to go meet your family, but I would stick out like a sore thumb, plus you would have to translate if they were speaking Elven," She spoke softly, looking back up at him.
Kald shrugged, " I suppose then.. I will just have to find another suprise for you. Hmm " He smiled and leaned back against the fallen tree near the fire. He was the luckiest man in the world. " I will have to send word... and have some belongings sent here.... " He thought outloud. They probably wouldn't come this far for any event but they would most likely ship some stuff to him on a caravan. Often times elven caravans went out and sold their wares and such. This way they could keep up with the coming and going of the world. He relaxed by the fire wondering what would happen next.
"We could go to meet your family, if you want to," Orenda reassured with a gentle smile. She didn't want him to not be able to see his family because of her. "You haven't practiced in a while, you plan on starting back at that?" Orenda asked teasingly sticking out her tongue at Kald playfully. She leaned her head on his shoulder, pulling her long hair to one side.
"who needs practice when your building a house everyday! My muscles are getting their use. I suppose I will start back up as soon as I have a house to live in. " He smiled. " We don't have to if you don't want to, they don't expect me back anytime soon, and really if they want to see me, then they can come here. " He laughed imagining his parents leaving there precious home. " I just wanted to indulge your curiosity is all. " He started singing a song in elven, to celebrate the happy moment. It was a soft then lively song, about a couple. It almost seemed like there was some sort of accompaniment but it was just his voice.
Orenda smiled, she loved it when Kald sang, it calmed her like nothing she had heard before. She wondered what it would be like to go to a place with a lot of elves, to see how they do things, to see their culture. She bet it would be beautiful.
"Well if you wanted to indulge my curiosity you would take me where I wanted to go, unless, I would make it uncomfortable for you," She spoke with a sigh. She didn't want to embarrass him or anything like that.
"but last i knew you didn't want to go anywhere. unless you want to make the long journey to my home land. "
Kald laughed. and looked at her and gave her a kiss. "i hope i can make it so you never want for anything"
he looked at the fire and then at her wondering how this would turn out.
"But what if I did want to go? I have only ever saw a half full of elves my entire life, I couldn't image what it would be like to see a whole village of elves. I would get to see you family, meet them, wouldn't that be nice?" Orenda asked looking over at him. She sighed, was this just because he honestly didn't think she would want to go or was there a different reason. She shook her head, clearing the negative thought quickly.
Kald laughed "then we are going if you want to go. " he couldn't wait to see her face when she saw his city.
It was always fun watching first time visitors. that were not elves that is. "i am sorry i didn't think you wanted to go.
"Why wouldn't I? Just like if my parents didnt have to think I was dead I would want you to meet them. If I'm going to marry you I want to see your culture and people," Orenda explained. She leaned her head on his shoulder heavily. "Of course we will have to finish the house first," she said thinking out loud. Plus the house he was building was larger then hers, which meant it would require more work to seal in the walls. She sighed, thinks of the work a head of them.
Kald nodded. " I am sorry we will go then once we have settled down the issues of my house. " He wrapped his arm around her, and enjoyed the sight of the fire. " I am so glad you said yes, I was worried when you didn't say anything... " He thanked the gods, that he had met this woman and that she had said yes. Kald had never been more content.
"I'm glad I met you, when you asked it, well. It shocked me, I was speechless. I'm sorry that I scared you, " Orenda spoke, her appetite finally returning.
Orenda grabbed her bowl and began eating, glad to feel the warm stew enter her stomach. Nothing was better then being in the arms of the one you love with a full stomach. "Do you have any brothers or sisters?" She asked.
Kald smiled and replied. " A older brother and a younger sister. Do you have any? Do they know you live? " He was glad she was eating finally. He gave her a squeeze as he tossed a nearby branch towards the fire, sending ashes into the air as it hit the fire. He then put his arm back around her and wondered what her reply would be.
Orenda looked down, she didn't want this to bring her mood down but she knew where this topic of conversation went. "I have several brothers and sisters, more than you, probably more then I know about now, and no, they do not know that I am alive, they can never know. If they know then my parents or the church will find out, I just - I just can't risk it," She spoke, her head down. The memories of all the good times she had with her siblings started to flood her mind slowly.
Kald, was sorry for mentioning it. " Well Then you will become part of my family and they will love you. My mom and sister will surely want to spend some girl time with you. And my brother and dad will give you us a hard time about approval. " He thought about them and hoped they liked her. He was pretty sure they would be fine with it. He looked at Orenda and gave her a tight squeeze.
"Are you sure they will be okay with me being a human?" She asked looking up at Kald. She didn't want Kald to get into some type of trouble with his family because she wasn't an elf. She had heard stories of how some elven people didn't like for their people to marry humans.
Kald smiled and said " They will love you, My family is ecentric.... We are not your average elven family. It is why I was allowed to leave... and follow my heart. " He looked at her and laughed. " Are you sure your ok with me being an elf... I mean I am rather different. " He said self conscous of this suddenly. She made him doubt himself sometimes.
Orenda pulled his face towards her gently, kissing him slowly, letting the kiss linger there for a moment. "Unless you're hiding another limb or have twelve toes or something you look perfectly fine to me. And even if you had another limb or twelve toes you would still be perfectly fine to me," She whispered against his lips before kissing him again.
Kald was glad and only to happy to kiss her back and he kissed her back again. "nope just an elf that loves an human. " He then kissed her and was tempted to try to use his tongue but knew she didn't like thatt. He almost laughed but stopped as he lingered with his kiss. " Your the best thing that has ever happened to me. "
Orenda felt the same way. Kald was the best thing that had happened to her as well. So instead of answering him words she took a deep breath a searched for a bit of courage. She pressed her lips back to his and opened her mouth a bit, running her tongue timidly against his lips asking him to grant her entrance.
Kald was a bit shocked at this development and opened his mouth to let her tongue gain entrance. He couldn't belive she had started it. He also had never had such a feeling rush through him. He loved Orenda, and nothing would stop him from making her life the best he could. He decided that he was going to ensure that they were as safe and happy as he could allow them to be. That was when he heard something... Something that was normal for the area. The sound of metal armor clinking.
Orenda jumped, instantly breaking the kiss. Her heart was pounding, she was in a slight panic. She looked at Kald as if asking him what she should do. Orenda prayed that it wasn't a soldier, she prayed it was just someone passing by. Why did something have to interrupt the moment they were having.
Kald put his finger to his mouth in a shh motion as he reached for his sword, and looked around. He took a deep breath, and looked around for the source of metal armor. It sounded like a small group of people. More than a couple. He motioned for her to hide in her house, as he stepped away from the fire and seemingly slipped away into the surrounding foliage. He watched to make sure no one made a move for Orenda.
Orenda silently made her way into her house, her heart racing. She climbed into her bed, hiding under the covers. She prayed nothing would happen to Kald and that he would be okay. It would be her luck that the man she loved would get killed right after he proposed. She didn't want to have to lose him now, he heart ached with the thought of the possibility.
Kald knew they had spread out. He watched the clearing. Noting the men sneak up and look for where he went. He crouched and tried to get closer. He didn't know what he should do... They had the place surrounded and were creeping closer. He had to do something, So Kald did, He slipped towards the closest person and that was where his plan backfired. The encounter didn't happen like an assination with a quick stab or slit of the throat.. Kald found himself in a sword fight for his life, and the others were coming for him. He needed to think of something, he didn't have armor and just his sword. He could win against maybe 2 but as he saw the 3 others approach him he knew he was out of his league. He parried the next blow, praying he could keep this up and somehow win.
Orenda heard the metal hitting metal, and she realized that she couldn't just let him fight by himself, they were engaged after all. Orenda grabbed a dagger, and silently walked from her house. She slid behind that closet man to her. Her heart raced and her hands shaking. She couldn't risk her powers not working, she would have to kill that mad that she stood behind. She quickly reached around the man, running the blade quickly across the man's throat. She could feel the blade cut into the mans skin. The man dropped quickly, as Orenda pulled away, tears in her eyes.
Kald had mixed feelings of the appearance of Orenda. He was thankful but at the same time concerned for her safety. He worked up his ferocity and shortly found his foe headless. He grimaced and engaged the person almost to Orenda. He feared what might of happen if he hadn't begun the dance of blades with the person. There was one other person, and he hoped Orenda could figure out something.
Orenda knew she had to rely on her speed. Orenda took off running and the guard took off after her, she ran. Running a big loop until again she ran to the back of the man. It had taken a good twenty minutes before she had finally got behind that guard. Just like she had when the other guard, she cut the man's throat.
She drudged her way back to Kald, hoping to find him in one piece. Orenda was covered in blood and couldn't wait to wash off.
Kald had fought the man ducking and weaving. He was obviously better with the sword than the other man. Kald stabbed his sword into a gap in the mans armor and was relieved when he saw Orenda approaching. " your ok! " He noted she was covered in blood. He had some on him but not nearly the amount she seemed to have. " I will clean up this mess.. and find out what I can from their belongings. You should clean up. " Kald hoped Orenda would be ok, she had just killed 2 people.
Orenda nodded silently. She walked to the stream in silence. She felt rather numb, like there wasn't anything there. She couldn't feel anything and it scared her. She took off her outer dress and walked into the stream, the water up to her hips. The water was cool, cleansing. She grabbed her outer dress and started washing it in the water. She stayed there for a while, she didn't want to end up breaking down in front of Kald but she wasn't doing it there either. So when she got cold she walked out of the water.
Orenda usually built a fire on the banks so she could dry her inner dress because it was rather revealing when wet. She didn't this time, she didn't want to worry Kald. So she wrapped her outer dress around her to cover herself up more. Even though she was engaged to Kald she still didn't want to give him a peep show. Not yet anyways.
Kald had taken pretty much everything of possible value off of the bodies. Their armor and weapons and anything else. He sighed wondering what to do with them. He had started a pyre for them and burned them up. He looked at Orenda as she came back. He smiled at her trying to cover herself up. He had put more wood on the fire and hid the valuables into Orenda's house. He figured it would do better there. He then took a rag and began to clean off himself better. He sighed and spoke " warm up here and here... " He took out his blanket she had made him and put it around her. " They seem to have been alone, and just simple bandits. Though I hope your ok."
Orenda set her outer dress close to the fire before wrapping the blanket around herself. She honestly didn't know if she was okay. "I had never killed anyone before," She started, her teeth starting to chatter. If ever someone needed to die she had always done it indirectly. The faces of the men had been burned into her memory now though. Something that could never be undone. She took a deep breath, pulling the blanket tighter around her. "I don't know if I'm okay honestly, I'm numb."
" Your always going to remember them, and if you didn't I would be worried. But you can't let it get to you. They meant you harm. " He hugged her and sat next to her. having gone through it once he didn't know what quite to do for her. He knew it was always hard. He just wished he could of spared her of it. " Its hard... to accept that you took a life from this world but if you hadn't, you and I would be gone. "
Orenda simply hugged Kald with the blanket so both were in it, her head buried against his chest. Words wouldn't bring her comfort. The only thing that could bring her comfort now would be to be in his arms, with him. To feel him.
Orenda looked up at Kald timidly, kissing him. If she was kissing him she wasn't thinking about the men that she had killed, and that is what she needed. She needed to forget them a while and relax against the man that she loved for a while.
Kald kissed her back and hugged her closely to him. He loved her, and hated seeing her like this. His tongue pushed against her lips trying to seek entrance. He wanted to help her forget, and nothing like a bit of kissing he thought as his own cares seemed to vanish in the warmth and closness of Orenda. He loved her. He was glad she was here.
Orenda surrendered her mouth to Kald, opening her lips to give him entrance. His bod was warm, she she pressed her wet cold body harder against his. Her heart was starting to beat fast and she was starting to enjoy the butterflies that filled her stomach. Her raging teenage hormones wod make forgetting much easier.
He moved his tongue into her mouth, intertwining them. He was glad she was here. though he wasn't as ethuasic as before, where she seemd more so.. IT was strange what killing did to you. He stopped, and looked at the beautiful woman infront of him. " you saved my life, I wouldn't of been able to handle them all at once, thank you"
Orenda seemed slightly disappointed as he pulled away, was he not enjoying it. She took a deep breath, calming herself, trying to get her emotions and hormones back under control. "I could let them hurt you... I had to do something," she spoke softly, a dark crimson red blush starting to sink into her face. In a way she felt rejected, but she also knew the feeling was probably stupid and just over reacting. Of course he was enjoying the kiss, he had just had a lot more time to learn how to control himself and deal with his emotions.
Kald kissed her again and then he smiled, as he fell in to reverie no able to stop it anymore, he was exhausted. And the warmness of her so close to him brought him in to closest thing to sleep he had ever experienced. He loved Orenda and had never felt like he did now, this close to a woman. It kind of scared him, what were these feelings. He could still feel orenda near him and he enjoyed her presence.
Orenda sighed softy as he fell into his sleep. It was hard to think how something could excite her so much her heart felt as if it would beat out of her chest, but he could just fall asleep after. She bite her lip hard, calming herself and clearing her mind, she needed to rest too. Orenda rested her head on his should and wrapped her arms and the blanket tightly around them. She was thankful for his warmth, with out it she would have been shivering all night.
Kald woke up early in the morning. He tried to slowly and carefully place her on the ground with care. He couldn't believe they had fell asleep by the fire. He laughed as he tossed some wood on the fire to keep her warm, and he crept away and started building his fire place. He began to lay the stone, using his supplies from his wagon. He hummed a little and kept at it, hoping Orenda got a good sleep.
Once Kald started to hammer Orenda woke up. She was happy to find that both her outer and inner dress had dried, so she quickly slipped on her outer dress before going to find Kald. She leaned against the frame and watched him work for a while, enjoying the view so to speak. She offered him a sheepish grin, wondering if he would want her to start cooking something for him. She was sure he would get hungry working so much.
Kald smiled as he saw Orenda appear. He kept working on his chiminey. He watched her grin at him, and grinned back. He wondered what she was up to. She was most likely up to no good. He kept working though. He wasn't going to stop just because she showed up. He chose to ignore her out of fun and interest in her reaction. He wondered what she might do. Kald knew she was probably just having fun watching him, she tended to like doing that.
Orenda was silent for a while, she wanted him to get some work done before she started distracting him. Plus the faster the house got done the sooner she would be able to go meet his family, which was rather exciting to think about. After a while though, Orenda walked behind Kald, wrapping her arms around him from behind and giggled softly.
"Do you want me to get you something?" She asked against his back, you cod hear the smile on her face in her voice. It was clear she was finding this rather amusing.
Kald laughed and enjoyed her grabbing him. "Well I suppose you could start on lunch if you had to. " He smiled because he knew she was. " You know its hard to work when I have such a beautiful woman holding on to me. " He tried to turn around to kiss her. He hoped she would let him.
Orenda loosened her grip on him allowing him to turn and place his lips on hers. She liked the feel of his lips against hers, so soft and warm. "Good," she spoke against his lips, looking up at him from under her thick lashes. She loved the man before her, and she loved him with her whole heart. She had killed for the man in front of her. She was going to marry the this man and never doubt or look back at old possibilities. This was the beginning of the happiest times of her life.
Kald smiled, and kissed her again. "Can I please get back to work?" He could spend all day with her, but he knew that no work and all play was well no work. He kissed her again, wanting to slip another in. " I could spend all day kissing you but I should get to work... " He looked at her, clearly torn, as he smiled their lips so close yet so far.
Orenda smiled rubbing her nose against his slightly. "Let's make a deal, you finish the chimney I'll kiss you all you want," she with a smirk. She didn't want to have to pull away from him. She loved being in his arms. She loved being close to him. Finally though she released him from her hug and turned to head to the fire bit. She was already missing his warmth. She knew she would just have to wait until later.
Kald laughed. " Deal " He said, missing her already, he went back to work. He loved her, and didn't regret a thing. He was glad she left at the same time, He didn't know if he could resist her much longer and of returned to work. He breathed deeply and kept working. He couldn't let her tempt him. It was funny how tempting it was to abandon all and be with the woman you love. He would have much longer to do that though. He smiled as he thought of her, and kept working on the chimney. He hoped to have it done today.
