Blood-Slaves (P)

[Salzem]

Lanister's eyes widened as the pale-shadow-of-a-girl that once stood before him became whole once again, expressing her obvious and deeply heart-felt concern for his wellbeing. She explained how her blood was meant to heal and that for the first time in her life, she actually wanted someone, him, to drink it. She held out her drained arm to him, effectively demanding that he consume her blood. She threatened him that if he did not do as she asked she would rip her own arm open and let all her blood spill out onto the floor. The scary part was... he thought she meant it... Every word she spoke was genuine and true, even the threat... He was both touched and afraid at the same time, but his fear eventually gave way to determination. Lanister had accepted the fact he might die early, that the collective severity of his wounds would bring him down in a few years IF that, but what he did now was not for his own sake. He didn't mind dying at all and sometimes, he had wanted to die to avoid another drain.... But this... this was for Nevayah... so she didn't have to rip herself asunder to prove her point. With a shaky hand, he grabbed onto her wrist to keep himself steady as much as her arm before slowly placing his lips to her open wound and suckling the sanguine fluid. He cringed and nearly gagged as the salty-sweet essence of life trickled down his throat into his stomach, continuing to suckle until the wound eventually went dry. At that point, the boy took a step back, looking as if he was going to be sick, but then... something was happening... Where all his bandaged, seeping wounds once sat, a severe itching blazed into existence His flesh, vessels... it all started to heal... some wounds he had been wrapping for months now were disappearing in a matter of moments. After a minute or two... Lanister felt... nothing...? not the ache of his wounds nor the rashes around them...? Slowly, warily, he undid the bandaged around his hands, seeing not that of a rotting corpse or a torture victim, but... healthy human hands... He gasped at the clean, undamaged flesh that coated him, captivated for only a moment before he began to tear off his jacket as well, tossing it to the ground before undoing the blood-drenched bandage vest around his torso. He went numb as there were not the familiar gaping holes in his body, but the same clean flesh... His stare rose to to meet the girl's eye before spontaneously he wrapped his arms around her body, lifting her into the air as he spun and laughed at the top of his lungs with a strength and vitality perhaps granted to him by the consumption of her blood.

"Nevahya! I LOVE you!" he exclaimed as an intense expression of his excitement and appreciation, but also perhaps hinting at his real feelings. After a moment of this, he'd let her down, his face only a few inches from hers. "How can I ever repay you for this...?" He asked, a gentle smile on his face.

[Blink]

She stood silent as he headed her warning and began to consume her blood. It was unlike anything she had experienced before. On any other instance she would have just stood there bland and emotionless as her body was once again used for the purpose it was created for. However, none of that was even on her mind at this moment. Instead all she could think of were his lips, and they were touching her skin. She believed that long ago she had pushed back any physical sensation from deterring her mindset. She believed that she could act as if her limbs were not even a part of her body during times like this. However, she could feel everything. She could feel how the hairs on her arms were standing on point. She could feel the blood pulsating throughout her entire body, seeming as if it had almost circulated at the very point his lips touched. As if on cue her cheeks flushed crimson for what seemed like the hundredth time today. And then it was lost, he had withdrawn his lips from her arm and stood back to feel the effects of her blood.

As he realized what effects her blood had on him Nevayah stood still, her arm very slowly lowering itself to her side. She was in a trance, as if her mind was recovering from a blunt trauma. Everything around her seemed fuzzy, or perhaps softer. Just as she was about to fall to her knees Lanister had swept her off of her feet exclaiming his happiness. Perhaps it was from the blood loss or the sudden flow of feelings she had just felt but her eyes had trouble focusing. When her mind finally decided to hone in on her surroundings she realized she was standing mere inches from his face.

His voice was so loud and excited, so full of energy. She stood speechless as silence followed his question of repaying her. This was all so much, these feelings that had built within her, not to mention that she had just given a substantial amount of blood. Yet she could not bring herself to take a step back or turn her head. It was as if the closeness of him held her there, not wanting to move but not sure of what to do next. Perhaps it was her faintness or the weakness in her knees but she fell a little closer to him, her footing faltering for a mere second. So much so she had to hold herself sturdy by resting a hand on his shoulder.

The seconds that passed felt like minutes as she stared into his eyes. She was too shy to tell him how she was feeling. Even she was not quite sure what this all meant, what these feelings were within her. It was then that she did the only thing she knew to do. Mimicking his actions from earlier she raised her hand and placed it on his cheek. Slowly, she caressed his jawbone with her thumb before leaning in standing up slightly on her toes and pausing just before his lips would touch hers. What was she doing? She was not quite sure, but felt like this is what she wanted. She had seen others perform the action before, not really understanding the need for it up until now. Despite her what she wanted she could not bring herself to close the distance between their lips.

[Salzem]

Lanister stared into Nevahya's eyes as she did his, feeling her thumb run along his jawline and her hand on his shoulder. In contrast, the boy hand both of his arms around her waist, holding her close, but not tightly, contact able to be broken should she so desire. Everything about this girl he'd saved seemed so magical... At first, all he had wanted was to make her human again, to help her out of the emotional lock-down she had placed herself in and now here he was, holding her with their lips only a few insignificant inches apart. Just as he was sure she could tell, the tainted-blood boy could see exactly what she wanted from this moment but also he hesitation that kept her from doing the deed herself. He could understand and empathize, feeling his own body resist his mind for fear of this all going wrong as fast as it did right. Still... when he looked into those wanting eyes of hers, Lanister felt a motivation to go past his fears, to seize that chance while he still could to make them both so happy.

