Completed Breaker of Chains

[Ethir]

She took his tunic and pulled it over her head and suddenly all she could smell was him. She let her towel fall from underneath the tunic, and she hung it on a hook on the back of the door. His tunic reached the top of her thighs, much shorter than she would've liked it. She walked over to where her dirty pants lay and looked at them, trying to decide whether it was worth it or not to put them back on. She eventually decided it wasn't.

She turned, watching Quacey as he dumped out the water outside. Was he not going to take a bath? She supposed he hadn't needed it as badly as she had but he still needed one.

"Fine," she replied to his question, not wanting to meet his gaze as she walked towards the bed. She pulled the covers back and climbed in, doing her very best not to reveal anything in the process. She pulled the covers up to her chin and lay on her side, staring down the wall across from her. She had been in a good mood, or as close to a good mood as was possible in her circumstances, and now her lack of clothing had her on edge again.

 

[Quacey]

The glass was ignored. Her response was short and curt. She went to the bed and seemed to hide from him using the blanket as a shield.

What had he done to upset her?

Quacey placed both their glasses back down on the table then went over to the bed. He sat on his side of it and looked at the wall for a moment thinking. Her mood had reversed from how it seemed before. In the time he was gone to let her bath in privacy something had soured things. Was it his absence? Was he not suppose to suggest privacy? Or was his jest about staying the issue? His jest both times....

After a time, he said in an honest tone, "I do not know what I did to wrong you Ethir, but I apologize for it."

What more could he say? Without knowing what he had done wrong there was nothing else he could do. Avoiding making a mistake without knowing the mistake was just going to lead to him making it more. Trial and error worked for many things but not figuring out how one upset another. All he could do was apologize and hope she tell him or pray she was not as upset the next time it was made.

Ethir

 

[Ethir]

Ethir sagged into the bed, her tense muscles going slack after Quacey spoke. When was the last time any one had ever apologized? And Quacey didn't even have to apologize; none of this was his fault. It was all hers. The blame lay squarely on her own shoulders.

She was the one who couldn't seem to take help, she was the one who made things unnecessarily difficult, she was the one who was so selfish and she couldn't even bear to see herself.

She shook her head and a tear slid down her cheek. Great. Now she was crying. Once it started, she couldn't stop, and soon she was shaking with sobs. She buried her face in the blankets wishing she could turn invisible.

 

[Quacey]

A deep frown crossed his lips as she began to cry. Quacey had no hint as to what was wrong and his part in causing it. The apology seemed to do the opposite of what he intended and only seemed to cause things to worsen. Her stubborn stoicness had turned into heartbreaking sobs.

The large fae stood up and quickly moved over to the other side of the bed where the crying fae lay. A hand was laid upon her cheek as he knelt down beside her. His finger brushing away the tears as he tried to look her in the face.

"Ethir...."

What could he possibly say right now?

Quacey remained silent a moment as he watched. His mind raced in circles gaining no ground towards a solution. Nothing seemed as if it would make her feel better without even knowing what was the cause of all of this. All he knew was his apology had triggered her reaction and that told him little more than he needed to right his wrong.

So he gave up. He stopped thinking and just did what he always did when his child cried. What he wished someone would do for him when he needed to cry himself. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to his chest. His hands rubbing her back gently as he remained silent and let her cry as much as she needed to in some semblance of support and security.

Ethir

 

[Ethir]

She hated the defeated and helpless tone in his voice when he said her name. She wanted to tell him he had done nothing wrong but she couldn't speak through the tears now and instead it came out as sobbing gasps.

His hand was warm on her cheek, but she could not make herself open her eyes to meet his. He pulled her against him, rubbing her back, enveloping her in his warmth. It only made her cry more. She had not cried since the accident, and it was clear as her entire body shook with her sobs.

After a while, she had cried herself to sleep, and was limp in Quacey's arms. Her face was red and streaked with tears but her muscles were relaxed in sleep, and her breathing slowed.

