Ascending Legends

[BookWyrm]

Dayn held Atria tightly against him. "Don't worry about it. I'm here with you, that's all that matters now." And so they stayed embraced until Dayn was content that Atria's shivering had subsided. Slowly Dayn relaxed, moving his arms from around her to her head. He moved her gently from his shoulder until he could see her face. He smiled as he brushed aside a stray hair, gently rubbing her cheek with his thumb. "I am here for you my dear." The emphasis was not subtle, and Dayn hoped Atria would understand. He couldn't explain it, not that he cared for the explanation, but he cared for her. He leaned forward again and kissed Atria's forehead. "And I won't leave, unless you want me to."

 

[Dragongal]

"Never.... Please," she replied quietly. She moved her bandaged hand behind his neck, pulling him forward gently, before softly kissing his lips. She pulled away after a few seconds, clearly in emotional agony. "Dayn, it’s not that I don’t feel... this all... toward you, or that I don't want this - I really, really, do - but it’s just… I know how this is going to go. I... have a past, and if you knew... if you knew, I'm sure you couldn't feel anything for me. You're going to get hurt, and - and you don’t deserve that. You deserve to know everything, but I can't tell you everything. I wish to Gods that I could, but I can't. You don’t deserve to get hurt, so I mean, I can’t let myself enjoy and - and be happy - this when I know that… I mean, it’d be selfish of me, really. I don’t want you to hurt. You don't deserve it, and I’m not worth that.” In her mind, she could see how it would play out, just like it had for the past two years. She’d get close to someone, they’d find out about her, then they’d be mad at her and leave, feeling pained and betrayed. And the worst part is, she couldn't blame any of them, really. But to protect herself and her own family, she had to keep the secrets, and that was besides the greatest motivation, her complete shame over it.

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn enjoyed the kiss, especially since it had been her kissing him, and the fact that they were both aware of it this time, but he worried about what she was saying. No, he wasn't afraid of what her past could be, but he was worried about the apparent trauma she had been through. Whatever it had been must be tied to her burn wound that she kept talking about. Dayn lifted her eyes to his own and held her. "Atria, my dear, I can't help you if you won't let me try." He wanted to help, but if she wouldn't open up his hands were tied.

 

[Dragongal]

Atria liked his calling her "my dear". Surprised by his response, though, she didn't know what to say for a few moments. Sure, she trusted him, but in the end, did it matter? If she let him know.... She flashed him a broken smile, saying, "Dayn, you already have helped me so much. I've finally been comfortable enough to drop the act to some extent. I've had to stay inconspicuous for so long... I can't even rightly remember what I was like before everything happened. But I am undoubtedly getting closer to that, being near you. I wish I could tell you, but..." She paused. What if she did tell him? What if, by chance, he didn't leave her...? "Dayn, I can't let you know, because... I just... I don't want you to treat me differently. And it's a risk, my secrets, there's people who'd kill me if they knew. People who have tried, without hesitation. Hell, I don't even know if you'd believe me, it sounds insane.... Especially to someone who's not from the North."

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn frowned slightly, but understood what Atria was saying. Though he didn't fear that he would lose respect for her, he knew that it was better not to push or pry out the information. It would all come in a time when she was ready. For now though, he just wanted to be near her. "I will not force you to tell me. One day when you fill up to sharing it, just know that I will be here for you." Dayn heard the distant sound of thunder again. Another storm front was rolling in and the light from the sun, which was beginning it's downward path towards the far horizon, painted the sky with pastels and distant flashes of light, but he paid it no heed. Dayn pulled Atria close and kissed her, this time allowing them to linger with each other. It was slow, gentle, and yet it contained the first confessions of new found passion. It was as if their unexplained desire and interest where expressed to each other in a way that words could not. Yet, Dayn was still reserved in his giving of himself. He wanted to know Atria more before he gave of himself further. If the road had taught him anything it was that those who orchestrated life were fickle and no respecter of persons. Yes, for the first time Dayn knew he had found someone he wanted to be with, someone who could understand his way of life and to share the burdens of the path with, but his own daemons were still in there whispering in the back of his mind. For now though, he found respite in the embrace of this fire haired woman whom held his body and lips locked with her own.