Taking a shaky breath, he began to close the distance between them, allowing his body to act on autopilot lest he mess it all up with his doubt. A moment passed, then two, before eventually, their lips would meet, pressing together with the slightest of pressure and only for a mere second or two. But even if it was only for a mere second, it felt like minutes, several of them, the connection meaning more than the time passing around them. His lips would be dry, and chapped from all the heat up above, and he quietly prayed to whatever god watched this stuff that he had read her correctly. He prayed that he didn't somehow end up offending her or pushing Nevayah further into herself. Still, if she allowed the kiss, Lanister would pull away but still in eachother's grasp, blood rushing through his body so fast, he could practically feel it in his veins. He stared at the girl as if asking a question, as if asking if this was okay, ready to back-off should she so desire.

[Blink]

An overwhelming flood of emotions hit Neveyah as their lips finally touched. She yearned for so much more, even so when their lips parted. Biting her bottom lip Nevayah gazed into Lanister's eyes able to read his silent question. Nodding ever so slightly she took a step back crossing one of her arms and grabbing her other elbow portraying an insecure stance. She wanted so much more from him, but felt her body would simply crumble with the onslaught of emotions coursing through her mind.

She continued to hold his gaze as she to asked a silent question, her eyes portraying everything she wanted him to know. She did like him, he had stirred feelings within her she was not even aware were possible. She wanted more from him, but the fear of how far things would go held her back as well as memories of her past haunting her every action. Most of all though, she needed time to heal. Not just her body, but her mind needed a chance to mend the wounds inflicted upon her for all of her years alive. Breaking her silent stance Neveyah spoke.

"Lanister I...." she swallowed the words before she was even able to get them out. Why was this so hard? Why could she not tell him what she was feeling? Nevayah couldn't expect him to read her every thought. Taking in a deep breath she moved her hand to her chest spreading her fingers as she pressed slightly on the area where her heart lay just beneath. "I have built so many walls..." symbolically she closed her hand over her heart. "... these walls have been unbreakable for so long but you... You are pushing through them as if made from nothing more than paper."

Neveyah dropped the hand the was on her heart and placed it back to where it was before. "I...I..." her gaze dropped not being able to look at him. "... I don't want you to stop... I don't want you to stop breaking through those walls." she lifted her gaze to him once more to read his reaction. She wanted so badly to know how he was feeling.

[Salzem]

As he pulled away from their kiss, Lanister was met with the hungry gaze from the girl he held, obvious that she craved more than their brief second of contact. It was clear to anyone who could see that she did want what he offered, that she understood how he felt and reciprocated these feelings herself! But then... why was there such hesitation in those eyes...? Nevayah pulled away from their embrace, her arms crossed over her chest in a self-conscious and nervous gesture. She looked as if something from her past was keeping her from fully relaxing, from letting her enjoy their moment together. As Nevayah began with "Lanister I...", the boy thought she was going to tell him she already had a fiance or something, that she had some sort of lover she was looking forward to seeing again and that she couldn't be with him... That was what he was afraid of, but as he watched her hand go to her heart and how she stated that she didn't want him to stop tearing down those walls she built, Lanister knew who she wanted to be with.

He took a step closer to her, closing the distance again, this time wrapping one arm around her back and using the other to tilt her chin upwards with his thumb and forefinger. He smiled softly at the girl he loved, staring into her eyes with the warmest of gazes, a certain controlled passion burning behind those irises of his. He leaned in just close enough so that their lips were only inches apart yet again, gaze still locked on hers.

"I understand..." Lanister murmured. "I love you too...." And with those words spoken with only the tiniest hint of humor, he would kiss the former slave again, this time holding the contact for a far longer period of time than their first. Instead of only an instant of contact, they would be held together for several seconds, simply feeling and exploring the sensations he never had before... He wanted to make this moment the best that there was for her... for them both... And that was strange... Not that fact he was craving Nevayah and wanted to make her happy, but that as they kissed, Lanister seemed to grow more calm, in control as a ball of fire seemed to form in his chest. As he gazed into the person he loved right in front of him, he really didn't have an modicum of doubt in his mind to ruin such concentration. After a good 3-4 seconds, Lanister would break their kiss and grin, leaning away just enough to hint that it was her turn to give a kiss or two.

[Blink]

Her eyes shot open as he spoke those words. I love you? This was unfamiliar to Nevayah, she had no idea what the meaning behind the words even meant. Even so, the flutter in her chest intensified the moment he stepped towards her once more. She didn't have long to process it all again as his lips were once more locked onto hers, but longer this time.

The burning hunger for more began to well up inside of her once more and after their lips had parted it took her no time at all to reciprocate. Wrapping one hand behind him resting her palm on his bare back she pulled herself even closer, if it were even possible. Not stopping she then took her other hand and rested it on the back of his head, intertwining his hair between her fingers. From there she pulled his lips towards her own, locking them once more.

It was as if she couldn't get enough. No amount of her lips being locked with his would dampen the hunger for him within her, and it grew the longer they were intertwined. Was this what love was? The need and hunger for one person that was so intense you felt as if your world would fall apart without them? If this was love, Neveyah was indeed in love with this boy she had met only hours ago. Suddenly as if conscious of her every action she ripped herself back.

Looking him up and down she noticed how his wounds had all almost healed, whilst hers were still these crusted wounds covering her body. You would think with the blood that ran through her veins it would heal her body, but this was not the case. She healed as any other human would, but at least her wounds did always eventually heal. Perhaps that was the pun, although she was practically immune from infection and disease she still bled, and she still scarred. This took her into an even deeper realization that she was just all over him, while his jacket laid on the floor.

