Private Tales On life's wayward trails

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

"No, never. I have had some informal training, but... this is out of my depth." Her lips twisted in wry humor. "Quite literally, no pun intended."

He chuckled at her joke as he finished most of the preparations.
"To be on the safe side, again, let's not go that far again till we've consulted an expert in Elbion. I have connections in the college there. I am also told that Mardania has a magic college as well."

He glanced over at her and noticed her discomfort.
He walked over and knelt down in front of her. He gently placed his palm over the spot she was rubbing on her chest.
He began applying a steady, consistent pressure.
"You are still in pain... And you are troubled... Can you describe it to me?"

 

[Divina Rosenstern]

She wanted to protest that she didn't mean to be pushed that far. That she never had been so mindless to personal danger before, or even that she had ever been so hellbent on such a large scale of destruction, and how much it actually alarmed her.

But now, her chest was so tight, that getting words out was difficult. Still, once again he was being observant. When he applied pressure, she could feel some of the tightness easing, and she let out a relieved breath. Still, they couldn't just keep sitting here, pandering to some weak noblewoman when their lives were on the line. She lightly placed her hand over his, shaking her head slightly.

"It's better now. But we should leave, the sooner the better." She couldn't say why, but when he talked of her magic... it was almost like her powers were tangled somehow. Knotted up, feeling like they were banding around her chest. She wouldn't worry him further. As he said, there were colleges for this; once they were free, temporarily, of their assailants, they could seek them out. But first...

"I'll be alright." She lightly caressed her other hand against his cheek and gave a faint, wry grin. "I am not so fragile; merely aftereffects of anxiety."

She hoped.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

"It's better now. But we should leave, the sooner the better." She couldn't say why, but when he talked of her magic... it was almost like her powers were tangled somehow. Knotted up, feeling like they were banding around her chest. She wouldn't worry him further. As he said, there were colleges for this; once they were free, temporarily, of their assailants, they could seek them out. But first...

"I'll be alright." She lightly caressed her other hand against his cheek and gave a faint, wry grin. "I am not so fragile; merely aftereffects of anxiety."

He closed his eyes, leaning into her touch with a content expression.
"I know you're not fragile... But even stone can be so hard that it becomes brittle. I'm just worried for you is all. Everything will work out."

With that he packed up their campsite.
They made good time from that point forward. Tzuriel's endurance seemed endless and even when Divina grew tired he easily carried her and their supplies.
He consistently found them food to supplement their rations and no wild animal dared to challenge them.

At night he would transform under the full moon and each consecutive transformation seemed to get easier and easier.
Whenever Tzuriel caught the scent of the assassins they would travel through the night, letting Divina ride his back and allowing them some time to sleep in the morning with their moderate headstart.

It took them three days, but eventually they climbed a mossy draw and looked down on the dry dirt path of a wagon rutted road.
Tzuriel breathed a silent sigh of relief, while he couldn't smell any assassins nearby that didn't mean much, they had a few close calls when the assassins began trying to mask their scent.
"Finally, a good sign." He whispered, giving Divina's hand a reassuring squeeze.
He'd been watching her as they traveled and was monitoring her recovery.

 

[Divina Rosenstern]

She did what little she could to aid him. She was an awful cook, they both realized, but she attempted to. He carried the weight, very literally, on his own shoulders, and there were times she wished she could do the same. Bit by bit, her magic returned, but it felt off, somehow, almost discordant from her usual feelings. She had regained most of what little strength she had, but yet, seeing that road lifted the dark fog in her thoughts somewhat.

She squeezed back, giving him a small, private grin.

"Soon, my love."

She hadn't been neglecting her own duties. They would have to enact revenge against whomever attacked their caravan. Though he was the hunter of the woods, and of enemies, she was the one who could bide her time and wait to catch their prey.

And when she did, they would pray for a swifter death than what she had planned. After all, they had hurt her beloved.