 

[Quacey]

He just held her in his embrace and let her cry. Tears salting his chest as his hands tried to soothe with their gentle rubbing of her back. She clearly needed this from the way her body moved and reacted to everything. He still wasn't sure what caused all of this, but it was becoming clearer to him that it wasn't about him. Not fully at least. Likely he did have some fault in it, but he began to feel as if he was not the sole nor the main reason for it.

Eventually Ethir had cried herself to sleep. He softly laid her back down to rest. Then he stood. From the trunk he took out a cloth and went back to her. As best as he could he wiped the tears from her. An attempt to take away the pain that had come out with them.

If only it were ever that simple.

As Quacey did this he studied her over. Scars and burns. A shadow of some great tragedy in her life. One that gained his sympathy yet didn't make her appear ugly to him in any way. Those who saw markings of a life lived and found it unattractive were the kinds that would never find love nor joy in their lives. Perfection was a goal ever out of reach. Only the Twins knew what it was and they deemed it unworthy of their children below.

Once he was done, he left the cloth by her and then went back to his side of the bed. He laid down beneath the blankets. Wrapping his arms around her now would not do. She got the embrace she needed before. What she needed now was her space to recover and not meaty paws that might remind her of what she had been through.

As he drifted off to sleep himself, Quacey wondered if perhaps he should have slept on the floor or outside instead....

Ethir

 

[Ethir]

When Ethir woke up, it took a moment for her to remember what had happened. She felt stiffer and weaker than she had the night before, and she thought she probably should have stretched like Quacey had. She rolled over, groaning at her sore muscles. Quacey was laying with his bare back facing her and guilt nagged at her. She remembered his arms around her and his hands rubbing soothing circles on her back.

She sat up, pulling the blankets up with her and she rubbed her face as she looked around the room. After a minute she swung her legs over the side of the bed, pausing for moment as if shocked by the bareness of her own legs and how riddled with scars they were. She swallowed hard and stood up, walking over to her pile of clothes. She had only worn them for a day and night, but they still reeked and had dirt and blood crusting on them.

She straightened and walked back over to the bed, sitting on the edge again. She both wanted Quacey to wake up and stay asleep. She knew she had to apologize to him, but admitting the bad inside of her frightened it more than it should, which didn't help her conscience either.

 

[Quacey]

Sleep had been required for Quacey. More so than he had realized. The fatigue from travel had seeped deeper into his bones than he had known. So when his eyes shut he remained in that dark void where no dream dared tread. That restful recovery where even the mind stopped and let itself truly rest.

Ethir had already awoken, but not Quacey. At some point he had ended up on his side with his back turned to her by coincidence. There was no indication when he might rise and awaken as well. Still and silent as stone. His breathing tiny rises and falls of his chest. Defenseless.

Ethir

 

[Ethir]

In his short tunic, she was quickly becoming cold and she made a mental note to see if they could get clothes for her before they continued travelling. She did not like the feeling of cold air on every inch of her skin.

She stood up once more turning to make sure Quacey was still sleeping before she began stretching by her side of the bed. She bent over to touch her toes, gritting her teeth at the tug in her muscles, but enjoying it at the same time. She stretched and moved until she was no longer stiff. Her lower back was still tight, so she twisted side to side, sighing in relief as her spine popped in different places.

Feeling much better, she turned around to face the bed once more, to see if Quacey was awake yet. A thin layer of sweat glistened on her face and neck, and without realizing, the tunic had slid over one shoulder, the neck and shoulders too large for her small frame.

 

[Quacey]

The moving around and vibrations from the stretching began to stir Quacey awake. First he rolled over onto his back then his eyes slowly opened. It took a moment for him to realize he was even awake and had slept that night, but he was back from the void quickly enough.

The fae looked to the other side of the bed to see if Ethir was awake yet as well. He did so just in time to see her bending over to touch her toes. Silently he observed how she stretched. The movements effective, but he wondered if he should offer her some training. Learning to defend herself might be good for her confidence and help her feel more secure. It was never bad to know how to do so as well. Many preferred violence to peace in the world and sometimes one must meet aggression with aggression to stay alive.