While they still kissed it slowly began to rain. Finally the two parted, taking a few seconds to soak in the moment as they held one another. Dayn could feel his heart beating in a quickened pace. He hadn't felt this way in a long time, not since Kara had.....No, don't bring those memories up. Dayn forced himself to look up into the sky as the rain picked up it's cadence. He laughed. "I fear it is time to return to the shelter again, my dear."

 

[Dragongal]

Atria laughed quietly, "I like you calling me that." She'd enjoyed their kiss immensely, not bothered by the rain that attempted to interfere, though for a few seconds she'd worried that they were going too far too fast, and that she was making a mistake by letting him fall for her as she had for him - it was her first courting, after all - before she fell into the kiss. His patience and understanding about her secrets was surprising to her, and made her feelings for him that much stronger. But he did have a point about returning to the shelter, so she grabbed her dagger off of the ground and stood up, waiting for him to rise also. Inside the shelter, she knelt next to her pack, pulling out a rag and cleaning her blood off of her dagger before returning it to its sheath. She ran her bandaged hand over the cuts across her palms and fingers, healing them with ease - the cuts hadn't been particularly deep. As she healed it, though, she could feel the weight on her mana, a clear indication that she was running low and should either stop using magic, or rest, or even better yet, both. She leaned against the wall behind her, and quietly said, "I may have just changed my plans for when we get back to the city. How's your head, by the way?" Fretting over others' injuries was just something Atria had always done, so despite the fact that he was probably okay, she had to ask.

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn smiled at the question. "I can't complain at the moment." Atria looked exhausted, and for that matter Dayn felt drained himself. The mission had gone as planned, save for a couple of injuries and an unexpected outcome, but Dayn wasn't complaining. He moved over to his pack and pulled out his wool blanket and bed roll before removing his shirt. Though his body bore the scars of previous injuries he had never been ashamed of them. The talisman Atria had made for him still hung around his neck giving off a slight warmth. It had proven useful during the fight. He had been able to cast a pyromancy with no thought at all, it had been as simple as a reflex. Dayn gathered his bed roll and blanket before walking over near Atria. "I figure a light nap might do both of us good before heading back out. And since you looked slightly uncomfortable I thought I might be able to do something about it." Dayn laid the roll against the wall before propping up on it. He held out his hand to her, an offer for closeness and comfort, intimacy without the complications. Dayn knew right now that he couldn't give of himself in a more personal, physical way at this point, but he wanted to be close to her. "I know it's not as comfortable as a down bed, but it's better than a dirt wall. I understand if you choose not to, though." Again he felt the flush of foolishness overcome him, yet he hoped she would accept. He hadn't been close to anyone for a long time, and just the feeling of her being near him was enough to set him at ease. He already loved the feeling of having her in his arms, her head on his chest, and the smell of her hair as he rested his head on hers.


(I'll post a timeskip on my next go)

 

[Dragongal]

Atria blushed slightly, accepting his hand and curling up against him. It was nice, the idea of being safe and warm while sleeping. Atria glanced over his scars, wondering if they still hurt him from time to time as hers did. She was still worried they were going too fast, and was ready to tell him to slow down if it seemed necessary, but at the moment she wasn't overly concerned about that, since she could feel her mana drain wearing on her more with each second. With a slight, quiet chuckle, she said, "Keep practicing with those element spells of yours, you'll see what mana drain feels like soon enough." Suddenly remembering, she took her dagger off of her belt and set it to her side; she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep otherwise. He was warm and perfectly protective, so she trusted him enough to close her eyes. For a second she recalled stories of young women being charmed by men with vile intentions, but then she quickly remembered that she was a mage, and though her specialty was defensive, that did not mean she couldn't protect herself; not that she'd ever think Dayn might try anything less than honourable, but again, she'd never gotten close to somebody in this manner, and trust, deep trust, did not come easily for her. Gods, what would mother say if she found out I'm courting a noble.... Is courting the proper word here? Oh well, right now, I don't think verbiage matters. She didn't stay awake for more than a few minutes before slipping into warm, safe sleep.

