Today was going to be a big day, and if he played his hand just right, he'd be alive to enjoy it too. It wasn't every day that a great Crocodile Hunt was to be thrown in honor of the Shah. And Her Eminence would actually be present too! Any event could be celebrated in her honor, but to actually have the Essence of Hakeshna here in the celebration of it was quite astonishing to behold. Even for one as cynical as he, Anran knew having the Shah's presence here was a great big deal. And that would make everyone be either on their best behavior, or their worst.
And certainly doing their best to kill the largest crocs they could find.
Croc killing. Now there was a matter that struck Anran as odd, not that he was necessarily opposed to killing them – occasionally their meat could be made into a delectable dinner and their hide into a suitable leather pouch or sword sheath. They were great river predators, obviously, but predators that otherwise bothered no one unless bothered first. Anran had no illusions as to the danger they would actually pose, whether being hunted alone or in groups; but he did know that there were many here hoping to prove their worth, who really had no idea what they were getting into. There was going to be blood, and lots of it. And maybe some stray arms in the process.
This was for the Shah, he reminded himself. And for gold, a great deal of it in fact to the chosen victor among all the participants (as far as he knew). And the honor of being in the Shah's presence was enough prize for many enough as it were. But Anran cared nothing for the honor and glory of the killing. Perhaps it was still the gladiator in him, killing enough just to survive, just enough to prove his worth, that he would not be one to stand idle. That was enough for him, even now as he sat in his tent, dressed in fine linens, thin enough to let the air coming wafting up from the Niafi River to seep through. It certainly beat the smothering desert heat.
"Ah, Harmanaija, there you are," he said, coming out of his tent when he saw a pair of feet pass by the open flap. "I was looking for you. Normally, I would do it myself, but seeing as it is your first week on the job, I thought I would give you the honor. I have my hunting spears in the Armsman's tent just across from mine and I was wondering if you could sharpen them for me. You do know how to sharpen don't you?"
Harmanaija wanted to avoid this event like the plague, and most times fate would oblige- but luck was not on her side, and money was growing tight- and a certain new friend had made her an offer she couldn't refuse (though part of her wondered if he would have even let her refuse.) But here she was, at the annual Crocodile Hunt, a barbaric affair if she had ever seen one- not better than the escapades a the Colosseum; so it was no wonder her new employer/'friend' was so elated- she had nearly forgotten the man had been a gladiator himself.
He was a curious man, definitely one of the stories of going from rags to riches, or rather, slave to riches. Even still, she tried to tell herself this was a job and to act as courteous and respectful and as hard working as she would for any one of her employers. Not that she felt she'd cheat him, but it seemed as if Anran was being, well too nice, and as she timidly stepped throught he curtain of his tent, she brushed her hair back, accidentally revealing the entity of her face-
and the A shaped scar.
"Sorry I'm late. It was... difficult finding this tent in particular." And she had a lot of nasty run ins along the way, leaving her cheeks a bit pink- and she, a bit more sweaty than she'd have liked. She dusted off her dress and looked around, then clasped her hands before her, patiently waiting before him when he told her his orders and she blinked.
"Sharpen.... spears?"
This was not exactly what she had in mind when the man said 'I'll pay you to help me out at the Crocodile Hunt'- but then again,s he should be happy he wasn't asking her to hunt crocodiles at his side. Frowning a bit, she observed the set of spears and then peered back at him, hair falling back naturally into her face.
"I can't say I've ever done it, but it cna't be that hard... right?" And she tried to give him a reassuring smile, even if she felt a ball of nerves.
Right.. sharpening spears- what did she expect a man like him needed help with anyway? Oh boy, she just hoped she was able to perform well of this task!
She did look a bit, er, flushed, Anran noted, but tried not to think anything of it. "Well, there is a method to the madness and I would be happy to show you. Come along," he said with a nod and a smile before taking her to the armsmans' tent and opened a large ornately rolled bundle of spears of all types, from javelins to harpoons and everything in between. Some had flecks of rush on them, some darkened with a reddish hue, though had been cleaned ardently since and some were dulled.
"Here," he said, picking one with a long cross bar on the head. "All you do is take the whetsone, this small rock here and run it along the edge. Simple. I suppose it wouldn't make sense to sharpen all of them, but the steel ones should have a keen edge to them at least. Those are best for the task we're undertake. Here I'll show you."
Harmanaija reguarded the weapons with just an ounce of fear. Her eyes were a bit wide for it- for she never had to handle or get close to weapons of any kind before. She supposed it was silly to be afraid of them, but she was. And when he went on about the steel ones, she found herself needing to ask, "Er.. which ones are of steel?" She had no idea how to identify different types of metals. This was all new to her, after all. And she felt very over whelmed already, and she hadn't even begun this job!
"Ah good question. That would be these silvery looking ones right here. In fact I'll just get these out for you. Just about six of them. I think that's suitable," he nodded to her, setting out the six spears on a rack and rolling up the rest. "Here let me show you how to handle the tip properly. All you have to do is simply this." He demonstrated the sharpening by opening the box the whetstones and chose a rounded one and slowly and carefully ran it on the edge of the spear tip. "Like so." He was slow and meticulous, running it at an angle before handing the spear off to her.
Harmanaija's eyes became a bit cross as she looked at the sharp end of the spear, and watched him with a held breath as he worked the whetstone over it. She released a breath with a nod.
"Seems easy enough." But when he handed one off to her, she stared at it and then tried to awkwardly position it on her lap, accidentally hitting Anran with the stick as she did so.
"Oh! I'm so sorry about that!" she said, and didn't think twice to stand up suddenly, the spear clattering loudly onto the floor at her feet- and landing on her feet as she let out a sharp cry of pain. That hurt!
Anran doubled over when the back end of the spear smacked him in the nuts. It hurt, but not nearly as much as it hitting her foot must have. "Maybe I can have the armsman do it. It is no problem." he squeaked. He quickly recovered however and pulled the thing from her foot. "Are you all right?"
She would have been horrified, had the pain not shot through her so intensely. She was still wincing, even after her foot was saved from the thing and blinked back some sharp tears.
"I... I think I'll live."
She hoped. By Hakeshna, she just hurt it wasn't broken- and she, in the moment, was a bit too stunned to dare to move.
"But I really am quite sorry. I.. I don't think I've ever been so clumsy in all of my life. The weight on those spears, I... I guess I"m just not used to it." And awkardly, she tucked back some of her hair from her face, keeping her eyes down and shameful.
"Ah well there are worse things in the world than broken feet," he murmured as he knelt beside her foot and examined it carefully in his hands. "I guess I took for granted that you could lift them as easily as me." He pressed his palm into the base of her foot. "Better?" he asked. "Well at least it's not too banged up. I've seen much worse."
Harmanaija winced at his touch, and her face quickly turned red. She felt so incredibly foolish for this and quickly apologized again.
"I truly am sorry. I'll be more careful with the next task."
And as he examined her foot, she wriggled it a little.
"It's still stinging, but I think I'll live." And she tried to smile it away as she brushed back a tear. Ugh, how even more embarrassing. Hurting herself actually brought tears!
Once he confirmed she was fine, Anran stood and tried not to focus on her tears. "Well, I suppose we can think of something else for you to do. I apologize for that. It was my fault, I should have been more aware." He pulled her to her feet and carefull set her on it. "I'm sure you can stitch...er, right?"
"Stitch?" She blinked, and found herself smiling. She could definitely do that! "Oh, why, yes, I used to help make some lovely quilt blankets.." But that had also been in another life. She hadn't done much since she was disowned by both her families.
"What is it you need me to stitch?"
And at the mention of stitch, something came to itch at her leg. She moved down to give it a scratch when she saw what it was- a small black scorpion and her heart was in her throat, blocking her ability to breath when she suddenly clung her arms onto Anran, and did the only thing she could think to do-
and that was smash the thing beneath her boot- a food good stomps had the thing smashed to pieces, and when she saw it was good and dead, she released her tense grip upon Anran with a blush.
"Err... sorry about that. I'm... not exactly a fan of scorpions."
Or bugs or spiders...
But scorpions were the worst. Scorpions were more likely to kill.
Anran nearly jumped out of his skin when Harmanaija suddenly stomped on the scorpion. He yelped, thinking she was about to step on his foot. The action had scared him more than the arachnid that was not a gooey squashed mess on the tent floor. It wasn't a very large on, but a scorpion was a scorpion all the same and he only realized afterward that she leaned in so closely to him.
"Ahem." He cleared his throat and smiled sheepishly. "Well you saved both our lives them. They don't discriminate who they sting." He straightened, regained his composure and gestured for her to follow. "I have a few shirts that need mending, some I'd like to wear to the first meeting of hunters."
Now that it was 'safe', she took a step away from him and tucked back some hair. And at the suggestion of mending his clothing, she simply nodded her head. "Just show me what I need to do. And I'll help where I can." Just hopefully there wouldn't be any more scorpions.
Anran led her back to his tent, opening the flap for her and following behind. "These tunics here and linen shirts. I suppose I could just buy new ones but I've never been the wasteful type. It's still perfectly good, just meager holes. I know I'm setting them in the right hands," he nodded to her.
His smile was easy and genuine, as he lay a pile of cotton and silk shirts in her arms.
"I'll get to these quickly. Will you be using any one of these shirts first today or...?" And she peered up at him curiously, a few sprigs of curls of hair covering her marked eye.
Anran's hand came up and brushed away those stray curls, though it had been an unconscious action. He cleared his throat and blushed before pointing to the dark maroon embroidered shirt at the top of the pile. "It's my favorite," he nodded his head and bowed his head. "Sorry. I'll leave you to it. The stitching supplies are in the chest over there.
When Anran moved forward to move her hair, she froze, eyes going wide. She wasn't sure how to react that, and when Anran move away, he wasn't the only one that blushed as her eyes instantly dropped to her feet. She could only nod her head yes when he went to move, and when he left, she released a breath, puffing hair from her face before dropping down to start her work.
She found the supplies easy enough, and focused on patching up the embroidered shirt he said ws his favorite, but as she did so, a piece of the embroidery snagged and began to unravel, so she worked at trying to fix that before going to fix the final bits of patches she had to do on it-
and when she was pretty sure she was on the last hole, she held up the piece triumphantly (for it had taken much longer than she anticipated) and then realized, with a drop of her lips, she had sewn the shirt sleeve to her skirts!
He'd been staring at that for some time after coming in from talking to the armsman and he was speaking with a few emmisaries here and there and entertaining their pompous behinds. They had put on their airs, stuck their noses their air and peered down at him as if he were some lowly commoner. As ever he gave them every courtesy and finally found time to reclaim his shirt. Only to find it sealed to her skirt.
"Well, I don't know if I could pull off the skirt, but it's an interesting sentiment," he said, smirking.
Her face went crimson.
"Oh! I.. I hadn't mean to! I must not have been paying much attention, here... Let me fix it." And when she went to reach for the shirt, she heard a loud riiiip and felt a slit tear up the side of her skirt.
"Uhhh...I don't think you're going to get it off like that," he said, stating the obvious. "Here let me try." He walked over to her and took hold of the sleeve and procured a dagger from his belt. It wasn't solely decorative as he slashed it into the cloth of her skirt and ripped it even more.
Harmanaija gasped as he.slashed at her clothes with the knife, making it worse.
"Anran!" She exclaimed, clinging to his knife arm. "A pair of scissors would be more appropriate!" After all, she liked.dressing modest and her skirt, which reached the ground in length, now had a slit going up almost to her thigh and was beginning to.show more leg than she would have liked.
"Scissors right! Why didn't I think of that? Yes, that is preferable to a big hole in your skirt. But I really did like the sleeves on this tunic. Perhaps it would be better to just cut them off, yes?" he asked with a small shrug. He procured the scissors and handed them to her while he held the sleeve. "Yes, I think the best thing to do would be just to even out the sleeves, cut them off just above shoulder. Wouldn't that be better?"
Once given the scissors, she released a breath and regarded their joined garments before moving to snip away at her own skirts until the sleeve was free.
"There, now I can see if I can't just remove the thread without cutting the sleeve, and I should be able to salvage your shirt from my mistake." And with a puff of breath that moved her hair, she went to work, bending over her lap and very carefully, freeing the skirt fabric from his sleeve. Once the operation was completely, she sewed it back closed and gave an elated sigh.
"There, I do believe it is ready now." And she offered it back to him sheepishly.
"No, no, please! By all means, sever the sleeves! I think I will quite snazzy to look at don't you think? The other princes will be trying to dress to impress, but I think this is a much better idea. Most clothing is light and airy as it is, but sleeves really are overrated. What do you think?" he asked.
Harmanaija blinked at his inquiry.
"Errr... I suppose you are right. It is rather stifling to be wearing sleeves," she admitted a bit awkwardly as she itched at her own sleeves that were making her sweat and itch. She wiped off the sweat on her brow. "But if that's what you'd like, I'm sure I can oblige." And hopefully not ruin his shirt even more...
Then again, it seemed only her skirt really suffered so far from this tragedy, and when she saw her thigh exposed, she grabbed a fist full of her skirt and moved to hide her leg as best she could, but the cut was awkward, so not all of it couldbe held closed.
He wasn't looking. Well, he wasn't going to make it obvious that he was glancing here and there. It wouldn't do after all. "I think that is all right. Just snip it off right there, no need to cut more than necessary. Damn you work fast. Who did your hands learn to sew so quickly? Hakeshna's will!"
Harmanaija blushed at his gushing.
"Errr... I just, I don't know, I didn't think I was doing it that fast," she told him in earnest, gritting her teeth a bit as her hair hung over her face. "But I'm glad you like it. Now that I'm done with that shirt, I suppose I can move onto the others." And she stared at the pile of them and suddenly it seemed like a very daunting task as she sighed. She supposed it was alright- at least she wasn't here expecting to see anything of importance. After all, she normally avoided this event if she could help it.
"So when does this event begin? I hope I am not keeping you!"
Anran took the shirt and beamed at her handiwork. He took off his present tunic and pulled it over his head, changing into the other one and shrugging. "Quite soon. But with how fast you work, I'm certain, you'll be done in no time. In fact, I'll bet you a solid gold coin that I'll make it early," he laughed, pulling the sleeveless tunic over head. "There. What do you think?"
Harmanaija was always a woman so self conscious, she felt awkward in such predicaments. Though there was a time she might have been called pretty, she was sure that long since passed and her whole efforts were now focused on surviving, and surviving alone. So when finding herself needing to compliment a man, and a handsome one, for how he looked in his fine suit, she felt herself growing small as she peered at him timidly from where she had looked away when he began to remove his shirt. Now that he had the new one on, he looked rather dashing. Though it's not to say the last outfit he wore was a bore, but this one truly complimented him, and she was happy she hadn't ruined it. And as she studied him, she only then truly took notice of the scar across his face, and though about her own scar and wondered how painful it must've been for him to receive it. But then realizing she was staring, her eyes went wide a moment before they dropped to her feet.
"Very nice. I think that color suits you well," she said, stealing another look up at him. "And I shall try my best on the rest of these clothes." And she lifted one up and scrutinized it. "There's a lot here..."s he went on, doubtful she could be as fast as he was expecting her to be- but just as she was sifting through the clothes something caught her eye, or rather someone and she found herself dropping the two articles of clothing she held.
And that was the luck of it, for the man that had just passed by Anran Haidan's tent was none other than her ex-husband, Lord Ahb-meht.
The man was handsome enough with a face and neck much like a snakes, even his hair was shaped similarly to that of the hood of a viper. But even with his thin limbs, he had a protrusion on his belly that show-cased his wealth and that he ate well, and the second his green eyes spotted Harmanaija he flashed a dangerous smile her way. Naturally, the gorgeous Marra was on his arm, both appearing like handsome, chocolate colored statues against the sun, and the peacock feathers that adorned Marra's hair and robe fluttered lightly as she turned and stuck her nose up at the pair.
But then his eyes tore from Harmanaija to her 'master', and he flashed Anran a toothy smile.
"Lord Haidan," he said with a nod. "Hoping to kill a few crocodiles today?" And as her ex-husband stepped towards the entrance flap of the tent, Harmanaija did all she could to make herself appear small.
Well, he wasn't one to go fishing for a compliment, but like anyone, it was nice to hear one, once in a while. He would've thanked her for it too, had it not been for the interruption of Prince Ahb-meht. He turned to the intruder and straightened when the man came near enough to enter the tent. Anran purposefully blocked his way. "Lord Ahb-meht, I don't believe you have asked permission to enter into my tent. And I do not believe I bid you welcome," he said levelly.
The merchant prince was surprised when Anran dared to stepped forward, but he did not let it show in his expression, and continued to merely smile while his wife continued to cast nasty glares Harmanaija's way.
"My, my, why so rude a greeting? I simply was out for a stroll and figured I'd say my hellos and wish you luck. Hakeshna shines on men this day, all for the glory of Essyrn, for the glory of our Shah."
Anran bowed his head and nodded to the other man but he did not move from his position. "Indeed, we are here to celebrate the greatness of our Shah, so one would think that you would at least respect a man's dwelling, my lord," he said with another bow. "And the respect of all the dwell within."
Marra stared at Anran scrutinizingly and kept her nose turned up at him, but as much as she pretended not to notice Harmanaija, her blood was so obviously boiling over it.
"Yes, but can not a man converse with his fellow man about such an event. I just saw you were preparing for the day and figured I'd pay my... respects," he said, and chanced only one glance over to Harmanaija before looking up at Anran, then sized him up.
"I see you are busy, however... I suppose I should let you prepare. We wouldn't' want you late for such an event."
And his proud wife could have sneered.
Anran bowed gracefully to both of them nevertheless and smile. "Thank you, Lord Ahb-meht," he nodded. "Good afternoon to you. Now do yourself an honor and make yourself scarce." And he looked at Marra and winked at her.
Lord Ahb-meht's smile never left his face, but his wife cast Anran a nasty glare.
"Very well, Lord Haidan, good luck at the crocodile hunt," and with graceful strides, he and his wife left. But as they were rounding the corner, Marra stole another glance over her shoulder glaringly at Harmanaija before the pair completely disappeared from view.
It was then Harmanaija finally released a breath and moved out from behind Anran, turning her back to him.
"Th.. thank you for.. for asking them to leave. I don't now if you're aware but he... Lord Ahb-meht was my former husband,"s he told him softly, speaking to the ground and trying to find something for her to do, for she felt so shaky she was almost in tears. She had thought she had all but put that man behind her- but then there he was, following her like a ghost.
"I had a feeling there was some kind of history between you two. He kept looking at you, from the corner of his eye. Not to mention he was looking for a reason to linger," Anran said, watchig still from where they left. He looked at her and put a hand on her shoulder. "Are you all right?"
When Anran approached her, she all but jumped from his touch. Gasping, she jerked in reaction and turned towards him, then swiftly, she diverted her gaze to the clothing she was hastily picking up from the rugs and sands.
"I... y-yes, I'll be, I mean I am fine. Just fine," but as she released another long breath, her heart caught in her throat again, as she caught one of Lord Ahb-meht's 'hulking' "friends". And instinctively she shrunk away, pressing herself closer to Anran when she suddenly yelped, her sandal catching on her already torn skirts as she began to trip.
Today was just not her day.
At least it was momentarily entertaining, that was for certain. But Anran's expression was not one of laughter as she tripped on herself and he helped her up. "Nothing to see here. Move along. Just ripped skirts is all. Nothing at all, all right!" he said, glaring at the crony and pulling Harmanaija back inside the tent.
"Look, it's more than obvious you're not all right," he said to her. "I...don't think leaving you in camp with the others would be such a good idea. Come with me to the dinner, and to the preliminary hunt matches. No doubt Ahb-meht will find as many ways to torment you as possible."
It was true, she had a hunch her ex-husband would try to do something rotten to her here, but upon hearing Anran's suggestion, she gasped as turned to him.
"Oh, no! I couldn't impose!" And what would a woman even do at such an affair? And no doubt her ex-husband would even seek a way to make that occasion horrible for her, too.
"Then you have two choices. You can stay here and become vulnerable to that wretched man and his goons, or you can come with me. At least then you'll have someone at your back."
"But I feel awful. I've been nothing but an inconvenience for you since we first met." And here she hesitated as she stared up into his eyes. "And won't I be in your way? I know nothing of this event except that those crocodiles you will be hunting are vicious creatures. What do you suppose I do? Threaten to sew their sleeves to my dress?" And she gave a sheepish smile. "I'm still not convinced I wont just hinder you. This is a big day."
"True. But maybe the experience will do you some good. You could learn to hold my spears and not hurt yourself while doing it," he laughed. "Just carry my things and walk with your back straight. None of this slouching nonsense."
She gaped at him before it turned into a smile.
"Who says I slouch?" She folded her arms across her chest. "I most certainly do not slouch!"
Anran smiled when she did. "I don't know. But I got you to smile. So it is agreed yes? You are coming with me."
Harmanaija stared at him, uncertain what to say or refute that so instead, she simply sighed through a smile and gave a nod.
"I guess so. But I can't help but wonder what a woman ought to do at a crocodile hunt." And the last part she grumbled a bit, in spite of herself- because secretly she was a bit excited to join him- but on another hand, she was also very, very terrified. Not only would there be dangerous crocodiles all around her, but what if her husband tried something against her out there? She tried to push the thought away as she turned from Anran.
"I guess it's back to this sewing then until we leave?" Which would also help her avoid looking at Anran, so he wouldn't have to keep seeing her dopey smile, of which she could not get rid of upon her lips. And while her back was turned to him, she exhaled again and told him,
"Thanks. I know you don't have to do any of this for me but.... really, it's appreciate to know someone cares."
Anran shrugged, blushing slightlu. "It's no big deal, really. I'm glad to help. And frankly, I never really liked Abd-meht as far as I could throw him." He looked across to the pile of clothes and then back to her. "How long had you been married to him if you don't me asking?"
Harmanaija continued to stared down at the pile of clothing.
"Five years."
And then she gave a hollowed smile.
"And two years free of him. The only thing I miss are my children, but he had turned my sons into nasty beings, as cruel as he. They spit on me when I see them. Or throw stones. I know they never learned that from me. And I see them calling Marra mama. So I'm pretty sure I've been all but forgotten in their memories, when I used to hold them when they were little, and sing them lullabies at night."
Anran furrowed his brows in thought. It was sad to know such a prospect. But Anran had never been married nor had children of his own. "I never knew my mother," he said softly. "I think if I knew her, I would have loved her dearly. And cherished her as she ought to be. It is easy to father children, or so I've heard, but mothers bear the weight of birth, of raising them. You deserve better."
Giving a shrug, she still kept her back to Anran. "Well, I'm free of all of that now. That's what the mark on my face is for, right? To remind myself I'm free of him."
But even as she spoke it, even as she tried to be strong- two years was not enough time to fully heal those wounds, and the threats of tears sparkled within her eyes.
"You're right," he said and nodded with assurance. "Look, let's find you something nice to wear. I think I have a few silks here that will fit you and we can add a belt to feminize the attire. Forget the shirts. Those can be done later."
At Anran's suggestion, she turned around.
"What? You want me to wear your silks?"
Anran laughed but nodded. "Yes. I'm serious. I don't see any reason why not."
Harmanaija blushed and dropped her gaze.
"But you have such nice clothes!" And here she was, standing dressed in a simple wool dress!
[LOL! WOOL? IN THE HEAT?]
"I insist. I mean I can't possibly wear all these clothes on this one trip, even if we stay here a week and I dressed for every meal. Please. It is also customary for the one at my back to be dressed just as well as I am. I am not really reputed for carting around an entourage of half-naked slaves."
OOC: OMG LOOOL
I meant like COTTON
*dies*
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Harmanaija still blushed at such an idea, before giving a soft laugh.
"I suppose there could be worse fates fallen into than wearing men's clothing. Alright, but which shirt would be okay to wear? I wouldn't want to use your best outfits just on me. Do you have anything simple? Or in purple or blue?" She was always found of those colors and rarely got to wear them.
"I hav several of those colors. Even an indigo tunic if it suits you... Take your time and your pick," he said and gestured to the other shirts in his trunk.
And it was an indigo silk suit she found and instantly fell in love with. It was so soft between her fingers she drew it close a moment, and realizing it had faintly smelled of him, she felt a fluttering in her belly before smiling and turning to him.
"I think this one might do. The color is gorgeous."
[roly lolies....wool. XD]
Anran beamed when she showed him the shirt and he nodded. "Try it on! There behind the partition. I think I have some piercings that go with that color. I know it must be strange to have a man help you dress. But I had my ears peirced back...back in my youth and I suppose I never lost my love for bit of metal shards sticking through my ears."
Harmanaija stepped behind the partition, a thin veil of clothe that still showcased her silhouette as she began to undress.
"Piercings? I have not worn any in years. I'm afraid I'm not sure the holes would still be open, though I suppose we could try." And she set her simple dress aside and move to grab the indigo silks.
He wasn't a pig. Really, he wasn't! But he wasn't also going to lie and say that he wasn't looking at her silhouette as she changed behind the cloth partition. She had a lovely body, he thought and wondered then what a fool Abd-meht was to have so carelessly thrown it away. Perhaps he didn't. The sin of adultery, was so lovingly branded on women who were unfaithful, when there were just as many men, if not more, who deserved the punishment worse. Anran couldn't be one to judge. He was not married, nor did he think it was likely. Even after all these years of his servitude being over, he was still becoming accustomed to the riches, the privileges, the power that came with it all. He was a Freeman...a luxury more precious than all the money in the world. And yet, with it, he knew there was still a world beyond it that he was still coming to terms with understanding. The game of princes, power, pleasure, and treachery, was not one for idle players.
"I found some. Here, These are of jade and turqoise stones. Try them," he said, handing the piercings from the side of the partition.
Harmanaija had just slipped the her clothing on, which- despite it being cut to fit the proportions of a man, still seemed to accent the natural curves of the woman. Being she was so young, those true curves a woman possess were finally blossoming more broadly on her now- for she was no young girl anymore, like the youth she had been that Ahb-meht had married. But even as a woman, it came with a fine price, and whatever trickery or 'love' she had believe gained her the scar on her face became as much a part of her as those curves. So as she slipped into the indigo silks, the shirt coming barely down to th tops of her thighs, she clutched it against her body and timidly peered over the side of the partition.
"I think I might need some help with, with this. I'm not certain how to tie this, or if your pants would fit me." And as a stray piece of dark, turquoise hair fell over her face, she lightly brushed it away as she peered up at him.
The request made Anran's eyebrows raise and he cleared his throat. "I suppose I could," he replied, pocketing the earrings and stepping behind the partition. He eyed her form for a moment before gesturing to the pants. "You just tie this around your waist. That sash right there," he said, gesturing to the silken cloth and wrapped it around her waist like a belt.