When she came to face him, Quacey sat up. "Morning Ethir. Sleep well?"

Quacey got out of the bed and stood. His muscles were a little stiff again, but nearly what they could be if he hadn't stretched before sleeping. He moved to the open space in the room and then began to stretch the same way he always did for his training routine. Habit was good to keep and it kept his body ready for what unknowns may come.

Ethir

 

[Ethir]

When she had turned around she realized he was awake and she flushed briefly, wondering how long he had been watching her. She tugged on the hem of the tunic, but it didn't make it any longer.

She nodded, then watched as he got out of bed and began to stretch as well. She watched his movements and wondered if she should try them as well, but she decided she was stalling.

"Quacey..." she started. "I'm sorry, for last night. It wasn't your fault. Not all of it, anyway." she said, her voice soft. She crossed her arms over her chest nervously, wishing she had more clothes on.

She waited to see what he would do.

 

[Quacey]

As he stretched she apologized for the night before. A relieved sigh left him hearing it wasn't his fault mostly. But he did become a bit concerned over what exactly had caused such a strong reaction from her. What sort of burdens weighed upon her heart.

Quacey was in a bit of a mood for some mischief as he continued to stretch. His fae nature truly had been strong lately. Perhaps because he was away from his kids and could revel in certain sides of it right now?

"If you are truly sorry then perhaps you could make amends with me. Something you could do, or even we could do together."

Vague and suggestive. He truly didn't need her to do anything for him and would settle for anything. Her words alone would suffice. Mainly he was wanting to tease and see what came to her mind. What did she think he was wanting from her?

Ethir

 

[Ethir]

Ethir stilled as he turned to face her. She glared at him, but there wasn't a lot of effort or strength behind it. She knew what he meant, and she could also see a hint of teasing dancing in his eyes. But in the moment, she was surprised. He still wanted her? Even as she was?

Maybe he did, but not for such sweet or moving reasons as Ethir was imagining. "And what about the mother of your children?" she said in a scolding tone, but jealousy hid behind her words.

Her body was telling her one thing and her heart and mind another, and she didn't know which to listen to.

She glanced at the window- it was just after noon. If they wanted to get to Quacey's home sometime soon, they would have to keep travelling, wouldn't they? They wouldn't have any time for... apologies.

 

[Quacey]

At her words, Quacey stopped his stretching. A sad frown forming on his lips. He remained quiet for a moment then looked at Ethir.

"My children's mother past away shortly after their birth. They only have me."

And for another moment he remained quiet as his thoughts turned towards his children. All they would miss out on in much the way he had missed out on his own father not being alive when he was in his youth. A sad cycle he wished they could be exempt from.

Quacey went back to his stretching routine ignoring the time of day. They had time. The fae were not restricted in the way mortals were. They could afford some delays and taking their time. There was no chance for anyone to know where they had gone nor catch up so soon. Even if they could they would be far too exhausted to do much more than glare before the distance was regained once more.

Ethir

 

[Ethir]

And just like that, his suggestion was forgotten. Or at least, Ethir seemed it was. She was also shamed to admit the relief she felt when he said his children's mother was dead. She searched his face, seeing he was sad but unable to tell much more beyond that. She knew if a Fae's mate died it would be very likely they would die also, unable to bear it, but her Quacey was, with two kids and looking generally happy. Then she wondered if his past lover was anything like her.

But once she had gotten past her jealousy and nosiness (tucked away for later), she felt pity for his children. She knew how hard it was to have no mother, but they would have to grow up and live their life without ever having one. She had just thought at least they had Quacey who seemed to be competent, but was he really competent if he left them on a whim to sleep with a Fae girl he didn't know? Ethir couldn't say much about parenting, but she did know her mother never laid with anyone while Ethir was a child. At least not that she was aware of or knew about, and Ethir was a very nosy child. She knew her mother had still been hung up on her father, unable to move on even after he died.