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn pulled the blanket over them and wrapped his arms around Atria, holding her close to him before falling fast asleep. A couple of hours later they had awoke and broke camp before heading out on the last bit of road between them and Low Rock. They arrived in the city as the sun began to fall, just as Dayn had planned. What he hadn't planned was the lookout waiting for them inside the gate with a carriage to take them back to the palace. "Lord Aric has been expecting you. He has asked for your presence in the palace immediately following your successful return." Dayn looked to Atria with a raised eyebrow before turning back to the herald. "Very well. We shall go." The herald opened the door to the carriage, shutting it behind the two once they were seated. As the carriage slowly began to move towards the palace Dayn looked over to Atria, moving a hand to her face before kissing her. As their lips parted he rested his forehead against her own, rubbing her cheek with his thumb, enjoying the closeness to her. As if it had been orchestrated by some cruel mind the long buried pain welled up inside of him again, bringing old memories and ghosts back to life.





Dayn......I'm so cold.....help me.........





Dayn turned away from Atria, his hand covering his face as the tears came unbidden to his eyes. Why now did that memory have to come up? The tears streaked down his face as he shook his head. It has been years, and yet it still haunts me. Was it because he was moving on, or was it because he felt guilty about his feelings for Atria? They've been dead for five years now, yet now when I'm ready to try again I can't help but feel guilty about my feelings towards Atria. Why?

 

[Dragongal]

Despite her hesitancy in letting herself get close to Dayn, Atria greatly enjoyed being close to him, safe and warm. Her technique was simple: don't think about it. Atria did her best to not let herself acknowledge what she was doing, because if she did, she knew she’d make herself stop, even if it hurt her. She found it odd that she had slept well when curled against Dayn, as she just about never slept well; this was another thing she didn't let herself question. When Dayn pulled away, her euphoria instantly turned to deep concern. "Dayn? Dayn, what's wrong? Please, let me help," Atria entreated quietly. She gently pulled his hand away from his face, lightly running her thumb over his palm with her left hand, wiping tears from his face with her right. Atria was someone who could understand pain from the past. There was nothing else she could think of that could upset him so much so suddenly, but the past. A healer though she may be, she could not help him with something like this unless he let her. "If it is me, please let me know; it would pain me less than seeing you hurt like this."

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn looked up at Atria and despite his red eyes and the tears that streaked his face he smiled, taking hold of her left hand while leaning his head into her right, kissing her palm. "My dear, you have done nothing wrong by me." Dayn placed his hand over Atria's and held it against his cheek as he leaned in, pressing against her forehead again as he whispered, "It seems that some ghosts don't always fade away." He rode in silence like that for a little while longer, letting the closeness between them ease off some of the pain. "One day I will tell you, but right now I don't have the heart to."





Dayn rode the remainder of the way to the palace in Atria's embrace. By the time the carriage stopped Dayn had been able to compose himself, and stepped out of the door before turning around and offering his hand to assist Atria out onto the ground. "Lord Aric is expecting you in the grand hall. May I-" "We know the way, thank you." Dayn interrupted. The herald bowed before climbing back onto the carriage and riding off. "Better not keep him waiting." As they walked towards the door Dayn took Atria's hand in his own, holding it all the way up until they were about to enter the grand hall. As Dayn laid his hand upon the door a thought came to his mind. He entered the room with a smile on his face. Lord Aric sat upon his throne expectantly. "Sir Dayn and Miss Atria, welcome back to Low Rock. How was the mission?"