She may have been a noblewoman, but in her heart, she was not capable of mercy. They would suffer for their crimes, if not by the weight of the law, then the weight of her blade.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

"Soon, my love."

He gave her a side hug around her shoulders. It's been a tough road, but she was a real trooper about everything.
Yet even though the road represented hope and civilization, it also represented danger... The assassins no doubt were waiting for them to reveal themselves on the road, and in spite of Tzuriel's best efforts to hide their tracks, their trajectory was easy to discern.

He sniffed the air, his eyes darting this way and that, looking for signs of danger.

Soon indeed, they were well on their way now, if they could just make it to the next town or village, or if they could meet up with their caravan (provided anyone survived), then they will be in much better shape.
He gripped her hand and led her along the ridge, still keeping their heads down and out of sight from the road.
He couldn't smell anyone on the road or in the trees, but that meant little now that he knew there were ways around his keen sense of smell. Whatever they were using to mask their scent was itself scentless so he couldn't identify it. Now he only had his hearing to locate them, which they also had ways around if they were careful.

He whispered while they walked, as close to her ear as he could manage without stopping.
"We could risk the road, it would be faster traveling, but I'm almost certain they are watching the road. But if we remain in the woods around the road they are likely to catch us anyways."

 

[Divina Rosenstern]

There were risks no matter what path they chose. And honestly, she was tired of the fear, tired of keeping vigilant and waiting for death. She was the Black Widow, dubbed a maneater and a power-hungry merchant noblewoman. She didn't fear death, she feared not being able to continue their legacy. She gripped his hand, and nodded once.
"The road. I trust you; I'll do the same to keep us alert."

And if they were on the road, they would at least have some knowledge of potential enemies coming. It was a lesser chance to be surprised again. She could hear wagons and voices ahead; she couldn't dare hope it was survivors of their caravan, however.

It was all down to chance, and if she believed it at all, a little bit of luck.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

"The road. I trust you; I'll do the same to keep us alert."

"The road it is."
Still holding her hand he boldly stood up and approached the road.
They didn't travel far when they heard some activity on the road.
His senses picked up on the sound of wagons and people long before they came into view, and he distinctly heard music along with them.

"This is either an elaborate ruse, or we've found some hope!"
He grinned as they approached the bend in the road and came upon the rear guard of a traveling circus.

The first thing they saw was the bent form of a massive forest troll, with green lumpy skin, a long pointed nose, bent legs and a hunched back with a head of matted greasy black hair. Red eyes peered at them from under the brim of a straw hat, and he also wore a pair of trousers and a sleeveless purple vest that almost looked too small for him.
He stood on guard at the back of the caravan, leaning on the haft of an oversized sledgehammer obviously built for his ten foot height.

The trolls eyes narrowed as they came into view. No doubt he smelled them coming with that massive nose of his, he was prepared to meet them.
"You no be looking fo trouble, yeah?"
His mouth split his face in a wide smile full of long jagged teeth.

Tzuriel drew up short, putting himself between his fiancée and the troll. Not exactly an expected welcome.
"We're merchants, our caravan was attacked, we were on our way to Mardus, if maybe we could join you till then."
Trolls were monsters in the truest sense of the word. Intelligent, malevolent and virtually unstoppable with their regenerative abilities.
But this one could speak a broken form of Allirian common, and obviously worked for the caravan.
Tzuriel hoped that by mentioning their caravan that it might ring some bells, if they've picked up anyone from their group it might help the troll to trust them... Still, he felt like he would have to pay a toll to pass the troll.

The troll turned his ugly head and looked down at a dark skinned elf.
"Tell Liam, more traders."
The dark elf smirked, sheathing a wicked looking dagger that he'd been balancing on the tip of his finger before disappearing through the small city of wooden and covered wagons, all decorated in gaudy decals and colors.
"More traders" gave Tzuriel hope that his people survived. They had some experienced adventurers and mercenaries with them, so their chances were good that the majority of their caravan survived the attack.

