Ascending Legends

[Dragongal]

Atria gently wiped off Dayn's tears, scared to break the silence. How could he bear so much pain, yet still have that mischievous smile she loved so much? She felt tears running down her own cheeks, not from sadness or surprise, but pure pity. It wasn't fair that someone like Dayn had all of this pain. It wasn't fair that someone who must have been as wonderful as his girl had met such a fate. And the part that killed Atria most was that there was nothing she could do to fix it. There never was, and there never would be. It almost made her angry, the very idea that such injustice existed, that her family would do that, he couldn't even visit their graves - she caught herself. She wasn't the vengeful type anymore, and that wouldn't help Dayn any. Damned be the gods that let something like this happen to him.


She took his hand in both of hers again and put her head back on his shoulder, quietly saying, "You're so brave, Dayn.... I'm sure that you made her happy, despite everything else. She was probably the happiest woman in Trulane. I bet you were a great father, too." She wasn't about to say something stupid about the Gods and heavens and forgiveness, try to console him and tell him it wasn't his fault. It obviously wasn't his fault. He didn't need that. He seemed to just need someone to listen to him.

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn sat in silence for the longest time, not knowing whether or not he needed, or better yet wanted, to speak, all the while trying his best to hold in the flood of emotion that was threatening to overtake him. When Atria laid her head on his shoulder, taking his hands in her own, Dayn felt his limit was coming up. I can't hold onto this forever. Dayn turned so he could face Atria, placing on hand on her face as the other held her hand. "I have never told anyone else about this. I felt so guilty when we started courting, like I was forgetting her memory. Atria, being around you has led to the only nights of peaceful sleep I have had in many years. I can feel the pain slowly leaving, but I am scared Atria." Dayn's head fell against Atria's shoulder as he began to cry. He held onto her tight, afraid to let go of her. "I don't want to lose you Atria."

 

[Dragongal]

Atria held him close, quietly saying, "You won't lose me, A chroí. I'm here for you now, and I'll be here for you as long as you wish." She hummed quietly, a pretty old song with a sweet, slow melody. Humming was something she hadn’t done in two years. At one time, she’d been able to sing, too, beautifully, and it was something she had greatly enjoyed in private. This was the first time she’d broken her musical silence, holding Dayn close.


After what seemed like an eternity of heartache, she suggested they try to sleep; dawn was always brighter than dusk for things like this. Atria kissed him lightly on his cheek, then curled up with her head against his chest. She dozed lightly, opening her eyes every so often, waiting until she knew for certain that Dayn was soundly asleep. She very slowly, very carefully slipped from his arms, though it pained her to do so. She had an (admittedly terrible) excuse prepared for if Dayn woke - a headache, requiring some fresh air - though she prayed she wouldn’t have to use it. The thought of lying to him was deplorable. Despite what some people may have to say about Atria, she was a woman of high morals; she could have used her healing magic to ensure that Dayn wouldn’t wake until she returned, but she wasn’t about to do that to him. Not only because she cared form him, but also because she respected him very highly.


She grabbed her cloak and weapons belt and left silently. While she felt guilty for leaving Dayn, especially after how the night had gone, she had to keep an old promise, and a new one. If she wanted any future with Dayn, to be there for him as she’d promised, she had to do this.


Two hours later, Atria returned, placing her cloak and weapons belt exactly how they had been earlier, except she put her dagger on the table next to the bed. This was just something she had to do if she was to actually sleep. She curled up in Dayn's arms again, muttering about it being cold. After a few seconds, she let herself fall asleep.


Atria opened her eyes, glancing out the window. The sky was coloured grey, soon to turn pale blue, then vivid blue, as the sun would follow its continuous cycle through the day. Atria curled up closer to Dayn, and gently nuzzled against his chest. “Dayn, it’s dawn. Do you want to get up?” She didn’t want to. In fact, she was fine with the idea of spending the whole day curled up with him like that. Aric said they had time, right…? But she knew he’d be upset if they didn’t get moving. He seemed like that kind of early riser, which she could understand. She was tired from her escapade last night, but she could hide that easily enough.