Orenda got the pot and was happy to find there was some stew still left, not much though so she would have to add things to it. She walked into the forest, gathering different vegetables. It took her about a half hour, longer then usual simply because her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Kald.
She finally got back to camp and started to cut the vegetables into the stew. It wouldn't be as meaty as the stew from the night before but it would still be good. She hoped that he was hard at work. If he got done she would be able to kiss him that night.
Kald worked hard, but he knew he wasn't going to have this thing done by the end of the day. For one.. he realized he didn't have a plan to reach the higher part, so he began to build some sort of scaffolding. He sighed at his luck. He should of done it as he was building the roof, then he wouldn't of had to worry. He put some wood on the outside of the chinmey to reinforce the stone as it hardened into place. This was a fun day he thought. He hoped that lunch was soon.
Before long the stew grew hot, where most of it had already been cooked it didn't take it long to get done. She walked to where Kald was, leaning against the house and watching him work. By the looks of things he wouldn't finish that day, which was a little bit disappointing but she figured it would help build her resolve. She still wished to kiss him though, she loved the feeling that kissing gave her, of electricity running up her spine.
Kald smiled, and kept working, he was still under the impression that the deal wasn't that binding. He had the wood up a level, and began laying stone again. He Then took a break and grabbed two bowls of stew and brought it over to Orenda as he moved to give her a quick kiss.
Orenda let him kiss her, she quickly realized she couldn't refuse him that, she herself liked it too much. She took the bowl of stew and looked at him with a smile. "You know, you weren't suppose to start kissing me until you finished the chimney," She started with a small chuckle. "I sure a few exceptions can be made though," She added before beginning to eat.
Kald laughed, and began to ate. " So are you doing anything today?" He wanted to know if she was up to anything, because surely she didn't want to watch him all day. It sounded terribly boring. He ate some more looking at her and wondering what she planned to do. He thought of his house. He was glad that it was coming together, and that she let him kiss her. He loved the feeling.
"I'll probably weave some," She said with a shrug as if it were not important. She would be perfectly satisfied with watching him. He was so strong and incredibly attractive, watching him got her blood pumping so to speak. The thought made her blush so she quickly looked down at her stew. Orenda wondered if Kald was getting tired of her stew since they ate so much of it.
Kald wondered if all she ever ate was stew. He didn't want to say anything though, as he loved, her, and would eat whatever she made him. He ate more stew and then looked at Orenda. " So when shall we get married?" He wondered if it was too out of the blue, but he wanted to know though if she had any ideas. Oh how he loved her, and everything about her.
Orenda lowered her bowl, thinking about his question. She was just getting used to the idea and hadn't really thought about when they should get married. She bit her lip slightly as she thought for a moment.
"Maybe when we go to visit your family, or maybe not, I don't know, I'm not in a rush but I don't want to wait forever," She thought out loud. She looked at him with a gentle smile, "Do you have any ideas when we should?"
Kald thought, " Hmm I don't care, I want to do it when your ready and want to. " He smiled and ate the rest of his stew. " We can have it with my family if you wish, I just want you to be happy. " He thought about it and sighed hoping that Orenda was happy.
Orenda smiled, "I am happy as long as I'm with you," she spoke sweetly. It was true, he brought her a sense of peace, a sense of acceptance. Both things she hadn't had for a while before she met him. He had become her sense of joy and she was sure no matter where they were as long as she was with him she would be okay.
Kald smiled. " good, I am glad " He kissed her and then began to work again. He smiled as he got back to work. He didn't want to waste any time, his house being done meant he could take her to his home, and they could possibly get married. He loved his day already. This was a good start to the rest of his life. He could get use to this. He smiled as he kept working, hoping that the love of his life was finding a way to occupy her self.
Orenda watched him for a moment before walking to her hut. She sat down at her loom to start finishing up a tapestry, something that would help keep a house that would soon be there home warm. The thought excited her, something she found a little odd. She never thought she would be excited about living in a small house and cooking and cleaning, but with Kald it wouldn't be so bad.
Kald smiled and kept working, It wasn't as hard as other stuff, but it was important. He kept raising the stone, and the scaffolding. He was glad that there was only so much to his building. He would probably take until the marrow. He just hoped that it didn't take too much longer than that.
Orenda finished the tapistry rather quickly with her quick skilled hands. She stood from her small work stool and look down at the bracelet she wore that he had gotten her, the at the ring that was on her finger. It still was sinking it, she couldn't believe how unbelievably lucky she was. She had just figured as long as she stayed in Connloath she would be alone. She walked out of her hut and to Kald's house. He had made a lot of progress but the chimney still wasn't done, but honestly she didn't care too much. She leaned against the house and watched his strong lean body with a smirk.
Kald, smiled as he worked and worked not wanting to slow down because the moment he did, he might give into the distraction that was Orenda. He smiled a bit stealing a glance of her. He had never met a woman quite like her, beautiful and independant. He wondered how he had ended up like this, marrying a human.. from his original plan. It was funny how suddenly things could happen with humans.
Orenda leaned against the corner of the house, her left side towards Kald. Her head was leaned back against the solid beam and her eyes were closed. She took slow peaceful breaths, letting her mind go empty and to just enjoy the soft warmth of the sun rays against her skin and the cool moist breeze that drifted by. She could hear birds chirping in the distance and if she listened close enough she could even hear the oft trickle of water from the stream that wasn't too far away.
Kald kept working, catching glances of his beautiful bride to be. He smiled glad she was relaxing. He then got back to placing the chimney, he was half way up, his house was starting to look more like a house. " Orenda, could you maybe work on a door? it would be a great way to help. " He knew it was a bit much but then they could get done faster.
"How should I try to make it?' Orenda asked as she opened her eyes. She turned her head to look at him, she didn't know what exactly he wanted her to do. She knew the more she pitched in the faster it would be built and the quicker she would be able to meet his family and marry the love of her life. Still though, she would much rather just cuddle with Kald.
Kald smiled, and then thought before answering " There is a binding compound in the wagon, glue some of the wood together, I will worry about the hinges. and such" He kept laying grout, and stones. He would have a chimeny by tomarrow, he thought. " if you need anything else let me know, we might have to chop down another tree." He looked forward to being in Orendas close proximity again.
Orenda nodded. She gathered some wood first and set it out like a puzzle. Laying it exactly how she was going to glue it so it would be perfect. Orenda then got the glue and started to bind the pieces slowly, being very thorough. She kept her mind focused at the task at hand to help distract her from Kald. She wondered if he felt the same way, if he struggled to keep her out of his mind.
Kald kept on working he tried to block out the wonderful image of Orenda as he tried to focus on work. He couldn't let her distract him so but it seemed that it was impossible. He laughed to himself as he kept going. He also had to stop from watching her work, He didn't know how other couples manged to get anything done.
Finally Orenda sat back on her heels finished with what she could of the door. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand and looked towards Kald. She stood quickly and made her way to him. It was getting late enough and she figured he deserved a break.
Kald hopped down, and gave her a kiss, He loved the feeling of her lips on his, and it never go old. " hmm Shall we have some time to rest and then eat?" He looked at her, and wondered what she was thinking. He looked at her, still lingering closely, it was sad at this rate they would never reach the fire.
Orenda smiled wrapping her arms loosely around his neck, "If you want to, but I do say you need to take a break from the chimney, you've been working hard at it all day," She spoke looking at him lovingly. "The stew is still hot, so unless you think you can go catch a rabbit or squirrel or something that is what I have."
Kald picks her up and carries her towards the fire with a laugh. He then sets her down and takes a seat by the fire. " hmm it smells excellent. " He looks up at her, and smiles, loving his time with her. It was like heaven. kald grabs a bowl of stew, and eats a bit.
Orenda leaned against Kald gently. She wasn't particularly hungry so she didn't get a bowl of stew but just watched him eat instead. She didn't have to talk to be comfortable around Kald, his presence was enough for her. She leaned her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, letting her body relax.
Kald was hungry from work and he smiled as he felt her head on his shoulder. He kept eating, and relaxed knowing she was close and with him. Kald felt at peace, relaxing by the fire. He was looking forward to many nights like this. He ate some more, and pondered getting a second bowl.
"What are you thinking about? You are relatively quiet," Orenda asked looking up at him, quickly kissing his cheek. It was a simple gesture but that is all she could do since he was eating. She hoped that he really did like her cooking and that it wasn't just him being nice about it.
Kald smiled at Orenda and spoke" Just us, and how things are going. Its nice to be together, like this. " He gave her a kiss on the forehead, and went back to eating. " i could sit here for a long time and be perfectly content." He said with a smile and slight blush. Kald couldn't believe he had said that. But it was out. he just tried to hide his blush at this point.
Orenda looked up at Kald a dark blush falling over her face as she dug up the courage to say what she was about to say. "Kald.... I-I love you," She spoke softly, her words nearly inaudible. She hoped that he wouldn't get upset, she hoped that he would say it back. She hoped that he loved her.
" I love you to, Orenda" He said with a smile and kiss. He had told her once before, he was glad she was ready to say it back. He gave her a squeeze, and held her tight, He loved the woman in his arms. He was the luckiest man in the world.
Orenda smiled. How did she get that lucky. She never thought that she would love anyone, she especially didn't think that someone would love her back. She didn't just love Kald, she was in love with Kald. Orenda reached up and caressed Kald's face, she would be perfectly fine just spending the rest of her life cuddling with him.
Kald smiled " So I was thinking we should vary our diet a bit, Your stew is good but it is hardly healthy to eat stew all the time. I can make something if you want, surely some hunting or something can make it so we can make anything. " He gave her another kiss and smiled as he lingered, trying to make it last longer.
Orenda let her lips linger against his, she too didn't want the kiss to end. She felt as if she could live off the passionate kisses that they shared. She didn't care what he fixed, or if he just got what they needed and she was to fix it.
Kald let the kiss end, as he looked at Orenda. " so whats the reply then? my love, I hope you don't think I don't like your food, because it is great." Kald moved and got another bowl. He then sat back down next to her and ate some more. He was really hungry for some reason, probably because the work. Kald just smiled at orenda and hoped she leaned against him again.
Orenda shrugged. "I can fix something else, stew just goes further so that is what I usually fix. I am out of anything I can make bread out of though. If you catch something tomorrow I can fix you whatever you want me to," She explained softly.
"We will have to fix that then" Kald said with a laugh. " I can catch us anything you want, but take my furs, and this " Kald reaches into his pack and finds a pouch full of elven money, and other bits of gems and treasures. " It should cover anything you need for cooking supplies." He smiled and dropped it in her lap. " I hope its enough, I don't know your currency so well. " He gave her another kiss and smiled.
Orenda's eyes got big as he handed her the money, she was speechless for a moment. "Kald, I have the money to cover the cost of anything that I need to buy," She said, the money that he had given to her still cupped in her hand.
"ok... then, I just thought you might need some extra. " He took it back and put it in his pouch. " oh you can take and sell the junk that was on those soldiers, the other night as well. " He thought it over wondering if he had done something bad. Maybe she didn't like using someone else's money?
"I didn't mean to offend you," She spoke softly looking down. "I just, I have the money and you have the house to finish, I can pay for this," She spoke softly. She would go and sell the dead men's things though there was nothing of real value.
Kald laughed " My money is your money soon enough, I figured I would just help, " He smiled and kissed her on the forehead. " I love you" He set his stew down and put his arm around her, and leaned back, glad to be in the moment with the love of his life.
Orenda offered Kald a soft smile, leaning up against him, leaning her head against his chest. "I love you too," She spoke in a near whisper. "Elven money doesn't go as far in Connloath, they see that it is tainted by magic users, so let me use my money, so yours isn't waisted."
"Oh.... That explains much on why they wouldn't take it" He smiled as he thought about his previous exchange with the people in town. He hated, how anti magic these people were, not even liking elven money was ridiculous. but alas it was the region. He sighed and whispered in her ear " Your the most beautiful woman I have ever met"
A deep chill ran up Orenda's back, causing it to arch slightly. A dark blush rose to her cheeks, "Why do you have to whisper?" She asked with a giggle. Her skin tingled from the words that he spoke. She couldn't believe how sweet Kald was, she was lucky.
" I felt like it " He whispered, He smiled and kissed her neck, " I could stay here forever" He said finally voicing how content he was here with her. Kald loved being with Orenda and he hoped she took the horses and wasn't gone long if she left.
Orenda chuckled, "You're mean," She teased giggling, "Whispering in my ear and kissing my neck." Still she didn't pull away, she liked it too much to do that. In the morning she would ride into town and get what they would need.
Kald kissed down her neck a bit. " no your the mean one, telling me my money is worthless" He said with a laugh, He then turned her head and kissed her on the lips before resigning back to leaning backwards. Kald could fall asleep like this if he let himself. He couldn't tempt her to sleep outside though, he didn't want to get her sick again.
Orenda leaned back against him, turned to look down at him. She reached over running her hands through his hair gently, her fingers gently brushing over his ear. "I didn't say it was worthless to me, just worthless to most Connloaths," She spoke, a smirk playing at her lips.
Kald laughed and kissed her smirking lips. " I know, " He felt her hands on his ear and couldn't help but shudder from the feeling. " Your know my weakness..." He smiled and gave her another kiss. " I can't believe that sometime soon, you and I will be married" He thought of the strange thought, he would have a wife... a home, a family...
Orenda smiled, caressing his cheek. "Why can't you believe it? Here I am, with the ring on my finger," She spoke before leaning down, gently pressing her lips to his. She let the kiss linger, loving the tingling feeling that started to spread through her body, radiating from her lips.
"It just that I was so nervous that you would say no. Your so great, " He kissed her back, loving the feeling that seem to spread when he did. " I am glad we can spend so much time together. In elven society, we wouldn't be spending much time together at this stage in our relationship..." Kald said for glad that he wasn't home. It wouldn't of happened so quick either.
"What do you mean? what would have happened and why wouldn't it?" Orenda asked, a bit curious. She would always enjoy learning more about Kald's culture, and was excited to learn whatever bit of knowledge that Kald was about to share with her.
Kald thought. " Well we have a long engagement process, that usually leads to infrequent time spent between the couple, as they continue to follow whatever profession they might have until a couple year engagement is complete. But this way I get to spend as much time as I want with you. " Kald gave her a kiss, and smiled. " I love you"
Orenda's head turned slightly, trying to gain a better understanding of the vague description. She considered asking why but finally decided against it, knowing it probably wouldn't give her the answers that she was seeking. Instead she offered Kald a soft smile. "And I instead of taking your furs to town I thought that maybe I should work them, I'm sure you could find plenty of use for them in your big brand new house," She spoke poking Kald gently in the side.
Kald laughed as she poked him in the side. " I suppose your right, i forget how much stuff you need in a new house and you should say our new house" He smirked at her, rubbing his side as if she had wounded him. You are right though, they would do better as something in our house.
Kald loved Orenda and couldn't wait to take her away from here and show her the world. He hoped she would love it as much as him.
"Well it won't be ours until we're married and that is going to be a little while," Orenda stated with a slight chuckle. Once they were married though and she moved into the house with Kald, she had enough stuff to fill at least one of the rooms.
"You know, we're getting married and I don't even know your mothers name," She pointed out as a smirk spread across her face.
"My mothers name is Ardrisa ,She is one of the most beautiful woman I know besides you of course, and she will love to meet you!"
Kald smiled and gave her a quick kiss. " It is still ours to me, dispite what you say. " He smiled at her and then sighed. " I think its time we go to bed my love or our house will never get finished. " He laughed a bit before giving her a hug, and not letting go, partially not wanting her to get up. He could lie here and just fall asleep knowing that his fiance was here with him, but he knew she should get into her bed so she didn't get sick. He still didn't let go, he sort of regretted mentioning bed.
Orenda didn't get up or pull against Kalds arms, she simply snuggled closer to him. He was so warm and comfortable she knew she could easily fall asleep right there. She couldn't wait until after they were married and she could sleep in his arms, in their home, in their bed, all night long.
"Must I leave your arms?" She asked softly after a long silent pause. She wondered where he was going to sleep. She knew he was use to sleeping outside but she didn't like the idea. She knew she shouldn't worry about Kald, he would more than likely long out live her.