As if on cue her whole body flushed red with embarrassment. He was so beautiful, and she was just grime. "I want to bathe. I know that Essyrn has many communal bathhouses. If it is dark I am sure no one will be in them. Masters send their slaves to them all the time, so I am sure my current state would not even draw attention." she spoke very matter of factly. "Can you check to see if it is late enough yet? This is where we could even get some new clothes. If we stop outside of one of the more extravagant houses along the way I am sure there clothes will be out to dry for the night."

[Salzem]

Nevayah pulled Lanister in for another kiss, his whole body crying out for more and more of her. It mattered not how dirty she was or if she bled over him while they kissed, nor did it matter their past or the potential danger they were in. All that mattered to the boy was that he was here with the girl he loved, simply learning and enjoying each other. He matched her kiss with his own, giving her something to push against, a little resistance to give her encouragement to keep doing what she was doing. He felt a strange fuzziness creep up behind his eyes and around his heart as he stared into the eyes of Nevayah... She was so beautiful... Between this observation and the way she was currently acting, he had to wonder how she was possibly the same girl he had met in the cage only a little while ago. Maybe, in a sense, she wasn't. Nevertheless, whether she was the same one or not, Lanister loved her with a passion...

As with all good things, the kiss came to an abrupt end as she seemed to tear herself free from their embrace, almost as if something he did horrified her. Lanister looked confused, worried, thinking that it was something he did was wrong... However, as Nevayah looked over his body and her face flushed a rich scarlet, Lanister knew what the issue was, or at least, so he thought. In truth, he had completely forgotten about his jacket in the heat of the moment, force of habit compelling him to believe that he had it on the whole time. Following only a second later, Lanister's face flushed with red as well as he grabbed his jacket and tossed it over his naked upper body. Despite his blush, though, he felt no shame being there with her, nor did he regret the kisses they shared. Why would he? To him, she would always be the girl he loved, no matter what the situation or appearance.

Still, he smiled as she stated what she wanted, a bath, Nevayah noted that the bath-houses often had slaves sent by their masters to clean themselves up. In addition, if it was late, she could grab some clothes off of the more... rich houses with their clothes hanging on the line. Lanister was truly impressed. He had been on his own for so long, it was refreshing to hear someone else's plans. Not only was he starting to fall deeper in love, but his respect for her was steadily climbing as well.

"Anyone ever tell you that you're beautiful when you want something?" Lanister smiled broadly at his joking flirt before making his way to the ladder. Climbing his way to the top and peeking out through a slightly raised trap door, it was, in fact, late evening or early night, the sun just barely peeking out from underneath the horizon. "Okay..." he said, climbing out and giving her full access to the ladder. "Lets go get you a bath..." He figured clothes could come second as they'll still be out there over night and it would make the most sense for them to go there in their dirtiest attire. As they made their way back into the city, it was obvious that Lanister was on-edge, aware of his surroundings, keeping watch for any who might intercept their path. So far, however, no one bothered. He supposed a couple of slaved wandering about in the night hardly made a tempting target. Off in the distance, one could see the light of the Bath-house illuminating the area surrounding it with a golden glow.

[Blink]

A glimmer of a smile peaked through on her face at his remark before her face returned to its normal monotone state. Emotionlessly she stared as he looked above to see if the day had faded into the night. Quietly she climbed the ladder after his all clear and stepped back onto the earth once they exited the shack, her bare feet welcome to the feeling.

Silently she followed behind him, studying him as they walked. Nevayah did not know what to do or how to act. She almost felt silly falling for someone so quickly, not ever thinking she would ever fall in love to begin with. Why was the boy suddenly so special to her? The bond she felt with him was unlike anything she had ever felt before. Even now following behind him she wanted nothing more than to go up behind him and wrap her arms around him.

She could imagine it now, the smell of his jacket. "I bet it smells just like him" she thought to herself, another smile slowly creeping in. Her gaze then traveled to his hair, oh how she just wanted to touch it again. Bringing a hand in front of herself she studied her fingers reliving the feeling of the strands between them. Peeking in front of him she could see the light of the bath house before her. How long had it been since she bathed? Her most recent master never even bothered to allow her the pleasure. He could have cared less about how she looked, all he ever cared about was the crimson that flowed through her veins.

Without any indication Nevayah took off in a full on sprint towards the bathhouse passing Lanister. The best part about bathing at night meant they had already cleaned the baths for the day and the water would be fresh.. and warm. As she ran she lightly laughed thinking the energy she was feeling now could have came in handy earlier during their escape.

Once she was standing in front of the bath house she paused looking to make sure Lanister was on his way before entering. Eagerly she quickly walked down a short stone hallway before entering the main room where the large bath lay. "Excellent" she whispered noting that no one was there and that the water was indeed fresh. She didn't even care that this house was communal, no separate baths, only the one. She began by removing the scarf from around her neck and carefully laid it on one of the stone benches. Next she brushed one of the arms of her dress off her shoulder, then the other, causing it to slip down her body. She left the dress on the stone floor, kicking it away with her foot.

It was under the dress that Nashya's true story could be seen. All of the scars that covered her chest, her back and torso. She even had scars on her thighs... no one could imagine how half of these scars were earned. If Neveyah wanted to she could probably recall the majority of the instances. Looking down at herself she ran one of her fingers along one just below her bellybutton that ran to her hip. This one was only a few days old, the dried blood stuck to her skin to prove it. Recalling that day she instinctively brought her other hand to a gash on one of her inner thighs. "This one was just three days ago" she thought to herself. "Three days ago I was a shell of a person" another silent thought to herself.