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn awoke from the nightmare of the previous night to a dream beyond what he could have asked for. The wind blew in calmly from the open windows of the suite, bringing in the cool, damp morning air to chill Dayn's exposed chest. The smells of baking bread and blooming flowers mingled with the smell of the river that wafted up from the lower district. Dayn blinked the fog from his eyes as he stretched out sleep stiff muscles, only to relax back into the bed as he slowly rubbed his hand up and down Atria's back in an ever so slightly sensual way. He looked smiled contentedly as he felt her nuzzle up against his chest. "The shops won't be open for another two hours, and the early risers are usually breaking their fast downstairs for another hour and a half. Me thinks we might should linger, enjoy the morning in good company, and get a later start. We do have a day or two before we must be on our way, so why rush off?" He slowly moved his head to kiss Atria, his hand gently caressing her neck as he moved from her lips to her cheek, then down to her neck. Dayn took his time, enjoying the intimacy and the feeling of her skin. He pulled away from her neck and gently nibbled at her ear before laying back down, a smile on his face as he looked into her grey eyes.


"So what say you love? How about we pushed aside responsibility for a little while longer and enjoy some free time?"

 

[Dragongal]

"That sounds wonderful, mo chroi," she sighed, grateful for the rest. Atria was glad to see him in such good humors after last night. She reached up and brushed back his hair before giving him a quick kiss. She laughed for what felt like the first time in ages. For some reason, she got the notion that that moment would be a good time to tell him the truth. "Dayn...." Her smiled faded. He'd told her everything, wasn't it fair to tell him? If telling her had helped him, maybe if she told him, it'd be easier on herself? No, her errand last night had been a partial failure; she'd gotten closer to completing her promise, but she was not there yet. She cleared her throat and said, "When we go to Ironcrest, I'm running the risk of being recognized, especially in the city's trade districts. Actually, I run that risk in any city, but the farther North we go... the higher the risk. I just wanted to let you know that, okay? If I'm recognized.... let me deal with it. Please."

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn's curiosity mixed with concern at the sudden revelation. He opened his mouth to ask why, but closed it upon better judgement. So what. Everyone had their history. Just because her's was different than his own didn't give him the reason to judge. Besides, after what he did to Kara's brothers and their men, he was almost certain that she probably hadn't matched that sin. But, was what he did that day truly considered a sin? "I guess we will have to be careful then." He leaned in close and kissed her again, this time more passionately than before. "Atria, your past does hold sway over my feelings for you. No matter the reason for the secrecy, I will be there for you, always." As he finished he kissed her again. "Now, how did you plan on spending our free time, love?"

 

[Dragongal]

Sure, he said that now. Now that he didn't know. Last night he'd seemed upset when he mentioned his killing the men who'd hurt his girl. If he thought that was horrible... how could he stand being near her? She ignored her thoughts, smiling to him. "I haven't the faintest idea. I'm too used to wandering alone in the woods to have any ideas for this kind of thing. I trust you, though. You can decide." Normally she'd pass her leisure time studying texts or experimenting with potions. Cities were crowded, and so to her, only for trade, and perhaps mead - which she knew she shouldn't drink, but at the same time, she didn't care enough sometimes, when the memories plagued her too badly, and even in sleep she couldn't find respite past the nightmares. This was not any occasion like that, though.

 

[BookWyrm]

The grey morning sky was just beginning to be broken by the first rays of sun that peaked around the horizon. Dayn looked out the window and smiled. He could hear the sounds of the patrons eating their breakfasts below, the clamor occasionally broken by Angus' bellowing laugh. "Breakfast can wait. Right now all I can think about is spending this morning with you."