Kald admitted " I suppose not, but don't blame me if people start to talk" He laughed as he held her, and pulled over a blanket. It was still out here from the night before. " I am content to fall asleep like this" He couldn't wait till they could share a bed, then Orenda could actually be comfortable, his reverie let hims sleep most places. A bed just meant he was lying down in a better spot then most times. He almost said something but stopped and just enjoyed the moment.
'"Yes, because there are just so many people out here with us and around us," Orenda spoke before laughing. Orenda could feel the slight hesitation, she could tell that he had considered saying something. She sat in silence for a while, trying to figure out what he would have wanted to say.
"Kald, I love you. You can tell me anything, and talk to me about anything you know?" Orenda spoke softly against his chest.
Kald laughed " I love you too, I was just hesitating mentioning you should go to bed again as I didn't want you to go" He smiled and knew he had picked the right woman, She was funny, beauiful, and just everything he could ask for. Kald still chuckled a bit at the fact she had thought he had something more serious to say. It was funny, that she was so concerned yet touching, he was lucky.
"Well I think with this blanket and your warm body that I will be just fine," Orenda spoke reaching up to caress his face. She closed her eyes and let her body relax against his. She was glad that his strong body was so warm.
Kald smiled and fell asleep, His reverie meant he was aware of her every breath against his chest, and that he would know should anything approach them. He rested, glad to know that she was safely with him. He could get use to this he thought, as he leaned against the tree, and fell into reverie. It was always a wonderful rest when she was this near to him.
Orenda quickly fell asleep to the lullaby of Kald's heart beat. Her breathing grew deep and even as her body completely relaxed. Her hand that was resting on his neck slowly slid down before she started to snuggle closer to Kald in her sleep, naturally seeking out his warmth.
Kald, let his reverie last, he didn't want to leave this morning and wake her up. He stayed still, and hoped she slept good. He admired her beauty, as she seemed so cute sleeping. He could watch her sleep forever. Kald stayed still, and tried to keep her asleep, he didn't want to be the reason she woke up. He wanted her to get all the sleep she could. It was the least he could do.
Once the sun rays started to peak over the horizon Orenda began to stir and quickly woke up. She stretched and yawned and looked up at Kald with a smile. "Good morning handsome," She spoke with a soft smile. There was nothing like waking up in the arms of the one you loved. She sat up, stretching once more. "How about we have some fruit for breakfast?"
Kald smiled " sure" missing her already. "Do we have to get up?" He said with a smile as he got up and stretched, his back a bit sore from the tree. He loved the feeling of Orenda in his arms and didn't want to let her go once she was there, but alas he should get to work. " I was going to ask you to get me some arrows but I realize that your magic hating friends probably don't match our arrows with longevity, our arrows stay intact, due to magic in their very construction. " He said trying to drum up some conversation and poking fun at their superstitions towards magic. Kald looked around and realized they didn't have much fruit from their forages, " Should I start work first? or shall we gather together"
"I'vehave never used arrows so, I wouldn't know, but I think your logic could make sense," She said with one last yawn. "I'll go get the fruit and you finish the chimney, remember we get to kiss afterwards," She added with a soft smirk. She then turned quickly and walked into the woods. She knew the area well enough to know where to find the fruit and where it wasn't. She quickly picked enough for the two of them for a small breakfast.
Kald made his way to the chimney and began finishing it, There wasn't much more left. He kept putting the stones up and it wasn't long before it was done. He noticed that Orenda was back, and he walked up to her slowly. Where he gave her a kiss, and added some tongue as if to signal what was done. He then pulled back and smiled still lingering close to her. " I am done!"
Kald then wondered if there was anything else... " just the door and the windows then?" He figured thats all that it took to make a house.
Orenda dropped the fruit and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I made the door remember?" she spoke softly against his lips. She quickly leaned in, connecting their lips again. She loved the feeling and just like every time he kissed her, it got her heart pumping and her hormones raging.
Kald just let their lips connect and embraced her, glad she was here. He then broke it off with a smile and grabbed the fruit, tossing the rest to Orenda, he took a bite. " It seems I can go with you to town if you want. I can buy some more supplies and we can take some of the extra lumber and sell it. " Kald loved Orenda and couldn't wait to finish the house, he couldn't think of anything else that needed done, other than his stable.
When Kald broke the kiss Orenda looked a bit disappointed. Still she grabbed the fruit and started to eat. She was silent for a while, she gave no clue whether that be because she was eating or for some other reason. "Then I guess we can leave one we get done eating," She said simply as she looked down at the fruit that was in her hand.
"Whats wrong?" He wasn't sure but something seemed to of happened in the brief time between their kiss and now. Kald ate some of his fruit, but he was still trying to figure out what was on Orenda's mind. "I don't have to go if that is it..." He was grasping at straws, but maybe that was it...
"That isn't it, if I didn't want you to go I would say so... But I love you so of course I want you to go," Orenda spoke, her words slightly rushed. She hated her teenage hormones and the intense but over dramatic emotions they evoked. Orenda sat her fruit down taking a deep breath.
"When we kiss you always break it off so soon, and when we kiss it doesn't seem to affect you at all. You break it off so easy. Am I doing something wrong?"
Kald laughed, " I am glad to know, but I am sorry I had no idea, I love our kisses, Your great, I am sorry.. I didn't know I just.... " How to put it... He thought, kald wasn't sure. " I love the feeling, I just don't want us to go too far, so I always try to break it before I can get to a point that would make me do something I regret..." He hoped that came out right, as he blushed, having never talked about kissing like that before.
Orenda looked down, already regretting saying anything. Sometimes she wish she could keep things to herself though she knew it was in her nature not to. "What would you do that you would regret?" She asked her words soft. She wasn't she wanted the answer yet she needed. She knew she was taking it the wrong yet she couldn't help the slight ping the words made her feel.
"We'll be married soon," she started but quickly decided she didn't wan to continue with her words. She took a deep breath and picked up her fruit. She tried to start eating again but only managed to pick at the fruit.
" That time when I kissed you with my tongue too soon, I fear that I will get in the moment and do something like that again. I might touch you somewhere before you are ready or start us down the path of making love before we are married. " Kald blushed... " I want everything to be special and only do what is comfortable for you, I don't want to push you away, I love you too much"
Kald sighed and ate some of his fruit out of something else to do, he hoped they could just go, and drop this line of conversation but yet he knew they needed to talk about this, it was important.
Orenda found it difficult to find words to say, or even speak at all. Did he think that she had no self control and she couldn't stop them if she felt they were going too far too fast. She set her fruit down and stood taking a deep breath. She knew they needed to have this conversation, set boundaries but she didn't want to have it right now.
"We should get the horses ready to leave before too much longer unless you don't want to make it back by nightfall," She spoke, telling herself they would talk about it once they got back.
Kald sighed and got the horses ready in a flash, They listened to him well, and he had them hooked up to the emptied wagon. He had filled his house with the random stuff he use to keep in the wagon. Kald then got up on the wagon and awaited Orenda. He smiled at her and said " Well lets go!" He was excited, he got to go to town with his fiance. So Kald was waiting to set off. He wondered why she was so strange.. Women he thought...
Orenda climbed up into the wagon in silence. She didn't know what to say and didn't think Kald would be very talkative either. She didn't want to bring up the unfinished conversation until they were back. The road and town wasn't the place for that conversation thought the conversation need to happen.
Kald just smiled and wanted to see the towns reaction to him kissing Orenda once they were in town. He planned on doing it as to study how the people around here took it. " Well off we go!" He said as he took them off to the village. He loved how much faster it was with a wagon and thought of it as the best purchase he had made yet. It enabled him and Orenda to get to town and only take a day, which is much better than the two it took before. He didn't say anything as they approached the town. He just let Orenda think about whatever she needed to think about.
Now that Orenda was engaged to Kald she was much more aware of the looks he was given. Once the villagers started to notice the ring on her finger, the looks were no longer isolated to Kald. They were both looked at as if they were extremely dangerous, like they had some contagious sickness that would spread.
Kald didn't even pay attention to the looks, he was fine, and thus he kept going till he found a spot to rest the animals. " Orenda, get what ever you need and lets meet back here" He said with a smile as he gave her a kiss. He laughed as he noticed the looks he got. " What never see a couple kiss?" He shrugged and walked away putting brakes on the wheel, and tying the horses up. It shouldn't be long he thought. He went to a couple stores, looking at wedding rings and giving up he would get some at his town.
Orenda hurried about, buying things and taking things to the wagon. She bought a good amount of grain and a few spices that wasn't native to Connloath. Once she was done she had bought a good bit, mostly emptying her coin purse. Still it would last them long enough for her to make many more blankets to make some of the money back.
Kald bought some note foreign wood to carve and various items he figured would be handy for his new house. he wondered what a normal couple experienced here. it was a shame that the people were so against elves curly because of magic. he got back to the wagon and smiled when he found orenda. there. "shall written go?"
Orenda sighed with a slight nod. She was growing tired of the looks and the hushed whispers. "Yes, I'm ready to go," She verbalized softly. She leaned back slightly, She never knew something so simple could be so emotionally draining.
Once they were a good way away from the town she turned to look at Kald, trying to read his face in silence. Did any of this bother him at all. If she was an elf she would never go somewhere like Connloath.
" You can't let them bother you, its not worth the time. They are just simple minded." He sighed and looked at his beautiful fiance. " I am the luckiest man in the world and I don't care who knows it. " He began whistling a joyous elven tune as they rode on. He was glad to be on the road with the most important person in his life.
He smiled as they got closer to home. that was right it was home now, it felt good to say that. " Home... can you believe it.. we are going home, to our home!" He said not tiring of the fact they were going home. Kald was in a good mood.
"I don't care what they think about me and you, I just fear what they might figure out if attention is brought to us," Orenda said with a slight frown. She hoped that he didn't think that she was ashamed of him because she wasn't.
Orenda nodded. She wanted to get home, she didn't have to deal with people there. She wondered if Kald's family would look at her the way the people in the town looked at Kald. As they drew near closer their home Orenda looked over at Kald, "We need to finish our conversation from earlier.
"Well what about it my love? I just don't want to.. make your uncomfortable because I can't control my self. That is why I ensure I end it before I lose control." he sighed, He hated the fact that he could lose himself to the moment like that but when you got close to the moment like that, the feelings, the sensations, He didn't want to do anything he might regret. He hoped she understood. It wasn't like he meant to do this to her.
"I thought that maybe we could discuss boundaries and what was okay, what would make one of us uncomfortable so we know when to quit, so we know what is too far so we don't have to play the guessing game... But... " Orenda sighed, looking down away from Kald, "If you're so afraid of losing control or whatever we don't have to and I guess leaving it the way it is would do until we get married." Orenda knew Kald was only doing it be wise he loved and cared about her, still though, she couldn't help feel a little bit rejected when he pulled away from a nice slow kiss like she was doing something wrong.
Kald took a deep breath, "Then what are your boundaries? I will try my best to try it your way. I only want to do what will make you happy. I am fine with whatever you are, I do like it when you tease my ears though, I don't know if you know how sensitive an elf's ears are.. " he blushed a bit and looked to her, curious of what she decided were boundaries. He wanted to have his be whatever hers were. He didn't have much of a preference.
Orenda's face turned a dark crimson. That was her problem she wasn't experienced enough to know what boundaries she should have. She didn't know all the different possibilities which made her desicion that much more difficult. She took a deep breath before she decided to speak. "Well," she started timidly, " I don't really know that much where I haven't really ever done anything with a boy at all... So I can only speak of from what I know from what we have done, and the little bit I do know. I'll start out with the the obvious one, no making love until after we're married," Orenda found it weird saying those words, they almost seemed foreign.
Kald nodded, " I assumed that was one of them. What about touching each other, in sensitive spots? " He got out.. ackwardly.. He blushed. "Like for instance my ears.. and you know... " he blushed even redder. He wanted to mention other things but he didn't know how to say them, he found himself embarassed as he knew of things that she didn't was he a pervert? He honestly didn't know. It seemed elves were more open about this sort of thing but for some reason it was hard to talk about it in front of this beautiful human woman.
As Kald's face grew red, her face grew more red. She was embarrassed that she didn't what he was trying to say, almost ashamed that she didn't. She took a deep breath and pushed away the negative feelings. "Well, don't touch anything below my waist unless you giving me a foot massage, and don't kiss anything below my collar bone... That should cover everything right?" She asked putting her head in her hands. "What are your boundaries?"
Kald, laughed, " I have the same boundaries as you I suppose. which in that I have none, Elves are a bit more free in this area.. " He laughed, it seemed humans were sensitve in this area. He was glad to know her limits. and wondered what she would have to say about his limits. Kald was glad to be home, as he let the horsed out and such. he was wondering what Orenda might be up to.
Orenda nodded, "It would seem that way... I don't know about all people of Connloath, but my family was very strict when it came to behavior that was acceptable between girls and boys. Holding hands was about as far as you could go," she said remembering how strict her parents were.
With a deep breath Orenda looked up at Kald, leaning against him, her head on his shoulder, she was glad that they talked. She found that though talking about something's made her feel awkward at the time, she felt a lot better once she got them off her chest.
Kald kissed her forehead and laughed. " Your people intrigue me. They seem so set in their ways, they are like elves. We just are more open than them though. I can't wait till you meet my family they are wonderful!"
Kald smiled and started unloading the wagon, putting everything in his house, including some sort of small stove thing. He put it by the chiminey and hope Orenda knew what it was. It was suppose to make cooking easier.. He didn't know. He shrugged and started the fire in his house. He thought it would be better to sit and eat there then outside near Orenda's hut. It would be healther anyways, if they kept falling asleep in each others arms.
Orenda walked to her hut. She wasn't going to officially move in the house until she was married to Kald, though she knew she would be spending most of her time there. She grabbed the large tapestry she had made for Kald's new home. It would help insulate and stop any draft. She folded it and walked to find Kald to present him with his house warming gift.
Kald looked around for Orenda and saw that she hadn't followed him. He went to the door and was glad to see that she was coming over. He greeted her with a kiss. " I figured we can spend our time in our house for now, It will be warmer" He smiled " I wouldn't want you to get sick" Kald loved the woman in front of him as he wondered what she had in her hands. He wondered if it was another blanket.
Orenda smiled as she handed Kald the tapestry. It was larger then a blanket where it was made to cover a wall. "Here, hang this on a wall, it will help keep the house warm," she spoke as a soft blush rose to her checks. She really hoped that he would like it. She started to nervously bite on her lip as she waited for him to take it and speak.
Kald smiled and then grabbed his tools, " Well lets hang it and see how it looks! " He had her hold one side as he put up the other and then he did so on the other side, now looking up at the tapestry he smiled. " I love it! It is beautiful. " He went to her and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her on the lips and lingering. " its perfect like you"
Orenda smiled looking up at Kald her hands resting gently on his chest. She was relieved that her liked it, if he hadn't she probably would have cried. "You are sweet Kald," she spoke before leaned on her toes to kiss him. She let the kiss linger only for a moment, she knew she needed to start cooking so they could eat something.
Kald smiled and let go of her and stepped back, admiring the tapestry, and his beautiful fiance. " I am the luckiest man in the world " He laughed as he said. He then started placing the small pieces of furniture he had bought, a small table and two chairs. He didn't want to make them himself so he had gotten some. He sat down not remembering the last time he had gotten to sit down on an actual chair. " Can I help in any way?"
Orenda shook her head. "No, just relax, you deserve it, I'll cook," she spoke as she started to gather the stuff to start making the bread. She walked to her house to get a few things for cooking and walked back over to Kald's house. She then sat down and started to make the bread.
Kald smiled and started to carve as he waited, it was nice to be able to sit here with his wife to be and carve as she was making dinner. It would be nice to be able to do this for a long time. He was just trying to enjoy the moment, as he wanted to make sure to remember all he could forever.
Kald kept carving, this was going to be an elegant ring, that would make the twig he gave her look like a twig. He was making this for her as a way to give her an ring deserving her beauty.
Orenda didn't take long to make the vegetable stuffed bread. She didn't have any meat to fix and she had a feeling that he was growing tired of stew. She Just hoped the bread with all the seasoning would be enough. She wanted to make him happy anyway she could, and good food tended to make men happy.