"Yes, but," she sighed and pulled up the pants. "See? It's the length. Theyre too tall."
"Easy. We get some strips and tie them at the ankles. These should do it." He reached down and wrapped them up, bundling them and gesturing her to hand him a spare strip of cloth. "Hmm.. We need scissors. I didn't really think this through."
Gasping, Harmanaija shook her head.
"Oh, we couldn't possibly cut this silk fabric!" she told him, placing a hand to his arm. "What if I just wore the shirt with my skirt?" Though even she knew that would look a bit strange, though perhaps it was better than nothing? "I could alter the skirt so it would be easier to move around in inside the boat. It already has slits up the one side." Why not add some to the other?
"Well, if you really want to then I am not opposed to it," he said with a nod, relenting and taking the strap back into hands, standing. "I think the shirt and skirt, might be nice. But the pants look better with the tunic, I think," he said.
"I think I'll take my chances with my skirts. I would just feel guilty ruining them when you're trying to help me out." And then holding up her skirt, she held it against the indigo tunic. "See? The white doesn't look so bad against it. Now, if you could just turn around. I can put this back on."
She was, after all, still in only the tunic, which left her just barely modest.
Anran blushed a little, looking at her thighs for a second before turning away. He smiled sheepishly and shook his head. "Of course!" he nodded and turned around, going back around the partition.
After Anran left, she could have swore she saw him sneaking a peak at her legs. The very idea of it was preposterous! But it still made her cheeks burn, even her heart flutter a little. But she was no fool. No man could truly look at her in any meaningful way, so she pushed it aside and went about slipping back into her skirts, and once the tunic was adjusted to lay just over it, she took a timid step out from behind the drapery.
"There. All changed. But I do think I might need to borrow your scissors. To fix the skirt, that is."
Anran had the shears in hand when she came out from behind the partition and he eyed her for the longest time. "Oh! Uh, right," he muttered and handed her the scissors. "Here!"
With a thankful nod, she took the scissors and worked at evening out the slits, but she did not stop just there and shortened the skirts, just a little, so the cotton was not scraping the ground.
"There!" She said, breathing a sigh of relief. "Much better now, thank you." And she handed him back the shears.
Anran beamed, looking all around her as if she were wearing the latest fashions, his eyes glitteriing. "You look fantastic. Oh! Now the earrings. Put your hair up. Show off your lovely neck."
Harmanaija blushed.
"Oh, but I havent a pin or tie to keep it up!"
And was he really eyeing her that way and giving her a compliment?
"Well, I'm sure you have a knitting needle that can suffice," he reasoned, moving behind her and shifting her hair from her neck.
Him touching her hair sent light shivers to her skin as a thrill rushed through her. She found herself holding her breath, and also tensing while nearly missing his question as butterflies consumed her belly. She felt embarrassed for such a reaction, but how long had it been since she'd ever been touched? Then growing embarrassed, she dropped her gaze.
"But the needles are on the table on the other side.of the tent," she told him softly.
"All right, well you hold that," Anran instructed, reaching for her hand to hold the bundle of hair he'd formed. He came back with the needle and readjusted her hair, pulling it back until it was the proper bun and stuck the needle through it. But it all came unravelling down. He laughed, shaking his head. "I guess men just aren't good for fixing hair," he smirked.
Harmanaija gave a sigh and shake of her head, but smiled at him none the less.
"Neither am I. But here, I can give it a try." And as she tried to spindle it upon her head, she stuffed the needle in and turned to him.
"There, what about that?" But the entire thing looked like a conic mess.
Anran laughed, watching her make a lopsided hair-do. "Let me try this," he said as he returned with a strip of cloth and bound her hair up again, this time sticking the needle in just right and then binding it all with the strap. "There. Better?"
Harmanaija's eyes went crossed as she tried to peer up at his handy work.
"I suppose so but I'll have to take your word for it." And here she smirked as she looked at him, tucking back one loose sprig of hair. "I can't see it."
"Well it looks fabulous on you, Harmanaija," Anran said, turning to look at her. "It really brings out your features. Especially your eyes." He was smiling, as if he didn't even notice the mark on her face and he quickly moved over to get a mirror so that she could see for herself.
Harmanaija hope she wasn't flushing, but when the mirror was brought to her, she saw it on her face- then the mark- the mark that was so prominent and hastily, she began to paw at her hair, dragging pieces to cover over it.
"Oh.. it.. it seems too much, too much was pulled up I-" But in her hastiness, the rest of her hair began to fall out as she softly gasped and peered at herself wtih a frown.
"Oh! I hadn't mean to pull it all out I just- The mark.. it... I'd like to hide it."
And that confession heated her cheeks shamefully as she dropped her gaze.
"Perhaps.. we can pull just.. part of it up?" Though she felt lame for asking.
Anran patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, I get it. Just part of the hair it is. The back then." He smiled and took down his work, working the back of her haie anew. "I won't let you go out there looking like a fool, you're in safe hands."
She released a held breath and nodded, keeping her gaze down cast until he was finished. Then she turned to him.
"Thank you. I don't know how I can repay you. You've been far too kind to me and I just feel as if I now owe you something for all this help. Really, you have no idea how it is I... I really don't have anyone I can count on. No friends to turn to. It's just always been me these past few years."
And things had been very rough indeed.
"Oh, but look at me, prattling on. I know you've had your fair share of hard times too." And she gazed at him curiously. "How was it like. Being a slave, I mean... If.. if you don't mind me asking. But oh, isn't that awfully rude of me." ANd she took his hand and squeezed it. "Please dn't answer if you don't wish. I.. I hadn't meant to pry!"
Anran chewed on his lip for a moment, looking at her in the eyes. "It's no big deal, really. I'm happy to lend a hand now and again. I think it's easy to ignore the troubles of others especially since everyone's got their own problems." He shrugged. At her other question however, he stiffened and patted her hand. "It was as you'd probably expect," he said, turning his eyes away. "But..uh, I was luckier than most. And I always count my blessings."
"Yes, I suppose you're right. But I too, consider myself fortunate. After all, I could be penniless or dead on the street. Though most jobs I can procure are not glorius by any means, I still feel fortunate to have them. But I don't need much to be happy. So long as I can get by and have a place of my own, that's all I need."
And here she smiled softly up at him.
"What about you? Is this life you live all you had dreamed? It must be amazing to be able to accomplish and own so much. After all, to be a tradesman gives you power, here."
He laughed and squeezed her hand in his own. "I think I can honestly say it wasn't. When I was a boy, I was being raised to be a house slave, to maintain the household, obey orders, serve guests. You must understand that that kind of servitude is considered very high for a slave. If you have a decent master, you are given your own quarters, taught to speak well, carry yourself with some semblance of dignity, given fine dress. You see because you are a possession of your master, you are in a sense an extension of him or herself, and carry with you the dignity of his house and his name. If you have a decent master that is...."
He dropped his eyes. "I...had a cruel mistress. I would not break so she sold me to the Colosseum and there I fought. As I'm sure you can imagine."
She took his hand, squeezing it and looked up into his eyes.
"I'm so sorry.to hear that, Anran. I can only imagine what it was like. It must have been terrible." She squeezed his hand again and moved her other hand, resting it on his shoulder.
"But clearly Hakeshna knew your heart was good and sparred you from such a life. It is nice to hear a good story in ourlife time. Like a real fairy tale. I just hope Hakeshna will continue to shine on you and this life."
Anran laughed. "Thank you. But I'm sure Hakeshna has many other concerns on her mind than I." He patted her hand and motioned to the door. "We should get going I think. It's time for the preliminary banquet."
With a nod, the pair strolled off, though she was surprised to realize she'd have to be accompanied on Anran's arm. She hadn't realized the protocol, and even though they were not married, or not courting or anything of the likes, they were both unwed and single relations who accompany the other, it was always protocol to move about, arm in arm. So as she moved with Anran through the sea of guests that gathered along the Niafi River bank for the first feast of many, she found herself shrinking closer to Anran as her face began to garner them many nasty looks. It was only after she began to hear some of the whispers did she turn to Anran shamefully and whispered, "Perhaps I should not have come. I do not wish to mar your reputation by being escorted by you."
Anran leaned into her and shook his head. "Pay them no heed. It's easy to be jealous of a man with a gorgeous woman on his arm," he said and patted her hand.
Harmanaija's eyes went wide at such a compliment, and swiftly she looked around, afraid someone might have heard him.
"Anran, please.."s he said, squirming on his arm. "Such compliments are really not necessary.."
"Then just relax. Laugh. Pretend I just said something funny." He laughed himself and shook his head. They walked ino the grand tent. There were several tables laid out for the Princes and their entourages and Anran could see from the corner of his eye, Ahb-meht, not far away.
To say Lord Ahb-meht was surprised was an understatement, and his prized wife Marra nearly spilled her drink. The gasping from her throat could be heard all around, only drawing more attention to her, then to where her eyes were looking.
But Harmanaija turned away from it, tried to tune it out and walked closer to Anran, keeping her chin held high.
"You don't have to say anything funny!" she said with a bit of a forced laugh. "The looks on their faces was enough to make this all worth it."
"Damn right," Anran said, smirking. He too ignored their gazes as he helped Hamanaija into her seat and took a seat beside her so that she was exactly on his right and nodded to the slave offering goblets filled with wine and water to place one of each beside them.
"I still can't believe I'm here. This life.... I just always assumed I'd remain beneath all of this." It made her laugh a bit as she lifted up her water, peering at her reflection in the glass a moment before shrugging and drinking some down. "So are you always this nice? If so, I must admit it's strange you don't have more friends accompanying you here." Or a wife...
"You and me both. I could only have imagined this in my wildest of dreams," he admitted just between the two of them. He gave a soft chuckle, taking a sip of his water and leaning back in his chair. "I...er, no. Not always. But I am in a good mood today. We are in the presence of royalty after all." And suddenly the entire set of guests at one table stood and bowed their heads as armed guards came through the grand tent.
Haramnaija felt her heart leap into her throat. Her stomach was doing somersaults and her palms were growing clammy. She could not believe this, the Shah just entered the great tent! She didn't fully know what to expect, but to see her in all of her glory was awe inspiring and also made Harmanaija feel even more insignificant than she already was.
"She's so beautiful.."s he murmured, eyes unable to leave the youthful beauty.
It was hard not to be taken by the Shah's beauty. Anran had only a glance at her from where he was. And after he bowed and gave reverence, her entourage was past and the Princes were allowed to be seated again after they had taken their place at the head table.
"Some say she is Hakeshna reborn," Anran murmured into her ear. "But no one can say for sure what Hakeshna looked like. She could've had bucked teeth for all we know."
"Anran!" She scolded, but was having a hard time hiding her smile. "That is no way to talk about our Goddess. She is perfection." Or so the young Shah had seemed...
"Eh, perfection is temporary. I bet the Goddess had six toes on her left foot and a big bug eyes. That's why they always carve her with them shut. Well sometimes," he chuckled.
"Anran!" she gasped and gave his stomach a nudge with her elbow. Shaking her head, she turned from him.
"Well maybe Hakeshna actually looks like you! I'm sure there'd be some who would swoon. Though it would be nice if Hakeshna had more of a humbled appearance. This current Shah makes it very difficult to be a woman of any means."
Thankfully, she didn't or wasn't a woman of means.
"Perhaps. I like to think that we can imagine the Goddess how we can best relate to her," he said softly, offering her a smile. "Ah...here come the appetizers."
The food was exquisite. And Harmanaija took her time in savoring it all. She knew after this event was done, it was back to eating simple meals-a nd meals she couldn't even afford daily. But the food, she could not deny, was heavenly, and it took every ounce of her being not to shovel it into her mouth or moan.
"I've forgotten how good oysters are," she commented after eating a few. "And whatever is in these cakes here is just heavenly."
"You really put it away, woman," Anrnn laughed, snickering as he eyed her as he ate. He enjoyed the food, but it was more interesting to watch her eat. "You've never had biscuits like thes before?"
"No, I can't say that I ever had. Or if I have, never with this recipe!" And though she blushed at his comment, she just shrugged it off. The food was good. She couldn't help herself.
"I see some things never change," Ahb-meht said as he and his wife wandered over to their table and he grinned toothily at Harmanaija. "Starving?"
Harmanaija could have choked on her food. Good thing she wasn't eating any when her ex-husband approached. Not certain what to say, she found herself gaping before dropping her gaze. But upon hearing Marra's smirk, she lifted her gaze and popped an entire fish cake into her mouth.
"Hardly starving now, more like in heaven!" She said through her food, and could not help but smile at Marra's repulsion.
"Is there something more important you came sauntering over here for, Ahd-meht?" Anran asked again, mid-sip of wine. "Guests may mingle certainly. But you have no friends at this table nor in any real vincity. Careful not to let the cook see you. You're looking lovingly porcine today."
At that's when Harmanaija did start choking on her food.
Ahb meht laughed and turned to his wife.
"No friends indeed. Though I suppose the same.could be said of.a former slave." And with a laugh he turned to leave. "Always happy with meager, trampy seconds."
And that's when Harmanaija had enough, and picked up a crab cake and hurled it at the back of her ex husband's head.
[How would he know he's a former slave? Just
wondering.]
She was insane! Did she want to have her hand cut off? Anran saw the cake flying and watched it miss the man's head entirely and instead land in Marra's hair.
Ooc: maybe I'm.getting his history confused? Wasn't he a gladiator and slave? Or were those two separate?
________
Harmainja let out a noise of defeat and slumped into her chair. Well, maybe Marra would freak out later when she realized she had crab cake crumbs embedded in her hair.
[No that's right. It's just that Anran likely would not have announced it to the other Princes. He would be spurned and otherwise rejected from society ai think. It wouldn't have been common knowledge is all I'm saying.]
"Don't worry. Crocs love crab cakes," Anran said, smiling and trying to be supportive.
Ooc: yeah, whoops just ignore that XD
_____
At Anran's comment, she found herself laughing and laughing and almost unable to stop.
"Though I doubt Marra will be on the river, its still humorous to imagine a crocodile chasing her." And she turned to him and smiled. "Thank you. I needed a good laugh." And she sheepishly picked up another cake. "And a good meal!"
Anran smiled at her and bowed his head. "I'm glad. Please enjoy what you can. There is more than plenty."
The meal went on as expected, where exotic soups and meats were served to all. Harmanaija's taste buds were in heaven. She wasn't sure how she had ever managed to procure such a meal, but after enjoying it all, she turned to Anran with a broad smile.
"It's hard to think someone can live a life where they get to eat such great foods all day." Even her ex-husband never had such luxuries all the time, just for important events. But she, naively, would presume the Shah ate this, or more, on a regular basis. For surely someone as grand as she would be spoiled in opulence.
"Yes. Some Princes are more than...er, spoiled when it comes to the privileges they enjoy," Anran said tentatively. He stood from the table and helped her out of her seat when the time came for the lords of the desert to mingle with one another. Music played, though no one was expected to dance and jesters and other performers entertained on the side, all for the glory of the Shah.
Anran watched as Abd-meht cut him eyes their way again, eyes sealing on Harmanaija and they glittered with greed. He felt his stomach spoil and he nearly wretched on the spot. He would have too if there were not for a sudden shriek that tore across the crowd. A monkey, taken off the chain as someone's favored pet and companion had gotten wind of the crab cake in Marra's hair and had jumped on her head, trying to sift through it to find the lost confection.
The woman wailed, running around as the monkey clasped onto her hair for dear life and men began to roar in laughter at the sight.
If Harmanaija had been the focus of anyone, it was hardly of her concern- for in that moment she was enjoying herself. The dancers were beautiful, the jesters making her chuckle, but what trumped it all was to hear Marra's shriek and the wild, pet monkey in her hair. Trying to stifle a laugh, Harmanaija placed a hand over her lips, but it was more than evident what she was hiding, and her laughter was aplenty.
"Goodness.. you don't think I'll get in trouble for this, do you?" she asked in a whisper as she leaned in to Anran.
"I won't tell if you won't," he murmured, chuckling as a few brave men surrounded Marra and tried to wrangle the monkey from her head.
Harmanaija had to turn away. She was just dying over this, and had to slip outside of the tent, where she finally released her hand from over top of her lips and laughed and laughed until her eyes were in tears.
"That was the single most hilarious thing I have seen in all of my life! Oh, I needed that. I haven't had a good laugh in years!"
Anran smiled, the laughter leaving him and he tilted his head at her. "I hope they save the monkey. He might get fleas from her hair."
Harmanaija's eyes shined at that comment.
"And not the other way around?" she asked him, playfully.
Anran gave a smirk. "Of course not. Monkeys are the cleanest animals in the world."
Hearing the shriek of a protesting monkey, her eyes shot back to the tent.
"Looks like they detained him." She gave a sigh through a smile. "I suppose that's the end of that bit of entertainment for the night. I suppose we should get back inside?"
"I kind've like staying out here. Unless you wanted to be glared and pointed at, I think being out here is the better idea," Anran said. "The banquet will be over soon. Then the real fun begins. The first round of the hunt."
"I suppose I'm in no hurry to return to the tent. The day is lovely after all. We could enjoy a stroll beside the river."
Anran chuckled. "Very well. I don't see why not. Just not too close to where the crocs are," he smirked and offered his arm. "Shall we?"
Harmanaija took his arm with a smile.
"Sure. Lead the way. With the luck I've been having, I'd lead us right into the mouth of a crocodile!"
Anran nudged her shoulder, leading her down by the river. "Don't say things like that!" he laughed. "I don't want to lose an arm."
"Well neither do I!" She told him with a tsk. "But shouldn't you have to worry about that more on the hunt? I'd hate to think a crocodile would come so close.to the camps."
"Right. Crocodiles hate festivities. Especially those thrown in honor of hunting them," Anran said smartly. He laughed and sighed. "So what does Abd-meht see in a woman like Marra? She doesn't seem very intelligent if you ask me."
"She's some distant relation to the Shah, so when her father offered to marry her to Ahb_meht, he leaped all over the possibility to be closer the royal family. Ironically, she has such distant relations its almost debatable if her lineage is true." Harmanaija gave a shrug. "But if you want my opinion, Marra is a good match for him. Both of them are snakes."
"That would make a great deal more sense," Anran nodded, recalling how Abd-meht paraded around with Marra so proudly on his arm. "And just how long have they been married? Shortly after he did away with you?"
"Oh, well before. Though I forget how long exactly. She never liked me either way. Always saw me as too young or some such. But I think it was because I never fell in line to her demands. She wanted to have all of the other wives treated like servants or slaves. It was pretty bad. I'm probably fortunate I was forced out. Marra had one of the other wives executed. Or so the rumors say."
"That's horrible!" Anran gasped. "If that's how marriage is, I wouldn't want to be married to Abd-meht either. He's a snake either way. You know he once tried to lame one of my horses that I was selling to the Clan Rabul? I caught his men, before he could. All the same, I wish it was him instead of his goons, so I could take a few fingers off his hand and feed them to my hounds. Maybe he wouldn't eat so much if he only had one working hand."
Harmanaija gasped at such a revelation.
"Truly? I knew he was a coward, but that is truly awful. I am sorry. But thankfully he had not succeeded."
"Yes, thankfully. Perhaps a part of me wish he did so I'd have a good reason to gut that slimy sonuvabitch. But I guess you can't have everything," Anran sighed.
"Yes, well, maybe a crocodile will eat him. Or if not, at least we can have him shamed. Why, I bet we could bring back a much more impressive crocodile head than he could ever do so. In fact, I don't even know why he is here. I can't see him actually participating in this hunt."
Anran laughed at Hamanaija's boasting. "I'm glad to see your ever growing faith in me. In fact, I think beating Abd-meht should prove as ample motivation to do well on this hunt, wouldn't you say?"
"I suppose you're right, and will give me something to do besides being deathly afraid of the crocodiles!"
Anran laughed. "Thankfully crocodiles generally stay in water unless you get too close.. Just stay inside the boat and you should be fine."
"That's easy to say, but the boat is in the water," she pointed out, not about to buy into that sort of sense of security. "And we'd be in the crocodile's domain then."
"Good point. But I hear it helps to try and think positive," Anran suggested. "Let's talk about something else. Say your favorite drink. What do you enjoy on a nice relaxing evening?"
"Would fresh water sound too boring?" she asked though a smile. "I was never much of a drinker. Though those lemon drinks we had the other week were delicious."
He laughed and shook his head. "No, it wouldn't be too boring. I think most people would agree fresh water is the best drink of all! I like it occasionally myself. Before that, I like to savor a fine wine. I guess I'm still getting use to all the opulence."
"Yes, wines are well and good, but when you haven't the money for them, even simple things like water can just be so refreshing and satisfying. But suppose that is the way the world works. You don't realize a good thing until that's all you have. And I think I can be quite content with that. If anything, my life now away from Ahb-meht has been freeing. It's a curious feeling to be able to be out there, living all on your own without the dependency on others. Though I struggle from day to day, in the end of the day it's wonderful knowing even with what little I have is mine."
Anran's eyes smiled as he did. His lips were tight, mulling over her words but his eyes never left hers. "I know exactly how you feel," he said softly. "It's sometimes mindboggling to think I actually have things of my own now. A life included. And I ...wasn't just another unmarked grave."
Harmanaija went quiet. Where as he could talk about affording a grave, she had the opposite problem. Her grave would go unmarked, her life- unremembered. But she supposed it was just as well- and though she was silent, a soft calling of the guards announcing the hunt was to begin stirred the attendants to life. Harmanaija turned to Anran.
"Well, looks like it's now or never. Time for us to go get some crocs!"
Anran made a disgruntled huffing sound and tried to smile it off. "Bah, it's just as well. Time flies when you're having fun or so they say," he murmured and gestured her to come along with him. "Time to get to work."
Anran's servants had taken out their boat, his armsmen handing off the spears and getting into the boat with him. He had adorned leather braces and shin guards over his boots and a thick, wide leather belt. There was only so much one could armor against croc teeth, but it didn't hurt to be cautious. And when Anran held out his hand for Harmanaija to get into the boat, his Master Armsman shot him a stunned glare. "You're taking her along?" he asked.
"Yes. She didn't argue about it. And neither will you," Anran said pointedly and the Arsman snapped his yap shut.
Harmanaija gave a nod, and followed quietly after Anran, letting him lead and prepare. She helped where she could, and once the boat and men were ready, she took his hand and took a dainty step into the boat. But when the Armsman question it, she nearly misstepped, and when she got into the boat, it rocked gently beneath her as she gasped and clung suddenly to Anran.
After a moment, she blinked and peered up at him and felt incredibly foolish as her cheeks burned lightly with a blush.
"Err... sorry about that. Guess I don't have the best boat feet."
And she began to wonder if the boat would be rocking like that everytime someone moved. It was a bit unnerving. But she drew in a breath and tried to steel herself. Now was not the time to panic. Especially as his men were giving her a scrutinizing stare.
Anran steadied her, laughing as he did so. "It does take some getting used to. Just remain seated and you should probably be fine. Riato will keep an eye on you just in case," he said, then exchanged nods to man sitting behind her. He helped her sit down and took his own place and the boat was shoved off the bank.
As she took a seat, she drew in a breath to calm herself.
"Do you think you'll fight many crocs today?"
Anran surveyed the river as they were gently taken onto the current and flowed down it's course. Here and there they were aided by oars to stay on track. "We shall see," he said softly. "Keep your eyes open, crocs can be hard to see in reeds. They stay just below the surface. Tell me if you see anything."
Although they were there for crocs, as the boat began to glide across the waters and took then farther from shore, Harmanaija soon found herself in awe of all if the birds lining to river and walking through the reeds.
"Oh! Look how gorgeous those birds are! And in so many colors." And as she watched the birds, she tried not to breath. But as soon as they drew near, a group of the birds took flight, and painted the skies in an animated array of colors and it was then she finally released her breath, her lips having fallen open in awe.
Just then the reeds began to move softly. Anran assumed it to be wind, but that notion quickly left him when the movement was followed by a ripple. "Quick! There's one!" His men came to attention as the crocodile quickly tried to speed away, hissing in warning.
Anran readied his spear, but they weren't yet close enough to strike.
A new sort of awe gripped Harmanaija as she witnessed the crocodile emerge. It was almost unnoticeable at first, but even she could pick out those wicked eyes that broke from the waters.
The crocodile moved with great agility, cutting through the water like a shard of glass. Anran reached out and put a hand on Harmanaija's shoulder to keep her remained seated as the boat moved swiftly down the river. He raised his spear high, shifting over toward the front of the boat as the crocodile suddenly turned swiftly and struck at the side of the boat, crashing into it with great force.
Harmanaija gasped and clung to Anran's arm as the boat rocked violently. Thankfully it did not tip, as the boat rebalanced itself and the boatmen attempted to turn the boat around so as to face the crocodile head on, but it only resulted with it snapping its massive jaws at the oars, and snapping one in half.
The croc abrutly turned and sped away once more as the long boat could only turn now with three oars instead of the four it was equipped with. They moved with insistence as they plowed through the water after the vanishing croc.
Surprised at how fast the boatmen recovered, she found herself releasing a breath she hadn't known she had held. She also released the other thing she was holding and blushed, turning her gaze low and away from Anran as she whispered an apology.
He hadn't seemed to notice, as he was focused on the action at hand. For several minutes, it seemed as though they had lost the croc, and they watched the streaming water with intensity. Anran held his breath just before he saw eyes slipping out of the water by some reeds and the croc flung itself out of the water, on the edge of the boat and pulled down one of his men.
Harmanaija had meant to scream but fear had it caught in her throat as she simply watched the man be taken up and over the side. She could have pissed herself, and perhaps she did... Though it was merely her clothing getting soaked when the crocodile nearly capsized the thing and ate the man nearest her.
The man screamed as he was taken under and the crocodile death rolled his arm, breaking it instantly and nearly severing it completely. Anran stood toward the edge of the boat, raising his spear high and suddenly flew off the edge and into the water. He swung the spear down, aiming toward the crocodile's neck.
Harmanaija gripped the edge of the boat as it rocked wildly. She nearly went over too, but thankfully she had a mean grip on the edge, but as she watched Anran, she found herself frozen in shock at such a feat.
The croc moved to lunge toward him when the spear struck home, jaming ten inches into it's neck and it gradually ceased it's struggles. When they were sure it was dead, his men took the croc and swung it up into the boat and the man with the severed arm floated away, caught in the reeds.
Yelping silently, Harmanaija clenched the boat even tighter as it rocked with the weight of the crocodile's corpse, and could not tear her eyes away from it, one hand clenching her clothes as she feared her heart might beat clean out of her chest.
"Well, that's one down," Anran said, peering across to Harmanaija. "Are you all right? You look a little shaken."