She didn't care that she was now naked standing for anyone to see, all she had her eyes set on was the milky white water before her now. Walking to the side of the bath she lowered one leg in first then another as she sat at the edge for a moment. After this she carefully slid the rest of her body into the bath, the water resting just above her chest. It stung, but only a little and not enough to take the joy away from her. Calmly she ducked her head under the water and came back up wringing her hair out with her hands. "This is truly invigorating" she stated realizing that by now Lanister was most likely in the bath house with her. She had been so caught up on getting into the water she really wasnt sure how long he had been there.

She made her way to the side of the bath and reached her arm out to grab her scrap of cloth called a dress. She pulled it into the water wringing it out before using the fabric as a washcloth for her body. A very subtle color change happened to the water as she washed all the dried blood from her skin, scrubbing away at any she could see.

The entire time she made it a point to keep her eyes from wandering. She wanted to give Lanister a chance to bath somewhat privately. After she was finished scrubbing her body down she wrung the cloth out once more before flinging it back out of the bath, at least it would be somewhat clean to wear until she found something better. After flinging it out of the bath she rested her back against the stone siding of the bath and lowered herself to where the water came just below her nose, she was going to enjoy this for as long as she could. Since the water was milky, no doubt from the milk and honey added judging by the smell of the water, she was not at all embarrassed. Even if a passerby attempted to sneak a peek they wouldn't be able to see anything below the waterline. It was at this point her eyes searched for Lanister in the bath.

[Salzem]

"Hey..." He gasped in surprise as Nevayah rushed out from behind him as they neared the bath-house, reaching out a hand to stop her but she was already long gone. For a few seconds, he stood there, simply shocked at the spontaneous action, watching as she disappeared inside, but, after a moment, he simply burst out laughing before continuing his walk towards his destination, just enjoying the novelty of what he just experienced.  She was such a wonderful person, Nevayah was... She was showing more and more colors as time went by, such as that sprint for the baths for example, or the fact that she threatened to rip open her own arm in order to save his life potentially. She was a kind, beautiful and wonderful girl... It was any wonder why he didn't immediately fall in love with her the moment she caught his eye in the cages. She was a goddess in many ways, one he worshiped with respect and care rather than blood and sacrifice. That was how one really knew they were loved, really.

Nevertheless, the former slave walked into the bath-house himself, coming face to face with a bare-naked Nevayah sitting on the edge of the tub, simply enjoying the water licking her ankles. At first, his blush was heavy, sanguine almost, but then, through the steam, he could see the marks along the girl's back and curving around her front. Some were fresh, some were ancient judging by scar tissue. Unlike him who was completely absolved of such things thanks to her, it seemed that Nevayah's miracle blood didn't effect her the same way... Lanister desperately wanted to embrace her again, to reassure her that everything would be okay and that no one was going to do this to her again... but before he could even reach out a hand, the former slave-girl slipped into the bath, looking back and seeing him standing there.

Seemingly undisturbed by his presence, Nevayah snatched up her ragged, discarded dress, using it more as a washing cloth rather than the article of clothing it was intended to be. Lanister smiled and rolled his eyes as he began to get undressed himself, preparing himself for the heat of the communal bath. As Nevayah sunk deeper into the water, Lanister plopped himself right in, immediately gasping in horror at his mistake.

"IT HOT!" he complained, feeling the unexpected sting curl all over his body. His face was strained, his eyes squinted with discomfort, but at least the smell was nice. Gradually, his body began to get use to the hotter waters, actually starting to feel nice... His bones and flesh were warming up quite nicely... soothingly... like drinking one of those hot-chocolates he's heard so much about. Still, though, he couldn't leave just his face as dry as the outside, so he dunked his head under the steaming bath, immediately regretting it. He shot up almost immediately, breaking the surface with a splash, his face pink and his hair flopped over his head, wet. "Its SO hot..." He grumbled, running a hand through his dripping-wet hair before slumping up against one of the walls.

As his eyes wandered about the interior of the bath, making note of the impressive use of mortar and stone around the walls, enjoying the contrasting smooth/rough textures. He had always wanted to do something like this.... Not bathe with Nevayah, though now that it was happening, it was all he wanted, but become an architect and BUILD places like this for people to admire.... Truthfully, he was just trying to keep his eyes off the naked girl in front of him though. It wasn't like he felt any shame being seen together like this. Quite the contrary actually. He loved her that much. But it was more for gentlemanliness did he keep his eyes to himself. She wanted to bathe, to get clean and enjoy the water.

Eventually, though, his eyes did fall on her as hers did him. Their eyes would lock onto each-other and Lanister smiled gently. Slowly, he began to wade on over to Nevayah's side, careful to keep everything lower-stomach-and-below under the surface of the water. Once there, he would sit next to the girl he'd kissed, still smiling gently. He didn't expect her to rise back up from the water on his account so, instead, he searched the water blindly for her hand to hold, following her arm as a guide.

[Blink]

Her relaxed state quickly dissipated as she realized Lanister was making his way in her direction. She could feel her heart racing with each bit of distance he closed between them. It was as if this boy and her were a magnet, the pull growing stronger with each stride he made in her direction. It wasn't until he was sitting next to her and running his hand down her arm that she realized how insecure she really was.

Out of pure instinct she shot up out of the water, not fully realizing how much more she was exposing herself with the action until it was too late. No longer was the water calm or the bath house silent as she scrambled to put as much distance between them as possible while remaining in the water. Within a matter of seconds she found herself now on the other side of the bath standing with her arms across her chest. Avoiding eye contact she turned her face from him, as if that would help anything.

She felt so stupid. Only moments ago she was practically prancing around naked without any hesitation. Her mind had been set on only one thing though, and that was the bath. But now that was all over her one track mind had settled and she realized how careless she had been. "Would you please close your eyes..." she pleaded. Even so just looking at him made her want to run back over to him just to be close.