(All I had)

 

[Dragongal]

Atria laughed quietly, admitting, "I can't say I'm the most interesting company, Dayn." She rested her head against his chest, thinking. "I'm so used to being alone in the woods, avoiding people and just occupying my time. It's been so wonderful being with you, but, if I'm honest, I am completely out of my element. Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying it, a lot, but... I mean, I've never even been courted before this, I keep on worrying we're going too fast, or that I'll do something wrong." She looked at him and smiled. "But I'll try my best, alright?" She laughed to herself and shook her head slightly. "Gods, if any of my old friends from the North saw me now, courting a noble, or, Hel, courting! Gods...." Before he could ask, she said, "I used to be a lot of things, Dayn. A lot of things I'm not anymore. Courting was definitely not in my repertoire." Her smile faded slightly. Why was she telling him all of this? Why did it feel good to talk about her past, when it normally brought her pain? She shook her head, admitting, "Sometimes I have to wonder if I'm better now, or... before." She gave him a quick kiss and smiled again, brushing back his hair. "The biggest advantage I have now, though, is you, mo chroi."


She paused. There was noise coming in from the window.... She smiled widely at him, getting out of the bed. "Get dressed, quickly. I'm borrowing one of your shirts, by the way, a chroi." She pulled a white longsleeve shirt from his pack, moving to the other side of the screen to change.

 

[BookWyrm]

Oh what a tease! A quick kiss before getting out of bed only to "steal" his shirt. Dayn found himself smiling as he followed suit. He walked over to his pack and rummaged through his clothing. "It might be just a tad big on you, but it'll probably look better on you than it does on me." Dayn changed into a comfortable pair of trousers and a black shirt before rolling the sleeves up to his elbows. "Well love, what do you happen to be planning? I was content to waste away free hours with just the two of us in bed but, obviously, you have a plan. Care to fill me in, or is it a surprise?"

 

[Dragongal]

The shirt was a bit big, but it wasn't unmanagable. She rolled the extra fabric on the sleeves up to her wrist, then pulled on her boots over her black pants. Atria moved from behind the screen, tossed her dirty clothes back onto her pack, and grabbed his hand. "You won't believe me until I show you, but we have to hurry." She led him out of the inn, pausing outside the door. Thanks to the vantage point the inn was at, she got a better idea of where they were going, despite never having been so deep in this city. A slight, crisp morning breeze stirred her unbound hair as she looked over the buildings toward the river. She led him through the streets, pausing every few moments to listen, looking carefully at intersections. The farther she led him, the more obvious the answer to his question was. Music, quick and bright, was being played somewhere in the city.


She led him down a small side-street, which ended in a very large, enclosed garden by the river. Cobblestones paved a smooth circle surrounded by bushes and flowering trees. A small rag-tag band played in a corner. A number of couples in dirty, torn clothing danced to the band's lead. "It's called a Pauper's Ball, mo chroi. Every couple nights, in almost every city, at least one band will begin an hour before dawn, and play until the sun is all the way up. There's markings at intersections to let people know where it's going to be." The music wasn't what was to be expected from a ball. It was not slow, paced music designed for displaying elegance and forcing people to meet each other, this music was obviously for enjoyment. She was willing to bet Dayn wasn't familiar with the reels. While it was similar to a waltz, it was significantly faster and without strict rules. She pulled him onto the circle, saying, "Try to keep up, mo chroi!"

 

[BookWyrm]

A Pauper's-Ball. Dayn had heard the stories, mostly from disapproving nobles, but he had always wanted to experience one in person. A smile flashed across his face as he gladly followed Atria into the circle. Though Dayn was unfamiliar with the music he had a trained ear for beat, timing, and rhythm. It wasn't long before he had found his footing. At first he was stuck in form that had been drilled into his head over years of noble balls, but after watching Atria dance freely in time and tune with the band Dayn began to loosen up, freeing his feet to step and dance along with unadulterated passion and love for nothing more than just the dance in and wholly of itself. Never before had he been able to lose himself in dance, enjoying the music and the crowd as their jests and jokes mingled with cheer and laughter. He found himself unable to control the smile that spread across his face as he and Atria danced on among the strangers and the crowd from the time that they joined the Pauper's-Ball until they could no longer breath and had to move aside the catch their breath.


Dayn nearly fell against the wall as he paused, breathing heavily but never losing his smile as he pulled Atria over and hugged her tight. "I *gasp*, have never had so much fun in my life!"