Harmanaija remained seated with her lips gaping open. And it took a few more seconds for it to register that Anran had spoken to her as her lashes fluttered and she closed her gaping lips.
"I..."
and here she flushed, giving in to a sheepish smile. "I... don't think I've ever been so close to a crocodile, nor seen one hunted as such before."
Or a man die so close to her by the animal, either.
Yes, she worked in the Colosseum... but the deaths she had all but avoided watching if she could-
and even then, the deaths were so far away from where she was in her line of work. Not so say she hadn't seen her share of dead or mangled bodies...
But this was...
quite different...
and it took her another moment to release her breath, but her heart beat was still frantic and heard thumping loudly within her eyes.
"I... I think I just.. just need a minute," she admitted, her eyes still so very wide after all of that.
Of course, she had to wonder... what else did she expect?
And it was truly this or...
deal with her ex-husband. And that was a hard rock to swallow!
"I see," Anran said, noting her expression. "It does take some getting used to. My apologies for that. Look just cover your eyes if it gets to be too much. Ramash will make sure you don't fall off the boat." There were still plenty more to go before the day was done.
Harmanaija blinked before releasing a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
"I.. I ought to be fine,"s he said, tucking back some of her hair as she glanced away.
"Perhaps I.. I should enjoy the scenery. I've never been on a river boat before..."
Though as she looked at the reeds, humming with life, she couldn't help but have her eyes drift back to the water- wondering.. and fearful, another crocodile might appear.
After the first kill, the ones that came after were easier, but there was an ever-thickening level of tension of all those that remained in the boat. Tariq had nearly drowned and he was shivering like a drenched rat. Uri had broken his arm, but it was slung tightly to his body.
Anran sat at the helm as they had collected seventeen crocodiles from their river excursion and were slowly returning to camp. He was sweating hard, the humidity from the river valley having gone higher as the day burned on and the sun bled beside the horizon. Anran turned to Harmanaija. "So did you have fun?"
Each time a crocodile was killed, fear gripped her, but she watched it with fascination. And she couldn't help but... after four were brought in, she actually smiled a little brighter each time a new one was killed.
"I suppose I should feel sorry for these animals.. but seeing what they have done, and can do," she went on carefully, smoothing back her hair, "I can't help but be impressed with how many you've brought in. Sixteen was it?" she asked, peering at the bodies all lumped togehter before glancing back to him, dark curls falling into her face before she swiped them away.
"Is this a good number? Will it impress the Shah?"
"Seventeen," answered Ramash proudly, but quietly from the back of the long boat.
Anran smiled, shrugging humbly. "It is a good amount. And all we can fit in the boat without sinking it. No doubt that slithering ex husband of yours probably got a head or two more, maybe even double. " Anran shrugged put on a smile.
"It will please her I'm sure. We don't want to kill ALL the crocs in the river, after all. And their meat is pretty tasty when cooked right."
Harmanaija blushed a bit as she smiled.
"Well let us hope he caught more mosquito bites than crocodiles. I doubt he is as skilled as you, after all,"s he told him, her smile growing sheepish.
"I dunno. I think a few crocs would be drawn to that pork belly of his," he said laughing suddenly. "He looks just like their kind of meal."
Her expression brightened, dark eyes sparkling before she placed a hand over her lips to hide her smile.
"Well,.. to tell you a secret," she told him, leaning towards him as she whispered, "I would have to agree."
"I know right!" he chuckled. "He's just so...fat! Gods how did you pit up with that? Bleh! The idea is revolting. Ah well. We will feast good tonight ourselves." And Anran showed his belly, patting it's fit form lightly.
Harmanaija blushed and turned away. She tried to swipe her hair from her face again, revealing hte mark there more prominently before sighing and forcing a smile.
She didn't have a choice. She had been sold to him. But stealing a glance Anran's way, she found herself simply staring at him.
Anran dropped his shirt and laughed it off. "Well here we are coming up to the camps. The men will take the rest of the crocs to the load area and We can get ready here at the tent." Anran got out of the boat with little effort and extended a hand to help Harmanaija out of the boat.
Oh, Hakeshna, why couldn't she look away! He was such a good looking man, but without his shirt...
It wasn't until his hand was offered to her did she snap out of her gaping stare. Her cheeks heated a little more before her hand slipped into his, and she felt a bit awkward as she did- since her hands were now coated in sweat from her growing nerves. Oh, Hakeshna, what was going on?
And as she found herself sneaking a peak at his pecks, her foot caught on the lip of the boat and down she went, right into them!
Her hand slipped from what he thought was a sure grip and he watched in slow horror as she went down down dooooown! Anran squealed a little before rushing to her aid, yanking her up by the arms and pulling her to her feet. "Are you all right?" he asked.
Harmanaija was so stunned, so surprised, so embarrassed that by the time Anran helped her to her feet- she just gaped at him like some sort of fish. And then after a time, she finally found her voice and went about stuttering, stuttering, stuttering until finally she squeaked out, "By Hakeshna, I think I did something to my ankle!" For a pain was shooting from it, forcing her to wince and favor her other leg as she clung to his offered arms.
Anran too gaped, but this time at her ankle and made a pained expression. "Indeed you did. It look like a bad sprain," he said, throwing her arm over his shoulder and helped her limp back to his tent.
She tried not to make too many noises of pain on the way over, but she could only hold her breath for so long, and the winces were more than obvious. Once they were inside his tent, and she- able to lay down,s he kept herself propped up on her arms and grit her teeth at her leg.
"It already looks swollen," she lamented.
He strectched her across a clean cot on the side of the tent and put a stool underneath her foot to get a better look at it. "This looks bad. I think I can fashion a suitablle splint for it," he said, poking it lightly.
She winced at the poke.
"A splint?" she frowned. "Do you think it necessary?"
"Maybe not. Let me see if I can't get the swelling down," he said. "Brace yourself this might sting a little." He reached around her wound and gently massaged around the edges, to encourage blood flow into her ankle and kept at it until it seemed as if the swelling was starting to dissipate.
[Ankle massage...lol]
And that's when her arm flailed out with the pain and she accidently whacked him across the jaw as she yelped.
Of she would have if he hadn't seen it coming. You didn't spend years in the pit without earning a few good reflex maneuvers. Anran backed away in time to miss her lunge and sat back on his haunches. "Sorry! Let's see about just letting it soak then in some warm water shall we?" He smiled and went to fetch the water.
Embarrassed, she apologized as well.
"I could have hit you!" But she nodded at the latter idea, seeing how that seemed to be a lot less painful of an option, and as he went about fetching it for her, she sighed and wilted into the cot. She felt as if she were some sort of plague or something. At least she was safely on the Niafi River Bank, and far from the dangerous mouths of those crocodiles. She was wondering, despite being exhausted, if she'd even be able to sleep tonight after all of this.
And she was still on edge because of her ex-husband. He was an ass, after all. And though this was only a temporary affair, she knew Anran couldn't protect her from him, or everyone else, forever. But hopefully, she wanted to believe, after all of this was said and done, she could just go back to being just some other girl in Essyrn, one who could just fade to the back ground and be forgotten about to live as freely (and safely) as she could.
It wasn't long after that he returned with a bowl of warm water, towels and a pillow tucked under one arm. He wedged the pillow underneath her ankle gingerly before kneeling down beside it and dunking a towel completely. He squeezed it out and wrapped it gently around her ankle, jerking back a little to prepare for any sort of kick reflex.
"Better?"
But there was no reflex, only a cringe. And after a moment, she nodded rigidly at his question.
"A bit better, yes. But if I don't move it, the throbbing seems to calm somewhat."
And here she sighed.
"I'm sorry I've become an inconvenience. You won't have to pay me for this. I mean, I've done so little already..."
"Nonsense. I always pay my employees and pay them well," Anran said with a nod. "Likely my pocket book would feel a lot better if I had slaves but I couldn't do that. That would be the utmost irony." He shook his head and peered up at her. "Though there are plenty Freedmen who don't share my viewpoint."
Harmanaija couldn't help but smile up at him.
"You're an odd man, that's for sure."
And she meant it as a compliment.
Anran laughed. "Odd is it? How so?" he asked with a grin. "I don't think I'm that eccentric."
"Oh, I didn't mean eccentric!" she went on, blushing. "Just.. I don't know.." And she sighed while smiling at him. "Most Princes here don't have what you got. Think how you think. Treat... others how you do." And she sheepishly dropped her gaze. "Not saying it's a bad thing or anything but..." She sighed again and stole another glance up at him. "It's just refreshing not to be treated as something worthless."
"Well I guess I just know what it's like to be worthless to somebody. To everybody," he said softly, sobering a little. "Most princes are accustomed to getting their way. They never had to fight for anything in their lives. I just know to appreciate what I have."
Harmanaija smiled at him.
"Well, don't let me keep you from your work. You have sixteen crocodile corpses to deal with. And I'm sure the Shah will be excited to see them."
"Seventeen crocodiles," Anran said with a broad grin.
"Are you sure you won't need anything else? If not, you're more than welcome to use whatever you would like in here. Have wine, or fruit. Make yourself comfortable."
Harmanaija sighed.
"If anything, just water. But I think I'd prefer to rest, if you don't mind. Today has been quite exhausting for me, and I don't think I can keep being in amicable should I continue to be awake." And she smiled sheepishly again as she added, "I'm not exactly pleasant when I'm so stressed."
After all, there had been far too much drama than she was used to- or rather, new drama for her to deal with.
Anran smiled at her and bowed his head. "Yes, madam," he laughed and got her a cup of cool water as she requested before bowing out the exit.
In all of her twenty years, she could not have comprehended she'd have lived her life the way it was going now. To be married to Lord Ahb-meht, then to be having children so young, and then to be discarded and branded- thrown to the world as an outcast while her former husband and wives would spit on her-
It was things like this she dreamed about as she somehow managed to sleep upon the cot, and she murmured incomprehensible things as she rolled about upon the cot, reliving the moment they took the brand to her face....
It had been a few hourse before he returned to the tent. Anran stepped in quietly, the night was gradually drawing in and he closed the tent flaps behind him. He was surprised to still find Harmanaija on the cot and he approached her just as quietly.
He knelt beside her ankle and looked it over, and went to work replacing the now cold towels with warm ones.
It was when Anran returned and tended to her leg did she awaken, and awaken suddenly as she shot up from the cot so fast, her head collided with his.
Anran couldn't avoid that, and he saw white at the imapct of her head and he sat back on his haunches. "Ouch."
Anran wasn't the only one saying "Ouch!" As Harmanaija rubbed at her head, then blinked and peered over at Anran. "You have a hard head," she told him grumpily, but still managed to smile. "And er.. sorry about that. I'm assuming it's my fault."
His head was throbbing and he continued to rub it through a sheepish grin. "You learn to have a hard head when you get knocked around a lot," he said. "Don't even worry about it. I'll be fine and so will you. How does your ankle feel?"
She rubbed at her smarting head and answered him, "Better. It still hurts, but I think resting helped." And she gave a nod to him. "Thank you for inquiring. If anything..."A nd she kept rubbing her head, "I think my head hurts worse now." And her eyes sparkled with a laugh.
Anran returned a smile and patted her leg. "Well, I better get a cloth for your head too. Do you want something to eat or drink?"
This time she did laugh.
"I don't think I'll need one for my head, but a drink of water sounds lovely."
"Actually I think a cold cup of wine might do you better," Anran said, and got her a cup of water anyway, laying them beside her on another stool. "You have a pretty hard skull too. I saw stars."
She picked up the water with a thankful smile, but before she could get it to her lips she heard what he said and gasped.
"Anran!" She scolded. "You're not to say that of a lady!" And she gave a delicate pat to her head. "Besides, I'm.sure it was your own skull giving you stars!"
"That isn't even possible! Besides a lady's head can be just as hard as any man's. In fact is was as hard as a rock! I thought my forehead was going to split open!" he laughed.
She tried to look offended but there she was smiling and shaking her head.
"Really now, you also most.certainly do not say a woman's head is a rock! No wonder you have no wives, Anran. Though I would hope you'd have the manners not to say such things to a woman who counts!"
"If the woman mattered enough to count then she should know what she's getting into," he said with a tilt of his head and another laugh. "A woman that jumps head long into a marriage without knowing who her husband to be is a fool. For all I know, I shall never marry."
"You probably won't. Not with that rock head!" And she couldn't keep a straight face as she laughed.
"Yeah, well! Takes one to know one!" was all he could muster before he clutched his stomach in laughter.
"Keep.laughing like.that and you'll hurt yourself!" But as.much as she tried to make it a serious come back, even she knew it was lame. Even still! She'd have the last say!
He felt his laughter die down a bit before he resumed his seat beside her. "Well at least I have something to smile about this evening. I almost caught the most crocs this afternoon. Seventeen is a quite a lot. But I got nudged out by one more from Ahb-meht." He shrugged and produced some banages from a drawer to wrap around her ankle.
"Ahb-meht?!" She exclaimed, nearly choking on her water. "You can't be serious!"
"Or so he said," Anran shrugged. "He showed 18 heads. But, he has some hired huntsman. I don't think he wrangled any of them himself. "
"He either hired someone or stole some kills. I wouldn't put it past him to try something dirty," she went on, angrily crossing her arms.
"I'd put money on that," he said with a nod. "But it's past. All I care about now is having a hot meal, a cup of chocolate and going to slee. Would you like some?"
"That sounds heavenly. I'm famished after a day like today. Thanks."
"Good," Anran said, genuinely smiling. After about a half hour, dinner was prepared and soon served at a small table for two. Anran helped her up from the cot and onto the padded chair, moving the stool to help elevate her leg before seating himself on the other side.
"Hakeshna's boobs this looks delicious," he said after he sat down, staring at the small cooked chickens on each of their plates and the sides that came with it.
"Hakeshna's boobs?" She repeated with a smirk.
Anran blinked at her. "Oh excuse me. Breasts. Round, heavy breasts."
"I see..." she went on, peering at him with playful skepticism. "You know, what if Hakeshna were a man? Though seeing how the Shah is female... I suppose boobs would be more appropriate."
"You nearly had some questionable suggestions about our great and powerful Shah," Anran smiled back and wavered his goblet beside his lips, sipping his water a little. "She is supposed to be her living embodiment after all. She IS incredibly beautiful."
Harmanaija nearly choked on her drink.
"Well, I.. I didn't mean it like that!"
"Good thing too," he said. "But at least you're freer to speak here than in any other Princes tent, where one wrong word about our great Shah would have you in irons. And if Hakeshna really were a man, I doubt anyone would be the wiser."
"But I really should be more respectful. I have nothing against our Shah."
"Then let's change the subject. If you'd like to keep the shirt, I'm more than happy to give it to you. I have a lot clothes anyway," Anran said, biting into the chicken.
Harmanaija blinked.
"Keep the shirt? But I couldn't possibly!" she went on with a shake of her head. It was such a fine shirt, too! And no one had given her nice gifts like this, or had been as nice to her as him....
and she wasn't even sure how it happened, but it seemed she might have actually made a friend.
"No, no! Please. I insist! I have so much stuff sometimes I just don't know what to do with it. If I could give it all away without anyone batting an eye, I would. I'm so used to having the bare essentials. Really I want you to have it. It's the least I could do," he said with an easy smile.
"The least you could do?" Harmanaija sighed, an act which blew some hair from her face. THen she planted her hands to her hips. "Alright, if you insist. But don't get used to spoiling me. Then you might not ever be rid of me."
Then she paused to consider...
"Come to think of it, if things keep up as they are, I might not be able to leave due to injury, or some other embarrassing conundrum." And she shook her head about that.
"I swear, my life is like a plague,"s he lamented, pinching the bridge of her nose lightly as she sighed again.
Anran laughed. "You're alive aren't you? You've got your health. Aside from a sore ankle, you're in otherwise workable shape. I took a bad spill during my first year fighting. I broke my shoulder and I thought I'd die for sure then. Most gladiators are left to rot if they don't recover quickly from a wound. But I worked hard. Worked my body into shape after it healed and I was pretty damn good at what I did."
Harmanaija found herself gaping before she smiled.
"You never cease to amaze me, Anran. Thank you. Your friendship and kindness mean a lot to me," And it was here she blushed as she corrected herself. "That is to say her... if you don't mind me thinking you as.. as a friend."
Friends? Anran smiled thoughtfully. "I would be honored to be your friend," he replied. "I honestly never really had friends. Not friends that lasted anyhow."
"Well, I never really had any friends at all. Those I thought I could say might be friends... some of the lesser wives of my former husband, showed their true colors after I was cast out."
Sighing, she gave a shrug of her shoulders, then smiled.
"Well, hopefully I can be one of your friends that last. If anything can be said about me, it's that I'm stubborn and very dedicated to things I believe in."
"Seems we have that in common," Anran said and felt along his goblet in thought. "When I gained my freedom and earned my wealth, you learn very quickly who your real friends are and who only stick around because they want a part of what you have. I didn't understand it at first, being someone who fought for what I had, but I soon learned that sometimes you force yourself to keep others at arms length. You don't always know who you can trust."
"That's for sure. It's a valuable lesson we should all learn. People can be real snakes."
"Oh how true that is," he said after a while with a nod. "So, after your former husband cast you out, what did you do?"
It was here her smile faded and she quickly dropped her gaze.
"I... was homeless for a while. That...t hat time in my life was rather difficult. I... I'd rather forget it."
And she wrung her hands nervously, evidently tensing as she kept looking at her feet.
"It is forgotten," Anran said, smiling, laughing, and trying to lighten the mood. "So how was your day while I was gone to the meeting? Did you dream anything interesting while you napped?"
Harmanaija gave a helpless shrug.
"I... I guess not. I felt a bit feverish when I awoke, but that is not uncommon for me if I nap during the day time. How was your meeting? Did you impress anyone with your dead crocodiles?"
Anran laughed, finishing his goblet of wine and chuckling. "I impressed you. I think that was it."
She paused to consider what he meant by that before she blushed, and smiled and shook her head.
"Well, did you make any money off of your kills at least?" she prodded playfully.
"I suppose I made a few coins off the heads and scales. But we don't hunt for the money. But for the honor of the great Shag. Oops! I mean Shah," he laughed.
"Shag?" Harmanaija shook her head. "Was that intentional? Are you trying to make a joke, Lord Anran?" she said, teasingly and intentionally emphasizing the title in his name.
"Maybe," he laughed and tossed his head back. "Maybe I'm a little drunk." His smile grew and his expression sobered. "Your former husband was a fool to discard you."
"Drunk?" Harmanaija raised a brow at him. And he got drunk without her! She smiled and shook her head, and at his last comment,s he sobered a bit. "I'm all the better for it. The life with him... it was no real life to live. It's actually kind of nice making it on my own, even if a little difficult," she admitted with a sigh.
Anran smiled gently. "I mean to throw away someone so beautiful," he murmured. He blushed lightly and focused on his plate.
Harmanaija's lips just fell open, cheeks turning pink before she too, dropped her gaze and now the two of them were quiet and staring at their plates.
"Er.. that.. that's kind of you to say," she said after a while, just so he wouldn't feel as if he misspoke. Good heavens would she feel awful to make him feel at all at unease. He had done so much for her, and she had no idea how to reply. It was like her mind had choked up, and the only thing that came from her mouth was, "Well you're beautiful too."
Wait, was that right?
"You know, on the inside," she added quickly, awkwardly. "That's not to say you don't look beautiful. I mean handsome, I mean..."
Ugh, she needed to just stop talking. And those eyes dropped to her plate.
Wow, this was weird. She felt so weird. She felt so awkward.
Anran laughed and raised his cup to her. "Thank you," he said and stood. He and offered her his hand. "Do you want to join me for a drink by the loft? So far I'm enjoying your company, and I hope you're enjoying mine too. Would you care for some wine?"
Harmanaija released a deflating sigh.
"Yes... wine sounds lovely," she breathed, and accepted his hand as she got to her feet.
He helped her hobble to the loft area and allowed her to sit down on the series of cushions he had set down in a row. A long low table was set at the center and he set the goblets down and poured the wine. "I hope this isn't too exhausting for your ankle, is it?" he asked with concern.
Once she was seated, she released a breath she was holding between puffy cheeks. She wriggled a bit to get comfortable before sighing again and then smiling up at Anran.
"No, it wasn't too bad. Just awkward, though entering the tent and the standing up part hurt the most." She smiled at him a bit flushed from the walk and gestured to a chair near her. "Come, sit, or I'll feel embarrassed being the only one seated."
He obeyed and sat beside her, unbalanced a little from his half-drunk state and he laughed as he bumped into her. "Sorry," he snickered. "Here wine! Wine for you and wine for me! Wine is good!"
Harmanaija shook her head.
"Are you sure you need anymore wine? If I were to get as drunk as you, I'd have to drink at least four more of these!" she said in good humor, raising the wine to her lips.
"I'll tell you what. I will drink this wine slower," Anran said with a grin. "Then if I finish the glass, you are as drunk as me, I'll do push up or something foolish like that. I am only slightly dizzy anyway.
"You don't have to on my behalf," she told him, amused. "But you are my assistant, the one who helped me get here- I'd hate to get stranded here if you pass out from the drink."
"Aren't you supposed to be my assistant?" he asked with a laugh. "Darning my socks, patching my shirts? Oh, don't give me that look, I'm only kidding. I'm happy to help, any way I can. It's the least I can do. I don't have many friends."
Harmanaija gave a shake of her head and downed some of her drink.
"I can see why!" she teased, and gave a playful wrinkling of her nose.
"But I jest. Really... after today, I don't think I could accept payment from you for the work. It felt more like a vacation... or.. more like helping a friend. It... it would just feel wrong."
Anran laughed. "Crocodile hunting? A vacation!?" He laughed hard and held his belly. "Well, I've seen you work and I've seen you drink, so I guess it would be a vacation. But nonsense. I pay all those in my employ. I don't like the thought of using slaves. It doesn't sit right with me."
"Whoever said anything about slaves?" But as she observed him, she gave a nod. "But that would make sense," she added, quietly. "But yes..." and she gave a small smile as she went on. "It does seem a bit silly I'd say that. But it... well, it's just refreshing to have something different to do."
And she was promised enough money so that this month... well...
Hopefully she wouldn't have to sell out her body. She hated doing it, but she was so determined to live on her own, she'd do anything to survive away from her ex-husband. And those days, at least for now, she hoped were long behind her.
"So," Anran said, laying an elbow on the table and resting his head against it. "what do you want to do with your life? Now that you're free of your porcine husband. Even if you don't have the money, or means to do it, if you could do anything at all in the world, what would it be? Or where would you go?"
Harmanaija blinked at such a question.
"I... I suppose I'm doing the best I can towards such a goal, but I never really considered living any sort of dream. Though I suppose if I could, seeing any part of the world outside of Essyrn would be nice. Different.. you know?" she went on, tucking some of her curly hair away from her face. "To see mountains, not just plateaus, and seas of grass rather than seas of sands. Or even an ocean. I think this was really my first time to admire it, the ocean that is, being so close as we were..." she went on. "But spending some time at the ocean or even on the ocean would be nice, though to be honest.." and here she gave a sheepish smile, "I'm a bit terrified of water. At least water so large. It makes me feel so small and insignificant..."
Anran smiled at her, fascinated at her musings and he nodded to her in understanding. "So you want to go traveling? I've always wanted to do that. I think it's funny that even with all this money I've never been outside of the damn desert," he laughed. "It's settled then, we're going to see a mountain and valleys of grass and a real ocean. And we'll go swimming, real swimming, not just wading through croc infested river water. What say you? Would you go swimming with me?"
Harmanaija blinked.
"Travel?" she repeated. "You... want to travel with me?" Boy...s he began to wonder just how drunk he really was. Did he not know who, or rather what he was talking to?S he knew he wasn't like the other merchant lords, however...
Just associating with a marked woman like her could harm his reputation. How could she put this to him lightly? He was so sweet yet...
She didn't want him to get hurt on account of her. It was one thing to be employed by him-
but another to be seen traveling with him.
"Now now. I know what I'm getting into. But probably won't question it if they think I'm simply traveling with my entourage and those in my employ to go sight seeing. I wouldn't want you to get hurt either," he said. "But hey, it's late and most people are out, when your ankle's feeling better, let's go for a swim. The trip can come after."
"Swim? Oh, but I'm not sure I could swim very well on this ankle! I'd hate to become a bigger inconvenience."
"There's a bathing pool not far from here, the river flows into it and it's not very deep, quite shallow in fact. You could sit down in it knee high really," Anran mused. "But er, if you don't want to, that's fine."
After a moment of thinking with her mouth open, she released a breath and gave a nod.
"Very well then. Perhaps a swim might sober you up?" she teased, and went to sip down the rest of her drink. "Unlike you, I think I'm already tipsy off this one drink." And she flashed him a toothy smile and giggled quietly while gently shaking her head.
"And a swim might be nice. The days get so hot here. I'm afraid I might start to smell like sweat."
Anran shook his head. "Nonsense. You smell like incense. And maybe a little sweat," he chuckled. "All right then, but just help me up a bit." Once Anran regained his balance he took her by the hand and led her out the tent.
As they moved out, she tried to hide her face and the small smile she was wearing.
"Everyone keeps watching us," she murmured. "Hopefully they won't gossip too much."
And she knew she shouldn't be afraid of gossip, which she really wasn't-
but now that she was starting to care for Anran... as a friend, well...
Things were different. And if there was one thing that could be said of her, she did care for those to whom she was close- though the only ones who ever got to see that side of her were her own children- whom she'd never see again, and the few slaves she had trusted when living with her former husband.
"Let them gossip. We're two gorgeous individuals with nice behinds. Why shouldn't they talk?" He giggled and dragged her off to the bathing pool. It was late enough that it was empty and once they reached it, Anran immediately undressed and plopped in.
Harmanaija sobered a bit when they got there and Anran was eager to discard his clothing. And she couldn't help but stare at him. He had a nice body, and suddenly she felt very, very self conscious. Observing the area, she found a more shaded area beneath some palms and hobbled her way over there, but hesitated in peeling off her clothing as she peered over at the pool to where Anran now stood.
"Is.. is the water cold?" she asked, trying to bide herself some time- and muster up the confidence to get naked.
"It's refreshing!" Anran said, dunking his head into the water and pushing his dark hair back. "Come in, what are you waiting for? I'm sure you can hobble with surprising speed."
Harmanaija could have snorted at that, but kept one hand clutched to her dress that threatened to fall down her shoulder.
"I'm coming, I'm coming. It's not that easy to undress."
But in truth,s he was still finding ways to bide her time. Ugh, why did she agree to this? She should have drank more wine.