 

[Dragongal]

Atria bowed slightly to Aric; as a woman, she was technically supposed to curtsy, however, she was an adventurer, in men's clothing, who hated formality, and was busy worrying about her... friend? He wasn't quite her man, was he? I might need to figure that out soon. She wanted to cut to the chase; Aric wanted something, as all nobles did. She glanced at Dayn. Well, most nobles. She knew Dayn wouldn't be as forward as was necessary to find out what was needed, he had a family reputation to uphold. Luckily, she didn't. "It went well, M'Lord, one or two setbacks, but very well overall. If I may be so forward, may we know why you called us back so urgently?" It obviously wasn't to pay them, though she wanted her pay as soon as possible. With the seasons changing toward being colder, she had to sell her current equipment to buy winter equipment soon. A thicker cloak, maybe actually getting a bedroll this year. She never carried blanket and bedroll to keep her pack as light as possible, instead just using her cloak for bed and blanket, since she had to carry all of her mage and medic equipment too. A new shirt or two was about in order; maybe something that looked nice as well as held up, considering Dayn would have to be seen around her. A slight blush crept onto Atria's face. What is wrong with me? Normally I know what to expect of my thoughts, there's nothing sudden like that. She glanced at Dayn again. Of course, her winter plans might have to change, depending on how far they were going to travel together.

 

[BookWyrm]

Surprisingly, Lord Aric simply smiled at the straight forwardness of Atria. "Ah, the details of how the mission was completed do not bother me as much as knowing that it was completed successfully. So, first and foremost you are here to receive your pay. Secondly, and in my view just as importantly, I have a a matter to discuss with the both of you. I have received a message from Baron Rorik de Ironcrest requesting aid." Dayn's brow came together in contemplation. Ironcrest was a fortified city towards centered on the borders between the North and West a good distance from Low Rock. Dayn traveled through the Lower Burg in passing on some quest, but he had never stepped foot in Ironcrest proper. For the Baron to need aid was strange.





"Did the Baron de Ironcrest state what aid was required?"


"He said it was a matter he wasn't apt to discuss among a broad audience. My only guess is it's a matter he doesn't want the general populace of Ironcrest to know about. I wrote back to him stating that I could send word your way, but the choice is yours to take on this endeavor of secrecy."


Dayn had heard of Rorik from stories and talk around the tavern. He was a strong man by all accounts and a war hero. But he was also, or so Dayn had heard, a very superstitious man. But of course with Ironcrest being on the border of both North and West Trulane Dayn couldn't hold that against him. The woods and swamps in that area were filled to the brim with legends and beasts, among other unsavory things.





"What say you, love?", Dayn whispered, though this was more than just a question. In one sentence Dayn not only expressed his feelings towards Atria, but also how he viewed her as his equal. They were, after all, traveling companions apart from their budding romance, and Dayn wasn't about to make a decision for both of them without consulting Atria first. Though he truly meant what he said Dayn couldn't help but remember Kara. I will tell her, tonight, if only to purge this guilt and close that chapter for good.

 

[Dragongal]

Ironcrest? That was farther North than she was comfortable returning to, especially with Dayn. She'd traveled the area around it before, but never actually gone into the city. That would be entering an area where they ran the risk of her being recognized. While she would be on good footing, knowing what to expect for the weather and beasts of the North, she'd have to worry about staying inconspicuous in the city. That was, for the most part, where she had enemies, in cities. She didn't want Dayn to worry, though, so she decided she'd only mention it if it was necessary. She looked over to Dayn with a smile, quietly replying, "I think we should go, darling."

 

[BookWyrm]

"We accept." Lord Aric smiled as he clapped his hands together. "Excellent! I shall send a raven to Baron Rorik immediately. Your pay will be presented to you upon your exit, but, oh, I almost forgot. Since the weather is appearing to be turning colder I shall inform Rorik that your travel may be slowed. Of course you are welcome to spend as much time preparing that you require. Now, I bid you farewell and good traveling." Aric was right, their pay was waiting for them right outside the chamber door. Dayn was rather pleased to see it was considerable even for such a mellow task. Well, they both did come away a little worse for ware. As they walked out of the palace Dayn felt himself relax. "So, love," he asked as he took Atria's hand, "how would you prefer to spend our evening?"