If he should comply and close his eyes Nevayah would slowly and hesitantly make her way back towards him. She just couldn't look into his eyes, this is why she wanted him to shut them. Stopping just in front of him she fidgeted with her fingers for a moment before climbing onto his lap and wrapping her legs around him followed by wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her head on his shoulder. "I just cant look into your eyes... it makes it... strange." she whispered into his ear before taking in a breath of relief.

Her actions were not meant to be sexual, she had no intentions of it leading to that. Nevayah simply wanted to be as close to him as possible. Lanister made her feel safe, calm, and sane. Even with her bare chest and legs pressed against him she felt at peace once more. "I just don't want you to see all of me. I am not ready for that. I know that I was practically out in the open earlier, but I wasn't thinking..." she paused trying to think of a better way to word her feelings. "I just don't want you to see my scars." she breathed into has neck at her last statement hating herself for even feeling that her would judge her like that.

[Salzem]

Lanister had almost made it to her wrist when Nevayah shot out of the water and scrambled to the other side of the bath, revealing herself to him in the process. Embarassment aside with seeing her fully naked form, he grew more confused as she continued to push herself away from him despite their blossoming relationship earlier that day. He worried that his advances were more... intimate than he intended, that his simple acts of expressing his affection were only ruining hers for him. He was going to say something, but he was stopped short by a strange request, one that he hadn't heard anything like since he helped one of his masters' children get dressed one day. Nevayah asked him to close his eyes, as if they hadn't already seen each-other's bodies. He looked at her strangely as she refused to meet his gaze, hers looking anywhere else but his face. He was silent for only a second before his eye-lids lowered shut, his mouth curled into a tilted smile.

"Uh... Okay...? I did it..." He announced, completely unaware of the significance of his closed eyes. He heard the movement of water as Nevayah neared his unaware self, flinching only slightly as he felt her wet, but warm body pressed against his. He felt her legs slip over his as she sat on his lap, her arms wrapping around his neck and head laying against his shoulder as he sat there, trying to process the meaning of this. Automatically, his arms wrapped around her lower-body above her waist, holding her closer too him as he sat there blind in the bath with his fellow tainted-blood. After a moment of just sitting together and being in eachother's company, Nevayah would admit that she couldn't look into his eyes because it made her feel "strange". The boy tilted his head to the side and smiled awkwardly, not sure what to make of this statement. Of course, it was most likely his winning smile and wonderful personality that made her feel this way... but if it was pushing her away... was it a good thing...? After a moment, she elaborated, claiming that it wasn't really his looks per-say, but that she didn't want him to see her scars. Immediately after hearing this, he raised a hand from where he held her, running his fingers up the side of her body until he managed to reach her cheek. He gently held her head in his hand before placing a light kiss directly on her forehead before hugging her a little tighter to his body.

"I understand..." He whispered into her ear in response. "Its okay... I care about you so much, you know... A few cuts and scrapes won't make me like you any less..." He smiled softly, cupping her face again, this time with both hands, tilting her head up just enough to see into his closed eyes. "I wasn't exaggerating when I said it before... I do love you, Nevayah... May I open my eyes and look on the girl I love...?"

[Blink]

She listened as he spoke taking in every word and processing it. It was when he spoke of his love for her that she smiled a bit... "You may" she responded closing her own eyes. This was the only way she could handle it... him looking at her. Pulling her head from his hands she leaned back a bit opening her eyes once more once she had her face turned.

Tears welled in her eyes at the thought of him examining her body. How could anyone love someone covered in scars like her. She was nothing more than worn out property, her skin surely reflected it. Sending herself into a whirlwind of different emotions she was beginning to fade away again. So many memories... so many words said to her before.

She didn't let herself completely fade away this time, as if a small section of her heart refused to freeze over. Pushing through her emotional distress she was able to eventually turn her gaze back towards him. Without words she stared at his neck and chest, running one of her wet fingers along his collarbone. Try as she might she really couldn't bring herself to look into his eyes, she didn't want to see the utter disappointment that would surely be plastered on his face. It would break her...

[Salzem]

Lanister smiled lightly at her reply, opening his eyes as she closed hers. At least he could see her now, wrapped up around him, closer than ever before in more than one way. With a gentle observant eye, he looked up and down her front, his eyes widening in a sort of silent horror at the vast amounts of scars and tissues running all around skin. Some were once deep gashes, others, suction holes, some were large punctures and others a slash. He took his hands from her face as she turned hers away, running his fingers long her various scars in some attempt to fathom the collective violation and pain, the stories these markings told. As he peered lower, the scars seemed to grow more different and, in some cases, potentially more severe but he did not waver. It was such a horrible thing to do to a person that they had done to her... Nevayah's flesh along her torso was scarred to uneven and hardly smooth proportions. To a more shallow individual, such a sight might be considered off-putting, perhaps even sickening to such a point as for them to end it right there. For Lanister, having a better idea of her life through the stories her body told... It only made her seem more and more attractive to him. She seemed like a real person to him, not like those who covered themselves in makeup to hide their imperfections. He loved honesty in a person... It made him respect them and right now... there was no one he respected more than Nevayah for this act of bravery and honesty.

His skin tingled with a certain pleasure as the girl he loved ran her fingers all along his collarbone, he face no longer turned away, but facing him again, her eyes locked firmly on his throat and chest. Lanister felt almost sad that she couldn't bring herself to look at him, so deeply fearing his disapproval of her form. Then, he smiled somewhat impishly to himself as he got an idea.