Anran waded over to her edge of the pool and sought her silhouette out in the dark. "C'mon," he said, holding onto the edge of the pool. "I'll help you in. Here take my hand." He chuckled and extended a hand to her.
When Anran got closer, she found herself gasping and holding onto her loose dress that was about to drop.
"Anran! Please," she told him, giving him a stern look. "I... I can do just fine by myself. Now... if you'll excuse me and er... you know, turn around.... I'll join you in a moment."
Anran snorted and put his hands up over his eyes, even turning his back to her. "Fine," he said. "I'm not looking!"
She watched with a blink at his reaction, then breathed a sigh through her nose. She was being a bit silly, or so she thought, considering they were Essyrni and there was nothing wrong with one's body...
It was just...
She felt more self conscious around him then other men and well...
She hadn't exactly a perfect body by any means and well...
Sighing again, she wriggled out of her dress and let it drop lightly into the reeds. She kept one hand over her now exposed breasts and watched Anran's back carefully as she tip toed down the bank and gently let her feet touch the wtaer. But the second she did, he gasped,
"Hakeshna's name! It's so cold!"
Anran turned around as she gasped and his grin widened. He suddenly reached up and grabbed her hand and pulled her down into the water and supported her against him. "Shush, you'll wake up the whole camp," he laughed in a whisper, before letting her stand on her own.
She hadn't considered her exasperation would have made him look, but there were his eye upon her as she stared at him, eyes nearly going cross as she gaped. But then he was approaching her and she tried to tell him not to do it, but he approached anyway and soon she was being drawn into the cold water, and despite his warnings, she released a yelp, teeth chattering as she splashed about.
"Oh! It's even colder now!"
"It won't feel so cold if you move around," Anran laughed and stayed beside her. "Now shush, before somebody gets nosy."
Harmanaija made a most displeased face at Anran, before realizing he was right. But though she kept her complaints to herself, her chattering teeth were a bit noisy.
"I.. I guess it's not toobad once you get used to it," she said, keeping her arms hugged around herself to keep warm- and a little modest, despite most of her body being hidden beneath the pool's water. "And it seems to help keep the weight off my leg." And she tested floating and swimming about, and was elated to realize the injury did not prohibit her ability to wade in the water.
"Good. I'm glad," Anran said, smirking at her and watching her form. He tried not to make it to obvious as he waded off alongside her and splashed her a little. "Why are you still covering up? There's no need to be modest here."
"Covering up?" she gave a mock laugh. "No, I'm just cold," she said, hugging her arms to herself tightly. "Can't you hear my teeth chattering?"
Anran laughed and brushed his wet hair back. "It's not that cold," he said and waded to her, putting a hand on her arm and rubbing it furiously. "Look if you do that, you'll stay warm. Think warm thoughts! Mind over matter right? Just put you're mind someplace where you're really hot and sweaty."
Harmanaija raised a skeptical brow at him.
"That only works with children, Anran. And even then, I don't think it even works that well."
But she did do the rubbing her own arm thing, which helped a little, but her body, at least, was beginning to adjust to the frigid temperature.
"Still... the cold water is so much better than the desert heat," she said through a sigh. "But I guess I don't need to tell you that," she said, stealing a glance his way. "You seem to be enjoying this thoroughly."
"Only because children know how to use their imagination. And they don't always feel so self-conscious the way adults do." Anran smiled and peered sheepishly at her. "Besides I can see your nipples now."
She gasped and slapped water at him. "Anran! Really... You.. you..." But she could't think of anything to chastise him with since they DID live in a nation that was not prude.
Anran laughed. "Okay I only saw them for a second," he snickered and put his arm around her shoulder. "But it's okay, there's no judgment. And if there is, all I can say is they're rather nice."
This time she glared right in his face.
"Anran, please! You're making me feel awkward. Besides, we aren't here to admire our nudity, but enjoy a quiet and relaxing swim."
Anran laughed and nodded. "Okay then. No more talk about nipples," he murmured, and proceeded to clench and release the muscles of his chest in a show of his own nipples.
"Anran!" she tried to chastise him, but now she was giggling as she placed a hand to her lips. "Really, how old are you? Lord Ahb-meht's boys used to do silly things like that. And besides, who are you trying to impress?"
Anran chuckled and made them move even more. He laughed loudly, unable to keep a straight face anymore and he snorted. "I'm only twenty-five," he replied. "And really, I'm not that kind've guy. But honestly, it's nice to get a little attention, isn't it? I don't normally relish in it, but I'm a little buzzed and frankly, it's nice to make you laugh. Normally you have such a tight expression on your face, like you always have to watch your back."
"Only twenty five," she gave a playful roll of her eyes, and when he went on to deny what sort of guy he was not, she folded her arms over her chest and quirked a brow. "And you expect me to believe that?" But as he went on, explaining himself, her expression softened and her cheeks gave way to a blush as she cast her eyes down to the water.
"Yes, well... the world knowing you're an adulteress doesn't exactly sit well with most people. And yes..." she sighed, smiling again as she stole a glance his way. "It does feel nice to laugh. It feels as if it's been ages."
And as she studied him, she found herself asking, "What about you? Are you not afraid others might figure out your past?" And the inquiry was spoken lowly, in a voice barely over a whisper.
"It's a fair question," Anran said, wading through the water. He peered at her with a wry smile and shrugged. "It's not something I'm ashamed of. It's shaped my experiences. I've learned not to live with many regrets. But I know if I put it out there, I will be shunned. I think no matter how confident you are, there's always that quiet fear that people will cast me out because it, and everything I've worked for will be for nothing."
Anran turned somber and looked at the water.
"Still, I don't care if that pig Ahbmet knows," he forced a laugh. "He's still a fat sow."
"Well, he won't ever learn that secret from me," she assured him, placing a hand lightly upon his shoulder. "No one ever will unless you want them to. Especially not fat sow's like Ahb-meht," she said, her lips turning up into a bigger smile.
Anran's smile turned genuine then and he reached up to take her hand, squeezing it within his own. He kissed the top of it and smiled. "Thank you. And I won't tell anyone you were looking at my nipples," he whispered.
Harmanaija gave a dramatic sigh and shake of her head, though part of it was in hopes to hide the blush on her cheeks.
"I could not help myself. They're just so magnificent!"
"They are aren't they?" he said, beaming and thrust out his chest. "You can touch them if you want."
"Oh, no I couldn't," she said, having a hard time stifling a giggle and keeping a straight face. "I fear I am unworthy of such a gift."
Anran put his hands on his hips and made a mock heroic pose. "No, no. It's quite all right," he said and stuck his chin out.
This time Harmanaija did laugh.
"Oh, Anran, stop it! You're so silly it... it hurts my belly to laugh this much," and she demonstrated it in earnest as she gripped at it, seeming to forget the pair were still naked together in the pool.
"Okay, okay," Anran grinned widely at her, laughing loudly and hanging an arm on her shoulders. "Maybe we should head back then if we're too tipsy to swim." He snorted, trying to catch his breath from the laughter and he suddenly fell back and splashed into the water, sinking to the bottom.
He floundered a little before regaining his balance and pulled himself up, laughing harder still.
"I think the only one introuble of drowning is you!" she told him pointedly, but playfully, hands now to her hips as she shook her head at him. "But I don't know about you," she went on, turning her back to him as she moved to pin up her hair. "But I'm going for a nice long, leisurely swim." And she moved to sink down into the waters until it nearly covered all of her, before moving onto her back as she floated with another sigh and closed her eyes.
Anran righted himself and cleaned the water from his face. He watched her in silence, his lis curling into a small smile.
After a time of silence, she released a satisfied smile.
"This is so nice.. so peaceful. I can't recall the last time I could do something like this."
She was beautiful, even with the 'A' that marred her face. He admired her body, slick with water as she swam on her back, her breasts protruding through the surface and he found himself admiring them for a few moments longer until she broke the silence.
Anran nodded. "It's hard, it is," he said, agreeing with her and then sputtering. "Er, I mean it's hard to find a moment's peace sometimes. I, uh, sometimes find myself so busy, swamped with contracts to sign, deals to make. It isn't easy, even with all the money in the world. I guess, I just like to keep myself busy, but it's wonderful, to be able to steal away small moments like this."
"Yes, it's so true. Money isn't everything," she said, and then dipped down into the water, soaking the rest of her hair. When she resurfaced, her hair, once springy with curls, now looked nearly black as it remained slick against her head. She wiped away at the water running down it before peering over at him. "You know.." she said, giving a thoughtful look. "You should steal more moments away. I bet it could only benefit your nipples." And with a grin,s he turned away from him and began to silently swim away.
Anran felt flushed and he smiled sheepishly at her. "You're right. And when you're right you're right," he said, swimming after her, gliding along the water and admiring her further. "You should to. Maybe this is something we can do together. We can talk, swim in silence, whatever you want."
"Do together?"s he paused to glance over her shoulder at him and smirked while wrinkling her nose and furrowing her brow in a quizzical manner and shook her head. "You make it sound like a date."
Anran laughed. "Maybe it is," he muttered. "We could just play it by ear. We don't have to call it anything. And if you do, we can just say it's a friendly get together between friends."
Harmanaija shook her head and turned away from him.
"You must really hate Ahb-meht." She giggled a bit and fussed at a loose curl that fell into her face. "Tell me... did you loath him so much before you met me?" she asked, peering over her shoulder again.
"Yes. But the feeling was mutual when we met. I was new to the realm of Princes and I'm sure he saw me as a threat," he said. "But let's not bring Ahbmet into this. His very name leaves a sour taste in my mouth."
"You're right," she said with a sigh, and released her hair from it's holder. It was falling out anyway. "Mine too." She smiled back to him and gave a shrug before pushing out further into the pool and smiling, going quiet and just enjoying the moment of peace once again.
Anran smiled and swam out toward her and touched her shoulder. He didn't say anything when he had her attention. Instead he just leaned in and kissed her cheek softly.
The kiss was unexpected, or so she would have derived any kiss from Anran ought to be, and a breath caught in her throat as she froze before him seemingly fearful, blushing and confused.
"Anran?"
Her eyes sought his, moving about frantically as if reading a book, reading into him, as she balled her hands into tense fists and stood there in the water, not certain what just happened or what to do. Had he just kissed her cheek? Surely it was just a gesture out of the moment... he was a bit drunk. Surely it meant nothing outside of that.
The tingling from his lips moved up and made his face flush. Or maybe it was just the alcohol. But the feeling sobered him a bit and he suddenly opened his eyes wider, realizing what he'd done. "Oh..I-I-I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have. I'm sorry," he sputtered.
"Don't," she said, waving it off. "We're Essyrni. Friends exchange kisses, right?" she went on, smiling at him then awkwardly turning away. "Though normally in greeting," she then added, after clearing her throat and moving to put her hair up and pin it ontop of her head. "It's getting late.." She paused to stare down at her reflection, distorting as it moved in the water. "Shall we head back?" she asked, peering at him from over her shoulder once more.
"Uh, yeah. Let's get back," he said with a nod, relieved to have the subject changed. He put a hand on her shoulder and helped lead her out of the pool and back to their clothes. Once dressed he turned back to her and smiled again, holding a hand out for her. "Whenever you're ready."
"I'm ready as I'll ever be." And she smiled as she looked up into his eyes.
"The night was lovely." And she kissed his cheek softly, then the other. "Thanks. It means a lot. Really. Considering, I don't know when I'll get a chance like this again." And then she added, a bit more playfully, "Especially considering we never let Ahb-meht get our goats."
"Well.." she then added, sheepishly. "Maybe a little." And she smiled and shrugged and held onto his arm. "Lead on. My lame foot awaits your guidance."
His cheeks tingled in a light-headed blush and he smiled quietly at her as he walked her back to the tent. He paused just before it, his mind lingering back at the pool and he looked around first to see if anyone was watching.
Anran looked back at her, before leaning in and kissing her on the cheek again, this time lingering a little longer and feeling the warmth of her cheek. "I had a good time," he murmured, when at last he stood back. "Have a good night."
Harmanaija tensed, feeling his lips, feeling warm, and feeling a tingle all over when he stood back to leave. She stared at him a moment, keeping a hold on her dress as she whispered, "I did too." And she nodded rigidly. "Good night."
Anran nodded to her, offered her a gentle smile and disappeared inside his side of the tent. He offered her his other end of it, if it pleased her to sleep in it.
He undressed and went to sleep on his pillowed cot, smiling the whole time.
Naturally she took her own bed, but needed help getting in. Her ankle was beginning to be a bother, hurting again, but she said nothing-
Nothing until she heard a clatter in the night.
"Anran-"
And with a gasp,s he sat up, spotting a shadowed figure dashing out of the tent. She gasped again, clutching onto her cot. "Anran!"
It sounded like a dream and one that disrupted Anran's sleep as his eyes shot open. "Harmanaija?" he said softly, sitting up and rushing through the partition. "Harmanaija! What's wrong?"
He brought a candle with him and used it to light the one beside her cot. "What happened?"
"I.." she breathed heavily, still remaining tense in her bed. "There was a man- he.. he took off. I.. I didn't get a good look at him, but he obviously wasn't one of your men or he wouldn't have run!"
She didn't realize how spooked she was until she found herself shaking as she released a breath.
"I.. I think he was trying to steal from you while you were asleep. He... I... I don't think he expected to be seen."
At that Anran grew alarmed suddenly and ran out of the tent, calling for his guards. He was angry, livid as he lectured his guards to keep their eyes open and triple their patrols around his tents and belongings.
After a few minutes, he returned to Harmanaija and sat down beside her. "Are you all right?"
"I? Wh-why yes, I'm fine. Just a bit startled is all, but oh.. look how silly, my hands are shaking."and she moved to hold.them down and went, "there, that's better." And she peered over to Anran, a mess of her hair jutting out all around her face in awakward tufts from when she slept.
"What about you? And your men?"
"I've ordered them to tear the camp apart, at least to look for anyone hiding about and to triple their patrols. It's possible that it could've been someone trying to steal from me, but why wait until I'm asleep, why not do it when we were gone?" Anran shook his head. "I have a very bad feeling that they were here for something else. Maybe someone else." And that was when he looked at her.
"It could have just as easily been an assassin. Perhaps if the guards find nothing, we can put a guard in your quarters. Until then you can sleep with me tonight, just to be sure. I don't want to take any more risks than I have to."
"Assassin? You do not think... But.." and she placed a hand to her lips and chewed on her fingernails. But at his last suggestion she looked up at him. "Perhaps that would be wise. I can try to help carry some of these pillows if that will help."
Anran shook his head. "No, I have plenty for your comfort. Leave them here in the event that he returns, all he finds are pillows, or perhaps a guard in your bed. Come with me. I'll fix you up."
She sighed but gave a nod and moved to follow after him. But as she entered his side of the partition, she found herself asking.
"Oh, but you only have one bed here." And she paused to look at him. "Shall I sleep on the ground? We seem to have enough pillows."
Anran shook his head. "You will sleep in another cot next to mine." He snapped his fingers and Raj immediately came in and set up another cot beside his and placed blankets and pillows on it to make it more comfortable. "It will be much easier to keep you safe if you are close by."
Harmanaija blinked, growing quiet a moment before speaking.
"Oh."
She peered down at the cot, feeling her cheeks flush a little and her heart beat a bit faster before she hobbled over to sit down. Well, even if she felt awkward, at least they weren't sharing a cot.
"Oh, I hope I'm not being preumptuous am I?" he asked, hesitant as his servant vacated the tent. "If this is too much, what would you prefer?"
"Oh, no! Forgive me I just... I don't want to be an inconvenience!" and she sighed before finding a seat upon the cot and giving him a timid smile. "This'll do nicely, thank you." And she turned away and brushed some curls from her face. "I just hope I won't keep you awake. You've got a very busy day tomorrow."
"No, no, It's not a problem at all!" Anran said and sat down on his own cot. "I just want to make sure that you're safe and you're comfortable. As long as you don't snore too loud, I think I'll be fine."
"Oh, I'm far too young to snore. I just..." And here she sighed. "I might have trouble getting back to bed."
"Oh," Anran said, laying back down and laying the small candle between them. "Well, we can talk until you fall asleep if you like?"
"Er.. that's nice of you to offer but I'd hate to keep you up."
"We're not going to get anywhere if we're sitting here arguing about it," Anran laughed and smiled at her. "We can talk about anything. What's you're favorite color?"
There seemed to be no convincing him. Sighing, she shrugged her shoulders and gave a shake of her head.
"I don't know, but I had always been found of purple. I suppose because it looked nice with my eyes and hair. What about you? Do you enjoy one color over another?"
"Personally, I like a nice mahogany," Anran said, putting his hands up behind his head, bunching the pillow up. "But I've always been drawn to blue. Dark blues. I think it complements me nicely. And I could see you in a nice deep purple gown, couldn't you?"
"Well naturally!" she said with a laugh. "Ahb-meht had tried to spoil me at one point in our marriage, though I was... quite young, at first I thought the dresses were enough to make me happy, and the other little things." She sighed. "I was so young. I had no idea how the world worked." she gave a shrug. "I still don't. I'm still as foolish as ever. And now listen to me," here she sighed and collapsed back into her pillows. "Rambling like a fool. I'm sorry, Anran. I... I guess I'm still nervous."
Anran shook his head. "No you're not. You're wiser now if anything. We all make mistakes, that's how we learn. You didn't know then what you know now and maybe it hurt in the process, but you learned. You grew. You can't tell me it was for nothing, was it?"
She gave a shrug and sighed before turning to him.
"I suppose not," she said, leaning up on her elbow, a hand under her cheek. "But still... it would have been nice to choose my own destiny."
Anran turned back and smiled. "I used to think that. Back when I was a slave. When I earned my freedom, I didn't know what to do," he said. "Maybe this is Hakeshna giving you the opportunity to make your own way in life."
"Yes," she said with a thoughtful smile. "I suppose it is. And I don't consider it a curse, but a blessing. This is my chance at freedom, to make a life for myself. And despite the scars I've incurred along the way, I plan to live a happy and well... mostly successful life," she said with a shrug. "And when I say successful, I just mean being able to afford living from day to day. Right now it's a bit of a struggle, but oh! Don't worry about it. I make ends meet. Sometimes I just have to go on crazy crocodile hunts to do it."
"Well at least you don't have to kiss them!" Anran chuckled. "But it's nice to know that you're not will to wallow in the past. Some people never find the strength to live for themselves. That's an attractive quality in a woman."
She chuckled.
"I don't know.." she said, thoughtfully. "Crocodile kisses could become a new fad." And she shook her head at his last statement and tucked back some hair. "Yes.. I'm sure... attractive to those sexy crocodiles." She went on playfully waggily her eyes. Sighing, she resumed laying on her side with a sigh and smiled over at Anran.
"You know what your problem is?" she said, pushing another puffy piece of hair that went into her face. "You're too nice, Anran. You should watch yourself. People like Ahb-meht.." It was then she sat up. "Oh! That man!" Her eyes were wide as she turned to Anran. "Oh, that man that came in here... he... I didn't realize becasue I was so startled but he... I think he works for Ahb-meht!"
Anran turned to her and reached out to her cot. "I've considered that already. But there's nothing we can do until we find the man. Once we do, then we can decide what to do next. But I have a feeling you're right. However, we cannot panic or do anything brashly, understand?"
"Brashly?" she laughed softly and shook her head. "I'm lame because of my leg. I won't be going or doing anything brashly." And she paused to tuck back her lower lip before turning to him with a smile. "But thank you." She reached out and patted his hand. "You're too nice. I just hope... if that man is from Ahb-meht that... well... your association with me won't harm you in the end."
Anran nodded, though he didn't smile. "Don't worry about me, I've met worse than Ahb-meht. I'll handle him when the time comes. You, you just try not to hurt your other ankle," he said. Then he smiled.
"My other ankle?" she laughed softly and shook her head. "I wouldn't dream of allowing myself to come to any more harm. I mean if I did," she smiled and shook her head again. "You might have to have your men carrying me."
Anran laughed. "I'm afraid many of my men probably wouldn't appreciate that. They'd probably just tie you to a mule and let you ride along." He snickered and squeezed her hand. "So, I never asked you, how do you like your new eh, job, as it were? I mean I know I haven't given you much to do, but I promise I'll think of something good and worthy of your time."
"Job? This is still sinking into me that it's a job at all." She smiled over at him. "Though this is nice of you to allow me along." She pressed her lips together in thought. "Once this is over I.... well, I guess if you need help at next year's crocodile hunt- you... might want to find someone else," She chuckled. "I know we've had fun and all, but I still feel like a burden, and... not much of a worker."
"I suppose if I were a woman, giving you work would be easier. But, I like to think that I can be a fair and just employer and I'd hate to feel as I'm just having you tag along in boredom. That, and really I enjoy your company. You're fun to talk to. I don't really have many people to talk to, other than barking at servants, but that's not much I guess."
"Fun to talk to?" she sighed and settled back into bed. "Yes, but I suppose I'm keeping you awake." She sighed and glanced up at the ceiling. "Ugh, I'm so awake now."
Anran turned to her and laughed. "Maybe I could give you a massage. Maybe that would help relax you to help you sleep?" he offered.
"A massage? Oh, but I couldnt impose."
Anran sat up and over to her cot. "Nonsense. If it'll help it's worth a try," he said and made a roll over motion with his hands.
"But.." but as she peered at him, she realized she couldn't say no. Shaking her head, she sighed. "Fine, alright. But when you're done, I could offer a massage back for you. It's the least I could do for all of your kindness."
"Certainly, if you're still awake after this one. I have strong hands, so if you don't knock out, it's because you've a sleepless spell cast on you," Anran laughed and sat beside her cot, and gently pressed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed.
Harmanaija smirked, but it was lost as she was resting her face into her arm as she lay on her belly.
"That's quite an ego you've got there," she went on, but sighed the moment his hands found her shoulders. "There's no doubt in your strength, but in my ability to worry. Either way... that feels nice," she said, melting a bit into a sigh.
"Oh, ho, ho, that's my ego talking. Well, let's just see how much you'll be talking," Anra smirked as he pressed his palms into her shoulder blades and down her back and then up to the nape of her neck in a steady motion.
"Mmmm..." Her eyes closed as he worked at her back, finding herself beyond complacent as he worked at her stiff muscles.
She really was tense and Anran could feel it as his hands ran intimately down her spine and then along her lower back and back up to her shoulder blades.
She breathed out another moan.
"By Hakeshna's name, you might be right," she went on, tiredly speaking against her pillow. "This feels so good. I might just melt away."
"You go right on ahead. I can mop you up," he laughed as he continued to knead her back with his fists. He pushed her skin like dough and rubbed at her neck until it was like putty. "It's okay if you start snoring. Your secret's safe with me."
She gave a breathy laugh.
"I almost was. Mmmm... you're very good at this."
Anran laughed and stopped at her ribs, being gentle without being ticklish. "Well, you can massage me now if you want. I can turn here."
She whimpered a little.
"I don't know if I can move!" And she turned so her cheek was laying on her arm as she smiled over at him. "Do you really want me to do you now?"
Anran sniggered. "Do me, Harmanaija. Do me so good." He snorted, unable to hold back his laugh.
Gasping as she blushed, she turned just enough to swat at him.
"Anran. Really!" she went on with a shake of her head. "Earlier today it was nipples now... now it's that." She rolled her eyes. "Sometimes I really do question your age."
"What? Oh don't be so prudish. You're a young vibrant, beautiful woman, you shouldn't be that surprised I would say that to you. That and because I'm sure you give a great back massage," he laughed. "C'mon, I'm sure you're younger than me."
Harmanaija released a breath. She wasn't used to any man who liked her hitting on her- except for the man she had an affair with a few years ago that brought on her shame-
and he? What had become of him?
He vanished... never to be heard from again. He knew the wrath of Lord Ahb-meht was too great, and she... not worth the sacrifice. She had been young and foolish- but was she any better now?
She found tears in her eyes at the memory of all of the men before and after 'her love' and blinked them away as she tried to laugh with Anran, but it was forced.
"I can't help it. I... haven't exactly grown up where... well.... let's just say I get that all the time. Men see my mark and think I'll give them anything they want since I'd betray my husband. I just..." she looked away. "Excuse me I need a moment. I feel really hot. I can massage you once I get some air," and before she knew what she was doing, she was throwing off the covers and trying to hobble out of the tent-
But damn her ankle for getting int he way as she nearly toppled over into his things.
What was this? This sudden change caught him off guard and Anran blinked at her just as she got up and tried to stomp away. He didn't really understand and got up when she fell. "Harmaija! Be careful!"
He moved to her side and helped her up. "Are you okay? Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I didn't say those things because I thought you were easy. I just thought we were having fun you know, two friends just chatting. I'm sorry."
"Oh, no it's quite alright, I... I'm just being clumsy that's all. And don't mind the tears,"s he said, trying to blink them away. "Ankle pain is all." She said before she sighed and turned to Anran, then looked at her feet.
"Please don't take this the wrong way, Anran but I.... I'm just... this, whatever this is, I'm not used to it and I.... It just..." she sighed. "I know it sounds silly but it makes me just... I dunno. I feel strange. The last time I trusted someone... really trusted... I got this mark on my face."
ANd now she felt even worse for saying it, as if she put poor Anran on the spot.
"But.. but don't mind about me. I'll.. I'll be fine. I... some fresh air will do me good," she went on, finding more tears forming as she attempted to hide them by blinking them away.
Anran didn't really know what to do. He was at a loss when she tried to excuse it away and he took her hand. "I'm sorry if I confuse you. I..I guess I'm not really good with people. I...uh..."
Anran flew with the moment and pulled her into a hug, an awkward one, but it felt right.
Harmanaija could have fallen over, had his arms been not so secure around her. But her legs tangled awkwardly as she was spun around and then found securely in his arms. And it was there, in that embrace that words became lost to her and she began to sob.
"Gods, I'm so sorry, Anran... I..."
She felt like such a fool as she was held by him, but she couldn't stop the tears- not any longer. How long had it been since anyone had comforted her so? It had been too many years of false hugs and false hopes. And now, as she found herself wrapped within his arms, the tears just continued to flow.
Anran continued to hug her. "Shush you. No apologies desired nor required," he said and patted her head as he hugged her tightly. "Just let it out now. It's all right."
"But I feel like such a fool!" she went on, shaking her head as she continued to cry. "It's... it's just so silly! And here I am, just crying! Oh! And you? You're just too nice to me? Why do you have to be so nice?"
"You put me in a good mood," Anran laughed, trying to lighten things. "In all seriousness, I wasn't well treated when I first earned my freedom. I...I guess I just try to be a good person. I'm not perfect, far from it. I'm not always nice though. You should see me when someone tries to cheat me in a deal."
She laughed a little as she wiped at her tears.