 

[Divina Rosenstern]

She couldn't help but gape slightly, before withdrawing deeper into her hood. Though she knew they were perhaps a little safer here than in the woods, she couldn't help but feel more unease at the beings present. She was aware her connections with other humanoids were limited, but still.

She was grateful Tzuriel stepped between herself and the troll, placing a palm on the small of his back. Would they be forced to continue moving on? Perhaps, if there were survivors, they could regroup and move on?

Still, for some reason, she still felt a deep, bone-weary unease that wouldn't relent, and most of it didn't have to do with the strangers.

 

[Kiileet Glassdancer]

Mardania... A land full of new opportunities, a land that hasn't known the joys and thrills of the Dancing Wisp Circus!
Kiileet Glassdancer, known on stage as Liam Kindly, stood atop his covered wagon and regarded the road ahead with his top hat tucked under his left arm, his cane tucked under his right arm and his red ringmasters coattails gently billowing in the slight breeze.

The circus was stopped at a brook, watering their horses, ponies, oxen, dogs, cats, the pair of dancing bears, the blind basilisk, the antler-tusked miniature mastodon, the lame displacer beast, the Triton was helping his Mermaid wife change her tank water, and many other of their vast menagerie were availing themselves of the clear water.
In addition, the group of merchants they picked up a few days ago were filling their waterskins.

There wasn't anything strange about picking up travelers on the road, there's safety in numbers and evidently these people didn't have enough numbers to save them from taking a big loss.
The Dancing Wisp Circus was more than happy to help!

Kiileet let his long white hair blow about in the breeze for a moment longer, enjoying the moment before placing the top hat back on his head and expertly hopping down from the top of the wagon, twirling his cane as he looked about the caravan and at his beloved family.
Freaks the lot of them, outcasts given a new purpose where they could be loved and adored for who and what they are to the thrill and enjoyment of paying audiences.

The resident knife thrower, a dark elf named Harald, approached the ringmaster.
"Hey, Liam. Hank's got two more merchants in the back, we think they're looking for the rest of their crew. A guy with a sword, got a lady with him, looks like they've been through hell."
Kiileet gave Harald a glance and a friendly smile.
"Well, I suppose we oughta go reassure our guests that Hank won' be eat'n them. I don' see a reason to be turning them away!"
With an easy laugh and an easier stride he made his way through the caravan to the rear guard where Hank was watching the two travelers and licking his lips at them.

"Greetings, fellow travelers! And welcome to the Dancing Wisp traveling Circus!"
He walked straight past Hank to the dark and broodingly handsome man.
He gave him a firm handshake.
He spoke with a heavy gnomish accent with a higher lilting voice (like Irish and Scottish accents)
"I be called Liam Kindly! And what be your names?"

Liam dressed like a ringmaster, suggesting that it was he who was in charge of the Circus. His white hair is long, straight and loose around his shoulders and a red rose adorned his breast pocket and the scarlet band of his top hat. He moved with the catlike grace of an acrobat and the easy confidence of a man in charge.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

"Greetings, fellow travelers! And welcome to the Dancing Wisp traveling Circus!"
He walked straight past Hank to the dark and broodingly handsome man.
He gave him a firm handshake.
He spoke with a heavy gnomish accent with a higher lilting voice (like Irish and Scottish accents)
"I be called Liam Kindly! And what be your names?"

Tzuriel was slightly caught off guard by the warm welcome, but it was a refreshing change.
Then the ringmaster introduced the circus and Tzuriel finally realized where he recognized that music from.

Tzuriel smiled in genuine relief and appreciation.
"The Dancing Wisp Circus! What luck! I remember several occasions where you've visited Alliria!"
He shook the Ringmasters hand.
"I am Tzuriel Alanthis, and this is my wife... Wife to be," he corrected, "Divina Rosenstern."

He looked to Divina so she could see his smile and reassurance, that everything would be okay from here on out.
His more canine tendencies overriding his cynical nature. If he had a tail right now it would be wagging.