She didn't say anything as he went back to his stretching. She wondered if it was really productive or if he was just showing off.

"I'm going to need real clothes," she said softly, sitting back down on the bed on her knees. She pulled the hem of the tunic forward in a feeble attempt to cover more of her legs, as if to prove her point.

 

[Quacey]

The stretching was functional yet also was a good way to show off. Quacey needed to hold to his routine of it more and more over the decades as his body was slowing down. Not enough to hinder him but enough to remind him how little space he had now compared to his youth when it came to such things.

"Dissatisfied with my tunic? Perhaps I should reclaim it right now then."

The mischief was back in his eyes as he looked her up and down slowly. In part it was to tease her and in part was just him taking in the sight of her. Scars and burns didn't take away from her natural figure after all even if someone couldn't see past the surface of one's skin.

They were going to need to obtain some clothing for her, but this inn was seeming less like the place to do so. Better option was to clean her clothing and then get new when they did finally reach a town. It was a slower prospect, but one that would likely be better for her health and wellbeing over all.

The issue was if she would accept it or not.

"There is no new clothing here Ethir. We will need to clean what you have now and then purchase more when we arrive at a town or village." He stopped his stretches having finished and looked at her. "While we wait, you could make those amends to me."

A slight smirk crossed his lips for a second.

Ethir

 

[Ethir]

Ethir shot him another glare, also without strength or effort behind it. He dragged his eyes up and down her body and Ethir flushed, crossing her arms over her chest. She avoided his searching gaze and did not move her position on the bed.

"Technically, I didn't do anything to wrong you. You should be the one paying me back for that wonderful night I gave you," she snarked back.

But he had a point about the clothes. They weren't going to get any in this tavern, and if she wanted to clean her old clothes she would have to wait at least a day.

"This tunic stays on until my clothes are clean." she stated, giving Quacey a look of stubborn defiance, almost as if she were daring him to try something.

 

[Quacey]

The large fae chuckled at her response to the making of amends. It certainly was true she hadn't done anything to wrong him and he never claimed she did. The one who had suggested it was her herself. But the mischief in his heart was still strong and as such demanded he keep playing this game with her.

"If that is true then I must pay you back in kind."

Quacey walked over to where she was on the bed. Arms crossed over her chest as if to hide what was already hidden. He placed a hand on her cheek that held the scar and softly rubbed. The fae leaned forward and said in a lower tone of voice, "I don't mind if the tunic stays on."

Then he leaned back up and let his hand slide off her cheek. He picked up her clothing and went to the door. As he unlocked it he said, "I will return shortly. Need to get these cleaned."

The fae left and went to do just that before returning once more. He knocked on the door and announced himself not checking to see if she had locked it or not. The key still in her possession.

Ethir

 

[Ethir]

Ethir followed Quacey with her gaze as he moved towards her. She stilled when he placed a gentle hand on her cheek, his fingers over her scar. He spoke to her softly in a low tone and Ethir's face heated again. But then he had pulled away, grabbed her dirty clothes and left the room.

Ethir still knelt on the bed, her arms slack around her body now. He still wanted her. Even when she had all but told him no, he still wanted her. And now she knew what she wanted, and not just on the physical level.

She swallowed past the lump in her throat, willing herself not to cry, after she had already embarrassed herself enough last night.

"Come in," Ethir replied when Quacey knocked on the door, announcing his return. She had not moved an inch, the only thing that had changed about her was her arms were no longer crossed in front of her chest.

 

[Quacey]

The fae entered once he was given permission. What he found was the same as what he had left. Except that Ethir seemed to have calmed down and had stopped crossing her arms. A good sign? Perhaps or perhaps his throat was going to be slit soon just like the mortal's that held her captive. A fate he would accept if it didn't mean his children would be orphaned.... But he was aware that was not a possibility just that panic out of nowhere related to his children.

Quacey smiled to her. "Your clothing will be cleaned and ready tomorrow. Meals and another night have been paid for as well as another bath later. They said they would look for pants or skirt of some kind for you to borrow until your's are clean."