"Good mood? I suppose seeing me cry would make you happy," she jested. "But in all seriousness, you put me in a good mood, too. And I know neither of us are... perfect, as they say, but... well.." she sighed and brushed at more tears. "Just... thank you. For... for whatever this was." she said, and smiled and shook her head at herself, dropping her gaze.
"You're most welcome," Anran said, smiling and patting her shoulders. His smile softened a little and he found himself leaning in again, as he had done at the pool and kissed her cheek, feeling the wetness of her tears on his lips.
This time when he came in close to kiss her cheek she opened her eyes to look at his. Her's still sparkled with the remnants of fresh tears as she peered into his gaze, her look asking a thousand questions when her tongue could not.
Anran pulled back with a soft gentle smile. "I just want you to know that no matter what happens, I'm glad to be able to call you my friend. I care about you."
She made a noise, unable to form a sentence as she found her gaze dropping as she blushed and sighed through a smile.
"Whatever happens, huh?" she shook her head and moved to wipe tears from her eyes, then snot from her nose. "By Hakeshna's name, no wonder I try not to cry so much. This is gross." And sheepishly she looked up at him, "Do you have a kerchief I could use?"
And then she paused, adding onto that thought as she lightly touche dhis arm.
"ANd you know I'm grateful for the same reasons. I just..." She looked down again and smiled in spite of herself. "It's just... it's hard for me, you know, to get close to... well, anyone," she went on, eyes turning away from his as they glanced at the tent flap.
"Goodness, it's so late," and she moved to wipe more snot and tears away off on her sleeve.
Anran blushed too and put his hand on hers. "That's okay," he nodded and smiled widely. "Look let's get some rest. There's a long day ahead tomorrow." He squeezed her hand and motioned back to the tent.
She gave a nod and hobbled back to her cot, with the help of Anran of course. Once she was in bed, she sighed and turned to him with a small smile.
"Perhaps I can give you that massage tomorrow, Lord Haidan."
Anran smiled, laying back down. "Perhaps, if the day isn't too exhausting and we both don't collapse right then and there," he laughed. "Good night Harmanaija. Sweet dreams."
It didn't take her as long to fall asleep as she suspected, but she did fidget for a while, feeling awkward sleeping so close to a man- even one who was just her friend. But eventually sleep claimed her and she was sleeping soundly, silently when a sudden cry woke her up.
"Buckets of water- now!" screamed one of the guards outside the tent. Harmanaija sat up instantly in bed, groggy, but still wide eyed as she peered around, and suddenly she was choking on smoke. Someone had set fire to Anran's tent as he was sleeping, or one might claim later that it was an 'accident', but Harmanaija couldnt' see the coincidence in two attempts at Lord Haidin in one night, and she turned to him quickly and gave a shake of his arm- when suddenly a fiery piece of the tent's post came crashing down near to her as she screamed and leaped clean into Anran's lap.
The piece landed on her bed and caught the tail end of her robe in flames, and she found herself, too entangled in Anran to move as she tensed up in numbed fear.
Anran smelled smoke, arousing groggily as he did so. He was awake now when someone screamed then abruptly fell on him. He sat up and stared wide eyed at the billowing smoke and instinct followed him as he reached for Harmanaija and pulled her up and out of his lap, cradling her in his arms as he rushed out of his side of the tent.
"Save Lord Haidan!" someone shouted as they rushed to douse the flames.
"I'm all right!" he shouted as he emerged outside, holding Harmanaija still and watching smoke rising from his tent. There was a gaping hole where the cloth took to flame and part of the support structure was charred, looking ready to come down at any moment.
And then it happened, his tent fell down in a series of flaming, sparking domino's. Harmanaija couldn't believe her eyes, and flinched each time one of the structures collapsed into burning splinters upon the ground.
"Blast. Hakeshna's beard..." Anran said, pulling Harmanaija further away from the flames. "I want to know who did this!" He was livid, dark eyed. "Now!"
His guards were stunned a moment before nodding and rushing off to organize a plan, all the while Harmanaija remained in his arms, terrified not only of her protector, but of the fact someone blatantly did this to him. She knew it was no accident, could feel it was no accident as she grit her teeth and watched as Anran's servants worked to douse the flames with water and trampled the rest wtih sands.
There was a sinking feeling in his gut and Anran dropped his head, knowing he would have to pay for the damages with whatever prize money he'd earned from the hunt. Furthermore he knew this was an attempt on his life, perhaps because of Harmanaija. Or perhaps she was just a bonus. Whatever the case, it didn't help the sour feeling growing in his gullet.
Anran instead turned to Harmanaija. "Are you all right? Are you hurt?" he asked.
Somehow the flames on her robe had been beat out. She didn't even remember fully doing it, but she peered down at her singed clothes and black flesh before peering up at him with a nod.
"I... I think so. I don't think I got burned too bad. I was able to put out the flames quickly."
Or was it he that had done it? She didn't even know, but was too rattled to care to think on the details.
"How about you? Are you okay?"
Anran examined his hand, the back of which was burned just when he grabbed Harmanaija and snuffed them out. "Just this," he said, showing her his hand and shrugging. "A minor wound. I will be fine."
That was when his eyes caught something and Anran stared across at Ahb-meht a hundred yards away, the man merely laughing with his young wife on his arm.
Harmanaija turned at the sound of his laughing.
"Oh! The nerve of that man!" she went on, and struggled in Anran's grip to get out, as if to tear over to Ahb-meht to make him pay.
Anran held her fast though and shook his head. "He isn't worth it. Whatever effort you would expend on him to put him in place...it's just not worth it. Let him laugh. For now. And if he's the one responsible for this...he'll get his just desserts," he said.
Harmanaija released a hot, held breath.
"I wish I could throw him at one of those crocodiles. I think he's the only man in existence I'd like to see chomped to bits."
"Yeah, and when the opportunity arises, I'll let you do the honors," Anran said. "Look. Let's get you cleaned up and treat your wounds." The tent was doused and the fire put out and his main servant Raj arrived with cleaning supplies and fresh linens from his things within his servant's tent and Anran led her to the bathing pools.
Her mind was racing so fast, she hardly noticed the pain in her leg, or any pain sustained from the burns. But the second she began to peel out of her clothing and entered the pool, she hissed in pain through a breath.
"Gods... I didn't realize I did get burned. The water's both cooling it, but making it sting!"
Anran joined her and moved toward her leg. "I know it hurts. I've been burned before, but that looks a bit bad. I have some ointment. After we wash it, of course," he said and offered a small smile. "May I?"
Turning to Anran, she bit her lip a bit and nodded.
"Y-yes... just be quick about it. If you can." And she lifted her leg up for him to give him easier access, which was at least a lot easier since she was in the water.
He had oils and cleansing foams to wash down the blood and burned flesh as he held them gently and cleaned them. It was a bit nasty, but oncethe washing was done, he applied the ointment and helped her dress it.
She tried not to flinch, but it was evident when he was handling certain spots that were more tender she'd jump a little at his touch. By the time the ointment was applied, she released a held breath and peered up at Anran.
"Thank you." And she noticed his hands. "You have burns too. Do you... need help with those?" she asked, a bit uncertain as she brushed some of her hair from her face.
"Just the one on my hand," he said, holding it up to her.
She smiled and moved to clean it, then gently rubbed the ointment in before giving another small smile up to him as she bandaged it lightly. "There... now no more carrying me around. I don't want those bandages coming loose. I tied them pretty well." And she patted his hand lightly. "See? I even tightened it with a pretty little bow!"
Anran laughed and smiled. "Does that make me look manlier?"
"Whatever you want to believe, Anran. Whatever you want to believe." And she lightly patted his hand before releasing it. "I suppose now we have to figure out what to do with ourselves for the rest of the night. Though I think it'll be morning within the next two hours, at least, at least, judging by the position of the stars and moon..." she went on, neck craning as she peered up into the skies.
"We could watch the sun come up," he suggested and pointed up to the discoloring sky. The stars were starting to fade away and a smile touched his lips. "I haven't seen a proper sunrise in five years. I used to watch them back in the Arena, thankful I got to live another day. It's a wonder how easy it is to take that kind of thing for granted. Would you like to watch it with me? I'd be thankful for your company."
"Watch the sunrise? That's a romantic thought," she said with a small smile. Then she sighed and gave a nod. "I'd love to Anran. Though it's not that I'd be doing much else anyway. Just.. give me a moment to dress. Though I suppose the sun isn't going anywhere fast."
"Oh, right clothes," he said, smiling sheepishly. He remembered his own clothes and slipped them on when he was dry enough. He found a nice seat on a set of stumps, with a clear view of the slowly brightening sky. He offered her one beside him and held out a hand for her to be seated more easily. "It's beautiful isn't it?"
She took a seat beside him and smoothed down her make shift dress. She peered up into the sky, watching how it bled out into an array of colors pooling from a deep, violet darkness as the clouds began to turn blood red.
"Yes... it's breathtaking."
Anran watched with silence as the sun slowly came up. It'd been practically an eternity since he'd seen one and he wanted to appreciate it. His hand found hers and gripped it, but his eyes still remained glued to the sky.
As the sunrise continued to impress them, Harmanaija soon found herself growing cold. A night wind had started blowing and though it was early morning, the sun had not had the chance to heat the sands, to heat the world. She released a shiver and then a second one, and found herself moving her legs a little in hopes to keep warm.
Anran turned to her and noticed her shivering, There was little he had in the way of a jacket so he did the only thing he could think of and put an arm around her.
She couldn't help it, her lips fell open as she stiffened at his gesture, but even still, the warmth of his body against hers felt nice.
"Err.. was I shivering that loudly?" she asked him sheepishly.
"Er, no I just looked your way and noticed. Um, are you uncomfortable?" he asked. "I know it's not always a welcome thing to have someone's arm around you."
"What? Oh, who me? N-no," she said with a shake of her head. "You just surprised me is all and well.." and here she moved to be a little closer to him. "It's nice to be able to share your body heat. I didn't realize the morning would be so cold."
"Once the sun hits you, you'll wish it were night again," Anran laughed and pulled her in tighter to him. It was nice to feel a body beside his and he felt how cold she was and began to rub her arm.
She blushed and simply nodded at his words. He was right, but what could she do? For now she was freezing, and just enjoyed the moment of closeness. It had been such a long time since she had ever done something like this-
and it was nice, and she found herself sighing as she leaned into him and took his hand and gently gave it a squeeze.
Anran couldn't be sure what he was feeling in that moment. It seemed so obviously cliche and yet there was something about it that was comforting, even. Or perhaps it was just the exhaustion in their bodies finally setting in. The night really was chilly. Most of the Princes here had someone to warm their beds and most of their tents hadn't been burned down. Anran didn't know why, but he felt close to her, at least then. More than just physically and he thought about kissing her then, really kissing her. But then he'd kissed her so many times before then, cheek pecks. If he had turned it to her lips the, what would it mean?
The moment must've been perfect- or perhaps too perfect that after several moments of enjoyed silence, the soft sounds of snores could be heard. Harmanaija was now fast asleep, leaning into Anran's side and just sleeping peacefully, without a single care in all the world.
At the sound of her snoring, Anran blinked at her for a moment then smiled. It was just about sunrise too, so he supposed it was just as well that she would fall asleep. When the sun came up, he carried her to the servant's tent and gave her a cot to sleep on, letting her rest there. With extra guards around just in case.
It was rather late in the day by the time she awoke, and when she did, she did with a fright, gasping as she literally fell out of the cot and landed rather painfully in the sands. The guards were quick to whirl around and tend to her, and when they asked if she was alright, all she did was peer up at them embarassedly as she muttered, "Err... y-yes... I'll be fine."
And one guard moved to help her to stand while the other said, "Shall I get Lord Haiden? He said for us to fetch him when you are awake."
Harmanaija only nodded, and waited for both men to leave before sighing and fussing over her dress and face and hair. She didn't have any kohl on her eyes, but that still didn't stop her from checking to make sure for- whatever reason if she did, none of it smudged. She also was working the sleep out of her eyes, and cracking her back. She had to wonder just how long she had been asleep! And from what she could hear, there were a lot of caravans moving out from the Delta region. The event, she presumed, was probably over.
When the guards finally summoned him, Anran was dressed in silk robes, aired out for the day. Despite the fire, not everything burned and there was still much that was salvaged. There had been no witnesses, no one that had seen the strange "dark man" or what had caused the fire.
The whole investigation left Anran with a bad taste in his mouth, but he did his best to swallow it down when at last he saw Harmanaija was in decent shape, rather she was not dead and that was enough cause for celebration for anyone.
"Harmanaija," he said, beaming. "I hope you slept well!"
"I should hope so? Do you know what time it is?" She went on, then moved to wipe at the sweat already collecting on her brow. "It's got to be noon or something. It's so hot!"
"It's almost noon, yes," he said with a nod. "But I'm glad you're awake. Come, the caravans are moving down river. The event isn't over yet. We can get something to eat."
"Oh? What sort of events are today? Hunting more crocodiles?"
Anran smiled at her and took her by the arm to where the servants were setting up breakfast, or brunch as it were. "Egg Harvesting. If you thought yesterday was tough, this is even more dangerous."
"Egg harvesting?" She asked, then gasped and raised a hand to her mouth. "You mean like crocodile eggs?"
"Yes," Anran made a face and nodded. "The idea is to take the freshest ones then cook them. I..I don't like them, but the challenge is dangerous and losers are frowned upon."
"Oh my, It sounds dangerous. But err.. how can I help? You are paying for me to be here, helping you, after all."
"I think for this. It might be best if you stay behind," he said with a nod, though he frowned. "You'll be protected, don't worry. I pay my guards well. You can organize a proper tent for me with what supplies we have left when I return."
She gave a nod.
"Very well. Sounds simple enough! But are you sure you don't want me around to help you wrestle crocodiles? I may not look like much, but you should see how much kaadir manure I'm able to shovel all day!" She teased while giving Anran a coy look.
His grin turned wry. "Oh I can picture it. I think I've seen it. That one day when I fell into your pile." He laughed suddenly and nudged her shoulder. "Well, hopefully, you don't have to shovel kadir poodoo for a long while."
She gave Anran a sheepish smile as she tucked back some of her dark hair, and before she could say a word to take her leave, a man riding a kaadir came past but the beast haulted, much to its master's annoyance, and took a large dump infront of Anran's camp. Harmanaija just stared in silence as the rider apologized and rode past. Then, once he was gone, she released a sigh and turned to Anran.
"Well... So much for that. Guess I'll get to work."
"No, no," Anran said and put a hand out, gesturing for her to sit. "I already have other servants for that."
In fact they moved in to clean it up as soon as the kadir left and Anran thanked them for their haste. He was trying to eat here after all.
It was about this time Harmanaija was brought some food, and though she was thankful she didn't have to clean up the mess, her stomach wasn't exactly sitting well with the smell.
"I don't know if I can eat this... even if it smells so good," she whispered sheepishly to Anran, leaning towards him just a bit.
"Maybe after the smell dies down. Kaadir manure.... you'd think I'd be used to the smell by now but its probably the worst thing I've smelled in my entire life!" she said, and couldn't help but laugh just a bit at that.
"But thank you... for not having me clean it. I... I still feel bad, I mean.." she sighed. "I just wish I was more helpful here. Maybe we can just renegotiate the pay? That would make me feel better, honestly."
"Harmanaija, if you don't be quiet about scooping doodie or being useless right now and eat your food, appetite or not, I'm going to throw my tea in your lap," Anran said with mild impatience. "Please! Enjoy it! I'll give you something to do later, I promise. You'll feel useful. You'll need your energy. Now EAT!"
Her eyes went large in surprise at his tone, and for a moment she was speechless. Then she dropped her gaze, and without another word, she began to pick at her food. Though it was hard for it to go down, when she felt as if Anran's eyes were boring into her.
They weren't. He was busy eating his own plate, since he was starving, not having eaten anything when he'd gotten up. But he was done pretty quickly and saw how quickly Harmanaija's plate was emptying. And a small smile grew on his lips.
With a groan, she finished her meal and pushed back her plate.
"I think I ate too much. My stomach feels as if it's full of rocks."
"Good. Now I want you to run three miles, then paint me a portrait with your bare feet. It must be in my exact likeness and you can only use mud," Anran said, laughing loudly, maniacally even.
Harmanaija just gaped at him.
"You're a terrible man!" she said, but it was hard for her to say that with a straight face as she smiled and shook her head.
Anran sobered and made a face like he wasn't kidding. Then he snorted suddenly and started laughing harder.
And that's when Harmanaija stood up, planting her hands to her hips.
"How about I walk back to the city? Then who will you have left to tease?"
Anran raised his brows at her and chuckled. "Okay, okay," he murmured, putting his hands up in defeat. "Very well. Follow Raj around, he'll give you plenty of things to do as we pack up to move down river."
"There!" She went on, chin up with a smug grin. "That's much better Lord Haidan." And her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Where is Raj, anyway? Helping prepare for your crocodile egg hunt?"
"He is preparing the camp to move. Come I will show you." Anran stood up and gestured her to follow him. Raj was barking orders and directing people here and there when he turned and bowed to Anran.
"Is there something you need of me, Lord Haidan?" he said and bowed his head to Harmanaija upon sight.
"I need you take Harmanaija here and give her something to do while we move down river," Anran said, he smiled, bowed and departed and left Raj with an indignant expression.
"Very well," he griped. "You can start by moving Lord Haidan's clothes into the chests and moving them outside. That seems simple enough."
"Simple indeed," she said with a smile and gave a prompt bow before hobbling into the tent. The task wasn't entirely too difficult, however, with her leg the way it was, it made things a bit complicated. Not that she'd complain, just every once in a while she'd swear under her breath or give out a long sigh as she wished she could move faster. Once the clothing was all folded and placed neatly inside his designated chests, she sat down for a few minutes to catch her breath as she peered out towards the tent flap, watching how the shadows of the workers danced on the sands.
It didn't take long for the camp to be packed up and on the move. While the carts were loaded and the kaadir harnessed, Anran found Harmanaija and took a seat beside her. "Slacking off are we?" he asked with a smile on his face and brows raised.
"If that's what you want to call it," she said through a sigh and smile and raked a hand through her hair. "My leg's killing me. I needed to sit, at least for a moment. Though I suppose it's back to work?" And she moved to stand.
Anran stood with her. "You could but Raj finished the rest of it while you were sitting. If there's anything he hates more it's lolligaggers. But he's a stickler in everything and that's why he's worked for me as long as he has; he's good at his job."
He offered a consoling smile before gesturing her along with him. "Come along now, the camps are already moving and I'd hate to leave you behind. Even with your ankle. You can ride with me on my kaadir. And please don't feel compelled to clean up after it."
She sighed . "Some help I turned out to be." And at his comment about cleaning the kaadir waste, she smirked.
"Are you going to stop me if I try?"
"I'm afraid I'll have to throw you to the crocodiles if you do," he said jokingly. "Why would you anyway? Are you just naturally drawn to scooping poodoo?"
"Do you think that's the reason I'm here?" she jested. "Because I adore such labor?"
"I think you're just trying to get by, keep your head down. And you'll do whatever you have to to accomplish that," Anran said thoughtfully.
Harmanaija stared at him for a long.moment with a softened expression before her nose crinkled as she laughed.
"No, that isn't it. But I'd say you were close, because clearly I took the job just to cause you trouble. And I think the events from the day prove it. Wouldnt you agree?"
"In that case you can become one of my advisors. All they seem to do is give me headaches day after day," Anran said, joining in with a breathy chuckle.
"Come on, we should get moving again. The caravans will all be gone soon. And if I miss my ride, I'll have to carry you."
"Would your caravan really leave with you?"
"Probably not," Anran shrugged. "But it was worth the attempt. And besides we can't really sit here forever, now can we?"
She smirked.
"Is that some sort of a challenge?"
But after a moment of staring at him she turned away.
"Besides, I knew you were jesting. You pay these people to have them help you, and well..." she gave a shrug. "Money talks."
"I suppose there's that. But I like to think their employment garners some kind of loyalty. I treat them fairly, pay them well enough, and don't give undue discipline I don't think. Of course, there's always some unhappy onion muncher that's unhappy no matter what you do for them. But I think I do all right," Anran said. He leaned in closer to her. "Why? What have you heard?"
Her smirk tightened as her eyes shined when she replied, "That those onion munchers blame you for all of their onion eating woes. Apparently, you gave them bad onions."
"Well, I tried my best. But sometimes you just get a bad crop," Anran laughed. "Are you ready to leave?"
She gave a nod.
"Yes, decidedly so- before you consider serving me an onion."
"I once had a horse that preferred onions to apples. Strange beast that one. Her foals were all impossible to ride, bucked even the most trained master off their backs once they were big enough," Anran said thoughtfully.
He offered her a hand to help her to her feet. "Is your leg doing better? Can you walk on it?"
She gave a smirk at such a story.
"The horse just didn't want to be tamed, I'm sure."
And to his last question she nodded, "Yes.. well, it's as fine as it can be. Let's be off then."
They moved along then, down river to where the hunting would change the following day to see what eggs they could capture and small crocs that got caught in nets. Anran's encampment was smaller than it was. After the fire, what remained to make a tent for his belongings wasn't much, but it was shelter and it was quiet and shielded him from the cold evening air.
He sat down for evening tea, running a whetstone along a dagger, idly.
Shivering, Harmanaija found herself unable to sleep, and the sound of the whetstone drew her near as she peered at Anran from a distance.
"Don't you need to rest? Or don't you trust that sort of job to me that I could do for you tomorrow?" she asked with a smile.
Anran smiled when he saw her lingering near and he gave an innocent shrug. "It helps me think," he replied. "It's just something I've always done. And I couldn't sleep much anyway. Come sit with me. You can show me how you handle a dagger."
He smiled and pulled a chair up close to him, offering it her.
She gave a scoff.
"Handle a dagger? I can't say I've ever had to use one. " but after realizing that would make her sound incompetent, she cleared her throat and looked sheepishly at her feet. "Not to say I couldnt learn."
Anran chuckled and patted the seat across from him. "Come and have a seat. I could use the company and a good conversation," he said with a small smile.
Harmanaija sighed and gave a nod, taking a seat beside him.
"So what are you thinking about that's keeping you awake? Hopefully nothing as dangerous to warrant a reason for sharpening that blade."
He laughed again, though the implication and after what happened with the fire, it was no laughing matter. "I used to do this back in my younger days," he said and set the blade aside. "It was comforting, and helped past the time and when others saw you took care of your gear, they had another reason to be careful around you. Old habits just die hard I guess."
Anran smiled at her. "I'm just thinking about the hunt tomorrow. I'm not sure how I feel about harvesting croc eggs. Mothers are incredibly defensive. Even more than lone crocs in the water. I'm not sure I'm up for it."
"Oh?" she gave a curious tilt of her head. "Then why don't you abstain?"
Anran nodded. "I gave that a thought. But I'd easily be scorned by the other Princes," he said after a time. "I have a hard enough time as it is with the likes of men such as Abd-meht. I don't tell the whole world of my origins, but..I don't have many allies."
Anran set the blade aside and sat up. "But enough of my problems what's keeping you awake?"
Giving a nod, (for she knew too well what he meant), she then gave a sigh upwards that ruffled her hair away from her face.
"I can only blame it on the fact I think too much. I don't normally sleep well these days, anyway. Four hours is usually what I get a night." She shrugged. "Guess I'm used to it.."
"Oh?" he said, raising a brow, curious now that she mentioned it. "Thinking about what? What courses through your mind that keeps you tossing and turning huh? I've had my fair share of restless nights and sometimes sharpening a dagger just doesn't cut it, I'm afraid. So what's on your mind?"
She sighed through a smile and shook her head.
"What isn't on my mind these days? But ever since I've been on my own, it's like I can't rest properly. There's always something to do... something to worry about...."
Anran turned his head thoughtfully and sat up, looking at her with glistening eyes. "Why do you think that is?" he said, leaning against the arm of his chair. "I suppose I could understand the uncertainty of it all, not knowing what you're going to do, where you're going to sleep night after night. But you don't have to feel that way anymore, right? I'm glad to have you around as long as you want to stay."
Harmanaija sighed again, but couldn't stop herself from smiling at Anran. But it seemed more of a patronizing gesture than one that bore any truth.
"For now... yes. But once this expedition is over, I'll have to find another job."
Anran frowned a little. "Why? I wouldn't fire you after this venture. Or are you just sick of me?" He gave a soft laugh, though it was half hearted.
Raising her brows, she gave a curious tilt of her head.
"But you only hired me for this trip. Or have you forgotten that already?" And at that,s he gave him a more sincere smile.
Anran raised his brows. "Oh? I don't remember that. I must be getting old!" He laughed, this time genuine. "Well, allow me to remedy that. Would care to work for me longer, after this trip is all over?"
Harmanaija just stared at him, before smiling and shaking her head.
"And what would you have me do? At this job of yours?"
Anran smiled gently and it soon faded as he leaned in closer to her. He took her hand in his and held it between his two larger hands, "You're hands are really cold. Were you wandering outside?" he asked.
At first, she didn't notice him really getting any closer, that was until she felt the warmth of his hands over hers. And for a moment, she didn't know how to reply, finding her throat dry as she stuttered, "Oh... n-no. I just.... get really cold at night." She said, pulling her gaze from his, as well as her hands, as her cheeks flushed.
Anran tilted his head and rubbed his palms together when she retracted her hands. He reached for them again nevertheless and warmed them between his own, pressing them gently against his palms. "It's kind of funny, isn't it? The desert gets boiling hot. But at night it gets so frigid, freezing cold," he said, giving a sheepish laugh. He reached her hand to his lips, kissing her pulse lightly, and eyes seeking hers.
When he took her hand again, she felt herself panic, her eyes wide and curious, especially when their eyes met after he kissed at her wrist.
He kissed her wrist again, testing the waters a bit before slowly leaning in to kiss the corner of her mouth. His touch was gentle, never forceful, eyes searching her face, hands caressing along her palm.
The sensations that ran through her made her shiver, made her writhe, but on the outside she was still stock still, staring at him, his expression as he leaned in to kiss near her mouth. And she didn't know why she wished he had kissed her lips, but her mind was still in a whirl, her heart pounding heavily as she felt her lips quiver and twitch as she looked back at him, still curious- though this time more hazy while her body heated over as she felt his caresses along her palms.
Anran leaned in once again, kissing her mouth gently, though increasing in force and feeling his heart beat faster as he felt her warmth, her breath.
Her breath caught in her throat as she gasped lightly from the kiss, but the added force quieted her and continued to warm her all over. She felt thrills rush through her, from her head to her feet, but even as much as she enjoyed the kisses- the fear of what happened before, came back to her, and she went rigid.
"Anran... we shouldn't..."