 

[Dragongal]

Atria laughed with Dayn, panting just as heavily. "Glad you enjoyed it!" Not long after, the band called a last dance, as the sun's light was colouring the tops of the trees gold, switching to a slower beat. She led Dayn back to the paved circle. "One last dance. You can handle that, can't you?" The dance was not dissimilar to the ones earlier, yet it was much closer to a waltz than any previous dances had been. She let Dayn lead, trying to be the best dancing partner she could be. As the dance ended, the rest of the dancers applauded, but Atria pulled Dayn close for a slow kiss. When they separated, she laughed, "You're the best dancing partner I've ever had. And I've danced with elves, so that's saying something."

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn laughed in between trying to catch his breath as Atria pulled him back into the circle for the last dance. "I think I can go another round." To his surprise the band began to play a slower paced dance similar to a waltz. Dayn took the lead, seeing that Atria took the passive, and the two danced together to one final song as the sun broke over the trees and spilled it's golden light out onto those gathered around. As the band, and the dance, ended to a chorus of applause Dayn found himself pulled into a kiss. Dayn ran his hand down Atria's back as they kissed, slowly letting his eyes open after he felt Atria pulling away from his lips. He smiled at the compliment. "Well, I aim to please my dear." He kissed her again before walking over and tossing a couple of coins to the band. "My gratitude for the fine music this morning."


Dayn led Atria over to the river district to watch the sun rise up over the water, though he started to feel his stomach rumbling as they enjoyed the sight. "I seem to have danced up quite the appetite. What do you say to a hearty breakfast?"

 

[Dragongal]

Atria leaned against Dayn as she watched the golden flashes on the river's tumultuous surface. She took his hand, lacing her fingers between his, still watching the water. She just liked the simple closeness; she didn't need kisses or lavish promises as long as she could hold his hand and keep him close and safe. "Food sounds great. I left my money in the inn, though, so you'll have to pay. Actually, I left my everything in the inn," she said, realizing for the first time that she was unarmed. Sure, she was a mage, but she didn't like lacking her dagger. She squeezed Dayn's hand a little more tightly knowing that she didn't have her beloved blade. She turned to walk back into the city for food, still holding Dayn's hand, before pausing. She reached out to a dogwood tree and plucked one of the flowers, twirling the simple, pale blossom between her fingers. She'd seen them countless times before since coming South, but had never found a way to learn the name. It was like that for many plants and cultural aspects she'd discovered. "Dayn, what's this called?"

 

[BookWyrm]

"The local name is gwaed brenin, king's blood. There is an ancient legend stating that long ago a great king sacrificed himself to protect his people and the family he loved. To honor him the gods took his blood and filled every dog wood tree so that every year, around a certain time, the pale white blooms would bleed into their pink blossoms in honor of the king's memory. The Southern kingdom is the only place in all of Trulane that has dog woods like this, giving some validity to the legend." Dayn was in an exceptionally good mood. He liked being able to relax and be around Atria, even though he knew in a couple of days they'd be off to Ironcrest and whatever that entailed. But for now he could push that from his mind and focus on courting his love. Dayn chuckled as he finally realized what he was doing, but where he had felt guilt for his sudden interest in Atria he now felt calm, almost as if facing his past the previous night had allowed him to finally grieve and move on.


They had returned to the inn right at the time when the majority of the crowd had left, but Dayn knew that there was still plenty of food around. Angus smiled, as he always did, at their return. "Welcome back Master Dayn, and a hearty welcome to his dearest as well! I'll have breakfast out fer ya in a jiffy." Dayn led Atria to a comfortable seat near the mellowing fire that had been lit to ward off the cool morning air. "After breakfast we can head out into the shops to pick up what we need. Don't worry about rations, Angus usually has fresh travelers rations made throughout the week for those coming and going."

 

[Dragongal]

Atria put the flower behind her ear, not to look pretty, but to keep track of it. She enjoyed the walk back to the inn with Dayn, though she blushed when Angus referred to her as Dayn's dearest. He wasn't wrong, but she didn't now how to respond to that. It seemed like a compliment in a way. She was glad to hear Dayn's bringing up their travel to come, as she felt she'd been in the city long enough, especially after her escapade last night. She had actually found great enjoyment in walking the streets with Dayn, but now that it was later in the day the crowds would start coming out. "Sounds like a good plan."