Once the bread was cooking she stood and walked over to Kald with a smile. She sat in his lap and leaned against his chest, closing her eyes and relaxing. How did she get this lucky, she felt as if she had found the perfect man. He was kind and considerate, he seemed to cherish her and love her, he was perfect.
Kald made room for her with no problem, he smiled and wrapped his arms around her, still trying to carve in front of Orenda. He had some ideas for some stuff to build next, he wondered if they should build them or go and marry. " Well I was wondering, I have some other buildings to build around for some additions to help us, but I don't want to if you want to hurry and marry. " He kissed her, and kept carving wondering what was going through her mind.
Orenda looked up at him with a soft smile, "I'm not in a hurry, so I don't want to rush you, so I will let you decide," she spoke before placing a gentle kiss on his neck. She closed her eyes again and relaxed. Her mind wondering to his family and how they would except her, then to there wedding, she wondered what it would be like.
A soft blush filled her face as thoughts about there honeymoon entered her mind. She quickly pushed those thoughts away though. She opened her eyes and looked at what Kald was doing. She couldn't let herself fall asleep, she didn't want to food to burn.
Kald smiled at her, and then said, "Well get ready to go, in the morning we set off, make sure you lock up your shed, I will set up some traps and such to make sure anyone who dares to approach think this place haunted with evil magics." He laughed Knowing that with the help of his closeness to the forest, it would be easy to convince anyone in this close minded country to think their estate was evil. He just hoped they didn't try to burn it down. Hmm He thought of other ways to protect their house. " Any advice to protect the house.. I don't want people around but at the same time I don't want them to try to mob and burn it down. "
"Well, if I can find a few animals, I can use my power to get them to stick around and run everyone off. And you have to remember that we are pretty far from town and we aren't right on the road, so it isn't like the buildings should attract too much attention," Orenda spoke, hoping that she was correct. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
"How long do you think it will take to get there?"
He thought about it. and spoke. " if its just you and me, on the horses, we should get there in a week, of course that is best case scenario. " he smiled and gave her a kiss, looking into her eyes, trying not to do what she had accused him of. He wanted to make her happy. He lingered there, wondering what was going through her mind. He loved the woman in his arms. And could keep her here on his lap forever.
"What do elvin weddings look like, assuming you want to have an elvin wedding that is?" She asked with a soft smile. She loved learning about his culture, it was so exotic to her. She reached up and caressed Kald's cheek, the slight stubble there making her laugh a bit.
"I love you," She spoke softly, leaning in to give in a soft lingering kiss.
"Well the bride wears a beautiful elven gown, and the groom waits in his handsome suit, and well its much like a human ceremony.. Except we are given a sacred tree to plant at our home, and it involves a bit more. and if anyone asks, we have been engaged for a year. " He smiles, and looks at Orenda kissing her again. " because otherwise they might not do the ceremony. "
"Why a year... Well I guess for elves a year is a relatively short span of time considering your life spans," She spoke closing her eyes and laying her head on his shoulder again. She smiled, within a month of so she would be married to the man she loved. She would be his and he would be hers. The thought was a peaceful one, one that set her mind at ease.
Then with a deep sigh she opened her eyes and looked at the bread, it was done. She stood up hesitantly, not really wanting to get up and walked to the bread. She carefully removed it and placed it to set out so it could cool a bit.
It is custom for elves to wait an year, but we are going to bypass that. Mix a bit of human marrage with elven. But for the priest's to take us seriously we will need to say have been engaged for a year. " He looked at the bread and couldn't wait. " You can start moving anything you want over here so you don't have to when we get back. and you might be able to bribe me with food to help. " Kald laughed and smiled as he started carving again.
"I think I have something better than bread to bribe you with, unless you're telling me the only reason you want to marry me is for my cooking abilities," Orenda asked with a smile and a hand on her hip.
She stood there a moment before walking back towards him. The bread needed time to cool and she figured instead of awkwardly standing in the middle of the room she would return to Kald's lap.
" oh what on earth would that be? whats better than food? " He smirked as he watched her approach him and he set down his carving. " I mean looks only get you so far" He smiled. He loved Orenda and Kald couldn't wait to marry her. He loved that they were going to do it now, and maybe escape the worst of the weather here.
Orenda sat on Kald's lap, "Well there are these," She spoke before gently kissing him. "And these," She said before deepening the kiss, slipping her tongue into his mouth. She let the kiss go for a moment before pulling away slowly. "And you can't forget this," She said before placing a kiss on his neck. "And you really can't forget about this," She whispered in his ear before gently running her tongue along that outer edge of his ear.
Kald liked the first two but when she ran her tongue along his ear, she had him. His body was tingling " ok anything you want is yours! " He said starting to miss the feelings that it produced and how his body responded. Kald was a bit suprised he hadn't seen this side of Orenda so much before, He was glad he had the talk after all. " Your crafty, I will have to make sure not to underestimate you. He said nimbly touching a certain area of her chest just right " but I think I know what you might like.." he hoped he didn't go to far, while she said it was fine. So he made sure to do it to reproduce how he felt when she teased his ear with her tongue.
Orenda closed her eyes enjoying the tingling sensation and goosebumps that his actions produced. A dark blush rose to her cheeks though, she had never been touched there before. "You should never underestimate a woman who knows what you like," She spoke softly. She leaned into his touch slightly, she was glad she set her boundaries where she did. Just enough pleasure to enjoy herself but not enough to push her over the edge of no return.
Kald smiled. " So, my love, I figure a curing shed for meat to store and such, and maybe we could turn your old house into a workshop for your weaving. " He had been thinking about things that might come in handy during their life. Those were all that came to mind, as he realized the horses were trained enough to just let lose. He added a couple more touches here or there to tease her some more. He was having fun, doing this to Orenda.so his fingers kept up their actions.
"Yeah, that should work," She replied slowly, finding it hard to put together a coherent sentence. Was this they way it felt when she teased his ear she wondered. She leaned forward, her lips quickly finding his and her arms quickly wrapping around his neck. She was happy she had found this man training, and that he had found her watching. She didn't want to have to leave his arms though she knew she would have to eventually.
Kald stopped and began kissing her deeply. He loved this woman.. and was so lucky. He almost didn't want to eat dinner just so he could keep feeling the wonders of each electric sensation of every touch, every kiss, every moment. He could get use to this. Kald kept kissing her, not wanting to be the one who pulled out this time.
Reluctantly Orenda pulled back breaking the kiss off. "We need to eat and move everything so we will be ready to leave in the morning," she whispered against his lips. She didn't want to move, not eating wouldn't be that big of a sacrifice to stay in his arms. She knew though that there body needed the nutrients and the strength for the journey, especially hers.
She stood up and went and retrieved the bread, competing back to sit in his lap before tearing the bread in two, handing Kald the slightly bigger piece.
Kald took the bread, laughing that she got back to his lap so fast. "hmm smells wonderful!" He smiled as he took a bite and ate some. " Where did you learn to cook?" he was sort of curious, " Where did you learn to weave?" He wanted to know a bit more about his wonderful wife to be.
Orenda took a bite of the bread before she began to speak. "Well I learned to weave when I grew up. My family raised sheep and weaved for a noble. Where I learned to cook is a different story. Not just one person or thing taught me how to cook. I learned what I know in bits and pieces. Some from my home, some from the places I have traveled around Connloath, and some when I only had certain things so I was forced to come up with something or starve," Orenda explained with a slight shrug.
"hmm so when did you learn of your abilities? Did you try to hide them and still live with your family for a while? " He wanted to know more about that, as he knew she had scary abilities, He often forgot because in his mind how could so beautiful a person even consider using them, and as he saw she didn't use them to take advantage of people, and that is what counted to Kald, there was a time and place for everything.
"I discovered them when I was really little, around four I would say. That is how I managed to stay away from the church. I knew that if anyone found out I would either be sent off or would have to run away. One day though, I guess my mom saw me practicing my control with animals and she approached me about it. I had to use my powers on her and run away to make sure that she would never remember that I had my abilities," Orenda spoke looking down placing the bread in her lap. She wasn't really that hungry anymore, those memories always seemed to take her appetite from her.
That is awful i cant imagine though i was wondering. why stay here in this country? " bald honestly wondered what might keep her here. " if i am asking depressing questions i can stop..." bald didn't want her to keep going if it was hard to think about.
"A combination of many things, fear, the fact that this is my home, I have no where else to go, and no matter where I go people will fear me and try to use me. So it is best that I stay to myself," she spoke softly. All of this was hard to think and talk about but he deserved to know, she was marrying him after all.
Well if you ever want to love we can. i like our home though and will be content as long as i have you. your everything to me. i don't think i could Stand to be without you. he ate some more of the bread and smiled. any questions for me? your the best thing that has happened to me.
"No question you haven't already answered my love," she spoke softly letting her body lean against his heavily. She would make herself eat evintually but right now she wanted nothing else but to relax in the arms of the man she loved and let the past settle back into the recesses of her memory. She often wished she could use her abilities on herself so she could forget the painful memories.
Well then what about your first kiss? he said mischievously. mine was a cute elven girl who i had a crush on. " bald laughed that was ages ago he thought. hmm he hoped that somehow he didn't outlive ore.day by much. he didn't know how long he might be able to go without her.
Orenda blushed softly looking down at the bread in her lap. "You.. You were my first kiss," she admitted slowly. She hoped it wasn't a bad thing but she didn't know his reactions to thing. She gently bit her lip tearing off some bread with the slight intentions to eat something.
Kald smiled. " no wonder it was so special then. " He said trying to make it seem special, as it was, she would remember it forever. He kissed her up and down the neck before going back to eating. " hmm I could spend time with you forever my love. Do we have to leave the house and go so far.. " He said, he sort of wanted to just get married and spend more time with Orenda... here and not have to go anywhere, but alas " I suppose we should at least introduce my wife to my parents and let them attend our wedding.
Orenda smiled as her mood lightened enough for her to eat. The food was good the seasoning did the trick. It was flavorful enough that I didn't need any meat. It didn't take her too long to finish the bread and her stomach was full. She smiled and leaned her head against him. With him by her side her life would be perfect.
Kald smiled and finished his bread and then kissed her on the cheek. " It was delicious my love." He said glad to have something other than stew though he would never admit it. He gave her a squeeze as he enjoyed sitting here with Orenda on his lap. It was yet another perfect evening. and on the marrow they were leaving to get married, He was excited to say the least.
Orenda sat there for a while in silence. She wanted to enjoy this moment before they started moving things, just to enjoy each other. She closed her eyes, she was comfortable and she could probably fall asleep there if she would let herself. Finally she stood grabbing his hand. He was a lot stronger than her and his assistance would make the move much faster.
Kald wasn't quite sure what she wanted. " Yes? " He said not quite sure what she wanted him to do, perhaps move some things, but what? he smiled at her, and wondered what on earth, she might want, as he got up figuring he was going to have to anyways.
"Well I need help moving my mattress and my trunk of things and your help would make it a lot easier," She spoke with a soft smile. "I have a few other little things but I can get those by myself," she added looking back at him as she started to pull him towards her little hut.
Kald walked over to her hut, grabbing her mattress. He easily lifted it and moved it over into the other room, setting it against the wall. He then went back and got her trunk and carried it over. He smiled as he set it by the bed, placing the mattress down on the bed. He would just use the floor and let her use the bed. He had wondered what to do for a mattress and was glad to see he had solved it.
Kald then looked for Orenda and wanting to know if she needed anything else.
Orenda carried over her little keepsake box and several blankets and skins and pillows over. She laid all of the stuff on the bed before sitting on the bed herself. She knew the week of travel would be pretty strenuous and thinking about it just made her feel tired. She looked over at Kald with a slight smile.
"I think I am ready to sleep, but before I do," She said standing and walking over to him. "I want you to hold me for a bit."
Kald sat on the bed and held out his arms for her. " ok my love anything for you" He loved her and was more than willing to hold her for a while as he loved being that close to Orenda. Kald was ready to wrap his arms around her. He loved Orenda and couldn't wait to hold her for a bit.
Orenda sat in his lap slowly, curling up against his chest. She loved being held by him, she felt so safe and secure. Most of all, she felt loved for who she was, a feeling that was rather foreign to her. "I love you Kald," she whispered softly, reaching up to wrap her arms loosely around his neck.
" I love you Orenda, so much" He held her tightly. He didn't want the moment to end, It made him feel loved to be so close to her. That she loved him enough to be this close.. to wrap her arms around him. He closed his eyes, enjoying the moment. It was perfect.
Orenda closed her eyes for what felt like only a moment before she drifted off into sleep. Her body slowly relaxed and her breathing deepened. She trusted him fully, she loved him completely, and she wanted to stand by his side for the rest of her life. This was all a dream come true for her, it was all too perfect. She half expected to wake up and find it all had been a dream.
Kald smiled and fell into reverie as he noticed Orenda was asleep. He had sweet dreams of him and Orenda. Kald loved her and was so glad he had this new life. He couldn't wait till they got to his home city. It was going to be wonderful. Kald was sleeping with a smile on his face as he held tight the love of his life.
Orenda feel into a very deep sleep, a type of sleep that would allow someone to sleep through almost anything, her body completely relaxed. She almost appeared dead if you wasn't watching her carefully. Still though soon after dawn her eyes sleepily fluttered open, they would soon have to start the week long journey.
Kald was up soon after she was. He kissed her forehead and resisted getting up. He didn't want to move from this spot, being so close to Orenda and so comfortable. He was not ready to get up and leave. He wanted to make this last longer. Kald loved Orenda so much.
Orenda stood, she knew the sooner they got moving the sooner they would make it to his home town and the sooner they would get married. Orenda too Kald's hands in her own with a soft smile, "what is the policy for public displays of affectlion?" She asked not wanting to offend anyone while she was with Kald in his home town.
" It is fine to kiss and hold hands" He said with a smile wondering what else was on her mind. He began to gather things to for their trip, filling his pack and preparing everything he should need. He finiished and tracked down Orenda and came up behind her wrapping his arms around her waist. " I love you"
Orenda had gathered a small pack for herself and had it in her hands when Kald came up behind her. She instinctively relaxed back into his arms with a soft pleasant smile. "I love you too Kald, I love you with all my heart," she spoke with a soft smile.
Kald smiled and picked up orenda a bit playfully before setting her down. " Ready to go? if so lets get on the horses and go. " He said not wanting to let her go. " We don't want to waste daylight. " he said with a laugh knowing that Kald at least can see at night as long as the moon is out.
Orenda smiled and turned to head to the horses. She wanted to get to him home as quickly as possible. The less time she spent on the back of a horse and the more time she spend with her soon to be husband the better. She put her pack on her back quickly as she led them to the horses.
Kald smiled as they began their travels. He made sure to watch the camp sites, and make sure they had food. For the Three weeks they traveled, Kald had spend at much time as he could next to Orenda. He also made sure to keep her well protected. But as they got closer to his city, they got farther from connaloth, and he was glad. He stopped the horse at a small inn seemingly in the middle of nowhere. He got off and looked to Orenda.
" This should be good for the night, We are almost there. It was then a surly looking dwarf came out of the inn to see who had stopped by. " If it isn't Kald the Swordsman, back so soon? already gave it quits? Did someone break your sword?" Kald laughed and replied " No ,She happened, he said stepping away to let him see Orenda. " Meet, my Fiance Orenda, Orenda meet Gali Fatesmither the surliest dwarf you will ever meet, and a good friend of mine"
Orenda could have been happier to get off the horse. She never knew you could get so sore from riding an animal. She was also glad that they would be there soon and it was nice to start to meet the people Kald knew.
She looked at the dwarf with a soft smile. "Nice to meet you Gali," She spoke a bit bashfully. She had never been one that was very outgoing, especially with the possibility of visions looming over her head. She hoped to one day get a hold over them but she doubted that it would be anytime soon.
Kald laughed and took the horses to the stable, while Gali took advantage of the time. " What he pay you to pretend? I will double it! " He said with a laugh Gali then walked closer and around her, looking her over. " I thought he would never settle down especially not this early in his quest. " Kald was busy grooming the horses. Meanwhile.