He walked over to her as he spoke. When he finished he sat by her on the bed. His gaze going to her.

"Is this acceptable for you Ethir?"

Ethir

 

[Ethir]

Ethir followed Quacey with her eyes, watching him carefully as he moved towards her, giving her what she guessed was supposed to be a reassuring smile.

Well, there was some consolation. She would have clean clothing tomorrow, with another meal and a bath later tonight. She took her eyes off of Quacey for a moment, glancing out the window again. The sun was high in the sky, meaning the day was half way through.

The bed dipped beside her and she turned as Quacey sat down next to her. Gods, he was big. Even sitting down she still had to crane her neck to look up at him. She found she was rather at a loss for words when he spoke, so she settled for a nod, returning her gaze back to her hands in her lap.

What now?

 

[Quacey]

The way Ethir was behaving confused Quacey. Her stubborn defiance from before had become this timid meekness unfamiliar in her to this point. Was everything truly effecting her so greatly now that she had time to rest and recover just enough to reflect upon it all to some small degree?

That answer seemed most likely.

The large fae patted her leg before offering a soft squeeze. Then he stood back up and headed for the door. As he got to it he turned to her while unlocking it once more, "Must be hungry and thirsty. I will obtain something to eat and drink."

Then the fae left out the door and down the stairs.

She might be needing some more time alone to process everything. His presence seemed to effect her enough that she did not speak to him. That was something he could not have. If she was so bothered by him then he needed to give her space not close the distance. He could and would take his time getting their meals. The host seeming busy while taking ordered and coin from other guests.

Quacey stood and waited his turn patiently.

Ethir

 

[Ethir]

He gave her a strange look before patting her leg as if she were a child. He stood up once more saying something about getting food and drink and she wondered if he was making excuses, or if she had misread him. Maybe he didn't want her after all. Or maybe she ought to be a little more friendly to him.

She remained on the bed, relaxing her posture more, and not moving to lock the door behind him. If he knocked again she might scream.

As she waited for him to return, she looked about the room, but her mind wasn't on what she saw. Had it really only been two days since she had been in the Suntory Market for her last night with Quacey? It felt like forever ago. And since then she had been nothing but a pain in the ass for him, and he had tried his hardest to make her happy.

So, when he returned, it would be with a feeble smile that should would greet him. Being nice couldn't hurt, could it?

 

[Quacey]

The wait on his chance to order more food and drinks did not take as long as expected. This inn was rather swift and efficient it would seem. The meal provided to him after waiting a time was more soup, this time instead of onion it was a general vegetable stock with soft, soaked grains mixed in acting like pasta. A mixture of rye, barley, and wheat that was reflective of the warm bread provided as well. More slices of wild boar and some roasted nuts coated in a sweet syrup of some kind. Instead of wine they were provided pints of ale.

Quacey arrived back at the inn room with this in hand. He tapped the door with his foot and announced he was back with their meals. Then he found the door unlocked and entered. The food was placed on the table and he got their places set like before.

When his gaze finally went to Ethir he found her attempting to smile. Odd yet welcome. He smiled back.

"Come. Eat." He paused a moment looking at her. His tunic did not do much to provide modesty. "Or would you rather I pick you up and carry you like a Princess?"

A slight smirk had come about his smile.

Ethir

 

[Ethir]

"I can walk, thank you," she said, giving him her own smirk as she swung her legs over the side of the bed and got up, walking over to the small table. It was more natural this time. Playful bantering, she could do. Without realizing it, she swung her hips a bit as she walked, almost falling back into her old self, the one she had spent so much time with.

She sat down at the table, intentionally scooting in her own chair. It was soup again, this time with vegetables. She picked up a piece of bread and bit into it, waiting for Quacey to seat himself as well.

She noticed a couple taper candles and two small, silver candle holders hidden by the pints of ale and she wondered if Quacey had requested them specifically. She guessed whoever had prepared the meal had instead took it upon themselves to provide the candles, because Quacey would have said something about them by now, she was sure of it.