"Hey... close your eyes..." He murmured softly, his breath tickling her ear as he spoke. "For me..." If she complied, Lanister with take her chin between his forefinger and thumb, tilting face upwards so it faced his once again. Then, slowly but meaningfully, his lips would press against hers, placing a little more pressure and love into the movement than ever before. It was as if his kiss spoke volumes of how he thought of her, powerful, but respectful of her boundaries. If Nevayah allowed, Lanister would kiss her for a full solid minute, pulling away once or twice for the sake of air alone. Even his eyes eventually drooped shut as he kissed, the feelings washing over him being simply too powerful. Afterwords, after an especially long kiss, Lanister would pull away, his eyes gradually opening (and hopefully Nevayah's as well).

"A few scars don't matter to me..." He declared, looking at her with a serious intensity. "You mean far too much to me for that..."

[Blink]

Her mind raced as she wondered what he thought of the sight of her. Would he push her away in disgust? Or would he simply love her more for who she was and all that she endured? Her lingering questions were soon answered as he asked her to close her eyes. Complying she closed her eyes, of course she would, she would do anything for him.

Before she knew it her lips would be interlocked with his. Any human emotion she thought was fading away was quickly reignited by the kiss. Passionately she enjoyed every moment of it, savoring every second. The minute their lips were connected felt only like seconds had passed by the time he had pulled away. Sitting there she was in awe of him, of how this boy could love her the way she was.

His words about how scars did not matter caused tears to fall from her eyes once more. How could she have been so lucky to find someone like him? It had to be nothing more than fate that these two would be on sale the same day, and sold to the same master. Or better yet even more so at the fact that her cage was placed next to him. "Lanister I love you..." her words were endearing. She meant every bit of her statement with every fiber of her being.

"Without you I would still be lost. My mind would still be clouded by the horrible picture I had painted of the world." she paused to lean in and kiss his lips for only a second. "I love you" she stated again before kissing his right cheek. "I love you" she now kissed his neck right under his ear. "I love you" She continued with the charade for only a few short moments kissing bits of his face and neck whispering "I love you" after each kiss.

Her actions were interrupted by the sound of newcomers walking down the stone hallway. More slaves would be coming in, they were lucky they had this long interrupted. Changing her entire persona she slid off of his lap, the water making the action very simple. If they were going to keep the charade of being slaves just taking an evening bath they would have to act like it. Standing up in the water which in reality only came to just above her hips she shot Lanister a quick smile before climbing out of the bath.

Nevayah bent down to grab her tattered dress which was still considerably wet. Pulling it over herself the fabric stuck to her body. The dress was still lightly stained, but the crimson was mostly watered down. "Master will be upset if we take any longer... we should get going now." she had hoped he would pick up on the charade.

[Salzem]

"I love you too..." He responded, wholeheartedly, his smile growing more and more dream-like as he stared into those beautiful dark blue eyes of hers. She pressed her lips against his once more, then to his cheek, then to the side of his neck and so on, all the while whispering "I love you"'s to him. His skin tingled with every touch she made, causing him to gasp and squirm the tiniest bit as she moved around his head-area. It felt so good what she was doing... Even if he didn't know why or any of the specific details.... it felt SO good.... Lanister could have sat there for an eternity, just sitting there with her in the warm bath waters, trading kisses and exploring each-other's bodies the way each of them wanted, but their fun was eventually and inevitably cut short by the noise of new arriving slaves, no doubt here to wash up so their smell wasn't absolute torture to their masters. It was clear by the look on his face that Lanister was disappointed by the arrival of the newcomers just now. Acting fast, however, Nevayah slipped off of him and waded back to the other end of their bath, flashing him a quick grin before stepping out of the water and giving him another look at the body he thought was nothing less than gorgeous. He followed closely behind in both act and in step, nodding in agreement as she noted they shouldn't wait any longer. Their master had quite a temper after all. He slipped back on his attire, slightly wet from the water splashing about due to their recent experiences. That was okay, though... and it was worth it...

"The last thing we need is for him to get upset...." He agreed, a somewhat haunted expression crossing his face, as if remembering some traumatizing experience. "You know how he gets..." With that, the new incoming slaves would walk past them into the bath chamber as they walked back out into the night. He kept his little slave act up long enough until the Bath-house was out of hearing distance behind them, then, as if flipping a switch, his smile was back on his face, glancing at Nevayah as if she were an absolute genius. She was smart... she was beautiful... she had a wonderful personality... Gods above, he was blessed to have met her and to have fallen in love... No doubt, this was the work of some divine being... a miracle some would say... and even if that weren't true, it hardly even mattered. All that mattered to Lanister now was just Nevayah...

"You're brilliant..." He complimented quietly as they walked down the house-lines, looking about for the clothes Nevayah desired. The clothes lines out tonight had several different pairs of clothing from dresses to blouses and Lanister swore he saw a pointed hat on one of the lines. Finally, they came across a line that had both shorts around her size as well as a short-sleeved shirt to match her as well. Everything seemed to be going their way tonight... By far, it was the best night of his life...

"Here we are..." He said, gesturing to the line. "Lets grab these..."

[Blink]

Nevayah mimicked Lanister in smiling as soon as they were out of earshot of the bath house. She blushed at his compliments of her quick thinking. Soon the houses that hung their clothes out to dry were in sight and she could see her options now hanging in front of her. It was too hot for a dress or pants so she had decided much earlier she wanted shorts. Lanister seemed to have eyed a pair and she quickly snatched them off the line.

The shorts were brown and seemed to be stitched together with leather, while the material was a light fabric, presumably made from plants. Without hesitation she slipped them on under her dress before raising a finger to her lips. "Hmm... So many options." The obvious choice would have been the shirt he had pointed out to her but instead her attention turned to another line.