Orenda laughed lightly though she did feel a bit awkward, she had never gotten good at talking to people. She had just gotten lucky with Kald, they seemed perfect for each other. "Well, he has," She said, not being able to think of anything else to say yet feeling she needed to say something. Was there something about her that would make Gali doubt that Kald would take an interest in her?
Gali laughed at the girl " Don't worry I am just joking, You can't do no better than Kald, now you two follow me, My best room for you two. " He grabbed their bags and put them up in their room before returning down into the main room. Gali looked for Orenda but saw Kald, Nothing but the best for you and your lovely fiance, now what will you have? Its on the house, anything you want. "
Kald laughed and hoped Orenda wasn't scared off by Gali. He thought about it, " Suprise me Gali, you know what I like, and I don't know what Orenda might want." Kald sat at the bar, and smiled, glad to be back. It had been ages it seemed like since he was last here.
Orenda had walked up to see the room they would be staying in. It was definitely much nicer then where she had been sleeping. The bed would definitely be much more comfortable than the ground, a lot warmer too.
She finally walked into the main room, walking behind Kald. She leaned her head against his back. "I'm hungry," She spoke softly with a soft smile. It felt different being here around people than it did in the wilderness, it would take her a little while to get used to it.
Gali leaned in on the two " Good now pick something and sit down, I won't have friedns of mine go hungry!" He yelled something at someone in the kitchen as he set a basket of bread and some sort of butter that tasted strangely like some sort of fruit, yet when ever you thought you knew which one it seemed to have changed flavors. Kald tore a piece off and split the piece in two, He quickly put some butter on his half, and he ate it quickly. He managed between bites " Gali makes the best meal on this side of the continent. other than you of course" He said with a smile, motioning for her to have a seat.
Orenda sat down at the bar and took some bread. She took her time in putting the butter on the bread and taking a bite. She smiled, the bread was delicious and the butter only made it better. "Well, give me a few options," She said, not knowing what to ask for. She couldn't remember a time where she had had food at a tavern. Orenda leaned over, leaning slightly on Kald, she loved feeling close to Kald.
Gali smiled and threw a large scroll of paper at her. It had pretty much anything she could want on it. Quite A few with some colorful names on it. Kald smiled and just said " Suprise her! " He laughed as he put his arm around her. He loved her, and hoped she didn't mind that he ordered for her. He also knew that the list was mainly a joke. He smiled at Orenda glad to have her meet his friends and family.
Orenda wasn't mad that he ordered for her, if anything she welcomed it. Plus, if anybody would know what was good it would be Kald, and Kald also had a general idea of what she liked. She leaned her head on his shoulder, completely comfortable and glad to not be on a horses back. She looked up at Kald and smiled at her soon to be husband.
Gali smiled and looked at Orenda, "So how did you meet our intrepid swordsman here?"
Kald laughed as he knew that Gali was up to no good. But he still figured it was good for Orenda to be out her shell. He smiled and wondered what else his noisy dwarven friend would ask. He smiled as a elven salad came out one that was conviently big enough for two. Kald gave Gali a look as he took a utensil and filled it with some leaves, and held it out to Orenda.
Orenda took the fork from Kald, take the bite had had offered. She had to admit that the salad was rather amazing, she doubted she could make something that delicious, even if she had the ingredients. She wondered if this trip was just going to make her feel inadiquite. She sighed deeply, pulling her thoughts back to Kald's friend before she got too worked up.
"I met him one day when he was training, I stopped to admire the view," she answered honestly.
Gali laughed and looked at the two, " I don't blame you, he has more muscles than I and I was a black smith for years! " He laughed again went back to fiddling with more things behind the bar. Kald took the chance to speak to Orenda. " Do you like it? Gali and his staff make the best food I have ever had at an inn. " Kald smiled wondered if maybe Orenda and him could get lessions from Gali then He could make Orenda such good food and she could learn how to make it as well. He shrugged the thought away, and ate some of his own. " Its great Gali! "
" So you were admiring the view, whats next lass? did you boldly give him a view as well? " Gali winked at her as if trying to infer something and laughed. " So you were training, hmm Imagine that Kald you practicing with your sword... "
Orenda nodded her head when Kald spoke with her, the food was amazing. It wasn't something to deny, her nature honesty wouldn't allow it. She turned back to Gali as he began to speak again, taking a few bites of the salad as he spoke.
She blushed at the mention of giving Kald a view. The honest truth she hadn't. The closest thing he had to a view was when he saw her in her drenched underdress and even then he didn't really look at her, he had been more worried about getting her warm, or at least tha was how it seemed. "No, I haven't given him a view," she spoke softly. There wasn't much of one she thought, with her slim runners build.
Kald blushed a bit. " That's enough Gali, " He couldn't wait till they were married he thought, his hormones getting a bit of the best of him. He ate some more salad and let Orenda have the rest.
Kald sighed "Gali I think I am ready to call it a night, Thank you so much for the food, and the room. you are too kind. "
Orenda looked over at Kald's blush, which only made her own grow worse. She ate slowly, enjoying the taste and the fact that she didn't have to make or gather for the food she was eating. "I'll join you in a bit," She spoke softly letting Kald leave. She was still eating and wanted to finish.
Kald left for the room and wondered what Orenda was up to. He hoped she was ok and that Gali didn't bother her too much. He laid down and waited for her, hoping she wasn't long.
Gali smiled and laughed " You he's lucky to have a lady like you, I thought he would never end up with a girl." He went back into kitchen with a laugh, laughing at the two lovebirds.
Orenda sighed as she finished her food, left alone in the room with nothing but a small bit of the salad to finish and her thoughts. She was glad they were almost there. She was excited to meet Kald's family and friends.
She ate the last few bites before heading up to their room. She entered the room quietly not wanting to disturb Kald if he had already fallen into his sleep state.
Kald smiled and held his arms open for her to come to him. He wanted to relax on the soft bed with his lovely life to be. That was all he wanted to do at the moment. " so what do you think about Gali?" He wanted to know her thoughts of his long time friend.
Orenda crawled into the bed and lay in Kald's arms, snuggling close to him, "Well Gali is an.. Interesting character. I am sure if you hadn't stopped him earlier he would have dug, or at least tried to have dug very deep into our personal lives," She spoke with a slight chuckle.
"He made you blush," She pointed out with a slight smile.
" And you" He said with a smile as he snuggled closer to Orenda. He loved moments like this and couldn't wait till they got home. He also thought it was funny Gali got them a room together, dispite him knowing full well elvish custom. " I love you"
"Do you think by giving us the same room with one bed that Gali was trying to say something? Or maybe just tempt you?" She spoke half serious half playful. She looked up at him with a full smile. "I love you too Kald," she spoke softly.
" Oh he was definitely trying to say something, he was trying to stir up trouble. " He kissed her on the cheek and smiled. He took a deep breath "hmm I could get use to the smell of you.. if that isn't too weird. "
Orenda laughed, "I suppose it's not weird enough to scare me away," she teased cuddling close and closing her eyes. She was going to enjoy that moment because she knew once they got to his home that they would not be sleeping like that until they were married. Her body and mind were tired, it didn't take long for her to fall asleep.
Kald enjoyed the moment taking it in before finally falling into reverie and before he knew it. Morning had come. He stayed still though not wanting to wake Orenda. He sort of liked how he needed less sleep than her, he could just stay next to her for a bit.
Orenda slept good, of course she always slept good with Kald. There was just something about him that soothed her, made her feel safe and at peace. Eventually though she did wake up. She took a deep breath before slowly opening her eyes. She looked up at Kald knowing he would already be awake. "Good morning."
"Morning, to bad we can't stay here longer or sleep next to each other at my house. "
He got up slowly, looking at his lovely fiance. " how are you this morning my love? we should escape before Gali makes us breakfast... you don't want to know what he makes for it..." Kald smiled and waited for a response.
"Well we will be married before too long so it will be okay I think," Orenda said as she too got up. She stretched, her joints popping loudly. She wondered what Gali made that would make Kald want to hurry off but she didn't say anything. "So how much longer will it take to reach your home?" She asked walking close to him
We are praticly there , I mainly stopped here just to say hi to Gali and because you can't arrive home at just any time, it would be improper. " Kald laughed as he changed into an outfit like he had never worn, It was loose yet form fitting, and made out of material that seemed unlike anything found in connaloth. Kald then held out a package that seemed to come from Gali. " Look Gali got you a present! " Inside the package was an beautiful elven dress. and Kald knew it, as Gali wouldn't let him down. He smiled as he began to pack up his loose belongings.
Orenda nodded, "Okay," She said as she took the package. She slowly opened the package, she was a bit excited at what could be inside. By the way it felt she knew it would be cloths. She opened it up and pulled out a beautiful pale greed dress, a dress that nearly took her breath away. She had never seen a dress that beautiful let alone wore one.
" Do you like it? I asked Gali to get it for you. " Kald yelled from the closet He came out of the closet with his elven outfit, and smiled " Do you like? " IT was loose yet form fitting and made from a almost sparkling material, and was a darker green. Kald looked to Orenda trying to figure out what she thought of the dress.
Orenda ran to Kald's arms, wrapping her arms around his neck with a smile. "It is so beautiful," She whispered softly. She stayed in his arms for a while before finally letting go. She walked into the closet Kald had come out of and changed into the dress. It seemed the dress fit her perfect. Gali seemed to have an eye for sizes. She walked out of the closet and turned, "How does it look?"
Kald's jaw dropped, He had never seen Orenda in such an outfit. " Your gorgeous!" He grabbed her and spun her around playfully. " now lets go, Gali will offer you food don't take it.. its a dwarven " specialty" there is a reason why its dwarven. " He smiled and grabbed her stuff and ran downstairs as fast as he could, and began to prep the horses. He had a huge smile on his face as he saw the image of his fiance in his head. He was the luckiest man in the world.
Orenda braided her hair quickly and walked out of the room. She walked down the steps with a soft smile on her face. This was the closest thing that she would have to a family so she really hoped that they liked her.
Kald was waiting with the horses, glad to see her coming down. He whistled playfully at her as she left the inn. Gali waved them off as Kald went to help her on the horse and got on his own. " Ready to meet our family?'
Orenda climbed onto the horse with a smile. She was so excited. "I am as ready as I will ever be. I just hope that they like me," She spoke. It was clear that she was nervous. She didn't want them to not like her. She didn't want to do something to accidentally offend them.
Kald led them to the city. He smiled as elven buildings started to appear in a growing forest. The tree's were huge, and the buildings tiny in comparison. They reached the gates, which were done in a simple yet elegant manner that seemed to have grown into their shape rather than built. He smiled. " Home at last, stay with me and don't get separated"
Orenda looked around herself in near complete amazement. The buildings in Connloath were beautiful, but couldn't even begin to hold a flame they this place. Orenda began to wonder why anyone would leave this place, it was breath taking.
"What if we do get separated?" Orenda asked a little sheepishly.
Kald laughed and grabbed onto her horses reigns. " you won't" he led them through the city, As they got deeper, the buildings got grander. He stopped in front of a gate with two elven guards, who stood aside at the sight of him. " Welcome Master Kald, Shall we alert your parents? "
Kald smiled and said " Yes please inform them that I come with my fiance Orenda, and can't wait to see them. " He then rode forward as the servants did their own thing. Kald let go of Orenda's reigns at this point. " Sorry for all the pomp and circumstance, I don't care much for it all, its why I live the way I do. " He smiled as servants were there to take their horses and bags already. " Now, just remember be your self. " Kald said as he jumped down of his horse and took it from the servant. but resigned when he noticed the servant wasn't about to let him do his job. Kald waited for Orenda to finish getting off her steed. He smiled, he was sort of glad to be home.
Orenda slid down from her horse. She would have appreciated some warning. If she would have known he was from a high standing family she would have done her hair differently. She felt a little weird, she didn't know if she could be herself.
"You, didn't tell me," She trailed off looking around the rather grand estate. She hadn't seen a place this grand of course the way this was going Kald would just keep showing her places more and more beautiful.
Kald smiled knowing that it was time. " Well lets go then, " He held out his arm for her to take as he ran the directions through his head again. Hopefully his parents would be in their usual receiving room. If not well he didn't know where they might be. Looking at the servants, he could tell they weren't sure if they should guide him there or not. " Worry not, I know the way" Kald gave his signiture smile and waited to make sure Orenda was ready he whispered. " I am sorry, it slipped my mind."
Orenda sighed before taking his arms. She looked up at him questioning, "How, exactly do you forget something like that?" She asked a bit annoyed at the fact. She had spilled her darkest secrets and this one slipped his mind. Still she smiled and waited for Kald to lead the way, she would have to talk to him the next time they were alone, which would probably be a while.
" I am sorry... " He could sense the tone of her voice and tried to put it in the back of his mind. He led her through the halls, which boasted elven art and his families wealth, He was remembering all the reasons he spent most of his time outside of his home. They entered a large parlor with Kalds mom and dad sitting on two chairs. Kald brought Orenda in front of them.
Valandil Amandil looked the girl over, He smiled and got up hugging kald and then taking Orenda into embrace. " Ahh you didn't pass word that your fiance was so beautiful" He then sat back down.
Nienna Amandil sat a while looking over the pair. Kald had returned not only early but with a human fiance. She couldn't blame him she was cute. She got up and hugged Kald as well and then Orenda. " Hmm so your going to be our daughter in law, I was startled by the news but any one who has earned such a place in my son's heart is welcome here. "
Kald smiled and wondered what Orenda would say. " Thank Mother, father, This is Orenda, Orenda this is Valandil and Nienna, My father and mother. We are the Amandil family. "
Nienna said " Pleasure to meet you Orenda" Yes a pleasure " said Valandil.
Orenda wasn't use to the physical contact. Her family wasn't the hugging type. Still she hugged his parents when they went to embrace her. It would be something that she figured she would have to get used to.
Orenda was glad to see that Kald's parents seemed to like her. By his parent's tone and what they said she took it that Valadil liked her a bit better than Nienna. She offered both of them a smile, "thank you," She finally spoke. She wasn't one who was good with elegant words and honestly his parents were intimidating.
Kald then spoke, " I have come here to introduce Orenda to you, and to have our wedding at once, We have waited the year, and I would like to have the wedding as soon as possible. " It was then that Kald knew he was in trouble. He cringed as he saw the figure at the door.
" Greetings, I am TamurÃl! So this is where Kald has been. Hmm " She circles around Orenda like a hawk. and then she ruffles Kalds hair " Are you sure you haven't been tricking her? I mean why would she marry you? " She laughs and then goes next to Orenda. " You and I will have to get to know each other, share stories about Kald such as the time his favorite stuffed animal"
Nienna spoke and soon Tamuril stopped talking. " Yes, of course we will begin planning at once, but you know you can't see her after tonight until you marry. " She smiled and looked at Orenda knowing the poor girl is probably overwhealmed. " But don't worry Orenda dear, Tamuril and I will take good care of you, and make sure that everything is perfect. "
Valandil laughed " Yes kald make sure you woo her good enough tonight she doesn't try to run away. "
Kald blushed knowing that at this rate his brother was going to be here to give him hell. It seemed that this wouldn't be so simple.
Orenda was definitely overwhelmed, she looked around, seeing all of the new faces. She was trying to remember all of the new names with the faces. She grew slightly pale, she wasn't used to being around so many people. She turned to look at Kald. She wondered how long they would be separated.
She didn't want to be left alone with his family without him, they were strangers, she wasn't good with people. She swallowed, silent. She didn't know what to say. She didn't know what to do so she stood there in completely still and silent. Her heart was beating hard, she almost felt like a trapped animal. The longer she stood there the paler she became.
"I think I need some fresh air," She spoke softly.
Kald picked up Orenda with a speed only a elven swordsman could. " I am sorry, she is overwhelmed!" With that Kald sprinted off towards their garden, turning through a myraid of hall ways. The were suddenly in what seemed like a small forest isolated from the city. Kald sat her down on a bench, hoping that one she was alright and two she didn't mind the whole pick her up and escape. " are you ok?"
Orenda took deep slow breaths, her head was spinning, she felt a bit sick. She felt a bit faint. She leaned over trying to calm her frazzled nerves. "I wish you would have told me all of this so I wouldn't have it all thrown at me at once," She spoke softly. She shivered slightly, took a deep breath and sat up. She rubbed her eyes before turning to look at Kald.