 

[Divina Rosenstern]

A circus!

A circus?

She glanced at the caravan ahead of them, at the strange beings, and the stranger man who greeted them in an unfamiliar accent. At first, it took her a moment to understand his oddly pleasant speech, but when Tzuriel introduced her, she flicked him a grateful look, and offered a simple nod. Still, seeing her partner so at ease helped her to relax some as well, shoulders loosing their tension.

She had been far too busy for leisure, but now it seemed they would have to be at leisure in some capacity. Still, she met the man's gaze with her own clear, sharp stare, assessing. For some reason, he reminded her of the mad mage she briefly met when she and Tzuriel first crossed paths; the one who claimed to be a King, if she recalled correctly. She smiled briefly at the memory, and slipped her hand into Tzuriel's own, offering a squeeze.

If she had instead partnered with Victoria O'Connor, and followed that woman... would her life have been so much of an adventure instead?

"Soon to be his wife," she replied simply. "A pleasure, Liam Kindly." Flicking her gaze past his shoulder a moment, she tilted her head. "If you don't mind my directness, have you come across any other caravan members who were recently assaulted on the road?"

 

[Kiileet Glassdancer]

"Soon to be his wife," she replied simply. "A pleasure, Liam Kindly." Flicking her gaze past his shoulder a moment, she tilted her head. "If you don't mind my directness, have you come across any other caravan members who were recently assaulted on the road?"

Liam looked directly at her and met her gaze with his own strange colored eyes.
His smile was genuine and infectious. He bowed low to her.
"Ah, milady Rosenstern! Ye may be as direct as ye please!"
He straightened and flipped his cane in his hands, pointing through the city of wagons.
"An indeed, we've come o'cross plenty from an unfortunate caravan, looking ta make for Mardania, jus like us an yerselves if I had ta wager!"

With a twinkle in his eyes he performed a pirouette on his toes and took his hat off to make a sweeping gesture of welcome.
"Come along an follow ol Kindly! I'll take ye ta see yer party!"
With that he turned around and led the way through the wagons.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

Tzuriel returned the squeeze and held her arm in his as if he were about to escort her to a party.

"Soon to be his wife,"

That made him smile. God this woman was a blessing!

He followed Liam Kindly as closely as possible, but Liam was setting a quick pace. Switching back several times and stepping between wagons.
He even led them through a circus wagon and they had to climb over and under various pieces of equipment to keep up.

 

[Divina Rosenstern]

A sudden idea occurred to her. If their enemies wanted to see her dead before she even reached the altar... perhaps they could do something to catch their enemy unawares. The ruse of her faking her death was now past them for the time being anyways, but if...

No.

...When they would make it back to Alliria, they could set her plan in action. She doubted their enemies would wait to strike her down, but it couldn't hurt. She tried her best to keep up with Liam and Tzuriel, but a supposed acrobat nor a supernatural she was not. She was dirty, disheveled, bone-weary and two steps from falling asleep on her feet. How much longer?

Still, when she and Tzuriel had a modicum of privacy, she had a question she was itching to ask. However, she stumbled over something, staggering into Tzuriel. But before she could catch her feet again, her foot slipped, and she braced for impact, squeezing her eyes shut.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

Tzuriel felt her bump against him and turned to watch her sudden fall as if in slow motion.
An array of emotions ran across his face in an instant and he moved to catch her.

Since he was holding her by the hand and leading her he was very close, so he just had to shift his footing slightly and moved his arms to catch her under her shoulders.
He picked her up and set her on her feet.
"Divina, are you alright?"
Then he saw how unsteady and tired she was and immediate chagrin was plain on his face.
"I am so sorry, Honey. Here, I'll carry you."
He bent down and hooked an arm under her knees and lifted her easily, carrying her bridal style in his arms as he took off after Liam again.

"I'm so sorry, my love, I didn't realize how tired you were."
He was very contrite and apologetic, doing everything he could to make her more comfortable.