Would it not make it awkward in the end? It was wrong of her to allow this, wasn't it? She was, after all, tainted from society. He couldn't marry her- couldn't have her-
She could only ever end up being...
his whore.
And she never wanted to have to complicate her life, or even his, with that.
"Why?" Anran murmured, half-drunk on her scent, his blood hot and body wanting. "Why should we stop? What does it matter what we do to the people in the world at large? No matter what we do...we're both outcasts."
She was dizzy too, but part of his question sobered her.
"Is that why you kissed me?" she asked, in barely a whisper. "And those times before?"
"I kissed you because...I like you. I think you're funny, you're smart, you're beautiful. I think we get along...don't you? I'm not married, I have no children, no other obligations. I like you for you. And I thought...that maybe you liked me too," he said.
Her eyes were large as she stared at him, those eyes glossy and uncertain. So many thoughts were drumming through her mind now that it was hard to even think, let alone speak.
"Anran... I..." But before she could comment, someone was rapping on the tent flap.
"My prince, I have urgent news. Something suspicious has been noted moving around near the camp."
[Can't they ever catch a break? D:]
Anran turned to the messenger and instinctively reached for the dagger he'd been sharpening. But instead of taking it for himself, he shoved the handle into Harmanaija's hands. "Protect yourself," he whispered as he burst from his seat and went off with the messenger.
"What's the matter?" he hissed, pulling his sword belt around his waist as he followed a contingent of guards that were waiting for him.
By the time Anran was being lead in the direction of the trouble, a bunch of Anran's workers were dashing and screaming, going the other way. And by the time someone stopped to recognize their employer, he was panting and stammered, "C-crocodile! She's bitten one of the workers and is still attacking the southern side of camp!"
And one of the guards brows furrowed.
"A crocodile?" He thought he had seen men ready to ambush....
had he been mistaken?
The man nodded, dancing about from where he stood, hoping that he'd be allowed to escape before the crocodile made it here.
The scaled beast hissed and lunged where few brave men tried to corner the beast. Anran ran to where the men were, followed by a small guard equipped with spears and another with a net attached to his belt. Anran skid to a halt, watching the beast with wide eyes.
"Hakeshna that thing is big!" one of the guards breathed, half stunned.
Anran narrowed his eyes. "Surround it! Cut offf every avenue of escape!"
Harmanaija could hear the chaos outside the tent flaps, and watched the shadows dance wickedly. To over hear it was a crocodile, of all things, actually attacking the camp, put her on edge. Not for any fear towards herself, but for Anran- especially as her mind continued to whirl over what had just occurred.
Anran held a spear in one hand and a net in the other as the guard tried to simultaneously distract the beast without themselves becoming dismembered.
"To the left!" one man yelled, closing in and trying to stab his spear into the crocodile's hide. The animal turned on him immediately and twisted around, avoiding it, but opening it's back to Anran.
He tossed the weighted net and lunged with the spear when the crocodile turned on him. It exposed it's neck and he lunged forward, placing his heel at the base as the spear pierced the animal's throat.
Harmanaija hated this- the waiting, the fear...
And this time it wasn't a fear evoked against her ownself- but for him. And it had been a while since she had cared so for anyone since...
But a scream broke her thoughts, and not thinking, she dashed out of the tent, dagger in hand.
Anran was on his way back when he saw Harmanaija emerging from the tent. "It's all right," he said, sweating and half-exhausted as his men carried the carcas of the crocodile in lieu behind him, carrying it off to another tent to be skinned and cleaned.
"The beast is dead. They screamed in shock from it," Anran said, smiling a little when he came back into the tent.
Harmanaija raised her brows.
"So it was a crocodile, then?" And she released a sigh. "And here I thought it was..." But then she stopped herself short and shook her head. "Oh, never mind what I thought. I'm just so glad you're alright." And unknowingly, she took his hand and squeezed it. "Did anyone get hurt? Can I be of any assistance?"
Anran squeezed her hand back, unconscious of it, but thankful of her presence nevertheless. "Thankfully, nobody was seriously injured. What people were are being taken care of as we speak. I did however, hurt my foot a little, holding it at the base of the spear. You could look at that if you wanted," he said. He walked toward a chair and plopped down, holding up his right boot and carefully undoing the strap.
She gave a sigh through a smile and hobbled closer.
"It's the least I could do. We can't have two of is hobbling around, now. What will people say?" she jested.
Anran laughed. "I'm sure they'll think of something clever to add to the list of names they have for me." The inside of his right foot was a little bruised, turning purple at the force he used to hold the spear in place. "It doesn't look too bad does it?"
Continuing to.inspect it, she finally glanced up at him with a wince.
"That looks like it will be sore for a while, but you'll live. How did you get that anyway?"
"Being manly," Anran said, staightening his shoulders and puffing out his chest a little. But he couldn't hold it forever and exhaled a laugh. "Being foolhardy and killing a crocodile." He shook his head. "Holding the spear with my foot. You stick it to the ground and it grants it extra support. I guess I hit my foot to hard."
Harmanaija gasped, which made her smile vanish.
"You got close enough for that?"
"Yes. Makes the hair on my chest all tingly," he smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm all right, though, honest."
She sighed but gave him a smile, lightly smacking his arm as she shook her head.
"What if the beast would have eaten you? Getting that close.... I don't think I could ever do such a thing."
"If I'd been eaten, at least I'd have made a decent meal. And I wouldn't have to participate in the hunt tomorrow," he chuckled lightly. "But I used to fight many a fearsome beast back in the Colosseum. Lions, tigers, even a bear. I have my fair share of scars. Want to see?"
Harmanaija lifted both of her brows up high, and tried to hide her smile, but she could not.
"That's quite alright. I'm sure I've seen them before." And she gave him a playful, patronizing pat on the arm.
"Fine, have it your way. It is a little warm in here though," he said and took his shirt off anyhow, setting it aside. "Are you all right though? You look shaken up."
"Warm?" To her, it was still a bit cold! But she also hadn't been wrestling any crocodiles! But when he inquired how she was, she sighed and looked up into his eyes.
"I was just worried... that something bad was going to happen."
"You're all right now though, right?" he asked, sitting up and gently touching her hand. "At least it wasn't anything like last time. That isn't to say something like that won't happen again. But at least it was an animal that was quickly dealt with."
It seemed like she was sighing a lot, but this time, it was with bigger relief.
"Actually.. I thought it was going to be a repeat of before."
"You can breathe a little easier, hopefully. We both can," he smiled at her. "The guards are extra vigilant. And it's all right. You don't have to worry anymore. You're safe here."
At that statement, her smile broadened.
"You're too good to me, Anran."
And she felt her heart flutter, thinking back to...
Well, before they were interrupted.
He said nothing, just blinking at her for a time before squeezing her hand. He leaned down and kissed her hand. "No such thing," he murmured back. "As too good to you..."
She tensed, almost winced at his words, at his reaction; but though she was afraid of any sort of advances, it also thrilled her and sent a rush through her veins. She almost became dizzy, and when her breath finally returned, she shook her head, but though she wanted to comment- she found her mind going blank, leaving her with nothing to say.
"You all right?" he asked gently, pressing his thumb into the palm of her hand. But he peered down at how they fit so well into his own and his eyes softened. There wasn't any thought that went into his next action, but it was slow enough to allow her to push him away if she wanted, but quick enough to close the distance between them. His kissed her this time, without hesitation.
If she wanted to stop him, she could not, as she watched him move forward. It was as if time slowed until that moment of contact, for as he moved forward, she felt her veins alight, as if lightning were shooting through them, and her heart, ready to sore towards the sky. But the second their lips met, she felt her cheeks heat as she moaned softly through it- unable to contain herself as the tension was just too much to bear. And she found herself soon kissing him back without thought as well, listening simply to the beating of her own heart, and where it lead her. And that was how their hands became clasped and she squeezed it as the kiss deepened, and her eyes closed tight, never wanting to pull away.
Her scent was intoxicating and Anran was soon breathless by the force of their lips. He couldn't deny his deep attraction to her, not any longer bound by rules or ettiquette and soon his free hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her to him and he tilted his head to deepen the kiss.
He moaned, his heart beating nearly out of his chest, his arm squeezing her against him.
How long had it been since she had fallen this way? The spell seemed so easy to cast, and though she promised herself not to get close to anyone...
Well, there she was, being drawn to him like a moth to a flame, and she didn't want the moment to end.
Anran eventually broke the kiss, if only because his lungs beggeed him for breath. Anran panted heavily against her, their lips lightly parted as he tried to catch his breath. He said nothing as his eyes finally opened, meeting hers.
He wasn't the only one panting, as she too, opened her eyed to look back at him. And her eyes searched his, curious and dizzy. But she was too uncertain, too insecure to utter a sound. So she simply looked at him, her eyes asking a thousand questions.
Anran cupped her face, gently before leaning in to kiss her again. He held her face like it was made of glass, cracking at the slightest touch. He said nothing as he kissed her, turning his head the other way and taking her breath once more. He grew dizzy with her scent, his hands prodding at her clothing.
She never thought a man from the arena could be so gentle, so tender, and one whom is not so wrapped up in appearance or reputation. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't, to presume the man came from savage means... But even during her brief time with her.career at the colosseum, she saw so many proud fighters fall to tears. Perhaps it was why she cried now, having always dreamed of such a moment,but knowing it could never exist. Like the little mermaid pining for love, and turning into sea foam at the end. But how she wished this moment, this peace could last forever, but it was she who pulled away, casting her eyes down and shameful, too embarassed by her tears as she barely managed to croak out a trembling whisper.
"I'm sorry."
Anran's lips turned to her neck when she pulled away. He was dizzy with her scent, drunk, panting against her skin. "Why?" he murmured. "What's wrong?"
She tried to brush away her tears, at least one or two of them for they continued to fall, before finally looking up at him with a smile.
"It's not that anything is wrong.... This.... I.... I like you, Anran. I really do it's just...... It's hard for me to think any of this is real, or that after this moment, what I feel, whatever this is... won't be snuffed out, or suffocated. It.... The scars I carry, too they... It's..." and she gave a nervous laugh and looked up into his eyes.
"I'm afraid.... of this. Nothing ever good came out of these things for me. So... I... yes.." she gave a nod, and a sad smile. "I'm scared, Anran. Terrified." And she felt herself lightly tremble, as a few more tears fell as she looked into his face.
"I know... pathetic, right?" And she tried to smile for him, but it was forced.
Anran sobered at that confession. Who couldn't when she pulled away? And his nostrils flared with a heavy sigh as he caught his breath and listened to her intently. His hands reached up to wipe away her tears and though he understood, he didn't know why such a thing had to be so complicated? There were questions involved that he hadn't yet discovered for himself. Would this just be sex? Or was it something more?
He certainly didn't feel it was something wasted. As if he would just use her when he needed and discard her when she was no longer necessary. But he didn't know how to say what he felt, or how he felt it.
"No, no, that's not pathetic," he murmured. He cupped her face, rubbing her tears away. "It's all right. I get it. I get it. I'm...I'm scared too, and confused and I don't know what I feel. I never liked anyone as much as I liked you. Not in a long time. It's all right, Harmanaija. We're both kind've in the same boat."
At that comment she laughed and more tears ran down her face.
"Great... so we're both hopelessly lost here together."
Anran laughed and brushed away more of her tears. "Yes, but that means you're not alone," he murmured back, smiling at her. It was a genuine grin and he pushed her hair up from her face, even away from her scar. "I can understand how you feel. That's how you got this mark. When I look at you, I don't really focus on it, if that makes sense. I...I know it's there. But my eyes are too busy looking at your eyes, than this branding. I see you. And I like what I see."
His smile grew gentler. "Whatever this is, between us, I'm scared...and excited at the same time. And...I wouldn't be opposed to exploring it...if you want to."
Her gaze never left his, but her tears ceased.
"I.... I think we.might need time, to think on this Anran... Out here, we're all alone, we're together a lot ... But what about when we return to the city?"
Anran sat straighter at that. He had known it would come up sooner or later, but he knew that if he thought of it, focused on it he wouldn't dare have done what he already did. "What do you think will happen?" he asked tentatively. "Do you think I will shun you? Cast you aside? I know your life has been difficult. The last thing I want to do is make it even more so. Am I asking you to become my lover? Is that what you're wondering? Honestly, I'm unsure of it myself. Back in the city, people will whisper and gossip more easily than here."
Her eyes searched his.
"I know.... They already talk of me," she whispered. "Won't this hurt all you've worked for if people knew?"
Anran took her hands in his. "It would, most likely. People don't exactly care if you're a person if you've been marked. Or if you're a gladiator. But we could keep it secret....couldn't we?"
Her eye's searched his. If they did... They both could be protected.
"I.. suppose we could." But her last relationship was that way. And it made her feel a tad uneasy. And what if he were to find someone to marry?
Anran kissed her palms, both of them. "I don't know what more I can say," he muttered. "I know it isn't ideal. But for either of us, has anything ever been?"
Realizing the risk and she wasn't the only one who would suffer, she raised her eyes again to his and studied his face.
"Alright." And the words came out softly as she peered down at how tenderly be held her hands.
Were they really going to do this? And she felt her heart flutter at the thought.
Realizing the risk and she wasn't the only one who would suffer, she raised her eyes again to his and studied his face.
"Alright." And the words came out softly as she peered down at how tenderly be held her hands.
Were they really going to do this? And she felt her heart flutter at the thought.
[Double posties 8D]
Anran's expression softened further until a glimmer of a smile spread across his lips. "Well...all right," he said and nodded to her. He spread her hand across his until they were palm to palm. "So..."
His hands were so much larger then hers. And she studied them, how they were as imperfect as her own. It was then she lifted her gaze to him, curiously, shyly.
Anran's thumbs ran down along her palms and wrists. He smiled a little, looking at her and her coy glance with a small gleam of humor. He didn't say anything else and just leaned forward to kiss her lips gently, curiously.
It was not that she did not welcome the kiss. It was that she felt strange. She never would have thought Lord Haidan could have been taken with her- at least not in this way. Sure, she enjoyed his company. Sure, he had been so kindly towards her...
But after all that happened to her, she knew her place, and kept to it. And only wanted to be a shadow unseen. But this? To accept this meant her world could be shattered again-
and that much was evident in the recent events. She knew the fire was no accident. What would they do about that?
But even with those thoughts flooding her mind, she leaned in softly, tenderly to the kiss- and enjoyed who such a simple act erased all ill at ease thoughts from her mind.
His arms instinctively wrapped around her as he deepened the kiss. There was always something getting in the way, an interruption, an intruder. But Anran'd be damned if he was going to let something get in the way this time. He squeezed her to him in powerful arms, devouring of her lips.
She never had a man hold with such strength as he. Even her last lover was rather dainty, and her ex-husband? She didn't want to go there, not in a moment like this. So she forced her full attention to this new feeling, with strong arms around her, and her body growing warmer with each kiss.
By Hakeshna's name, how long had it been since she could do this with a man and have it feel like something? Sure, she's had sex, kisses, and all sorts of other things since she was outcasted- but whoring yourself was not her idea of intimacy, and it was this sort of thing she craved. And Anran would have been able to feel it through her kisses, as she leaned her body eagerly into his.
Anran kissed her fervently, leaning into her lips as she leaned back into him and carried her up from the chair in which she sat, standing and walking to his own bedding area. He'd demanded privacy for that night. And a bruised foot did little to stop him from laying her across his bed.
His hands pried at the cloth of her dress, moving it off her as he crawled over her, kissing down along her neck.
She made soft breaths between their kisses, not minding in the least they moved to his bed. It sent a thrill through her- one of both fear, and a growing intoxication of lust. Most women only fantasized over having a powerful gladiator bed them, but even she knew silly things like that were only dreams. And Anran was no longer a gladiator-
and she, no longer a slave to her last name.
As his lips found her neck, she made a soft noise, and though she had been slightly chilled when he removed her clothes, she soon found herself warmed as she felt the warm, wet kisses trail along her body, which ached and arched for more attention as she breathed out signs of contentment, and need.
And the warmth of her body was soon met with the warmth of his. His blood coursed hotly through him. He explored her body, with his hands and lips, every curve and rise. When he came back to her, Anran let his hands course down, along the slope of her hips, hoping to part her thighs.
Anran was hard, eager, hungry for her. Yet he remained poised above her, on his knees and brought his mouth back to hers.
His trail of kisses left goose bumps in it's wake. Though where her flesh was feeling cold, her very being burned. She curled her toes in anticipation, legs parting naturally by his touch. And to know they were so close to joining bodies, she began to feel nervous, and immensely turned on, all at once.
As their lips met a fire was sent through her, for where her lips before might have given away more hesitation, now they were met with ferocity, hunger and need. Too long it had been since she could do this, or wanted to do this. And she had prayed it would stay that way. But to know there was a like mind out there, and as wonderful as Anran...
She supposed if this was a mistake, he'd be the best mistake of them all.
Hands explored his back as they smoothed down his warm skin, feeling his hardened muscles. They rested now at the small of his back, encouraging him, and lips imploring him, to take the lead. He initiated this anyway, might as well let him lead, though she had a feeling both of them had been starved of such acts for too long-
At least such acts of intimacy where one could feel truly warmed, welcomed and possibly- loved.
Anran didn't know if he believed in love. In the traditional way most Essyrni seemed to know it. But he knew a connection when he felt one and he wanted nothing more than to explore that connnection with Harmanaija. It was beyond physical.
Admittedly however, it didn't exactly hurt. When he felt her imploring motions, Anran obliged. Oh he obliged in impassioned force, feeling her heat melt with his own. He kissed her wholly then, when at last their bodies met and he shuddered, enraptured.
To feel the whole of him slip within her was a sensation far more incredible than she could even describe. The pleasure that coursed through her was more vibrant than a flame, and just as quick as it pulsed through her as she clung to him the moment he was deep within. The walls of her sex squeezed tightly, her body tasting of his as they were joined. And only then did she release a deep throated moan as she shuddered and drank of his lips.
Anran gasped, feeling her body clasp so tightly to him, he could hardly move. They were locked together, stuck even, and his found his voice caught in his throat. He could barely utter a moan. But when she did, he moved, pulling back a little, sliding within her and feeling her body hug all around him.
Anran shivered, getting a feel for her rhythm before moving in pace with her. He was gentle at first, testing the waters and before long, he moved with purpose.
Hakeshna's name, he felt so good. And dare she compare him to the others she had laid with, none could compare. Not only did his member completely fill her up, but just the way he moved was so much more different than other men's. It was as if he were reading her mind, and though the pace was slow, she reveled in it. To be able to feel his length slide deeply within her at a steady, and almost painfully slow pace had her moans growing deeper as she clung onto him, feeling his strength and need.
Soft breaths came out, appreciatively, as tenderly her lips would meet to his from time to time, or to his cheek, or neck, or even his shoulder blade as they made love. And it was so wonderful feeling, she found herself praying that such feelings, such a moment, could last forever. For as they were joined, nothing else existed in the world but him.
He couldn't deny the moment's intensity. He wasn't fucking her, he was making love. And what that meant both terrified and excited him. Anran enveloped himself with her body, encouraging her to cling to him as he moved so slowly within her. He turned his hips, this way and that, exploring which angles she favored more, listening to her breaths, he body, her moans.
He opened his eyes, leaning his forehead against her, sweat already clinging to his body as he pressed on within her. Though he never thought himself questioning of his own ability, a part of him had to know. "Do I....do I satisfy you?" he asked, as they made love still.
At such a question she felt herself shiver. It made her smile, a genuine one as she opened her eyes and kissed him, rocking her hips a little more with need.
"Gods, yes," she whispered, and kissed him again. "Whatever this is we're doing.... I don't think I've ever experienced this sort of pleasure before."
And that made her flush and her sex- cling to his tighter as he worked within her, and it didn't take long for her to release another moan and shiver. Gods, this pace was so painfully slow, but intense. Most men fucked her like a rabbit- which actually did hurt in the end. But this? This made her body so palpable to his that it truly felt like the pair were one. And the fact he seemed to be reading her body signals made it all the better.
Gods... how could he even ask? She was melting beneath him! And she thought obviously so!
Anran chuckled lightly, ego reassured and he undulated his hips against hers. "I just...I had to ask. I've never really made love like this before..." He began to pant heavily, grunting with effort as he met her need, moving along with her.
Anran hiked her hips up a little more, going a little faster with what room was available to him. He shuddered over her, wondering how much longer either of them could hold out.
She laughed in reply, "Neither have I." ANd it was spoken through a growing moan. Her toes were curling, her hands clinging to him as she felt the incredible brewing force of an orgasm. And as he moved quicker, she clung to him tighter, her breaths growing shorter, quick and more moans escaped.
If he was actually able to get her to peak, it would actually be the first orgasm a man had ever given to her- and she desired so fervently to know how that'd feel. But she didn't want this to end, not yet, and just nursed on the sensation, releasing soft breaths of anticipation against him. And they were so close, she could smell his heat, his sweat, their sex.
Anran moved to her pleasure to her need, wanting to satisfy her body as much as his own. He held himself above her, to allow him greater leverage, moving harder within her. It was difficult to contain himself and his panting grew louder the closer he felt to his climax.
Who knew how long it had been. It certainly felt like hours as the pair writhed together, bodies moving and mixing into the other. She had never felt such pleasure as she did just then- and she felt, soon after she was screaming his name to the Gods, that she could die happy after this day. Sure, she believed that with the first man she 'loved'- but she felt more truth in that thought now than before. And it terrified her, and it was strange, but that fear made her orgasm the best she had in her entire life. And it was all thanks to the man ontop; and well, maybe a little bit of complications. But she definitely needed it- there was no denying that, and she clung to him, even long after her first, and perhaps last orgasm for the night was spent- for it had been a long journey, and she felt so much contentment she could have just melted away from existence and she'd be okay with it.
And as she lay there, she found herself smiling as she whispered, "Thank you."
Anran panted above her, trying to catch his breath. His throat was hoarse and dry and he cleared it harshly before turning to her. He laughed and smiled. "You're quite loud," he said, chuckling. "I didn't know any woman could scream that loud."
At such a comment, her face turned beet red.
"Anran!" she scolded, but it was soon followed by a laugh. "Don't accuse me of being loud. I wouldn't have to use my lungs were it not for you." And stating that outloud made her flush even more.
Anran laughed, their bodies still connected and he reached down to pull the covers up over them. "I guess we'll both have to work on lowering our voices. You weren't the only one. You were quite, erm, snug," he said, blushing a little. He kissed her lips gently. "But it was amazing."
She made a soft noise as they kissed before smiling sheepishly up at him.
"I've never had sex like that before. The pacing it was..... let's just say, I wouldn't be opposed to trying that again." And stills he blushed, and her sex grew a bit more heated at the thought. He was still inside her, after all.
"Maybe we won't get much sleep...but neither would I," Anran murmured, kissing her again. "We have the rest of the night to ourselves." He smiled, pushing away the hair that stuck to her face.
Harmanaija blushed, her sex naturally tightening at the very thought. But that made her laugh softly and turn sheepishly away.
"I suppose you are right..."s he said, eyes still avoiding his. "But wouldn't we keep up your men if we were to continue?" After all, they all had such a long day....
But from outside of the tent came a chuckle.
"Don't mind us! Just keep up the show!"
"It's about time he got a proper lay!" came another man, obviously drunk.
Startled by the reply, she suddenly pressed her naked chest against Anran's. Were his men listening the whole time? Her entire body went red. She supposed meager tent flaps did little to keep out any noise....
Anran's eyes flashed when he heard the voices. He should have known. "Back to work!" he growled. And he heard the sighs of resignation from the men that were listening.
Anran sighed, his face embarrassed. "I am so sorry," he muttered.
She couldn't help but giggle, which inevitably shot his cock out from her body, as she gasped.
"You.... you couldn't have helped it more than I could," she assured him, but gasped as she realized... his seed was running down her leg.
And she went pale.
Anran pulled out from her, leaning on his hip as he caught sight of what she did. He frowned. "Gods, Harmanaija. I'm sorry," he sighed. "I...I didn't mean to. Well, I suppose I did. But...not to get you..." And he went silent at that.
At that, she closed her lips and looked up into his face. Though the fear of the moment was real, it hurt her so to think such a wonderful moment was ruined- again.
"I know.." she whispered, staring up into his face. "Let's just enjoy this. Too much has already come in the way."
Anran adjusted himself so that he was lying on his back and his arms wrapped around her, pulling her against him. "Desert nights can be awfully chilly."
She smiled and nestled in against him.
"They can be. Thankfully you're all nice and hot." And she snuggled in even closer and sighed, a happy one.
"Oh good. I was wondering why my skin was all tingly," he snickered and leaned in to kiss her forehead. "You're beautiful. You ought to know that."
She blushed and smiled up at him, moving a few stray hairs from his face.
"Thank you," she told him softly. "So are you."
"Honestly, after all of this, what we've been through, I could sleep for days. Maybe I can even miss the hunt tomorrow and excuse it for tardiness. But I don't want to go to sleep. Not with you beside me." He knew it was sickeningly sweet, but he felt a shiver at the thought of spending the rest of the night with her.
It was exciting, it was terrifying, all of this. But if there was one thing that Anran didn't feel, and that was hesitation.
Harmanaija gave him a smirk.
"Don't want to sleep with me here, huh? Afraid I'll snore?" she teased.
Anran snickered. "So you're admitting you snore?"
"I didn't say anything!" she said, OH so innocently, but her grin gave her away. "If anything, you should be worried I'd find out that you snore. Though worst yet..." And she gave him a playfully cutting look, "That you talk in your sleep."
"I mutter a little. Don't assume that all men snore however," Anran said a little defensively. "I bet you can suck books right to your face clear across the room when you sleep. " He laughed and reached across to poke her nose.
At that, she laughed.
"I would never presume!" She said, biting playfully at his finger as if she were a pirhana. "Besides, Lord Ahbmeht never snored. If you can believe it!"
"No, but I bet he still does plenty more revolting things." Anran chuckled. "But let's not spoil our night together with talk of him."
At this, Harmanaija sighed and nestled in even closer to him.
"Very well. Speaking of him is like speaking of poison. Should we talk about our feet?" she said, eyes sparkling with mirth. "Yours seem to bend funny- and look at your big toe! It's massive!" And at that, she laughed and tried to wrap her own toes around it. "I think it's double the size of mine!" she said, now resting her own over top of his.
Anran took her foot with his, using his ankle to pin hers down while tickling the bottom of her foot with the toes of his other foot. "Are you talking about MY big feet?"
At his tickling toes- she shrieked-
ANd it was a sound loud enough to wake the dead! And as it was so- the men in Anran's company came rushing back- their silhouette's evident outside the tent.