 

[Dragongal]

"With you," she said playfully. In a slightly more serious tone, she said, "I'm going to need some new equipment before we can head out again and you need a new helm. But we have some time, he said, so really it's up to you. But if I'm terribly honest, just relaxing sounds nice, I'm afraid I burnt more mana than I intended to." She didn't want him to worry, so she smiled wryly, adding, "Healing your thick skull was a tad difficult, dearest." As they crossed the gates, moving back into the city, Atria raised her hood. She glanced apologetically to Dayn as she did so. Old habits died hard, and she didn't want his good name being soiled if they were seen together by someone of import. Of course, she also just found strange comfort having her hood up. Mentally, she replied, Well, dearest, I actually also have some plans I can't tell you about because, well, they're highly illegal, but that's for when you're asleep and I can sneak out. Of course, I'm still concerned after what happened in the carriage, but I've had these plans for a good bit now. The longer she stayed close to Dayn, the less fiery passion she felt that pushed her toward her errand, but again, old habits died hard. Very hard.

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn smiled playfully at Atria's jest. "You know my family is known for their stubbornness. We have a habit of refusing to die." When Atria pulled her hood over her head Dayn half frowned for a second. He wondered if she had done it to avoid anyone seeing the two of them together. Though Dayn found the notion just slightly amusing, the only people he knew in Low Rock were craftsmen and the Inn keeper, it was both unneeded and rather thoughtful at the same time. Not to mention it gave their budding romance a mysterious, clandestine feel. And that was a bit of a turn on. Dayn, still holding Atria's hand, pulled her to him, his free hand moving around her hip to pull her close against him as he spun the two of them around with the smooth, graceful steps to a dance he hadn't performed in years before stopping and kissing her. This kiss, though, expressed a passionate side that Dayn had only revealed to one other person. As he finished the kiss he smiled. "I don't care if the king himself saw us together. I'm happier tonight than I have been in a long time, and I don't plan on letting anyone ruin such good company." Before she could detest Dayn kissed her again, and again, before spinning her once more and stopping their short dance with that same mischievous smile he displayed when he had an idea.


"I know of a private bath house here in town. They are known for their mastery of massage for not only healing but mana recovery as well. I've also been told that they have some of the best selection in wines, meads, and refreshments. What do you say love? My treat after we finish the shopping?"

 

[Dragongal]

Atria couldn't help but laugh as Dayn spun her around, enjoying his kisses just as much, though again she worried they were going too far too fast. His suggestion sounded wonderful, until the words actually clicked in her head. "No!" she yelped before she could stop herself. She blushed deeply, hoping she hadn't offended him. "I-I mean, Dayn, it's very thoughtful of you, but, I... uh..." She put her head against his chest, thoroughly ashamed. How could she explain to him that it wasn't a bad idea, it was merely that she just... couldn't? She could only think of one way to make him really understand, and she didn't like it at all. But, what if she did? If he did leave her, it's better that it happened now rather than later when it would hurt worse; yet she didn't want him to leave her. And on the small chance he didn't? Yes, he was nice and sweet and patient, and promised not to pry, and to be there for her, but saying that before knowing was different; she doubted he'd say such if he knew the fullest extent of her past. She didn't want to be alone and reclusive again, it had seemed like she was just starting to slowly get back to her old self, and now.... Uncomfortable, embarrassed, and overall nervous, she adjusted her hood to bring it lower over her face out of habit, glanced at him quickly, then refused to look up from the ground. Knowing her nerves would bring her accent back, she focused on saying as clearly as she could, though quietly from shame, "You... may not mind showing your scars. However, I can not say the same...."