 

[Kiileet Glassdancer]

Liam was waiting for them on the other side of the wagon.
Hat in his hands, he apparently saw the tumble she almost took.
"Me apologies fer the pace, milady. But we be 'ere now!"
He motioned with his cane and showed them the river bank where everyone was taking their turn at the water, and the surviving members of their caravan were present.

The lead mercenary looked up and immediately recognized Tzuriel and Divina.
"By the gods they're alive!"
The rest of the caravan looked up and saw the two bedraggled proprietors of the caravan.
A cheer rose up and everyone surged forward to greet them and express their relief that they survived the tumble into the river.

 

[Divina Rosenstern]

She flushed deep scarlet when he scooped her up easily, but couldn't really protest. If she wanted to, she could be stubborn, but a lady knew when to accept graciously and when to have a stiff spine. She knew he worked hard, and so she would do her best and do her part. And yet thankfully their host seemed gracious as well. She offered him a small nod.

"No need to apologize. It seems I must learn to be more nimble-footed. Thank you for looking after our people."

Still... seeing some of the caravan made her shoulders sag in relief. Some of it survived! She glanced up to Tzuriel, and lightly rested a hand on his chest, then pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"We should continue moving." Her face brooked no argument. The sooner they pressed on, the sooner they could gain advantage of whatever was pursuing him. And they needed a new plan. She hoped they would have time before meeting the caravan to talk things over, in case there was a mole in their group for the enemy, but she hoped her message would come through to him.

However... Seeing everyone's relief, she smiled, genuinely smiled, and disengaged herself from Tzuriel for a moment to focus on their people. She reached out her hands to clasp since of them. She knew it was important to show strength for their caravan. "I am so relieved to see you all here! It eases my heart."

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

Tzuriel was excited to see that practically everyone was present, save a few mercenaries who died for their pay.
He clasped hands and arms with them, greeting each of them and thankful that they were alive.

"I'm glad you all made it this far, but I have to ask; What became of our merchandise?"
Tzuriel asked the Caravan Master.
"We've hidden the wagons off the road on the far side of the river, mister Alanthis, and one of the boys camouflaged it with a spell for added measure. Once we're in Mardus we can get some locals involved and retrieve them."
The caravan Master responded, making his report and suggestions.
Tzuriel nodded.
Yes, most guilds would be willing to spend some extra manpower if the city guard weren't available in order to help a valuable trade cargo to reach it's destination.

"We should continue moving." Her face brooked no argument. The sooner they pressed on, the sooner they could gain advantage of whatever was pursuing him. And they needed a new plan. She hoped they would have time before meeting the caravan to talk things over, in case there was a mole in their group for the enemy, but she hoped her message would come through to him.

Tzuriel couldn't guess what she was trying to communicate to him, but he appreciated her affection anyways, returning the kiss in a chaste manner in front of the men.
"We'll travel with the circus for a while, if they'll have us. Even assassins from The Family will be hard pressed to reach us in such great company. If we can continue with them all the way to Mardus that would be ideal, or we'll part ways when we must."
He spoke both to Divina and the caravan Master.
While it was true that they needed to keep moving, it was equally important to rest. Divina was strong, but judging by her close call earlier, the miles were catching up to her again.

He asked Liam Kindly about accommodations and the cheerful ringmaster gladly agreed that they may enjoy quarters alone or with their group as they desired.
Tzuriel nodded and the man led them through the wagon train to a wagon that was already set up as a mobile house.

 

[Divina Rosenstern]

Finally.

She wanted to rest. Wanted to sit down, lay down, and forget everything. But even a self-made noblewoman knew her limits, and she hadn't breached them for some time. However, this was Tzuriel's venture, she was merely his companion. It was her fault for putting such a target on his back. Still, seeing their traveling group mostly intact was a relief the Allirian rarely experienced.

"Thank you, Mr. Kindly," she spoke to the ringmaster, offering a slight bow. "House Rosenstern will be sure to properly thank you when we can." She knew Tzuriel would do what he could as well; they were a pair evenly, and well, matched.