Hanging as if it were calling her name was a dark blue top, almost the same shade as the dress she wore now. It was cheaply made, perhaps for a young boy, but she did not care. Running over to it she stood on her toes reaching for it before finally grasping a corner of the shirt pulling it from the line. She held the article in her hands as she studied it. The sleeves were non-existent and as she turned it she noticed the back was open. She had assumed wrong, this shirt was made for a girl as no boy in his right mind would wear a shirt where his shoulder-blades would be exposed. "Perfect" she whispered as her eyes scanned the clothes for more.

Collecting from the lines she also managed to grab a pair of long stockings and to her surprise a newly crafted bag. The leather was still stiff so it must have been hung out to stretch once the sun would rise. Her luck could not have been any better if it were not for the beautiful pair of brown boots sitting on a stoop that caught her attention. Daring her luck she quietly made her way towards them before snatching them up. Tucking all of her findings except the boots into her new bag she made her way over to Lanister.

She did not wait to pull the stockings from the bag and slip them up past her knees before slipping the boots on to ensure they would fit. How perfect that they seemed to be made just for her. "Do you think the buckles will pull too much attention?" she asked running her fingertips along the row of bronze buckles that traveled up the boots. "I've never had my own pair of boots before..." she stared in awe at them on her legs. The boots stopped just below her knees whereas the stockings went just past them. "I would put the shirt on now but I don't want to draw too much attention."

She meant it, she would wait until they arrived safely at the bunker before slipping it on. She pictured her new clothing in her mind thinking of how normal she would look. Of course not like a lady, but perhaps she could pass as a traveler or merchant. For a brief moment Nevayah looked panicked as she looked around them. No one was in sight, and in fact she wasn't really searching for anyone. "I left my scarf at the bath house." she searched for Lanister's eyes before continuing. "Could we go back and get it please?" raising one of her hands to her heart she pleaded with him. "It is something I have held very precious for as long as I can remember."

Really only one of them had to go and get it, but instead of just running off to retrieve it on her own she wanted to know Lanister's thoughts.

[Salzem]

Lanister smiled as she picked out the pants he thought were just for her, also snatching up the shirt right besides and  pair of shoes as well. She was careful to pick them off the line quickly, but delicately as not to wake up the previous owner of these fine articles of clothing. He was already imagining what Nevayah would look like all dressed up in her new clothes and he blushed slightly. She'd look so adorable... Of course, she would look cute in just about anything, though he noticed something about her was off.... As she picked out some socks and even a bag (score!), he noticed something important was missing from her but he just couldn't make out what it was... Still, the girl he loved came up to him wearing a bear of shoes, footwear fitting her just right with some signature bronze buckles running up the center. They covered almost the entirity of her lower leg and her socks went up higher, perhaps mid-upper leg. Lanister was shocked how much of a difference a pair of shoes made to a person. It was like if he saw himself in the mirror without his jacket. He simply wouldn't look the same. She looked almost... rebellious...... in the way she wore them. He wondered if that was the design of the clothing talking or the way she stood in them. When she asked if the buckles were a bit much, Lanister shook his head with a wide smile.

"You'd look beautiful in anything." He noted with a raised eyebrow, but then he got serious with his critique. "We could pull it off that our master is rich and got you these... Don't worry.. they're all yours..." It was then that she began to look around, scanning the area for something Lanister could not see himself. When she asked to go back to the Bath house to retrieve her scarf, Lanister mentally face-palmed, embarrassed that he didn't realize it before. Of COURSE! Her scarf! How could he have forgotten! It was her most adorable article of clothing really, especially when she wore it wrapped around her neck.


"Of course we can!" Lanister said, almost incredulous at the fact she even needed to ask. They made their way back to the house to find that everyone they had seen enter only a few minutes before had left, gone, nowhere to be seen. Unsurprisingly, the boy was a bit uneasy at this sight, wondering where they all could have went. He chastised himself internally for his attitude, noting that their masters just wanted to clean them up fast rather than have a long soak like he and Nevayah ended up doing together. That was probably all it was... He headed back to the tub that served as theirs to find Nevayah's scarf sitting right there on the edge of the tub, a little damp, but otherwise folded nicely as if waiting for her to come back. It was probably the attendents that walk through the area once a bath had been cleared, leaving the clothing their in case the owner returned for it. Probably. The boy picked up Nevayah's signature scarf, wrapping it loosely around her neck if she allowed. He smiled softly as he looked over the (now)complete girl, just marveling at how well she wore both her scarf and her shoes.

"Ready to go home...? Our 'master' is waiting..." He commented with a sly grin, getting back into the act.

[Blink]

Nevayah smiled at his reaction. Without hesitation she made her way back to the bath house following behind Lanister. Before she knew it they were back in the bath house and her scarf was sitting right at the edge. She took in a breath of relief, happy that no one had taken it. She smiled even more so when Lanister took it upon himself to wrap it around her neck where it would always belong.

"Thank You" she whispered before stepping towards him and wrapping her arms around his neck. Softly she planted a kiss on his lips should he allow it as a symbol of appreciation. No one seemed to be around so she did not care. Giggling at his charade she nodded as they made their way back out of the bath house and towards their hideout.

Silently she walked beside him trying her best to resemble two slaves making their way back towards home. It was the part of acting emotionless that seemed to come easiest to her. Whenever she saw others passing by is when her smile would fade. Although the glimmer in her eyes seemed to remain constant. It was as they walked she begun to regret her outfit choice, she had not taken into consideration how the temperature dropped so drastically in the dead of night.

She could see her breathe with every exhale and the skin on her face felt numb. Determined to not be a bother she tried to seem as unphased as possible by the bitter cold. "Say Lanister...." she turned her head towards him as they walked. "Do you happen to have anything... warm to eat when we get back?" She felt so bad asking him for anything after the trouble she had been throughout the day. Matter of factly she noticed she had done nothing but ask things of him the entire day. First it was to give themselves up, then for a bath and clothes, then for her scarf.