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn hugged Atria tight against him, feeling slightly ashamed to have suggested something that put her on edge. "There is nothing to be ashamed of love. I am so sorry to have distraught you so." Dayn stood for a moment watching the crowd as they moved around them, paying the two of them no more heed than they would have a fly. Here we are, amidst all of these people, yet we are only aware of ourselves and our ghosts. "How about a small dinner, just the two of us, in a quiet part of the city then hmm?"

 

[Dragongal]

Atria held on to him a few moments longer. To her, an embrace such as this was preferable to a kiss, mostly because of the sense of safety which she could not really find anywhere else. She stepped back and gave him a quick, apologetic half-smile. "It's not your fault, A chroí. You were right, in the carriage. Some ghosts don't fade away...." At this point, she just wanted to take a warm bath - in privacy - and doze. Preferably dozing curled up against Dayn's chest, but she'd take just about anything. She was hungry, though. She took his hand in hers. "I think that that sounds like a wonderful idea." He seems like he feels guilty; I wish I'd been able to keep my mouth shut. He couldn't have known, I've been keeping the damn secret so long.... Gods damn, can nothing be easy?

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn smiled as he led her down the street. He had stopped by a couple of stores to purchase some items; a bottle of mead, a small roast, fresh bread, and cheese, before returning to the Heron. To his surprise the Heron had almost cleared out of patrons during their trip, but the inn keep still greeted them with a genuine smile. "Dayn me boy, tis always good to see you. How can I help you?" "We are going to use the veranda, could you run a hot bath in my room here in half an hour?" "Course I can! You two enjoy your supper and I'll have the baths ready fer you after." Dayn led Atria up to the third floor and out onto a beautiful, and private, veranda overlooking the lower distract near the river. Wisteria grew around a terrace and bloomed with deep purple flowers that drew butterflies and moths of all shapes and sizes. At one corner was a small table. Dayn prepared the supper before sitting down across the table from Atria.


After they had finished their supper Dayn had led Atria back to his room. It was the best room in the inn, a spacious suite with a fire pit, a large bed, and room enough for the two baths that had been run earlier. Dayn smiled as he checked the water. Just a few degrees above lukewarm, that nice comfortably hot temp. Dayn pulled a movable privacy wall between the two tubes before turning to Atira. "Be my guest, the water is perfect. And don't worry about me. The laws of chivalry forbid me from watching a woman who isn't my lover bathe." After Dayn had slid down into his bath he thought about those words, wondering about their meaning to him. Would they get to that point of comfort that they would share of themselves physically? The better question, would he allow himself to?

 

[Dragongal]

Atria hesitated a few seconds after he'd pulled the wall between them before undressing, taking off the bandaging around her ribs, glad to see the gash had healed but for some redness. "I like that code," she commented, discreetly letting him know her limits. She knew she wasn't close to ready for anything past kissing and cuddling, and probably wouldn't be for quite some time, and by then he'd probably be long gone. The warm water felt wonderful on the bruising over her broken rib. As she carefully unwound the bandaging on her hand, she let her mind wander, glancing at her arms with disdain. Just about every reason she wouldn't let herself get close to him, or fully trust him, was etched out right there. Well, almost everything. He's treated her so well, she almost had to wonder if there was some kind of catch, which she felt terribly guilty over.


Once finished bathing, she pulled on a green longsleeve shirt and black pants. She moved over to the bed, which was luckily on her side of the screen, sorting through her pack. She took out one of many vials, reading the label carefully before pouring a small amount of the liquid onto her hand that had been burnt. It was still red and tender to the touch, but alchemical acids fixed that up in a matter of seconds, soaking into her skin and healing it. She put away the vial and took out a sharpening stone. Perched on the edge of the bed, she began slowly, methodically sharpening her dagger. From pommel to tip it was almost as long as her forearm, so it was actually closer to a shortsword in some ways. Wonderfully balanced steel with a silver coating, dwarven made, it required little care, but she enjoyed the peaceful silence of the practice. As Dayn's sword meant a lot to him, her dagger meant a lot to her.