"Lord Hanran-"
But the second they caught what Harmanaija was saying- or rather- GIGGLING, they paled and turned to one another.
"An.. Anran!" she laughed. "S.. Stop! Stop tickling me- ah ha, with your toes- haha, or I'll pee all over the bed!"
[Do all of your characters have the tendency to pee when being tickled, or is that just a personal affectation?]
Anran did stop and he pulled Harmanaija overtop him, hands at her hips. He grinned widely up at her. "If you have to go, you don't have to ask. Just please don't go in my bed."
OOC: *kicks*
----------
Harmanaija laughed and gave him a smug grin.
"I don't have to go. You just made it... messy between my legs." At that,s he blushed and gave him a sheepish smile. "Besides, it made you stop tickling me, didn't it?"
He smirked at her and ran his hands up along her sides. "I could still turn you to my mercy," Anran said, a wicked glint in his eyes.
Harmanaija cut him a look.
"Not if you don't want me to bend your penis. Or I could accidentally sit on your balls. Wouldn't that be a pity? Probably would hurt you wonders, I dare say."
"How dare you say such a thing?" he said, smirking. "Would you really take such joy from my pain?"
Her eyes danced as she replied, "Why do you ask? Don't you?"
"Only in your brief torment. But never in your pain," he answered honestly. "Tickled feet don't hurt do they? Are they overly sensitive?"
She chuckled and gave a shake of her head.
"I suppose you're right." But then she poked his belly. "But don't think that's permission. You try that again and I can't promise you my arms and legs will play fair. You could get my elbow in your gut." And she poked his belly again, before giggling. "Come to think of it, if that were to happen, I think I'd break my arm."
Anran just smirked at her and put his hand over hers. He pressed her hand against his belly. "What break your arm against this?"
"Yeah, its like you've got a belly full of rocks!"
"Well, I do like rocks for breakfast. Sometimes pebbles too for flavoring. Add just a dash of pepper and you'll get a belly like mine," Anran laughed.
"Sounds delicious," she teased. "I'll keep that in mind next time I'm making meals at the coloseum."
"Are you a good cook? If so, I might have to see what you can make. As a part of my earlier studies, I was thrown into the kitchens. I can make a few things but I never did get the hang of it," Anran smirked.
Laughing, Harmaniaja shook her head.
"Hardly, but my employers didn't care. I was feeding slaves. But still, I tried my best. But I doubt it was anything amazing. You can only do so much with the supplies you're offered."
"True. But was it something you enjoyed? I mean, if you've ever got the chance to really explore a kitchen. I always had a thought if there was one thing I'd be good at, it'd be cooking. I'm not, but I do enjoy it. Experiment once in a while. See where it can take you."
"Enjoy is a stretch," she said with a laugh. "I'm not really any good at it- my parents, having never taught me and my ex-husband... let's just say I'm still learning."
"That's another thing we have in common," he murmured and hand his hands down along her side. "I'd be to happy to show you just how messy I can get it. We should have a competition. Chocolate cake, who can make it worse."
At such an idea, she blushed as she laughed.
"I must admit, I've never even tried to make that. And I've only had it once in my life. It was heavenly, and sometimes I try to imagine what it still tastes like when I'm eating gruel."
"Then it's settled. We'll make one together. Would you like that?" Anran offered, smiling gently.
She blinked and stared at him, wide eyed before she laughed.
"Not out here, I presume?" There was no where to bake such a thing!
"Unfortunately, no," Anran said, shaking his head. "Back at my manor in the city. I've a decent kitchen. Maybe not at large as Ab-meht's but it gets the job done. Raj has a hell of a time running it, as I'm sure you can imagine. He's a pain in the behind, but he does his job well."
[Raj is like his butler just fyi]
"I'm sure he does a wonderful job. After all, it seems you only employ the best," she jested.
"Oh Raj was darning socks for a laundry woman when I found him. He begged me to get him the hell out of there, but we became good friends after a few drinks. He does his job well. I think he's afraid he'll do something wrong, be back to unemployed. But I value him. Maybe I should do something nice for him," Anran said thoughtfully.
At the idea, Harmanaija curled up beside him.
"We could bake him a cake when we get back."
"That'd be difficult. He usually runs the kitchens as well. And he doesn't go to bed until much later in the night," Anran said thoughtfully. Already, however, he was fond of the idea, and wondered at the look on Raj's face when he was surprised. He peered down at Harmanaija and tilted his head.
"You hardly know the man, and already you'd want to do something nice for him?" he asked, suddenly curious.
"I know enough to trust your judgement. And why not? I've never.really had the chance to do something nice for another and well... It could be fun to try to bake a cake with you."
Anran smiled and he leaned in to kiss her cheek, gentle, curious. "You keep surprising me," he murmured. "I like that. What else don't I know about you?"
At that, she blushed and looked up at him shyly.
"That I like the way you talk to me. And the way you kiss me. No man's ever kissed me as sweet."
Anran brushed back her hair and grinned, giving her a soft smile. "Well, men are generally stupid creatures. I think it's easier to act on impulse than to think things through. In the arena anyway, and very much in life. Once, I learned to read, thinking got more and more interesting to do. And I like you, and I want you to like me too. Treat others how you want to be treated, makes sense to me."
She felt her heart flutter. Then thinking over his words, she bit back her lips before leaning forward and kissing him softly.beside his mouth, then on the cheek.
Anran felt a jolt where she kissed him, his eyelids hanging low as he turned his head and kissed her cheek in turn.
Harmanaija smiled and studied his face, the way hid hair framed his eyes, the way she reflected in them, and the scars that dotted his skin. She ran a finger over a small, soft scar on his cheek before staring at the one across his face. Then she placed her hands on either of his shoulders and let her eyes return to his before kissing him warmly on the lips.
"Hmmm, would you think it rude of me to ask for seconds?" She asked softly, kissing his lips again. "To bed me, I mean." And her cheeks glowed as she looked into his eyes, where a deeper warmth awaited him, loving and affectionate and curious still.
Anran's eyes studied her face, the large A over her eye, but never saw it as something abhorrent. She was beautiful whether she knew it or not. When she kissed him, he sighed softly. "Not at all," he murmured. "In fact it's very thoughtful of you to ask." And kissed her back.
She smiled through his kiss.
"Oh? I'd be too shy to just take it. " this time she kissed him, softly.
"You don't have to be shy with me," he murmured, lips brushing against hers. He deepened their contact, taking her lips fully againt his.
"Easier said than..." But his lips quieted her as she breathed a moan against him. "By the Gods, I'm going to have to be careful around you. "
"Oh?" he said and snickered against her. He kissed at the corner of her mouth, nibbling at her skin there. "Do I pose some kind of temptation?"
She laughed.
"Of course. Don't you know how handsome you are? I've never had such a handsome man kiss me. It's kind of scary."
"I am pretty gorgeous," he murmured, snickering once more, playing with her lips. "I've had beautiful women. But never one that could keep my attention as long as you. No one makes me laugh like you. I find that an alluring quality."
She stuck her tongue out when he tried to kiss her.
"Oh, just how many, huh? " she teased. "But you don't have to tell..." And here her face grew more serious. "I'm pretty sure I'm the only real whore between the two of us."
"Don't speak like that. It isn't true," he said. His thumb ran along the mark on her face and he shook his head adamantly. "No matter what they call you. No matter what they think, YOU decide who you want to be."
At that, she gave a small, sad laugh.
"Anran... But that's what I am. My other job... The one that keeps me off the streets..." She could of cried. "I've had to sell myself more than once."
"You did what you had to in order to survive," Anran said thoughtfully, caressing her face, before kissing her other cheek.
She tried to smile at that, but could only frown.
"Men didn't care about the mark on my face either," she went on, voice strained. "But now..." And here she studied his face, moving some hair from is eyes so she could look at his eyes better. "Now I...." But she didn't know what to say.
He wouldn't have a chance to speak before Anran would seal her lips to his. He held her head between his hands and pushed her hair from her face. He kissed her hard, deeply, with no small ounce of passion.
Harmanaija felt hot tears as she closed her eyes tightly, holding him back tightly and kissing him for all he was worth. She nearly choked on her own breath as she continued to kiss him back, kissing him as if this would be the last time she ever did.
Anran whimpered against her, moaning lightly at the pressure of her kiss. It was different than the last time and he found her tears falling onto his face.
Her lips were unyielding, as were her tears. She just prayed he didn't notice, woukdnt care as fingers raked into his hairanand her body pressed to his for comfort and warmth.
His body responded to hers in kind and he pulled her up against him, coaxing her legs to part and straddle him. There was something behind the force of her kiss that was absolutely intoxicating. "Harmanaija," he found himself murmuring against her skin between kisses.
She whimpered when he spoke her name, her legs having already parted as she felt his need against her own.
"By the Gods, just take me, have me," she breathed. "I'm yours."
"Sit down on me," Anran murmured and gently coaxed her onto his cock. He shuddered upon entry, feeling her heat pulsing around him. He began to move against her, thrusting upward steadily.
She froze at his command, her sex clenching together so that when he coaxed her to sit, she was incredibly tight. And the moan she made to.feel his entire length swell and fill her came from deep within her throat. And he would feel that heated sex pulsate wildly as she could taste him, feel him and feed her growing fire. This was heaven, this was torture. And she loved it all.
Anran whimpered against her. Her technique made him shudder, his member throbbing within her confines. She was incredibly tight and hot and he slipped through her like a knife through butter. His cock felt for her most sensitive points, undulating his hips slowly, his body hungering for more. He gripped her body too his, their forms belly to belly and he wanted nothing more than to feed the fire.
Harmaniaja whimpered and moaned, adoring the sensation as he moved within and loving their bodies being sealed so close. That simple act amplified all sensations and soon her cries were growing louder as her own hips bucked.
It was quicker than last time, but no less intense. Anran held her to him, their bodies pressing together, fitting together perfect like a key within it's lock. He kissed her neck, and her shoulder, his hips meeting hers with determination, with fire in his belly.
"By Hakeshna's name, Anran," she moaned, eyes fluttering closed as she moved with need. The tears had long since dried, replaced by this fever as her body rocked and she could feel his skin to her skin, breast to her breast, belly to belly, and on occasion, lips to lips and tongue to tongue. Her legs curled around him, hugging him as her arms did so as she arched her back and gasped at the feeling, the familiar burn of an orgasm rising within. But she as in a frenzy, and her body- not ready to just give in, as she cried out and begged for him to make love.
Anran slowed his pace considerably, feeling himslf slipping over the edge. He took it slow despite the fire in his blood and he leaned in to kiss her gently, between pants and moans and grunts of pleasure. He moved sensuously depite his body's hunger.
Harmanaija gasped through kisses, her lips falling away as they hung open, her pants coming in strained lengths as she closed her eyes tight, feeling him go slow, go gentle and it made her shiver. She had been so close, but now...
Now he was building up that fire to an even greater intensity. And she found herself unable to move, until her body could no longer take it as she whimpered and tightened up her sex, moving her body suddenly, rapidly in hopes to finally reach that heat, that need.
Anran slid a hand down to his, pressing hard in the hopes to still her. "No," he muttered against her lips. "Go slow. Like this." He kept a hand gripped on her ass, pushing to follow the rhythm of his hips as he nurtured her fire, stirring the embers as they glowed and heated.
She whimpered, but obeyed, but her whines only grew as her sex pulsated at the sensation he stoked.
"Gods... Anran.." she moaned, clinging to him so tight, her fingernails dug into his skin, marking it red and white. "Gods.. it's like torture..." She bit her lip, trembling. "It's like bliss." And her sex continued to move and tighten as she desperately wanted to move to sate her desires, but remained still by his hand- and simply whimpered, pouted and moaned.
Anran grunted, moving so slowly within her was as much heaven as it was hell, as he felt himself slipping with every stroke. He pushed deep into her warmth, into her pooling fire that felt himself shudder and soon his own moans might have even been louder than hers.
That was all she could stand. His moans- the very idea her body could give him such pleasure sent her over the top. She gripped him desperately and began to rock wildly beneath him, panting and moaning and screaming to the Gods. But hse just could't peak- and was so close she could have cried.
Her nails and teeth were sunken into him now as she pulled him tighter, rocked her lips faster and then finally- her sex spasmed with heat and she arched into him, gasping and crying out as her pleasure came out in burst after burst.
Anran kept thrusting into her, hard and deep though he had came only moments before. He wanted her to feel her pleasure, to know that she pleased him and that she in turn deserved to be engulfed in that fire.
"Harmanaija," he moaned against her, pumping harder into her, feeding that fire.
She cried out in pure ecstasy as his thrusts helped drag out her pleasure. By the time she was done,she was exhausted, breathing heavy and slick with sweat. And only then did she shudder, her sex pulsating again as she basked in the after glow of their love.
"Gods...." she panted. "Hakeshna's name..." she moaned.
Anran was panting hard, each of them covered in a slick layer of sweat. He smiled at her and pushed her hair from her face. "I hope those are good exclamations," he said between pants.
She curled her toes and shivered.
"You could say that," she said with a pant and nod, before she wrapped her arms around him tight and kissed him, and kissed him fierce. "Gods... that was.... just..."
There wasn't even any words to describe it as she again, found herself shivering as she closed her eyes and sucked in her lower lip.
"Let's just say... I.... have never done that... with a man," she confessed sheepishly. "An orgasm I mean... most men..... er... well, it's hard to explain but you.. it was like... you were reading me and it just.."
She sighed and kissed him again. "Oh, Hakeshna, what have I been missing out?"
"I see I'm going to end up spoiling you rotten. And I look forward to it," Anran said, though he was blushing fiercely. He was already flushed from their escapades, but he was pleased that he was able to please her. "It was phenomenal for me," he breathed, kissing her back, holding her tight, hands running down her back.
"I'm glad I could...er, give that feeling to you." He felt shy all of a sudden, but smiling never the less.
She curled up against him and could have purred as she sighed, contentedly.
"You just might," she said sleepily, then peered up at him with one eye. "Spoil me that is. But truthfully, you've done more than that already."
"You deserve to be spoiled. And more," he said, kissing her.
It was her turn to blush and she wasn't sure what to say, so she tucked her lips back as she looked into his face and said, "Thank you." in a soft and sincere voice.
Anran laid her down on her back, positioning himself over her and gently sliding out from the confines of her sex, laying down on his side. "There's no need to thank me. I like having you as company," he murmured. "I like you. I really do."
At that, she lightly hit his arm.
"Do you always have to be this nice?" she asked, nestling in beside him as she peered up into his eyes.
"Okay, fine. Get your clothes and get the heck out of my bed," he said in clear jest, kissing her temple.
She gave him a light kick with her foot for that one, but kissed him back on the cheek just the same.
"As if you could cast me out now," she jested, nestling in close. She gave a yawn and a noise of contentment and sleepily commented, "You're stuck with me for now." And she closed her eyes, sighing contentedly.
"Maybe I couldn't cast you out, but I could throw you on the flow," Anran snickered and grinned at her. He pushed her hair from her face and kissed her brow. "Good night, Harmanaija."
When morning came, she was surprised to open her eyes at the sight beside her. And shyly she watched Anran sleep, a soft thread of light dancing across him from the tent's flap.
It was weird. He felt like someone was watching him sleep, and when he opened his eyes, he jumped, finding his premonition come true. "You're very strange, you know that?" Anran said with a grin of amusement, however.
"And you have a booger hanging out of your nose. Good thing you're awake. Now you can get rid of it."
"Oh and you had no courtesy to be rid of it for me?"
Harmanaija's face crinkled up in amused disgusted as she laughed.
"No wonder you're not married," she teased. "But Lord Hadrian, really... I'm sure you can pick your own nose."
He exaggerated a sigh. "I have to do everything myself don't I?" He laughed and picked his nose in front of her and cleaned it on a nose cloth on the table beside him. "Now that that's over with, good morning to you too."
Harmanaija tried her best not to giggle but...
"You missed one. It must've been hiding behind the other," she scrutinized.
"You can have it then!" He picked his nose and plucked the booger out and tried to wipe it into her hair.
Harmanaija shrieked and fell out of the bed in her attempts to evade being 'boogered'.
Anran snorted a laugh and cleaned his hand on a napkin. "Well, at least I didn't kick you out of bed," he said as he sat down on it and grinned.
"Ha, ha. Very funny."
Anran reached across and helped her back onto the bed and sniffed clearly through both nostrils. "No more boogers, see?" he said and smiled at her. "I'm glad I could wake up next to you."
Though she wore an amused smile, her smile changed at his last words as she nestled in beside him.
"Thank you. I... haven't felt this.... good in a while,"s he admitted, studying his face.
"So sex is all I was good for? You wound me," he said in jest. He grinned at her and brushed her hair from her face. "But...I feel pretty good too. I enjoyed myself as well."
Blushing at his comment, she looked away. But when he brushed her hair, her eyes returned to his.
"You could've fooled me," she jested.
"Oh I'm sorry. I was hollering because I stubbed my toe."
Harmanaija gave him a thoughtful look.
"That happens sometimes. Comes with the territory. I think you've stubbed mine several times. I did scream alot."
"I bet people thought I was killing a mountain cat in here," he said, snickering.
Harmanaija raised a brow.
"You saying I cry like a wild cat?"
"I only jest darling. You sang me a lovely song last night," he said, grinning at her.
Harmanaija rolled her eyes then worked at wiping the sleep from them.
"So what work am I to do for you today?" she asked, stretching a bit as she moved to get out of the bed, but stopped when she realized she was naked and began to look for where she had discarded her clothes. Her hair was a mess, just all over her face in about as many sprigs as a porcupine has quills. And though she tucked some of it away, it just poofed back out into an un-elegant mess anyway.
"I-I don't know," Anran admitted, stretching out onto the bed and sitting up when she went to look for her clothes. He found a robe of his and slipped into it, turning to her and grinning. "I don't suppose you'd be up for washing my sheets would you?" It was a jest of course, but part of him was half-serious. He hadn't had sex like that in a long time.
"I...I don't know if I feel comfortable, bossing you around after that. Do you know what I mean? I-I...don't want to feel like I'm using you. I suppose, though, you kind've still work for me. This is quite strange, isn't it?" he said, smiling awkwardly.
She was in the middle of redressing when he posed his question.
"I do suppose it's odd... but well, I'd feel awful not obliging you, since you did pay me and all..."
And at his comment about the sheets, she shook her head and gave a small smile.
"I wouldn't mind at all. After all.. part of the mess is my fault.." She added, averting his gaze.
Anran smirked at her and moved closer. He leaned down to kiss her a few times, each time, a little deeper, a little longer. But he chuckled and smiled sweetly. "You're sweet,"
Blushing, she returned her eyes to him.
"You know... I could say the same about you."
Anran shook his head. "I wouldn't describe myself as that normally. I think you bring it out of me. Feminine influence n all," he said, smirking a little and ran his thumb along her chin.
"Are you blaming this on me?"
"Yes! It's all your fault," he laughed and kissed her cheek.
Harmanaija blushed and pulled away.
"Oh, the curse of being a woman, is that we put a curse on you!" she went on, woefully in jest.
Anran grinned back, and said nothing, as he watched her. He shook his head and moved toward the curtain that separated his bedchamber from the rest of the tent and bowed his head to her. "Until tonight good lady," he said and headed off to breakfast.
It wasn't long after he was gone that Raj suddenly appeared, coming through to set out Anran's things for that day, and was surprised to find Harmanaija within his Lord's chambers. "And just what are you doing here?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
At Raj's demands, Harmanaija completely froze, and quickly dropped her gaze, and began to scoop up the bedding.
"J-just getting to work!" Apparently not everyone got the memo she was here and had.. spent the night.
"You were here...with the Lord?" Raj asked testily. "No one is in here before I am."
Oh boy. How was she to explain this one?
"Err..." Shifting the weight of the sheets in her arms she just lowered her gaze. "I guess I didn't realize that..."
Nor did he realize what had happened but she wasn't about to explain that one to him!
"It happens. Lord Anran can be absent-minded," he said with a sigh and a shake of his head. But he tilted it and looked at her with narrow eyes. "Just what is your aim here, Harmanaija? Are you sleeping with Anran? Now would not be a good time to lie to me, dear. Though if you think you can manipulate him, you've got another thing coming."
And Harmanaija stopped what she was doing and just stared, her entire face going red.
But at his last statement, the heat of embarrassment turned into the heat of anger.
"I told you I am washing the linens."
And with a huff, she adjusted the blankets weights within her arms and simply left the tent.
Raj could tell he hit a sore spot and when she stormed out, his scowl deepened and he growled a little as she walked away. It would be some time before he saw her again and when he did, he wasn't going to spare her any sympathy. He knew he was right to dislike her, she had something up her sleeve.
But when he approached her, Anran walked up to him first, put an arm around him and dragged him off. "You know, Raj, I know how hard you've been working on this trip, keeping everything organized and I think we should talk about it for a bit."
Raj immediately blanched when he looked upon his employer. "What? Here and now? I-I... I just want my liege to know that I have only ever done my best," he said.
"I know, Raj, I know. You see the thing is -"
And they started to walk away.
But they were not inconspicuous, and when they walked away, a man dressed in the colors of House Haidan, approached Harmanaija and stood behind her. "You're not too busy are ya?" he said and gave her a wink. "Mind polishing my spear off in the bushes there?"
[Thinking maybe the guy dressed up as a guard is the intruder that set his tent on fire, and possibly, trying to kidnap Harmanaija? Feel free to run with this however you want.]
When another man approached, she nearly leaped out of her skin. She assumed it was Raj, and was only slightly relieved it wasn't. She'd be more relieved if the man's gaze and tongue weren't so unnerving. She shot him a look.
"I am busy. I have linens to wash. So if you'll excuse me..."
And she turned away from him and continued to the watering hole.
"I don't think you understand, dear," the man said, persistent in his efforts. He moved along beside her and snatched her by the arm. He positioned himself just so, so that she could feel something sharp poking into her back and he leaned in to kiss her neck and whisper into her ear. "I think you'll want to be coming with me."
To feel the knife against her made her freeze, and she grimaced at his kiss, his whisper.
"It seems you leave me little choice," she said, trying to sound brave but her voice wavered terribly.
"Good," the man murmured and nudged her back with the blade, just enough to get her moving and he led her off surreptitiously to the trees surrounding the camp. "You've been a busy little bumble bee, haven't you? Gods, three camps over could hear your screams," the stranger said.
He gave a very soft laugh. "Abd-meht would know those screams anywhere."
"Ahb-meht sent you? Why would he possibly care what I do?" Or who....
"Because Abd-meht knows you know things about him he'd rather keep under wraps. And if you think you could tell all his dirty little secrets to some filthy Gladiator, he wants you close enough to make you smile ear to ear. But he never said I couldn't dip my hand into the cookie jar," He said and licked the side of her cheek, sucking on her earlobe when he did so.
Harmanaija shivered involuntarily. And by the man's statement and tongue, she could only assume the worst.
"If Lord Ahb-Meht was so worried about his secrets, he could have let me keep mine."
"And what secrets of yours could possibly be worth anything?" he asked and splayed hot breath against her neck. The man forced her back against the tree and his grin turned lascivious. He didn't bother asking her to undress before yanking on her clothes and coming at her roughly.
Harmanaija winced. The man's breath was rancid. And before she knew it, he was pulling and tearing at her clothes. And despite the dagger's presence she released a curdled scream and tried to push him back.
"Shut up! There's no one to hear you scream! We're too far away!" he growled and came at her again, pulling at her bodice until her breasts were free and he proceeded to slobber all over them.
But it seemed her cries had not gone unheard. But it was not Anran who heard them. Anran was already off down river to the crocodile egg hunt.
And it was then Harmanaija paled for another reason, because right behind the man lumbered a rather hungry looking crocodile, and for the life of her, she couldn't move or scream!
The man pulled her from the tree, throwing her to the ground as the crocodile slowly began to come out of the water. Coming out from the water, the reptilian stalker snuck closer to them, and meanwhile feet beat harder onto the ground, heading their way.
Raj burst through the trees with a spear in one hand and a sword in the other and he lunged for the man clubbing him hard on the back of the head. He collapsed and laid slump over Harmanaija. Raj had not seen the croc, who lay still in the underbrush, and he moved over to Harmanaija. "Are you all right?" he said, panting.
Pinned to the ground and petrified, Harmanaija didn't have time to be thankful as she shouted, "B...Behind you! Crocodile!"
Raj was swift, almost faster than Anran had been and brought the spear up just as the croc lunged for the body on the ground. But he moved with great dexterity, pushing the weapon deep into the mouth of the beast.
He growled and kept pushing until the animal was in the water and he plucked the weapon back, stabbing it a second time to make sure it was in fact dead. He turned back to Harmanaija and then the man that had come at her. "Are you okay?" he asked, voice surprisingly steady.
Harmanaija was still frozen from shock and it wasn't until she shivered and realized the state of her dress that she clenched her robe closed. And as much as she wanted to speak, no words found her as tears threatened to fall from her eyes.
Raj knelt beside her, feeling awkward as to what to do. "Harmanaija..." he said, looking at her with a little sympathy. He reached a hand out to her, palm up. "I can take care of you. Do not worry."
She didn't look at his hand. Her predicament only brought her shame. Her cheeks and ears heated as she got to her feet by herself. But she did not fully ignore his gesture as she meekly nodded.
"I... Do.. do not w.. worry about me," she went on, voice trembling, despite her best efforts to keep it even. "I... the laundry... I was just on my way.. way to do that."
"Enough, mouse," Raj said and he stepped in hesitantly, but slow enough to take her against his chest, hugging her to him. "It is all right. Let's get you back to camp and cleaned up."
Despite the gesture making her feel awkward, and her body tensing up at his touch, that was all she needed when the sobs broke out, and she just couldn't stop the tears.
Raj hadn't expected her to press back against him. He blinked for a few awkward seconds before patting her back and hugging her with just enough pressure.
After a moment, Harmanaija finally stepped away and brushed awkwardly at her tears.
"Er.. Sorry about that. I... perhaps it might be wise for me to rest before.. before tending to the linens," she went on, wiping at more falling tears that continued to sneak by her guard.
Raj scowled at her. "Do not speak of such nonsense. You are under distress still. You will rest until this matter can be cleared up. Come along now. Anran will want to know what happened. But he is away upriver at the moment. Do not worry, Harmanaija.' He nodded to her for a moment before gesturing her to walk ahead of them as he went for the body of the unconscious man, throwing him over his shoulder.
And all Harmanaija could do was numbly obey. And as they walked, the world just felt so surreal and different. And though this was hardly the first time some wretched man forced himself upon her, this time was... different. Things felt more sinister, and it gave her a bad feeling that twisted her gut into a tight knot. She felt ill, and her legs, useless. But somehow she was still managing to walk on.