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn and Atria finished their breakfast and left for the markets. By this time the streets were beginning to become slightly crowded, luckily though they weren't terrible. Dayn walked through the shops, admiring the various items on display. It always fascinated him that someone somewhere had created the majority of these things. They had gone to the smith's forge as their first stop so that he could sell his old helmet and hopefully find a new one. "Hmm...", the smith looked over the old bascinet, turning it over in his hands. "I can melt it down for sure, and this is high quality steel. I'll take it, but this is worth a considerable amount."


"I know your reputation. How about we put the majority of it on something new?"


The smith smiled. "Aye, that'll work just fine. Take a gander, you won't find better in the South, and you'd be hard pressed to in the North as well."


The smith wasn't joking. The quality of his metal work was top notch. Dayn browsed the various styles of helmets, his hand interlaced with Atria's, trying to find one he liked. "What do you think? See any that stand out? Barbute, burgonet, frog mouth, salet, what do you think?"





(If you have a helmet picture feel free to post one)

 

[Dragongal]

"This is a good one," Atria said, pointing out a simpler helmet. She hated frog mouths and burgonets - too much that could potentially get caught by a weapon in a close-call. She was of the opinion that a fighter should be able to move with ease and so their armour shouldn't be excessively bulky and should move with them easily. She had nothing against salets, but she preferred the one she had chosen. Not only was it full-face, which was optimal for fights with mages, but it had a considerably larger visor, which she'd always found helped when working with civilians while in armour; plus it wasn't cumbersome, and would allow him to move easily. The only real downside was the same with any full-faced helm; she couldn't gauge his thoughts, or really see if he was hiding a wound from her and merely sounding like he was fine.


Dayn had said that he knew of the armourer's reputation, but she wasn't as sure of this man she'd never met. She quietly said to him, "If he charges you more that twenty gold for this, since he has your old helm, don't pay it and take the old helm back. The metal of the old helm was Northwestern steel, I could tell when I looked at it, it's worth quite a lot in the current market because of the quality of the ore and the charcoal used in its fires. Last I heard, they were having difficulty getting Northwestern steel in the South. This is extremely fine, however... don't pay over twenty gold." She glanced at the ground then back to Dayn and added with a slight smile, "I'll explain why I know this all when we get outside, okay?"

Spoiler

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn raised an eyebrow in both intrigue and approval as his trademark mischievous smile crept onto his face. "A girl who knows her way around a forge, I like that." Dayn picked up the helmet and gave it the once, and then twice, over. "I like this one. Good quality, folded steel. Eye slit is just at the right size. Not too heavy, or too light. How much would you ask for it after putting the old helmet into the deal?" Dayn was no beginner when it came to haggling, but he preferred not to have to haggle with smiths, especially well known smiths. Reputation was like a currency in it's own right, and even though Dayn was a knight errant he had forged his own reputation that spread throughout Trulane. He hoped that, and the Northwestern steel from his old helmet would be enough.


The smith rubbed his chin with a strong, blackened hand. "For you, with the helmet in the deal, I can't charge more than ten." The smith stuck out his hand, to which Dayn took gratefully. "It's a deal, but pardon me if I can't recall if we've met before." The smith laughed in a good natured kind of way. "The campaign, I was the quarter master under Lord Huldrik." Dayn laughed. "Now I remember. That crazy old man almost got me killed as I dragged his arse out of the fire a time or two."





Dayn and Atria had finished up in the shop and walked outside, Dayn's knew helmet in his pack wrapped in an oil cloth and stuck into a bag. He was holding her hand again, gently rubbing his thumb on the back of her hand as they walked down the street. "So are you gonna tell me or are you gonna make me beg?"