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn finished drying himself off and put on some simple, comfortable clothing. Loose fitting gray pants and a white but well worn shirt, nothing more, nothing less. Dayn walked around the wall and smiled. "I hope everything has been to your liking." He walked over to the bed and, rather ungracefully, flopped down onto his back and stared at the ceiling before laughing. Something about the notion, though he wasn't sure what, humored him. He sat up and watched Atria as she sharpened her dagger, wondering what was going through her mind. He wanted to know why she was so reserved, but then again he wasn't about to let her open up without doing so himself. Finally, with a sigh, he scooted forward and sat next Atria. He wrapped his arm around her hip as he leaned in to kiss her neck. "Atria, I have so much that I want to tell you, but I'm not sure where to begin."

 

[Dragongal]

Atria smiled, wiping off her dagger and putting it back in its sheath, next to her pack. She took his hand in hers and leaned her head on his shoulder. He'd concerned her earlier in the carriage, but she knew better than to pry. The fact that he was willing to talk to her about something that seemed to worry him impressed her. For a split second, she had to wonder if he was too trusting, or if it was specifically her. "Start wherever you like. I'll listen and do my best to keep up," she said simply.

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn sighed as he laid his head gently on Atria's. Just start at the beginning. "Do you ever wonder if you are doomed to repeat mistakes from the past?" He couldn't explain to himself why he had asked the question before starting his story. "I met a girl several years back. We were both trying to escape being stuck at some ball or feast, and we ran into each other outside the manor in this maze that the lord had built. She had raven hair, emerald eyes, freckles that danced on her face as she laughed. I remember the first time I saw her to this day. We both turned a corner and came face to face there in the maze. I know it sounds stupid, but I can honestly say it was love at first sight.


"We were inseparable. We'd sneak away from feasts and balls to mill about the countryside on horse back or walk through ancient forests looking for elves, truly kiddish things, but we didn't care. All we wanted was to be together, no matter how stupid of a reason we gave to cover up our disappearance. Well, one night I came to see her. It was the usual time I came around, but I didn't find her, but I did find a note with her perfume. She had left me a trail and told me to hunt, so I tracked her until I came to a secluded cabin by a river. I found her inside wearing...well I won't go into details. I came in off the path for a time and we stayed at the cabin. Our families knew to a degree about our relationship, but it didn't actually come out until nine months later when our daughter was born. You see, noble regulation states that there must be a ceremony and so many years of courting before two can become betrothed, but we knew from the start we were meant to be together. Well, honestly the families were flustered but our parents weren't overtly bothered, but her brothers never liked me from the beginning. She had been the only daughter, and her family was of higher status, so they had always planned on her marrying someone better than me, And what was love to us her brothers' saw as shaming the family."





Dayn grew quiet, his heart pounding as the tears began to fall. As he spoke his voice wavered, threatening to fail him. "I....they...." Dayn's head sank as his body shuddered, the memories of that night becoming all to clear. But he had to. He had to finish the story. For a moment he wondered why he trusted Atria so much that he would reopen this wound. But as he looked into her eyes he could almost catch a glimpse of the women he once knew, and it tormented him as much as it stirred his emotions. That is why, I do it for her. "Our daughter had just turned one a few days before. I had left home to go hunting, mostly because I needed to clear my head. We had been talking about moving from the cabin into a manor of our own, and we had a minor quarrel with the families, but her brothers had been the worst I'd ever seen them. They came to the cabin with some of their men while I was away. They found her breatfeeding our daughter and, I'm guessing during some altercation, our daughter fell from her arms. She died instantly upon contact. I found out later that they had raped my beloved before tying her to the bed and burning our cabin down, but all of that was to draw me out. I returned to find my home ablaze and her brothers and their men outside."





Dayn could feel his heart beating slower as he thought about the things he did that day, the screams and cries of agony from her brothers' men, and when he finally confronted the two responsible. "There was about ten of them altogether. None of them left the woods that day. When her family found out I was shunned, banned from ever returning to their lands or seeing the graves which my beloved and daughter were buried in."