When they returned to camp, Raj was sure they went in unnoticed and Raj set the man down in his own tent, bound and tied and gagged. Anran would want to speak with him privately of course. But first there was Harmanaija to tend to. Raj led her to another tent and motioned her to sit.
His eyes held a little more concern. "Did he hurt you? Your shoulder looks badly bruised," he said. "It's all right I won't do any more damage."
Cringing, Harmanaija kept her gaze dropped and put a hand over her shoulder protectively.
"N-no.. I'll be alright." And she fixed her clothing in hopes to conceal any other marks. "Bruises can heal. There's no reason for too much concern."
But even as she was saying it, she was having a hard time fighting back tears. And though her skin was dark in color, she could feel her skin heating up and worried even Raj could tell the change in her complexion.
"You speak as if this happens often," Raj noted and knelt in front of her. "I have seen my fair share of bruises. And they will heal, but I know Anran will see them. And he will want to know what happened. And...no woman deserves what happened." His expression was clear cut as crystal, but there was a softness to his eyes and he moved some objects around like herbs and cloth and incense. "You are shaken, it's all right," he said and gestured to her shoulder. "Let me help."
Harmanaija kept her gaze lowered as she nodded. Often? Perhaps too much. But she had been born into this.
But what of Anran? She didn't want him to worry, or end up being their next target if they knew about their relationship. And that idea made her sick to her stomach as her eyes pricked with tears that she fought to keep back.
He quietly cleaned her face and wrapped her bruises and gave her his tunic to make her more presentable. He brushed away her brewing tears and smiled at her a little. "It'll be all right," he said. "You're safe now."
When Raj was finished tending to her, Harmanaija released a held breath. Safe now.. but how long would know be? Instinctively her eyes looked towards the river.
"Thank you, Raj. You've been too kind to me, really. But I will be fine." Then she paused and corrected herself. "I am fine. I... Perhaps just a short rest will help me recollect myself."
"Yes, but before you do so. You must tell me what this man said. Where did he come from? Did he say who he was working for?" Raj gently pressed. While he did have concern for Harmanaija's current condition, he still needed all the information he could get.
She shook her head. It was all so much.
"There is only one person who'd care enough to send someone after me. My ex-husband. The one who outcasted me."
Raj nodded to her. "And why would he wish to do such a thing? As if branding your face and casting you out weren't enough?"
Harmanaija kept her eyes down cast.
"Apparently not."
And she gave a light, uneasy shrug. It was what it was. And as far as she could see, nothing could be done about it. Her only worry was Anran. If her ex-husband was trying such low tactics against her.. what if he found out about what Anran and her relationship was starting to become? He could ruin it..
Or simply try to use it to ruin Anran.
Chewing on her lip, she remained quiet. Her mind was plagued with too many thoughts.
"Harmanaija. Answer me truthfully. Did the man want anything? Did he say anything important that might be urgent enough to bring to Anran?" Raj pressed, a little impatiently.
It was then Harmanaija looked up at him. Surprise was on her face at the realization that...
"Lord Ahb-meht... my former husband. The man mentioned him... saying he believes I was telling Anran secrets to him, that he was sent after me.. to bring me closer to my ex-husband.. out.. out of fear, I suppose and I .. It..."
Raj's eyes widened and he looked at Harmanaija more seriously now. "And what of Ahb-meht do you know?" he asked, sitting beside her now.
Harmanaija wasn't sure how to answer that, her head shaking slowly before something came to mind.
"Slaves." And she blinked and looked up at Raj. "There.. there was something Ahb-meht had done.. terrible things to acquire slaves. I.... perhaps it is why he also knows where Anran has come from? I.. we... had seen him in the arena before and.." She bit her lip. "He might think the two of us together might know too much..."
Raj listened with intent and even knelt before Harmanaija to look at her eye to eye and perhaps see if she was telling an untruth but gradually he felt satisfied that she wasn't.
"What did he do to these slaves?" he asked gently.
"Well... he trafficked a lot of young slaves.. children... well, er... infants to be more precise. Though not all of them were... stolen goods. In fact, a lot of them were birthed from champion fighters of the arena. He.. used to slip in money to the guards and have them bed his female slaves and..." She went on, still wringing her hands. "I'm sure you can deduce from that what it would result in." ANd she sighed. "But he did not pay for the services to their exact master, and would sell children off on false histories because he couldn't say who the father was to most. And to those stolen..."
She didn't even want to think of it. He stole children from just about everyone- even some of the high, merchant princesses in the valley.
Raj widened his eyes a little, surprised even that someone as filthy as Ahb-meht might dabble into such dishonesty. Well, the man ousted his own wife and branded her a whore, so really, how much of a stretch could it be.
"And how did he believe you might use this against him? To think that Ahb-meht is selling cheap stock, other Princes might not be so keen to purchase from him...if there was evidence of the matter. Is there?" he asked gently.
"That's the thing.." Harmanaija went on with a frown and shake of her head. "There really isn't."
Though as she thought on it, her brows furrowed more.
"Unless it isn't that he's worried about..."
But then what?
Raj drowned and he stepped up and away from Harmanaija. "He still perceives you as a threat however, and such a position a position puts my Lord in danger. He thinks highly of you however, and it would not do to be rid of you. So why don't we make Ahk-meht's fears correct?"
Harmanaija looked at Raj, confused.
"What do you mean?"
"We can use knowledge, the knowledge you know against Ahk-meht. Anything, we can use. Trade posts, friends, allies, who he deals with and who he shuns."
"But I.... I don't know. Anran and I are... we..."
They were only just figuring things out. She wasn't prepared to start some war against her ex-husband, even if that man started things first.
"I understand, but Lord Anran will likely want what is best for your safety. Men like Ahk-meht never stop after once or twice and he will continue to harass you and my lord until all is lost. Such a threat must be dealt with swiftly and decisively."
Harmanaija felt numb. And she knew Raj was right. But was playing this hand really wise to do? She wasn't here to shake up or ruin anyone's life. She simply wanted to go on with whatever of her life she had left for herself- and never in a million years would have guessed she'd find herself falling for another merchant prince.
Lowering her gaze to the ground, she remained quiet for a time before speaking.
"Let me speak with Anran, upon his return. I... I'd rather know how he feels. What he believes."
While Raj knew Anran's mind better than anyone else, he also knew that Anran would want to be notified of such an agreement. Already his master was a black sheep amongst these Princes, and he would not want to do anything else to jeopardize his position further. Conspiracy and espionage were common amongst them - it was a great Game in an effort in futility, whose sense was garnered only by its players.
Which could ruin Anran, or leave him for dead.
"I agree," Raj said at last. He nodded to Harmanaija. "Tonight at dinner would be a good time to bring it up. In the mean time, stay in the tent. And do not venture outside. Lord Ahb-meht's men will likely be watching. I do believe I have a guest to attend to."
Harmanaija took in a deep breath before exhaling.
"Okay."
Though she readily agreed, she honestly had little choice. But before Raj let, she found herself asking, "Anran.... will he.... do you think he'll be back soon?"
She wasn't even alone yet and she was becoming anxious. Part of her worried for him. He was out there all by himself. What if he was the target of some sinister plan? It wouldn't be against her ex-husband to do it, and the more she thought on it, the more she chewed on her lower lip.
Raj paused at the entrance. "I can't say," he said. "Just stay here. I'm sure he will not be gone long."
Harmanaija held a breath, and just like that, Raj was gone. And she was alone, left to remain with her rising anxiety. It was hard to sit still, she did a lot of pacing, a lot of listening, but despite the fear that gripped her, nothing of consequence came or happened.
After hours, Anran did return and when Raj had reported to him what happened, Harmanaija was he first one he checked up on. He burst into the tent she stayed in. "Harmanaija! Gods! Are you all right?" he asked, kneeling before her.
Harmanaija nearly leaped out of her skin, and she could have pissed herself.too! She dropped the laundry she had been working on with a gasp.
"Anran!" And she was too shocked to say or do little else. Turns out when nervous, this woman cleaned!
"Harman, what's the matter? You're shaking."
Sighing, she gave him a small smile and said, "Yes. You just about scared me outta my skin. But I'm so glad you're back."
"And I'm glad you're alive! Raj told me what happened," he huffed, arms flying around her.
Surprised by the sudden contact, she stiffened and released a gasp.
"What... What all did he tell you?"
"He told me someone tried to infiltrate the camp and hurt you."
Harmaniaja just stared at him and blinked owlishly.
"Oh." She dropped her gaze. "Sorry.. If I made you worry."
"No, no! I just want you to be safe!" He pulled his arms around her, hugging her tightly. "Tell me what happened?"
Her eyes prickled with tears when he asked her again, cheeks flushed as she looked embarrassed while dropping her gaze.
"I... it..." She grit her teeth. "It's not something I'd want to repeat, even verbally."
Considering the flash backs to the man slobbering all over her, intent to claim her, and even proclaim she heard her screams that night with Anran....
She shook her head, hoping to shake away the thoughts and the cold feeling it brought inside.
"I am safe now. But thank you for your concern. I just..." She sighed and looked around his tent. "I'm sorry I hadn't finished all of my duties here. I know there's a few things left I needed to tend to but most of this tent is clean."
"You were just attacked and all you can think about is cleaning?" He was clearly astonished at what she said and he actually took a step back. Clearly she was not okay.
"Have you eaten? Please, let me bring you something to eat. And perhaps some tea. Raj can get it."
Harmanaija flinched at his response and dropped her gaze.
"No, it's fine Anran, I'm not that hungry and Raj needs a break, too."
"Okay then," he said, pursing his lips. He held out his hands and gently gripped hers. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
His hand holding hers helped cement her to reality as she took a deep breath and shook her head.
"No." She smiled, but it soon wavered as she felt herself fighting back tears. "I'm just glad you're here."
Carefully his arms wrapped around her again, pulling her in against his chest, and he kissed her brow. "I'm just glad you're okay," he said in slow steady breath. "Gods, I knew I shouldn't have gone on that hunt."
Gods did she ever need his embrace. Burying her face into his chest, she simply replied, "You couldn't have known. And I wouldn't have let you skip having fun because of you being worried over me."
"I didn't even want to go, remember?" he mumbled, giving a soft chuckle. He kissed her brow, sighing softly. "Crocodile eggs are pointless, collecting them I mean. But I should have stayed nevertheless. I did not win this challenge. I didn't even want to."
"Yeah... Well," she gave a small smile. "Then Maybe you shouldn't have."
"I'm here now. I guess that's what matters." He leaned down and kissed her cheek, brief but deepened pecks until he felt his own cheeks flush.
And those deep kisses were exactly what she needed as she replied in kind, leaning her body into his as she kissed him with need.
Even after what she'd been through, Anran didn't pull away. He lifted her from the ground, turning his head to kiss her hungrily.
And though she was still recovering, she found herself asking between kisses, "Make love to me." She felt so vulnerable she didn't know how to ask for anything else.
"...love," he murmured, that word lingering on his tongue and leaving a tingling feeling inside his head. Anran's eyes fluttered half open and he nodded, kissing her deeper and attentively. His hands parted at his clothing, pulling off the layered robes that covered his person.
Once he agreed and they kissed again, she was ceaseless as she clumsily tried to remove her own clothing, but her limbs felt so useless.
Anran shifted fully out of his clothes, and took her hands pressing the palms against his chest. With nothing to occupy his own, he took instead to slowly undressing her. Lips took to her jaw, the hair of the beard growing in scratching against her skin.
Harmanaija shivered. Each kiss to her jaw only amplified the tingling she got as she felt each section of her clothing being opened, slipped aside, then tossed away. Her eyes grew half lidded as she smoothed her palms down his chest, feeling the muscles of his belly as she softly moaned.
Anran kissed down to her throat as his hand slipped lower to feel the hair of her sex. Fingers parted those folds before slipping inside her.
As his hand moved, she felt her sex tighten, her body growing hot and her lips falling open. And when he made entry, she tremble d and pressed into him, grabbing him right as her sex throbbed with need.
He grew still at the tension, but his hand remained exploratory, pushing deeper into the heat of her sex. To feel her body move around his hand, his teeth sunk deep into his bottom lip. He kissed her eagerly, fingers tasting of her slowly and deeply.
She trembled as his fingers dared to go deeper, a hand still gripping him, while the other clumsily moved south to explore.
She'd feel his hand wrapping around hers and encircling the girth of his member.
She gasped. She knew he was large, after all, she was still feeling a tad sore from the last time they had sex, but to feel him again brought back so many memories of the time before this, and she felt herself heat all over as her hand gently stroked his length in awe.
And she'd feel it grow and harden under those gentle strokes, growing turgid. Still his hand moved to pleasure her, rubbing his thumb along her clit, as his fingers favored one of her walls.
Each movement within her elicited a short, soft gasp of breath which she didn't seem to be able to recover from as he'd soon find her sex incredible wet. She still held onto him, and onto his sex, but her strokes and timing was much less enthusiastic as his. After all, it was hard to concentrate. His fingers felt so good.
Two fingers became three, and they easily slipped inside her, moving to her pleasure. He watched her expressions for a moment, one arm wrapped around her waist as he pulled her close, slipping his fingers from her and bringing them to his lips, tasting her.
"You taste wonderful," he murmured, brushing his beard against her cheek, and turning his hand to grip on hers along his member. "Please, don't stop."
Her cheeks heated to see him taste her fingers. And at his insistence, her grip tightened.
"I won't," she told him softly, moving up steadily along the hardened length of his shaft.
His breathing hitched and be gasped, holding onto it until it leaked out of widened nostrils. "Oh, Hamanaija," he moaned deeply. Opening his eyes, he stared back at her, before bringing his lips down to her breast, pulling it firmly to his mouth.
The feeling of lips hungrily sucking at her flesh had her eyes rolling back. Her grip tightened, her motions faltering for a moment before she clumsily worked at his shaft once more.
She didn't have to fumble for long. Anran reached down, plucking her from the ground and hiking her hips up, hooking them around his and feeling the heat of her sex with his tip. He continued to suck along her breast, tasting deeply of the heated flesh there.
She held onto him tightly, lips finding his neck as she breathed through kisses, "Oh, Anran!"
He took her right there, slipping into her heat with need and holding her closely to him. There wasn't much in the way of furniture in the tent. It didn't seem necessary however, as the ground itself provided for them, a place to reside.
Soon soft breaths of pleasure were exhaled through shuddering lips as she was lost into the feeling of lust. Her sex was openly soft and wet and left little resistance as Anran took her on the floor.
After a time, Anran turned over on his back, allowing Harmanaija to take the reins, to move to her pleasure. He thrusted up slowly, working his hips sensuously, listening to her body.
And at first, she started off slow, gasping at the new angle of penetration as she ground her sex over his. It didn't take long for her rhythm to change, and thought it grew faster- so did it become irradic.
Anran reached out to grip her sides. "Easy, Harman," he said, panting heavily. He moved his hips in rhythm to hers, trying to find a tempo between them.
She shuddered at his words and paused briefly enough to swallow a breath as she looked down at him. But she said nothing, whimpering more as she leaned back from where she was sitting on his hips and closed her eyes real tight and just let her body feel the length at him at this angle.
Anran slowly worked his hips upward, sliding along the heat of her walls, focusing on rotating his hips to feel every part of her.
Her hips were rolling to a rhythm , their bodies like ocean waves. Even their gasps and soft breaths were becoming as drowning as the sea. Perhaps that's what she was trying to do, to drown. To forget. To never wake up.
Her hips hitched, as did her breath, as she felt thatprimal feeling growing stronger so that her moans could no longer be contained. And she leaned back, body glowing as she bounced upon him. And suddenly it all halted as she closed her eyes tightly and screamed.
The walls of her sex spasmed wildly and soon her hips were too to ride out the crescendoing wave of ecstasy. And when the fire was spent, the heat but an ember, she slouched forward, her body a mess with her sweaty, sticky curls. She didn't bother to brush the heavy clump hanging over her eyes. She simply sat there upon him, eyes half liddded, and breathed.
His body had jerked in her response. He shuddered, arching his back as he felt his body gush, rushing through her with vigor. Slowly Anran sat up and closed his arms around Harmanaija. His embrace was gentle and yet firm and he laid his head against her chest, listening to the sound of her heartbeat.
After a long moment basking in the quiet afterglow, Harmanaija sighed softly and murmured, "thank you," while running a few fingers through his hair.
Anran rolled off of her and panted, looking up to the ceiling of the tent. "There is a goddess," he said, breathing heavily. "I saw her face."
She kicked him lightly.
"Yeah, they call her Hakeshna," she said with a roll of her eyes.
"Yeah, whatever her name was. I saw her, and she was frackin' beautiful."
Harmanaija just shook her head.
"Well, I'd apologize if I'm to blame but..." She sighed. "I needed that."
"I hope so, I've had a long day. I don't know if I could put out all the time," he sighed, tone teasing.
SHe chortled.
"I think you'd be the first man to ever say that."
"I think I'm the first man to hear that chortle too."
Smiling, she rolled over, snuggling into his side.
"You're probably right." She traced a finger down his arm. "What about you?" she smiled up into his eyes. "Am I any of your firsts?"
"Yes," he admitted. "You're the first woman I've had a reall connection with. Is that too cheesy?"
"Yes." She went on with a sigh, melting contentedly into the bed while giving a few curls of her toes.
"Was it that good?" he murmured. "I mean you're falling right asleep."
She smiled, eyes still closed. Nodding, she gave a long sigh through her nose.
"Yes... you... well, you turn me on in ways I didn't think possible," she admitted, cheeks turning pink. "For starters, you have a great body to go with your great personality," she told him, and gave him a teasingly playful look before nestling into his side some more.
Anran blushed with her, although he turned onto his side and grinned. He tucked his hands under his head. "You are too kind," he said. "I don't deserve your virtue. Why anyone would cast you aside, I don't know. But I'm glad to have found you."
She sighed again, and thought back to her past. She became momentarily scared, and nestled in even closer to him. She then took his hand, and gently traced a few fingers across his palm.
"Although... If you do ever grow tired of me," she began, quietly. "Just be gentle about it, okay?"
A frown over came him, watching her trace his hand and the words laying heavy on his mind. Would she seriously think so little of him that he would just cast her aside like her pig of an ex-husband would?
He closed his hands around hers and looked at her seriously in the face. "Why would you think I would cast you aside?" he asked delicately. He squeezed her hand and kissed her palms, letting his lips linger closer to her pulse. "I care for you."
"I've trusted before... Loved before..."
"I understand your hesitation," Anran sighed. "I won't force you into anything. You can choose as you please." He kissed her palms and soon released them, departing for the moment.
She felt so awkward and small at his words before growing quiet and averting her gaze to the floor. She shifted her legs so they were sitting under her, and tried to ignore the knotty lump forming in her belly.
What more was there to do? What more could be said in a moment like this?
Anran felt he'd given her what she needed, time and space to make her own decision. What had been robbed of her from the beginning of her life.
Guilt plagued her more deeply than she'd ever thought. She had never considered the scars of her past would come to harm any second chance in her future- for she had never thought once she'd ever have another shot at love.
She stood up suddenly and glanced just once towards Anran.
"Would it be alright if I took a walk? Got some fresh air?"
She was suddenly feeling very suffocated here and needed to clear her head- alone.
How she found him, he didn't know, but he didn't bother asking.
All he could do was nod and bowed his head to her. Quietly, not informing her as she departed, he instructed Raj to follow her at a distance, keep an eye out just in case.
She knew she couldn't go far, It was too dangerous now, but she felt so confined.
Her pace was quick as she moved along, eyes always watching over her shoulders as she grit her teeth at the sensation she was being watched.
Wherever she went, she was given plenty of leeway. Anyone serving that bastard pig of an ex-husband of hers could be anywhere.
Suspicion set in, and she took it on herself to get to the bottom of this. But as she did, she was surprised to find..
"Oh! You're Anran's men!"
She was a bit shocked, and relieved, to find it wasn't her former husband's men, but it did beg the question...
"I.. suppose he sent you to watch over me?"
And at such a realization, she felt awful to have made him, and his men, have to worry about her.
"Don't worry, I probably would have done it even if Anran didn't ask me to do it," Raj said gently. "I am his eyes where he cannot see. But...since last time, I don't think you should venture out alone. I understand a certain merchant prince has it out for you?"
Harmanaija sighed.
"Yes... I suppose you're right. It was foolish of me to want to be alone." But she had been growing accustomed to her alone time. But even still, she gave a nod. "I think I'll head back now." She peered over at him curiously. "Would you like to accompany me?" She gave a small smile. It would be a nicer alternative than him stalking her all the way back.
"I would be delighted." Raj smiled to her as they began the walk. He was rather happy to join her. It was a lot easier than trying to keep up with her, wandering between bushes and trees and avoiding snakes and other critters.
"Would you mind telling me what happened between you and He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named?" he asked gently.
Harmanaija studied him after such a question.
"You mean my ex husband?" she asked, hoping she didn't sound too stupid when asking him to clarify.
"Yes, unless you were married again before that," he clarified quickly.
She gave a small smile.
"Let's just say I didn't get branded as an adulteress unrighteously." She gave a shrug and looked away as they walked. "I married young, and my husband cared for me only for what I could give." She shook her head. "It wasn't love. I married him because my family was pour and I was pretty enough to be worth something to him.... so I suppose when I fell in love and followed my heart, I was in the wrong. My..... lover he.... Well, he promised to help me run away. To help me get out of this place but..... That never happened. And my husband found out about it all."
It was a sad tale, and Raj was quiet during the telling of it.
He didn't do anything to interrupt her, lest she feel as if she wasn't being listened to. After all, what would be the point then.
"And your exhusband cannot simply be satisfied that he has punished you enough, so now he must send assassins into another Prince's camp to kill you? From the way you're telling the story, you've already won," he said gently.
She gave an empty smile and lowered her gaze.
"You have a funny way of implying I 'won'."
Raj made a face and shook his head fiercely. "Allow me to restate it. For one, you are alive. And second, you have made him fixated on you, for some reason he can't allow you any form of happiness. By allowing himself to be controlled by his fixation, that will be his undoing. He is powerful, I'll give him that. But Anran is not without his own alliances."
Raj cleared his throat. "He loves you, you know. My master."
She blushed at the other man's confession and averted her gaze again.
"I know he... cares for me a lot," she went on, running the tips of her fingers through the rough curls of her hair. "He's sweet and really thoughtful."
But...
But what? She frowned as she thought about it. She cared for him too. Perhaps it why she chose to tred lightly. She had been burned before.
Anran.... he was different, wasn't he? Or so she hoped he was. But even then...
Could she really allow herself to stay here at his side, even at his own choosing? The last thing she'd ever want was for him to get harmed because of her.
"Why has he never taken a wife?" she found herself asking as they walked.
"I've asked myself that very question. In fact, I've posed it to him on a number of occasions. But I think him being a slave has had him want to take advantage of his freedom for as long as possible. He has worked hard to earn his status, and he wishes to use it as his method of helping others the most. He gives honest work to those willing to do their share, earn their place.
"In his eyes, I think he's simply had no time to entertain the thought of marriage. And progeny a far off thought. And furthermore, him being formerly a slave is not a status a woman can boast of her husband," Raj answered honestly.
She took a moment to take that all in.
It made sense. She stared at her feet.
"Not many would know about his.. history though."
"And those that do know him, never hesitate to let him forget it," Raj explained. "But would you though? Marry him that is?"
Harmanaija made a face.
"It would depend. And he'd have to ask first, for me to consider."
"He has thought about it. Not vocally, but he loves you. And has been taken with you in a way he has been with no one else."
She blushed, looking down at her feet.
"I suppose we'll cross that bridge if we get there."
She cleared her throat. "Or was that your purpose of following me? To.. prepare me for his potential proposal?" She knew he already said why but.. half of the reply was in jest anyhow because she was suddenly feeling uncomfortable. Anran would make a great husband but...
She'd never once seen any good in a marriage, nor in out of a lover- and it was hard for her to forget her old wounds.
Raj shook his head. "Not at all. I merely pose the question as something to consider should it come up. I have not spoken to Anran about it. But I am his friend, as much as he is my employer. And I care for his well-being. And I only hope that if you reciprocate his feelings, that your heart is true."
"Well, I'm not here to lie to him, to trick him; if that's what you mean."
"Of that I am under no illusion," Raj nodded to her, even bowing his head. "I will admit, Harmanaija, I genuinely like you. I think you would be an excellent match for my master."
Harmanaija flushed at his words and looked at her feet. Then noticed they were almost back.
"Perhaps we should conclude our talk." She'd be embarrassed if Anran had heard their conversation, but she had to wonder...
"And I suppose you're going to report this all back to him>" she went on, awkwardly clearing her throat.
"Not if you do not wish me too," Raj explained and paused, looking down at her fired feet. "I am if anything a discreet man."
She frowned at the words.
"I suppose it won't matter. You are under his employ."
"But I am a man of my word. And if what you say is true, then you have my honor that my lips are sealed. What is said between us will stay that way," he murmured. Raj looked around them, eyes scanning the treeline before keeping his eyes locked on hers.
Even if he wasn't being critical, it was hard for her to keep his gaze as her eyes dropped. She felt stiff and awkward, but relieved when the camp came into view.
"Well, I shall keep your words in mind. Forgive me for not knowing what to say. I haven't much experience in trust. Perhaps I'll learn to be better but it's not something easy for me. "
"Take your time," Raj suggested and patted Harmanaija on the shoulder before he ventured further into camp. He disappeared with the rest of Anran's attendees. Anran was busy, securing his camp from any other potential intruders and he briefly saw Harmanaija from far off. He waved his hand to her and smiled.
when she caught sight of Anran and he waved, she tensed a moment, feeling awkward and out of place after her conversation with Raj. She supposed it was silly to feel so self conscious, considering all that was taking place and at stake, but it wasn't so easy for her to cast away her own fears. Even still, she wasn't one to be rude as she gave a small smile his way and casually moved near him.
"You look busy," she commented, glancing around.
Anran strode across the camp until he was beside her. She seemed beside herself, and although she seemed as if she wanted some space, he had no intention of wanting to make her feel uncomfortable. "I'm never too busy for you," he said, dusting his hands off his pants. "You spent some time with Raj? I hope he didn't bore you too much."
"No, quite the opposite," she replied, studying him simply. "He did follow after me because of you." She wasn't going to beat around the bush at her displeasure, but she also wasn't ignorant to how foolish it would have been to remain alone for too long. Her ex-husband, after all, apparently had men infesting just about every place he could. And at what cost? It seemed scarring her and publicly shaming her wasn't enough. Now he sought to continue to destroy her life- or that's how it seemed. And unfortunately for Anran she wasn't happy about the consequences of it, either.