 

[Dragongal]

"Mo chroi, I respect you far too much to see you begging. And who would I be to make an old campaigner beg?" Atria laughed lightly, then shrugged, and explained evenly, "Well, my dad died when I was six, in a mining accident. Nobody's fault, of course. He was one of the few humans in the mines with the dwarves. The Chief, Norim Cavecoat, who basically brought any money that was in the village to the village, made sure everyone was fed and had basic necessities, that kind of thing, he had been with my father just before the accident. He said my dad had stayed as long as he could to get as many of the miners out as possible, and had saved Norim's life among many others. Gave himself up, kinda." Atria didn't mind talking about her father's death. It was another story like any. It didn't hurt, it was fact. While she'd loved her father, time still had passed, and there had never been a reason to hold the grief; she was proud of her father, really. She dearly hoped that Dayn wouldn't say something like, "Sorry to hear that," and pity her; it was over and done with, no need for anyone to be sorry. She was just telling him so he could better grasp why she spent her a decent part of her childhood streaked with soot. Slightly ironic, though, since now she hated being near fires.


"Anyway, Norim promised to take care of my mom and I, and since he promised, all of his clan, and his workers, and so the workers' families - you know how tight-knit dwarves are - they basically all agreed to take care of us. They'd already liked us anyway, my dad did plenty of favors just because he was that way, and my mom did a lot of her healer's work for them for free. You know dwarves are very much honor-bound, and pretty amiable, so as a kid I spent a lot of time among their forges, at their invitation, of course. It gave me something to do, and they could keep an eye on me. Not one or two forges either, but a good number. Sometimes I'd sharpen weapons or polish armor that was heading out for import, just for fun. They seemed to enjoy having me around. I picked up a trick or two, like being able to tell steel quality by touch."

 

[BookWyrm]

"It seems there is more to you than meets the eye then. Hiding any more trade secrets I need to know about?" Dayn laughed as they resumed walking towards the shops. The day continued to burn on as they picked up the few things they needed for the trip. Dayn knew they would head out on the morrow, maybe later in the day, so he hoped to be able to spend some time alone with Atria before they headed out.


The sun was getting lower as the made their way out onto the veranda at the Heron. Dayn sat, his elbows propped on the table and his head resting on his hands, suddenly realizing that for the past minute of so he had lost himself as was simply gazing at Atria, soaking in her the shape of her face and features of her body. "You are gorgeous love. I know I've said it before, but I can't help but feel lucky to have met you. Out of all the girls I could spend my days with, none have intrigued me, or aroused me, more than you." He blushed slightly at the last statement. Though he was speaking the truth he couldn't help but feel slightly foolish for giving that bit of information away.





"Your hair burns like the fire that has lit inside my chest. Your eyes. grey like the morning sky flecked with shards of the finest of emeralds, reflect the depths of the soul that lays behind them. Oh to gaze into the cracked doors of your soul and see the beauty the hides behind, it beckons me to pursue, to find out what secrets lay beyond what my eyes can see. Your face is like the masterpiece of the great artists, an eternal statue of beauty that will be displayed forever. Your neck, lithe and sleek, yet a cascade of flickering water reflecting the sun flows down when the fire is unbound. Your skin," Dayn took Atria's hand in his own, gently rubbing it and massaging her palm and fingers, "softer than the clouds, and smooth as a flawless pearl. Just the feeling of it's touch kindles the fire in me. Atria how I praise the day we came to know each other, yet I still yearn to know you more, if my love would allow me?"

 

[Dragongal]

Describing Atria's face as crimson would have been equivalent to calling a red rose pink. Dayn had effectively stunned her into silence as she tried to process what he'd said. Atria was a girl who could greatly appreciate eloquence, but she was also a girl who was very broken in many ways. She looked at the sun setting and painting the sky pale colours that would soon turn vivid as time passed. She could only hope she would one day change similarly, if only for him and nothing else. Turning back to Dayn, she quietly said, not without a pang of guilt she tried to hide, "Dayn... nobody's ever spoken to me like that, and, gods, I'm not saying I don't appreciate it, or you, or the emotion and thought behind it, but... I just can't Dayn. One day, I promise, but... I can't. It's not that I don't trust you, it's just...." She gave a slight, broken chuckle that almost died in her throat, "I don't feel like I even have enough of a grasp on... myself... to figure... it all.... myself... all out just yet, much less be able to let someone else be so close." She took his hand in both of hers and said with a slight smile, "But with your help, I'm getting better."