What had she done for him today? "I'm sorry I keep asking for things..." For someone who had lived their life with nothing she seemed to be wanting a lot lately. "Feel free to say no at any point."

[Salzem]

Lanister kissed Nevayah back as she wrapped her arms around his neck, a light blush running over his cheeks as he did so. She was so cute... The way she talked, the way she thanked him, the way she held herself and just her as a person... Really, he could go his entire life and never see another person so long as Nevayah was with him. They both headed back out into the night, Lanister shivering in surprise as the cold midnight air bit his face. As if on impulse, he stuffed his hands into his pockets, looking over at the smaller girl to see how she was doing. Far worse it seemed. She seemed far more uncomfortable than the slave-boy felt, having nothing but her new shoes, scarf and a tattered dress to keep her warm while Lanister had this big-old brown jacket and pants, perfect for insulating body-heat while keeping outside heat.... well... out. He looked pained, seeing the girl he loved suffering like this and so, he came to a silent decision. The boy shrugged off his jacket, revealing his upper-body to the world again, before draping his jacket over her shivering little body. Almost immediately he regretted his decisions, his hands immediately crossing over his chest to rub the opposite arm. At least they didn't have too far to go before he could grab some sleep...

Nevayah asked him if he had anything warm to eat back home and that gave him pause. No... he didn't really have anything he could consider "warm"... most of what he had down their were dried goods with the occasional fruit barel... WAIT he had some of that dried soup-powder he got from one of the stalls the other day. He was always looking for an excuse to make it and now, with both of them freezing out here in the night, he had the opportunity, Lanister smiled widely at her inquirey, a knowingness to his grin.

"I got something I think you'll like... How do you feel about chicken soup?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. He could already feel it's warming glow in his stomach... After a moment of silence as they were inside the ruins of the house above their cellar and as Lanister fiddled with the rug that hid the trap door, Nevayah apologized for always asking him for things and that he was allowed to say "no at any time. In response to such a comment, He stopped what he was doing, closed the distance between him and Nevayah and planted a firm kiss right on her lips without any warning what-so-ever, kissing her for only 30 seconds this time due to the painful cold out here in the desert. Without another word either, the boy would kick-open the trap door, ushering the girl he loved down first before following close behind and shutting it. It already felt SO much warmer back home with no nightly-cold airs flowing down here... Sometimes, Lanister really loved this house... A house he wouldn't have to live in alone anymore... The thought was both troubling and inviting, but, being the ever-optimist he was, the tainted-blood preferred to look at this as something for the better. Nevayah would learn where everything was in time, the dried fruits, nuts, the bed.... Oh.... no.... he only had one bed...... That thought sent everything into a downward spiral, his mind fixated on one of them having to sleep on the ground....

The growling of his stomach brought him back to reality, shaking off his fears for another hour or two as he grabbed a small pot and a massive water-skin and dragged them all into the center of the cellar, a small cooking-pot and fire already in place from his last meal. Opening the small pot, it was revealed that inside was a yellowish powder that had the distinct smell of chicken (he hovered that powder under his nose for a certain amount of time just enjoying the smell), before taking a small handful and tossing it into the pot followed by about 3/4ths of said pot being filled with water from the skin. From there, he would grab the flint and steel he ALWAYS kept near the fire and began smacking them together harshly once... twice... three times... and on the fourth time, the sparks caught, lighting a small fire beneath the pot. He hummed to himself lightly as he went about the cellar, picking up handfulls of dried onion, potato and noodles from within the various barrels around here, tossing them in casually as if they were little frisbys. The soup wouldn't be done for some time yet and the fire wasn't large enough to warrant his constant attention. The boy turned and smiled softly at Nevayah, wondering what she thought of all this.

"I know its not as good as real chicken soup but... you know... its the best I can do on a night like this..."

[Blink]

Just when she thought she could not stand another moment of the cold Lanister placed his jacket on her shoulders. Running her arms through the sleeves she reveled in the warmth it provided. Lifting her hands she pulled it closed in front of her taking the collar of the jacket and pulling it to her nose. Inhaling she realized how much it smelt like him. "I love you" she whispered so softly he probably didn't even hear it.

The moment he mentioned soup her stomach twisted in excitement. Just as she was beginning to picture it in her mind Lanister planted a kiss on her in response to her earlier statement of him always giving. When the kiss was broken he had opened up the door to the cellar and ushered for her to go first. Complying she climbed down the ladder to their 'home'. It was strange to her how during the day it was so cool, but at night it was almost warm.

Allowing for Lanister to prepare the soup Nevayah pulled his jacket off and placed it on top of a barrel before turning to look over her shoulder at him. He was so adorable, flinging ingredients in the pot with such ease.  She stood for a moment just watching him before remembering the shirt she had tucked into the bag. Stealing one last glimpse of him she noted he was preoccupied and she turned to push the arms of the dress off her shoulders causing it to slip down her body once more.

For the briefest of moments she stood with only the shorts, boots and stockings on before slipping the shirt over her head. This dark blue fabric of the shirt was obviously dyed and made from the same plant fibers as her shorts. It was so breezy and lightweight that she spun in it before turning towards Lanister who was now smiling at her. With great care she took her scarf off and placed it next to his jacket on the barrel.

"It smells divine" her eyes rolled back for a second when the thought of how wonderful it would taste crossed her mind. "Real chicken or not I can tell it will already be better than anything I have eaten in ages." She leaned against the barrel that their original garments rested in. Looking him up and down she took in his shirtless appearance in awe. "So what should we do until the soup is done?"