"How long will I have to be without you. I know they are your family but they are complete strangers to me," She spoke after a long pause.
Kald embraced Orenda. " I am sorry.. I haven't been around the house for ages, I spent most of my time training and in places like Gali's inn. I sort of forgot how extravagant our estate was... And I told you I had my parents and two siblings. " He paused thinking for a bit. and then he smiled. " I can sneak into your room if you wish, though not for long but enough to find out how you are. and its only for a week, which means that they are going to be planning it quickly if they are separating us after tonight. and TamurÃl isn't that bad, and she will surely spend plenty of time with you so your not bored. "
"I am just not use to being around people," She spoke softly. She didn't want to get Kald in trouble or break from his traditions. "If it is only for a week I think I will survive... But I will miss you Kald," She spoke leaning against him slightly. "Do you think I should tell your family about my ability, or keep it to myself?" She asked after a pause.
Kald laughed a bit " Tell them, we have no such views on magic. Look around you our city is full of it" He gave her a kiss. " Hmm I will miss you as well, painfully so, because of all the things I have put off.. " He sighed. " You don't know how many people I will have to go see, and of course figure out how to convince them to let us leave.. " He smiled a bit He forgot to mention that his parents barely let him leave the last time let alone go off an live with his fiance again. They would sink their claws in him and Orenda, trying to get her to like it here and get him busy with things. Kald sighed and put his arm around her. " it will be fine, your a strong woman and plus you can always make them leave you alone with your gift " He laughed knowing she wouldn't do that.
"You know I wouldn't use my abilities like that," Orenda spoke. She relaxed against him, finally feeling normal again with the sounds of nature around them and the scent of Kald. "I know they don't shun magic, but I am afraid they might find my ability scary. What if they think I used my abilities to get you to marry me?" She asked. It was clear she was truly concerned.
Kald sighed " you worry to much, they would never think that but if you wish to hide it then please do so, I just want you happy. " He said pulling her closer to him. He 'accidently' grazed her chest as he moved his arm. " You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met, And I won't let anyone hurt you, and They know me enough to know if something was up. I am sure your altering would make me more different to those that know me than even you realized. "
"You could be under my spell now and you wouldn't even know it, you would be saying the exact same thing if you were," She said with a sigh. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her color had slowly started to return to her. Orenda's moment of being overwhelmed was over and she thought that she could return to his family without losing it again.
"Do we have any part in planning?"
"I trust you, and that will have to be enough for them. Also if I was, at least I would have you in my life." He smiled and thought about it. He was pretty sure, as he was the first one to get married he didn't know how his family thought of it. " I beleive they will probably pick your brain for colors and all that womanly stuff. I will probably not be consulted except for who is invited. which is why I it up. Do you care how many people are at this wedding, because it can get out of hand quickly if you let my mother and sister go crazy... "
"I will leave how many people should attend up to you, it is your wedding too so you should have a say in something," She spoke. She grew more and more relaxed, Kald had that effect on her.
"I think I am ready to go back in.. I hope they don't look at me weird," She said with a sigh. "Does your mother like me?" She asked looking at Kald, he would know if his mother liked her. She really hoped everything would go smoothly. She didn't know how she would deal with it if something went wrong.
" I think so, you worry to much. They love you.. Also ignore any stories from my sister.. I will deny all of them " He blushed, He then got up and sighed. " I am ready if you are my love" He smiled and offered her his hand to help her up. He hoped they might of calmed down a bit.
Orenda took his hand and stood. The warmth of his hand making her smile softly. This was the man she loved and would soon be married too. She walked with him back to his family. She felt better now, she didn't think she would be overwhelmed again. She was relaxed now.
Kald brought her to the same room, it seemed her sister had gotten bored. He sighed in relief. " Sorry, So we have decided that we are ok with all you said, and I was wondering if we could retire for the day, as we will have to spend a whole week away from each other.
Valandil smiled and spoke " Of course, I understand completely, Please if you need anything Orenda let a servant or Kald know and it will happen. "
Nienna shook her head, " Young love I remember, and thus , I will let you go on one condition, that you not vanish into the night or try any thing. " she said to kald.
kald laughed " Of course Mother, I will be on my best behavior. " With that he would lead out Orenda if she didn't have anything to bring up.
Orenda didn't say anything and allowed Kald to lead her out. His parents would learn her ability soon enough. She guessed that if she was with Kald's mother long enough that it would be brought up. She just hoped that his mother wouldn't let out a full interrogation. She pushed these thoughts out of her head. She wanted to enjoy the time she had with Kald while she could. She would have to be away from Kald for a week. It would be the first time that they would spend their time apart unable to see each other.
Kald brought her to a room, that had a bed and numerous other furniture, the most obvious sign it was Kald's was the wall of swords that he seemed to have, and the fact that it has his name monogramed on various surfaces. He collapsed on on a little sitting area with a fire place and couch. " I love you" he said wondering if she would explore much.
Orenda sat down beside Kald after looking around the room rather quickly. The room suited Kald and she was more interested in spending time with Kald than exploring his room. She leaned against Kald and closed her eyes, just enjoying his presence. "I love you too," She spoke softly before opening her eyes and looking up at him. She reached up and caressed his face, the up coming week would be a hard one.
" So, what do you think?" He wanted to know what was on her mind, she had been sort of quiet and had seen and experienced alot. He put his arm around her and smiled, knowing that this week would be hard, but he could do it. He had spent how long before alone.
"About what?" She asked curling up against him. She loved how warm he was. She had all but pushed any thoughts away other than the fact that she loved Kald and wanted nothing more than to spend this time as close to him as she could.
Kald smiled and started to kiss her, lingering in front of her. " about nothing I suppose He said glad to be with her.. and now that he was this close again he thought that it was going to be hard indeed. He didn't want to leave her for a week. He wanted to be with her all the time.
Orenda let her arms loosely drape around his neck as they kissed. She loved being this close to Kald, and in a week they would be married. She pressed her body closer to his, she was going to enjoy the time she had with him, whether that be by kissing him or having meaningful conversations.
He enjoyed the feeling that kissing Orenda produced but he felt guilty, and soon stopped, " I am sorry I know you like kissing but... I feel guilty for not letting you know more about my family. so is there any questions you have... anything you have to say to me " He hoped she forgave him. He forgot to mention that he was from such a well to do family.
Orenda let her arms fall from around his neck. "What catches me off guard are things I wouldn't even think about asking. So is there anything that you haven't told me that I should know?" She asked with a sigh. "I just wish you would have told me. I told you my darkest secrets and you forgot to tell me you come from a rich family. I just don't think that is very fair, so I was a bit upset about it earlier.. But I'm not now. Now I'm upset you stopped kissing me," She spoke looking down.
Kald laughed " Can't I ever make you happy? I just wanted to get this out of the way.. I can't kiss with a guilty conscious hmm Lets see, I snuck off 10 years ago to train and explore the world... I didn't leave with my mother's blessing so she is probably still perturbed by it. Where as my father well he encouraged me. " He thought about anything else. " Hmm they might try to get us to live here.. " He said giving her a kiss teasing her. " hmm I know a little magic but nothing worth while.. " He thought about several things, but nothing that was that important. kald smiled and looked at Orenda, " it wasn't fair and I am sorry. "
"I know you didn't mean it," She whispered in his ear. She knew how to get Kald to do what she wanted. She let her tongue slide up the outside of his ear. She gently wrapped her arms back around him. She had learned how to get what she wanted out of him without the use of her abilities.
Kald shuddered in the feeling of her tongue on his ear. and he began to tease her chest, trying to make her feel the same thing he did. He always forgot the feeling that someone touching his ears had until he had it again. " mmmm" He kissed her this time using his tongue he didn't hold back he kept a hand on her chest as he kissed her. He love this woman and wanted to please her, like she did him.
Orenda pressed her hand against his. Goose bumps covered her skin as a chill ran up her spine. Her fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck as she lost herself in the kiss that they shared. She loved how he was so enthusiastic in pleasing her, he didn't just focus on what she would do for him.
Kald couldn't beleive the feelings he was experienceing. He had never felt this way before, his stomach and nerves all fluttering He had never felt this way. He just hoped she felt as good as him. He kept pleasuring her with his one hand, knowing that he wouldn't want her to stop pleasing him.
Orenda finally pulled back, she didn't want to, she had too. "Okay, we need to stop for a moment," She spoke, panting slightly. The pleasure was too much and made her crave more. She had to stop, she couldn't let herself get that worked up. She couldn't let herself want something that much to where to would want to try to push the boundaries they had set.
kald smiled and laughed. " did I do to much? " He asked seriously he had hoped he hadn't ." I love you. " He had to resist the urge to insist they kept kissing as his hormones fought him. He hoped she didn't notice how worked up he had gotten. He tried to think of dead puppies as he fought back his body's arousal. " I think we should save that till we are married... " He loved the woman at his side so much he just hoped she would stay with him after she got to know his family.
Orenda shook her head, "No, you didn't do anything wrong. You are too good, that is the problem," She spoke with a dark blush. She wondered how he got so good. It would be hard to believe that he was just born with it.
"I love you too," She whispered with a sigh. "I think we should too.. That is why I had you stop," She spoke closing her eyes. She leaned her head against his head against his chest. She could hear his heart beat, she knew that he too wanted it as much as she did.
Kald smiled and was glad she had stopped. " So, what do you think of my family?" He wanted to know what she thought, and she wasn't escaping his questions this time. He couldn't believe how important the woman next to him was. All he could do to stop smiling is to smile.
Orenda shrugged, "I don't know, what is there to think. It seems that you have a nice caring family. Something that I had always wished I had," She spoke softly. She didn't want to get too emotional or anything. She wanted this memory to be happy one. This was the memory that would get her through the week.
"Well so after we get married and loaded with gifts.. What do you want to do? What should we look forward to?" he wanted to know, if she wanted to go anywhere else. wanted to keep the topic off families for a bit.
Orenda shrugged, "I don't know. I don't know if I will want to go anywhere, or what we should look forward to," She admitted softly. She hadn't thought that far ahead. She cuddled close to Kald, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
Kald sighed " Well what do you think about our honey moon, shall we stay here... go to another place? " He cuddled with her, glad to be able to relax with her again. It did not look forward to this next week. It was as if it was the end of the world.
"Where else would we go for our honeymoon? I mean I must admit I think it would be a bit weird to have our honeymoon here in your parents' home, but I don't want to have to travel for a week somewhere," Orenda spoke with a deep sigh. Her body relaxed more and more. She could easily fall asleep against him. "I might just take you up on your offer about you sneaking into my room. I don't know if I will be able to sleep without you."
Kald laughed,"ok, I will be there, just don't invite my sister over.. she won't leave then. " He also laughed at his plans to make a decoy for his bed as well. He gave her a big squeeze. " I don't think I can either"
"Your body needs a lot less sleep than mine Love," She spoke. She looked up at Kald, "Where do you think we should go for our honeymoon, somewhere close preferably," Orenda asked, half tempted to lean up and kiss him.
"Hmm what about this city, we can stay in the guest cottage here and stay to ourselves. " He wondered what she thought of that, as he knew it still was his parents property...
"That sounds like it will be okay, we won't be in the same house as your parents which will be good," Orenda spoke with a soft blush. "It sounds like a plan to me," She said with a soft smile.
Kald smiled holding on to Orenda. He drifted off into reverie slightly, as he often did when with Orenda. He found it extremely relaxing with her, especially on a couch.
Orenda sat up. She didn't want to fall asleep, she started to walk around Kald's room and look at the different things. She walked to the wall with all the swords looking over all of the perfectly crafted swords.
Kald ended up awake again as she left him. He ended up wrapping his arms around her. " do you like my swords?" He wondered as he cuddled with her. " I love you"
"Why do you have so many? It isn't like you could use them all at once," Orenda questioned with a slight chuckle. She leaned back into his embrace, she loved being close to Kald. "I love you too," she spoke softly. She was still fighting the temptation to start kissing him again. They both liked it but she knew it was for the best to not.
Kald shrugged, " gifts.. heirloom,s they are mostly different blades good at different functions. Like a couple of these I would take to battle, where as some I would take to sparring pratctce. They all have their own purpose. And since I like swordmanship most people got me swords for gifts as they were the easy way out. "
Orenda shrugged, "I still think it is a bit overkill," She said walking closer to the swords. She gently ran her fingers over the hilt of one of the smaller more decorative swords. She figured it was an heirloom seeing its obvious value. She then turned to face Kald, she considered asking Kald to teach her, but she knew she would probably not enjoy it, plus she was never one for violence.
Kald snuck a kiss on Orenda as they faced each other but he didn't linger. " Would you like to try one? I can start to teach you if you want. " He didn't know if that interested her, she was showing an interest in his swords so maybe she would want to use one. A basic knowledge in the use of a sword was definatly useful in his opinion, though he was biased. He shrugged " Hmm its not over kill you should see the family vaults... or my closet... " He missed the simple life where he had made all they had. He didn't like the excessive need for materials, He looked at his swords and remembered what they were for. He took a very simple one, infact the one that he had learned with down. "This is the blade I learned how use swords with.
"Do you really think I need to learn to use a sword, with my abilities and you. I think I am the safest women in the world," She spoke with softly. She looked at the sword and pushed it aside so she could wrap her arms around his neck. "I rely on your skill with a sword, and plus, I would probably just hurt myself, I can be pretty clumsy," She spoke looking up at Kald lovingly.
Kald smiled and sort of put the sword back as he embraced Orenda. " you over estimate my abilities I feel. " He also rememberd the very real fight that had involved her killing a man. He didn't want her to have to do that again. " I think you could do it clumsy or not " He laughed " I love you, and only hope that I can protect you as well as you say I can. "
Orenda looked down, "I just don't want to have to kill again," She spoke, her voice faltering a bit. The mention of the action brought back the ingrained image of the mans face. They would have done god knows what to her if Kald and she hadn't killed them. Still that didn't help it. She sighed and shook her head slightly. "I believe in you and your abilities."
" I know, Its just means I will have to train more. " he thought maybe he could find a sword Master in Connaloth, and learn the art from a different style. " you know we are so going to be stuck leaving here with more than we came with. " He said half dreading with what his family insisted they take. He kissed her again, not being able to resist with her so close and embracing her. " Hmm I can't wait till we are married" He suddenly wondered if she would want to have a child.. It was a needed discussion he just didn't know if she would want to.
"Well that in some ways will be nice, we can always find a use for things. If they give it to us that is less we have to buy or make," Orenda aid with a soft smile. "I think your reasons for saying that are purely none holistic in nature," She said laughing a bit. She could understand, earlier when they were kissing and touching she too wanted to take things further. Now though, she was a bit afraid, though she figured just like before, on their wedding night she would be filled with such passion she wouldn't think about it. Orenda leaned her head on Kald's shoulder, relaxing and enjoying his company, ever reminded that she would have to be separated from him for a week before their marriage.
Klald laughed and he held onto Orenda, content for this to last the rest of their day together. when he had an idea. "Would you Orenda? Please go on a date with me? " He smiled and stepped back taking a poise that would surely make her laugh. "of course if you don't want to indulge in a day of frivolous activities I understand and would love to just stay here all day. "
"Well you know this place more than me and I think I should get a tour around the place before I am forced to fend without you," Orenda said with a chuckle, laughing at the funny pose he took. "So I suppose I will go on a date with you, I think it would serve well to help get your mind out of the gutter," She spoke before kissing Kald on the cheek.
His mind out of the gutter, Kald rolled his eyes and took her hand, and showed her everything in his house from the gardens to the kitchens to the parlors. He then approached the gate. So are you hungry? or do you want to visit the parks, and rent a boat? Or perhaps you want to stroll through the city? " He said holding her hand and glad to be able to show his culture to Orenda.
Orenda looked down at her stomach, "Honestly, I'm starving," She spoke with a laugh, half expecting her stomach to start growling. She was having so much fun yet it was hard to take it all in at once. "Maybe after we eat we can go for a stroll through the city?" She suggested with a soft smile.