When the stars were glimmering above the earth-bound humans and their meager creations, Atria sat down on the edge of the bed. She set her dagger on the table and swung her legs up, moving closer to Dayn. She put her head on his chest, already drifting toward sleep, and quietly asked, "Does your heart still hurt you like last night, mo chroi?" She didn't know the Common word for heartache; she'd never needed to learn it when she was young. She hoped he'd understand what she meant, she was still concerned for him after last night, and wasn't going to let herself fall asleep until she was sure he was alright.


(I'll do a timeskip in my next post, if that's ok)

 

[BookWyrm]

Dayn felt a slight sting in his heart, not only because he felt slightly like he might have crossed a boundary, but because he felt guilty. He felt guilty about being so free with his admiration and desire it made him feel foolish, no, stupid. But in his own way he couldn't help it. In his heart he had a romantic, poetic sense of love. When Atria took his hands he looked up and smiled, knowing that he at least was doing some good by her.


Later that evening, after the sun had set and they had returned to their room, Dayn lay in his bed. He wore only his loose sleeping pants, and having Atria lay on his bare chest felt too good to describe. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close as he kissed her forehead. "Not a day goes by that my heart doesn't mourn for Kara and Lia, but no, it no longer hurts." Dayn slowly moved his hand under Atria's chin before lifting her lips to meet his own. He kissed her slowly, passionately, before moving to whisper in her ear. "Having you here, my love, has kept the pain away." Gently he kissed her ear before letting her rest against his chest again as he pulled the covers over them. "Rest well love." Dayn was fast asleep and dreaming. Though he had been dreaming of Kara and his daughter recently, his dreams this night were of Atria.


(Sounds good to me)

 

[Dragongal]

The night was half-over, both Dayn and Atria had been sleeping, but Atria would have rather been awake.

Spoiler

She was in a corridor, the walls were cheap wooden panels and the ground was merely worn dirt. She had a small child in her arms. She could hear the sound of battle behind her and in front of her, but it was alright, she knew about those. Those were part of the plan. One of the panels in the corridor ahead of her moved, and she stopped, setting the child down. That panel wasn't supposed to connect to a room, that wasn't part of the plan!


She took a shield off of her back, telling the child to stay behind her. A man stepped through, he was tall and heavily armored, carrying a lance and a sword. Atria was ready to take him down, as he charged, she'd practiced this, she just had to tilt her shield correctly and then she could fight him from close-range, where his lance would be useless. She didn't like killing in front of kids, but this left her little choice. However, as the man charged, she noticed something at the very last second, a slight purple glint on the head of the lance. She didn't have time to move before the spelled lance broke through her shield, throwing her back.


She looked at her arm in disbelief. The tip of the lance was protruding from her arm, and the amount of blood.... Her bones had broken, she could tell, and if she didn't get the lance out and heal her veins, she'd bleed out in minutes. She could hear the small child sobbing behind her. The man raised his sword for a final blow, but then fell back, dead. The feathers on the end of an arrow shaft poked out from the eye slit in his helmet.


"Matthias, go help her!" Kalie shouted. Atria could hear Kalie's bowstring singing as she ended more lives, and Matthias's footsteps as he ran to her side. Why didn't this hurt as bad as it should, how could she be bleeding so much blood, when Raoul's throat had been slit, there hadn't been this much blood, surely. Matthias helped pull the lance out of her arm, and guarded her while she tried to heal as much as she could. Her vision was fading, she was spending too much mana but she was dying too. She heard shouts from ahead, and Matthias stood up, brandishing his sword. He moved away from her, getting prepared for battle. She tried to yell at him, but she was too weak. "Matthias, no, stop.... Please - "





Atria sat bolt upright, screaming, "Stop!" She tried to comprehend what she had just seen, and felt, and heard, compared to what was before her now; her body was rigid, her heart was in her throat, and it felt like she couldn't breathe past the cold fear that had seized her. This had happened many, many times before, but that didn't make it any better. Her back and arms hurt from old pains and she could hardly move her right arm if she'd wanted to. She held her left arm to her chest. It didn't hurt as bad as when the original injury had occurred, but it felt close enough. She tried not to let herself think about what had happened, or the many memories that flooded her mind, but it was hard when those memories forcibly grabbed for her attention.