Kald smiled and led her through the wonderful city. He loved being back in the city, he then found the restaurant he wanted. It was for couples such as him self. He also noted that varying looks they got some in adoration of their love and others in disgust of a human and a elf, but thus was the views on such a relationship. They took their seats in the little cafe like sitting outside in the street of one of their main areas. He looked across at Orenda and smiled. " Please order anything you like, its on me. "
Orenda was rather sensitive to the bad looks, it made her feel less and unwanted. "I don't know, you order for me, you know what is good here," She spoke, not mentioning that everything was in elven so she couldn't read anything. The longer she spent in town the less she liked it, the looks were getting to her. Maybe Kald wouldn't have to worry about having a large crowd there.
Kald sighed " I forgot... You can't read elven... Hmm How about you name your favorite food then? " He said not quite sure what he wanted himself. He then looked at her and knew more was going on with her then she let on. " Orenda, don't mind the looks they are mostly in adoration of us, we elves love young love, and if anyone has a problem with it then they can bring it up with me. " He said placing his hand on hers. " Please stop worrying about things so much, and enjoy the day.. Or else I won't be able to either. " He sighed wishing that either he was human or she was elven for a moment before he realized that that was horrible, he loved Orenda as who she was and wouldn't change her. He would maybe try to be more human to fit in with the Conalaothians he thought before ignoring the idea.
Orenda sighed, Kald knew her too well for her to try to hide anything from him. "Surprise me, we will see how well you know me, after all, we have been engaged for a year," Orenda spoke, smiling. She was trying to make light of the situation. She didn't want Kald to suffer simply because she was. So she would either have to get over it or do a better job of hiding it.
Kald smiled and ordered her Hmm what to order her, he hadn't had much experince with it. He then decided to go with what he noticed humans liked and that this resturant had. "We will have two steaks. and salads. " He smiled at her hoping she began to have a good time.
Orenda nodded. She wasn't much on meat, but wouldn't tell Kald that, especially out in public. She noted to mention it the next time they were alone. Orenda tried to relax as much as she could even with all the many looks they were receiving, both good and bad.
Kald smiled as the salads came out and he looked at Orenda to make sure she liked it. He would order her something else if she wanted. " Are you sure you are fine with my picks? we can pick different... " He said as he began to eat some of his salad. It was delicous.
"No, it is fine. Food is food and I am hungry, I don't need anything special," Orenda said with a soft sigh. She began to eat her salad and she had to admit that it was good. "The salad is really good," she spoke with a slight smile.
Kald smiled. " good, and I agree, the salad is great. " He smiled and put his spare hand on the table as he ate some more. " So, I was thinking, we are a week away from spending the rest of our lives together, isn't that sort of scary.. " He didn't mean in a bad way of course.
Orenda reached out and placed her hand on his as she ate. "It is a bit scary, we will have to decide if and when we want to have a family and all that in tells. It won't just be us worrying about ourselves anymore. We will have to worry about each other, and there will be no backing out," She spoke softly.
Kald nodded ' I know and we will have to make sure to make a grand home for our family. " He said finishing his salad, He was hungrier than he thought. He couldn't wait for the rest of their meal. He was glad to be here with Orenda, being able to escape his family.
Orenda finished her salad a few minutes after Kald and looked up. "So do you want to have a family?" She asked sheepishly, wanting his views on the subject. She knew they would have to have this conversation sooner or later since they were going to be married.
Kald took a deep breath. " Yes, I do, if you don't mind that is, I wouldn't want to if you don't want to. " He smiled at her nervously. He hoped she had the same ideas as him.
"I don't know if I want one right away, I would like to be a bit selfish and enjoy you all to myself for a little while before we have little ones to chance after," Orenda spoke honestly, hoping her words wouldn't offend Kald.
Kald laughed " I was thinking the same thing, as I to would like to be selfish and have you all to my self for a while. " he smiled as he squezzed her hand. " I am glad we think the same. I was afraid you might not want any at all. "
"Why would you think that?" Orenda asked softly, waiting for the rest of the meal to come out. The salad was good but she was still hungry. Orenda took a drink of the wine they they had brought with the salad, smiling at its sweetness.
" I don't know I just thought maybe because I was an elf... " He said as their meals were being put infront of them. He loved the smell, while it wasn't his favorite, he liked it everyonce in a while, it was something he had picked up from humans. He took a bit, savoring it before swallowing. " Hmm good "
Orenda waited for Kald to take a bite before she started to eat. "Why would that have anything to do with it? If I have a problem with that I wouldn't be marrying you," She said between bites of steak. She was surprised at the steaks quality, she had always heard that elves didn't really like steak.
"I know call me silly" he laughed and ate some more. "this is lovely, and also don't expect this at most places" He smiled and savored the taste. " So what is your favorite food?"
"I like fruit and cream," Orenda said between bites of steak. She was never one that liked a lot of meat. She had never needed that much protein in her diet though Kald probably needed more protein considering all of his muscles.
" Hmm I think i know whats for dessert then " Laughed Kald. " hmmm What is your favorite drink? Mine is elven wine. Its so sweet. " He also tried to think what his favorite food was, he didn't really have an answer.
"Well I think this wine is now my favorite, though I don't think it is wise for me to drink too much of it, it is a lot stronger than any wine in Connloath that I have tasted," Orenda spoke with a bright smile. She was happy she was going to get this time with Kald. She hoped his family were as nice as Kald.
Kald smiled "I like it too, It is so nice to be here with you. I was thinking we can stroll in our gardens so we are away from the stares. " He was very glad to have this day with her, and didn't want it to end.
Orenda nodded, "That would be nice," She spoke finishing her steak. She took a sip of the wine before starting to speak again, "So how do they keep us apart, put us in separate wings of the house? Make one stay in a certain section? Like tonight, when exactly do we separate?" she asked.
" We will be put on different sides of the estate, and probably won't do it until we go to bed. " He said as he finished his steak. " I do think that I will try to visit you in the night. At least till you fall asleep unless you think we should follow the tradition. " He sighed holding her hand tight, looking at her, wondering if she would want to uphold the tradition.
Orenda shrugged, she honestly didn't know. "Well a part of me wants to follow the tradition and the other part of me desperately wants to see you. What happens if they catch you?" She asked, think it best to know the consequences before she made her decision. She didn't want him to get in trouble of jeopardize their wedding.
"I would probably get lectured... they would threaten to postpone the wedding but they probably wouldn't actually do it. " He smiled and of course Though I suppose I could survive. " he said knowing that he would probably be too tired to sneak arround but he would do it for her if she wanted. He just wanted Orenda happy.
Orenda shook her head, "I don't want to risk it. For you I could go a week. Maybe it will do us good. They always say the absence makes the heart grow fond," She spoke, her voice carrying only a slight tone of sadness. She didn't want to in any way, get their wedding plans changed, she wanted to marry this man as soon as she could. Then the thought about the real threat of pregnancy once they were married. She wondered if elves had some magic that would keep her from getting pregnant.
" Ok I suppose, now lets go on our stroll my love. The city or my families estate? " He wondered if which one. He wasn't sure, though he couldn't wait for them to get married even if for various reasons at this point. He sighed and got up, leaving money at the table he was ready to go, after taking a drink of the rest of his wine.
"Lets go to the family estate, I honestly don't like all of the looks. It almost makes me feel like I'm some freak animal being paraded around," Orenda spoke honestly. She just wanted to relax with the love of her life. She didn't want to be stared at.
Kald led her to the estate and then began their stroll through the gardens. " So do you wonder why I would leave such a life?" He wanted to know as he knew he would want to. seeing such splendor..
"That is one thing that I was pondering," Orenda answered honestly. She walked with Kald, her arm wrapped around his. She wondered what his family really thought about her. Would all his family be okay with the fact that she was human?
" Oh what is that? " he was curious now, what could it be. He waited patiently for the question, going over what it might be. He was glad to be so close to her, and just enjoyed the moment, knowing it would be a while before he could do this again.
"When we get married, and since we don't want children right off the bat, I was wondering if there is something that would keep me from getting pregnant?" She asked, a dark blush covering her face.
Kald laughed hard " Yes just ask my sister or mother though.. as I don't really know much about that sort of thing. " He blushed red, but not as dark as Orenda. He didn't really know much about this subject but he knew it existed.
Orenda sighed deeply. She would have to talk to his sister or his mother, she really didn't want to do that but she didn't have much of an option. "Oh, okay," She said softly wishing that he would know about it. Or course he was a man, so it made sense why he wouldn't know.
Kald smiled " You can do it, they are not scary people. " He laughed a bit. " So with that on your mind.. you say I need to get my mind out of the gutter?" His smile still on his face as e pretended to chastise her
"If my mind was in the gutter I wouldn't have thought about it, I would be too busy trying to picture you nude," Orenda spoke with a slight chuckle. To Kald they might not be scary, but to her, they were. They were complete strangers and she would have to go talk to them about her soon to be sex life.
" Maybe it is. as your the one who mentioned it. " He sighed and blushed " I can ask for you.... " He didn't know how he was going to ask about that one.. hey do you know how to not get my fiance pregnant? Yeah he couldn't face his sister.. .He would have to ask his mom. Talk about ackward. He didn't know if he could do it after all. He was embarassed
Orenda took a deep breath, "maybe we should go to your mother together, explain to her why it is needed, I don't want to do it alone and I'm sure you don't want to either," she spoke with a sigh. It seemed like the only fair way to go about it. "But if we are going to do it together we should probably ask today, either that or postpone out honeymoon."
Kald laughed, "we can go before we have to part until then your mine! " He kissed her lingering there. and kissing again, he didn't want to be without this wonderful woman, the woman that brought so much joy to his life. He didn't know what to do, Every part of him told him to sneak out and be with her but he knew he needed to stay separated and it killed him..
Orenda broke the kiss off hesitantly and placed her head on his shoulder, her warm breath falling on his neck. "My question is how do they keep us from running into each other? If we are out and about. I know the place is big, but the chances are not in their favor," she spoke tying to figure it out.
" if you knew my mother you would know how.. They are good, how do you think we have parties with everyone, and yet no drama unfolds.. My mother is a master at this, plus they will have me all over the city visiting people and taking care of things. " He sighed not looking forward to it. " your lucky you get to plan the fun things, the wedding.. "
"We'll I have to get to know complete strangers and if you couldn't tell I'm rather socially awkward. I almost passed out in front of your parents. They probably think I'm a freak, and being a human can't help that any," Otenda spoke softly. She was going to have a hard week.
" They don't care, as I have stated many times. They love you because I love you. " He couldn't believe but then he could. " Its like how I keep thinking your going to wake up one day and realize you don't like me because I am an elf.. or something but I have to get over that and now you need to get over my family. They will learn to think of you as family, they have accepted you which if you knew them was a big step. Its easy from this point forward. "
Orenda sighed, she wasn't going to argue and debate, not on the last day they would see each other before a week of being apart. She wanted to ask how did he know they excepted her, how could he. They could just be waiting to tell him when she wasn't there. Maybe they didn't want to hurt her feelings. She sighed again figuring she was just being hypersensitive and paranoid. "Okay," she spoke simply, just replaying against him.
Kald hugged her and dragged her down onto a bench on his lap. " I know you, its not over, will you just trust me, I love you.. I wouldn't lie to you. " He wanted her to feel accepted.. He would have to have a word with his parents to be extra nice to her. Kald wanted her to know and feel accepted.
Orenda sighed, "I do trust you Kald... I...I just have never been accept before, so I just don't get my hopes up. Once you get use to something it's hard to expect anything different," She tried to explain, her voice barely over a whisper.
Your not in connaloth, you are the most beautiful person in the world and deserve more than you have gotten. I love you and you should expect more, Your wonderful. and the most important person in my world. " Kald loved her. He did..and he wanted her to know so.
Orenda listened to every word spoke by Kald and found relief in his words. He was so sweet, yet she didn't feel worthy of him, she knew she deserved him, but after being segregated and speedster it was hard to feel worthy of anything, especially love.
Kald just held on to her, trying to show her how special she was to him. He didn't know what else to do, He loved her, and he didn't care who knew or what people thought. He would follow her to the end of the world.
Orenda enjoyed being in his embrace, being close to him. She was growing tired but would never admit it to Kald, she wanted to spend as much time with him as she could, which meant no naps even though she was finding it hard to keep focused.
Kald didn't notice and just enjoyed the time being close to Orenda. Elves ran on less sleep than humans. He didn't want to move or admit the night was almost over. He wanted to spend forever with Orenda.
Orenda sighed. "I never got my fruit and cream," She spoke as she turned her head to look up at him. She wondered if there would be any at his family's home. They were wealthy so he was sure they would at least have some fruit.
Kald smiled " Well then follow me. " He led them to the kitchens where he found the cooks, and requested that they make an extra special dessert with fruit and cream. Now they were sitting in the large dining hall, just the two of them. Kald had never realized how large it was when you were just there with one other. " So is there anything else besides approaching my mother that we need to do?"
Orenda shrugged, "I don't know, is there?" She didn't know what there would be talk about. Was there something else that needed to be discussed? She didn't know. It wasn't like she was the expert on this, she would think that Kald would have more knowledge on this than she herself would.
Kald smiled " no I was just making sure, Well then I suppose there is nothing better than to cuddle by the fire place in the parlor.. We can eat in there" He said motioned towards the adjoining room. He knew his mother would have a fit if she caught them but he didn't care.
Orenda nodded, following Kald into the Parlor with a smile. As the moments passed though she could feel how they would soon have to be parted, a sad numbing feeling. She knew that it was necessary though, the time apart wouldn't kill them, only strengthen their love for each other.
Kald smiled and sat down, He didn't want the night to end. He laid on the rug, infront of the fire, and waited for Orenda. He couldn't wait to have some fruit and cream and cuddle some more. He laughed at how much he loved just holding on to her. It was strange.
Orenda sat down beside Kald, leaning over to rest her head on his shoulder. She wondered when the right time would be to approach Kald's mother would appear. The thought made her nerveious, she wondered what she would think. She wondered if she wanted grand children. Orenda wondered if his mother would want half human grand children. She sighed, figuring she was just being paranoid again.
Kald smiled as a servant brought the food to them. He then put it in Orenda's lap wanting her to try it first. He had never had it but he was sure it was good. He hoped Orenda liked it. He watched waiting for her to try it.
Orenda tried the fruit and cream and smiled, it was as good as she remembered if not better. The sweet with the rich creaminess. It was simply amazing. "Kald, you must try it," She insisted once she noticed he was watching her eat. She didn't want to be the only one eating, that would make her feel weird.
Kald smiled and tried some. " hmm " it was better than he thought it was going to be and it caught him a bit off guard. " It is really good! You have good taste in favorite foods. " He said with a big smile as he grabbed some more. " I might have to send some to your room.. at least if I can't go there my self. "
Orenda smiled, "You are sweet," She spoke softly, trying not to yawn. She relaxed against Kald, he was so comfortable. She ate a few more bites in silence. She was going over the conversation she would have with Kald's mother as well as the week a head of them where she would be without Kald.
Kald smiled and ate some more. " So what do you think of the city? My home? my family?" He wanted to know her thoughts.. He decided as he ate some more. It was really good.
Orenda sat in the silence of a short pause. "We'll it is all beautiful of course, I don't see how you left it, it is an absolute paradise," Orenda admitted sheepishly. She wished she was born to a place this beautiful, with a wealthy family who were also nice. Or atleast that was how they appeared.
"Well if you want to live here we can, we don't have to go back to conoloth.. I want you to be happy, we can move wherever you want.
Orenda shook her head, she didn't know what she wanted. Did she really want to leave Connloath, her home, the place she had lived her entire life. She didn't know. She sighed deeply. "I will have to think about it."
" Ok, let me know arrangements can be made, we can do whatever you want. " He smiled and hugged her. " Should we go talk to my mother?"
Orenda sighed, she knew he was right, it was the best time to go talk to his mom. She could already feel the blush rushing to her cheeks. "I guess it would be best," she spoke before carefully standing. She didn't want to spill anything. She looked at Kald. He would have to the way. No only did she not know where his parents would be, the halls were still like a maze to her.
He led her to one of the many rooms and found his mother. He smiled and hoped that this went well. His mother smiled and greeted them. " How can I help you two?"
Kald spoke " Well we have a question, and then we are ready to be separated.. " He took a breath " Well we were wondering if you knew of any magic for... " he left an opening for Orenda. He was bright red, and couldn't believe he was talking about this with his mother.
Orenda could tell he was waiting for her to finish his sentence. She took a deep breath, her face as red as his own. "We were wondering if you knew magic that would keep me from having a child because we want to wait a bit to have children," She blurted out in one breath.
She smiled " Of course, I will arrange for an pendant to be made. I used one my self, You just keep it on during the act and it works. It is of course magic. "
Kald blushed not wanting to know that much about her. " Thanks, Mother, Can you take Orenda to her room? "
With that Kald embraced Orenda, " I will miss you... I can't wait for a week! "
Orenda clung to him for a moment. She didn't want to be separated right away but if Kald thought it was best she saw no reason to question it. "I love you," She whispered softly, waiting a moment before letting go.
Kald frowned and left for his room. His week was full of him meeting with various friends and business associates. He dealt with a little of the wedding but other than confirming he was happy with whatever Orenda wanted, he found little consulting was taken to him. Kald sent fruit and cream every night along with elven wine. It was the least he could do. His heart screaming for Orenda to be near him just once.
He wondered if he could take it at times, as he missed her dearly. He put his love for her in the rings he carved for their wedding. They seemed wood yet not wood, they were clearly not made by human hands. Kald then worked with them and they began to be not even wood as he continued to pour his magic, and his heart into them. They seemed like any metal rings one would have but they had hundreds of intricate designs in them and they were wood when you held them. He put most of his time in this work of love. He wanted it to be perfect for Orenda. It was, it was a beautiful craft even by elven standards.
The week was nearly unbearable. She tried to not get worked up over being separated from Kald but she just couldn't help it. The only thing she could eat was the fruit and cream he had sent for her. The only thing she could stand to drink was the sweet elvin wine.
She did a lot of sleeping that week, though she managed to make all the major decisions and pick out a flowy purple elvin gown for their wedding. The night before the wedding Kald's mom gave her the magic pendent.
Kald thought the last night was the worst. He was full of both separation from Orenda and anxiousness to see her again. Kald was a wreck that morning, eternally grateful for the souls that made sure his white tunic and all of his garments were on. He almost lost the rings 5 million times and was only too glad to give them to the ring bearer. He didn't know how he was going to pull it off. The guests filed in, The location a grand clearing that was in the middle of the city yet in the middle of a forest clearing. Kald stood at the alter, waiting patiently for Orenda. His heart hoping she hadn't run off or something.
Orenda started walking down the flower lined path as one elf started to sing an elvish song and another started to play an elvish flute. Orenda hoped that Kald liked the dress she wore and the way her hair was braided.
She looked at Kald as she slowly made her way to him. She could already feel herself tearing up.
Kald's heart jumped as he saw Orenda, He loved her purple gown on her and loved the sight of her. He loved the woman walking down the isle, there was no doubt. He couldn't do anything but tear up a bit. He couldn't believe that in a little bit he would be bonded together with this wonderful woman. He tried to keep a cool resoultion as he waited for her to move down the isle to the music. His heart still acting weirdly. He couldn't believe that she was going to be his wife.
Finally she made it to Kald. Everything else seemed to fall into the background. The only thing she noticed was Kald. She offered him a soft smile as she looked up at him from under her thick light lashes. Her heart started to pound as the moments felt like hours. She couldn't be happier then she was at that moment.
When the ceremony started all kald could do was manage out the few words required he was too absorbed by Orenda's beauty and the moment. He couldn't believe how lucky he was. It was then that the rings were brought to them. He took the smaller one and held it out, ready to put it on her finger. He smiled at her happy just to be with her again.
A tear of happiness slide down Orenda's face as Kald slide the ring on her finger. It was so beautiful as she was lucky. She couldn't believe she was so lucky, marrying the perfect man. She then spoke the words that were required of her before taking the ring to place on Kald's finger. She looked up at him, offering him a smile as she slid the ring on his finger.
Kald said the words required and then waited for the magic words, and he pushed forward with his lips, longing for the feeling of hers against his again. He kissed her with as much passion as he could muster without looking inappropiate of course. How he longed for this one moment.
Orenda couldn't think of a time she had ever been happier. This moment would remain forever in her memory. She was happy and ready to go be alone with her now husband. She couldn't believe it. She had never thought she would ever marry anyone and here she was marrying a man of means.
Kald smiled unsure of what do to next, He froze, he wasn't sure, he just started at Orenda with a smile, glad to be near her again. He loved his wife. He couldn't believe it.. he had a wife.
Orenda took his hand after a moment and started to lead him away. Leading everyone to where the celebration of there handbinding would be held. Food and wine were set up, all prepared for the feasting, toasting, and drinking of a celebration. Orenda turned to face Kald as she led him to their separate table. She really hoped he liked it all.
He took a seat at their table, amazed at the whole thing, it was wonderful. "You have good taste my wonderful wife. " He was glad to be able to say that. It wasn't everyday you got married after all. Kald was on emotional overload not able to believe all that was going on. He just tried to remember as much as possible.
Orenda smiled brightly and her heart fluttered like a butterfly's wings. She was excited and anxious to start their life together as a married couple. Even the thought seemed weird and foreign, married. She shook her head slightly to clear the thoughts before she turned to Kald, leaning over and kissing his cheek. Several plates were set in front of them to eat off from, the first course or many more to come.
Kald had never been so happy and he sat next to Orenda, blown away with everything. It was hard to believe his family had been as they had about it. but he figured they hoped it was a phase. He began to eat a little, as people who he knew but Orenda didn't congratulated them.
" So hows it feel?" He asked her, wondering what she was feeling, He knew he couldn't believe it. it was insane that he was now married. It was going to take a bit to get use to the idea.
Orenda nodded and thanked the people who congratulated them though she did not know most of them. She was still on the rush that the ceremony had given her. She was still too high on the moment to feel anything.
She didn't think marriage would give her such a rus, she didn't understand how it would. Still she turned to Kald as be spoke to her, her face beaming a bright smile. "I'm, well I feel... I don't know how to put it into words right now," she spoke as tears of happiness rushed to her eyes. Just looking at Kald made her heart race.
Kald smiled and was glad to see Orenda so happy. He wanted the best for her and would do anything to see that lovely smile. He kissed her on the cheek and ate some more, as he had not eaten anything in a while, having been too nervous. He loved Orenda was glad she was now his wife.. He still couldn't come to terms with that ... That was when his sister sat at the table. " Orenda, Kald, It was beautiful, I am so happy for you two. Now take good care of my brother Orenda.. he tends to forget to think of himself if you let him. " She smiled and sat down at their table, eating some of another plate that was set down.
Orenda laughed, "I will try my best to watch after him," she spoke with a laugh. She then turned to Kald, looking at his expression to his sister's words. Finally she started eating and on e she started she realized just how hungry she really was. She was glad when the second course was served, the main course of the meal. She turned to Kald, making sure he was still enjoying himself.
Kald scowled playfully at his sister. He was glad to have his family around them. His parents were busy socializing and he was content to be by Orenda. He had a smile on his face and he kept eating a bit, he was still starving.
Orenda laid her head on Kald's shoulder gently. The high was slowly fading and the exhaustion of all of the planning and the event had finally started to set in. She started drinking the wine, knowing the sweet flavor would soothe the thirst that had started to arise.
kald smiled and whispered " You can't be getting tired! we have so much to look forward too. " He was glad to see her again, it had been far too long. He drank a bit more and was just glad to be with orenda, he didn't mind the large event, as it made his parents happy, " I am so glad your my wife. which I still can't believe it your my wife and I am your husband, its wierd to say.
Orenda smiled softly at Kald, whether he liked it or not, she was tired. She hadn't had restful sleep since their night at the tavern and she was pretty exhausted after a week. She would try to outlast this day, but it was going to be a long day. She loved listening to him talk, it relaxed her and calmed her in a way mother had before.
Kald sighed some wedding night they would have if she was already tired. He tried to be postive. " So what did you do all week? " He smiled and hoped she had a decent week. " I mainly kept to my self, when not meeting people and such. He had arranged a surprise, dessert was fruit and cream.
Orenda frowned, she could tell he didn't like the fact she was tired in an almost selfish way. Was the only reason he married her to get under her skirts? She sighed, she knew the thought was unreasonable. She was being irrational. She took a deep breath and forced the frown away.
"Well, planning, lots of planning and choices," She spoke looking down at the plates in front of her.
Kald looked at her "Sounds like fun, Had any thoughts about where you want to live? " He didn't want to rush her but he was curious. He had no preference as long as he was with Orenda he knew he would be happy and felt like he was home. He ate some more, wondering when there would be an end to the food.
Orenda ate some more fruit. "Well, not really. I don't know, I have never had a family like this, it is nice but we don't have to stay. I'm leaving this decision up to you, I will be satisfied with whatever you decide you want," She spoke in between bites of fruit.
Kald didn't want to decide he wanted it to be her decision as he didn't care where they lived. He looked at her and laughed, " Your mean, I want you to decide, I don't care. " He said eating some food. " I would be content wherever you want to live. " He smiled and kissed her, " I love you"
"As would I," Orenda replied with a soft smile. She leaned her head on his shoulder, "I love you too," She spoke with a sigh. She reached and poked his stomach, "And if you keep eating there will be a lot more of you too love," She added with a smirk.
"Hey! its my wedding day I can eat alot if I want to, and one could say the same to you." He wondered what she was thinking, He honestly was fine with anything if she wanted it. It was funny how he wanted her to be happy so much.
"I have eaten less than half of what you have eaten," She pointed out with a slight chuckle. She really hoped that he would choose. She would be happy either place as long as he was with her.
" If they didn't want it eaten, it wouldn't be served to me. " He laughed, as he finished his food. He thought about it, He wasn't sure where to go, He didn't know what he wanted to do. He had his wonderful wife on his side but what did he want to do to provide her a living. He had a stroke of brillance. " I can start a part of my family's business in any city you want. We can get fund from them to start up our own estate, and a place of business that way we can go wherever you might want. Somewhere where we won't be hated by my people or yours. Perhaps in serendipity or Adela, or we can go to one of the island places. Or perhaps if you like the hot or cold we can go to the desert or arctic. " He wondered if that suited her. or he could go back to their place in connaloth, and live in obscurity, They could live here, He didn't want to make the decision. He was happy doing whatever. He did know it was more dangerous living where they did connaloth, he hoped that he could protect her. He was sure what to do.
Orenda laughed, finding his words rather funny. She took a deep breath to calm herself before turning her head up to look at him.
"I don't know if I want to move that far away, I have always been in Connloath. I'm not saying no, I just don't know. I want a place where you will be happy and satisfied. I will be happy as long as I am with you. We can stay here for a bit while we plan it all out but I have made enough decisions I think it is your turn to," She spoke softly.
" I will make the decision, if you answer one question." He smiled and gave her a kiss. " What do you want to do the rest of your life? " He smirked " besides spend it with me? " What she wanted to do, because she mattered to him, he was happy skinning animals or running a family branch. He just wanted to live with his wife and be happy.
Orenda sighed as she thought about his question. What did she want to do. She didn't like all the decisions that came with the life that Kald was from, or at least she wasn't used to it. She could get used to it though, maybe.
"I don't know to be honest," She spoke with a shrug as she thought more about the question.
"Well let me know when you do, " He started eating the next course with a smile. He had not eaten much the last few days or today. He was hungry and he ignored her comment. He would eat as much as he wanted.. dispite he would probably regret it when it came to the rest of the party.
"How do you plan on moving if you eat all of that food. This isn't a challenge," Orenda spoke with a laugh as she watched him continue to eat.
Kald laughed and finished his food. " So shall we finish the ceremony and get our tree? He said as he got up, the food hitting him but he just forced a smile and held out his hand for Orenda. He loved his wife and now they would get a tree to plan in their home, He was so glad that he was married to Orenda, she made everything so much better.
Orenda took Kald's hand, smiling as she felt his warm, slightly calloused hand in her own. She was ready to start their life together. A mixture of excitement and fear of the unknown rushed over her as she walked with him.
Kald led them to the sight and smiled as he held hands with his wife, He was nervous and the food almost wanted to come back up but he just forced a smile and stood there, the woman in front of him, beautiful and his. He went along with the ceremony saying what he needed to and going through the motions. He focused on Orenda though.
Orenda smiled as she looked up at Kald, he was perfect in every way she could imagine. She spoke when she was required to, she just couldn't wait until they were left alone to be together, to spend close intimate time together. She was ready to get out of the eyes of the public and into Kalds warm arms.
Kald finished the ceremony with his words and the tying of their hands together. Now was the fun part, as someone took their tree, he smiled as music started up and everyone looked at them expectantly. " Shall we?" He led her to the center, and prepared to start.
It was clear on Orenda's face that she was scared. She had only practiced the dance once and wasn't much good at it. She just hoped that Kald was a good leading and could get her through the dance without her tripping and falling and hurting herself.
Kald was good at dancing, after how much practice he had to do at one point he could hardly forget it. He led her with a speed that was obviously slow for him but for Orenda it was hopefully just fast enough. he didn't want to cause her to mess up. He loved being so close to her, and was having a blast, because she was here. The music kept going and people started joining them.
Orenda clung to Kald as they danced, if she fell he was going to fall as well. Still she trusted him and let herself follow his movement. She was relieved when other started dancing and they were no longer the center of attention.
Kald smiled and began to lead Orenda a bit faster, now that she was comfortable. He whispered " your doing great" He didn't want the day to end, it was such a special one. He was now the husband of a wonderful woman, and he couldn't be happier. It was a great feeling.
Orenda smiled brightly as she followed Kald, letting him lead her at whatever speed he chose. She trusted him, and now that she was having fun and relaxing, she wasn't worried about messing up or falling. She was focused on her husband and having fun.
Kald smiled and was glad she had relaxed. He kept dancing and was sad when the music came to an end. He led Orenda back to their table. People kept congratulating them and he smiled as he thought about to day, They would have tons of gifts, and each other. Kald was so glad that the day was finishing He would have them deliver their gifts to the guest house. He then looked to Orenda, and wondered what they should do, as they could visit or dance or do whatever else Orenda might think is fun.
Orenda was full, and that plus the dancing had made her more tired than half an hour before. She was honestly ready to just be alone with her husband so they could enjoy each other, but she knew it was probably best if they just waited until the party was over.
Kald smiled and looked at Orenda, " you can hide in the house and sleep if you need to, I mean no one would blame you, I am sure I can cover for you. " He smiled he love her but she looked like she was going to pass out at the table. Which would be bad for all, this way she could pass out in a room. "Just sneak away back to your room. " He said with a smile, he could entertain their guests till the end. He figured.
"Are you sure you will be okay by yourself. I don't want to run off and leave you. How much longer do you think it will last?" She asked softly, leaning her head against his shoulder. She smiled, he was warm, it reminded her of the first day they met.
" Its fine, I will survive, I don't want you passing out on the table, and you should rest. " He smiled and kissed her on the forehead. " I have no idea, I figure I will stay until its a good time to leave. " He said as he put his arm around her instinctly. For someone trying to make her leave and sleep he was giving her more reason to fall asleep on his shoulder.
Orenda sighed softly, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I will stay for a bit longer, I don't want you to get over whelmed though I doubt that would be an issue."
Kald laughed, He didn't think he would get overwhelmed, he had grown up doing this, He was very aware that these people were here for his family, and had their own reasons. Some were actual family friends, some enemies pretending to care, and others neutral parties, here for social reasons. He smiled and enjoyed Orenda being so close to him. He hoped she lliked the wedding. " Whatever you wish, just don't get overwhelmed your self.
"As long as you are here with me I think I will be okay," Orenda spoke with a soft smile. Her eyes closed and her body relaxing against her new husband she knew it wouldn't take long for her to fall into unconsciousness. She fought it though, Not wanting to fall asleep in public, but not wanting to leave either.
Kald smiled and waited, wondering if she was going to fall asleep, he wondered what he would do when she fell asleep, and he wasn't sure. He thought about picking her up and taking her to bed perhaps after she truely fell asleep. He might just let her sleep here, as well. He wasn't sure. Though he couldn't lie, he couldn't wait for tonight, where he could go places with Orenda that she had never been before.