She would wait until they had privacy, until the curtain fell, before her knees trembled, and she almost hobbled to a seat, sighing.

For a moment, she closed her eyes, pressing the balls of her hands against her forehead. But when she looked up, she gave him a warm, gentle smile.

"You did well, my love."

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

Tzuriel let out a long sigh as they entered the cabin.
He took in the space they were given.
It was small, a bed dominated almost half of the front of the cabin with a small area for sitting and eating towards the back where the entrance was.

The bed looked like the most beautiful thing in the world right now, or at least a close second to Divina even in her bedraggled state.

He saw her body sag and immediately he was under her elbow, supporting her to the chair.

"You did well, my love."

"What do you mean?" He asked absently, concern for her wellbeing currently occupying most of his attention.

He knelt down in front of her and placed her foot up on his knee where he began loosening the fastenings on her boots and pulling them off her feet one by one.
He then set himself to gently massaging her feet, mindful of his greater strength and the blisters and sores as he worked on the tension and exhaustion in her feet.

He wasn't foolish enough to believe that they were actually safe here, but at least for the time being he thought they might have one or two peaceful nights without incident while their enemy figured out a way to infiltrate the troupe.
These nomadic types were as close as family, so it won't be easy to pass oneself off as a member of the circus.

There was a knock on the door, after confirming that it was a member of the circus he opened the door.
A young woman dressed in a brightly colored costume with striped pattern work stood smiling at the entrance holding a a large bowl.

"Some water to wash off the road, milady, milord!"

Tzuriel took the bowl and the offered towels and bowed his head.
"Thank you. We appreciate it!"

He closed the door and brought the bowl back to Divina and once again knelt down in front of her.
He wet one of the towels and proceeded to wash her feet.

 

[Divina Rosenstern]

She wanted to protest, but he was already moving, and she was too weary to put up much of a struggle anyhow. So she leaned back into the chair as he carefully removed her boots, almost groaning aloud not only at the softness of the seat in contrast to the ground and the cave floor... an honest to gods bed! A place to rest! And with his warm hands, massaging, her eyes began to shutter closed, lost in the sheer bliss of such care.

Still, when the knock came, she sluggishly pulled herself upright, peeking at the stranger and offering a nod. When he knelt in front of her again, she reached a hand out. Lightly tracing his jaw with her fingertips, blue eyes glimmered with warmth, lips pulled into a tired grin.

"You saved me, more than once." Her voice was soft, hand tracing down to his throat. "You must be tired as well; won't you rest with me?" It was a tight fit, certainly, but snuggling up with him was very much appealing, after her world was upheaved with so many questions afoot. She wanted to discuss her idea with him, but the words wouldn't come; perhaps tomorrow. Tonight, she just wanted him in her arms.

They deserved one night of respite, at least.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

He leaned his face into her hand as she caressed his jaw. Being engaged to this woman he didn't lack her physical touch, but he could never get enough of it. And especially now in his heightened emotional state, there was so much more wrapped up in the simple contact.

"You saved me, more than once."

He kissed her arm as her hand traveled to his throat.
"And you've saved me, in more ways than one..."
His voice was a whisper, and heavy with emotion. Once again inhuman, it would have been so much simpler to allow himself to give in to the beast and give up... But she was a factor in his life now.

"You must be tired as well; won't you rest with me?"

He nodded. Gently moving them both to the bed, pulling off their travel clothes and laying beside her in just his trousers and shirt.
He snuggled close to her, resting his head on the pillow and putting his arms around her.

He felt like he could sleep for a week.

 

[Divina Rosenstern]

She felt like she could sleep days at a time. But with Tzuriel's gentle ministrations, she already felt more at ease than she had since their caravan was assaulted. And in his arms, she felt like she could sleep peacefully at last. It wasn't long until her eyes closed, and she sank to deep rest.

Her bedroom was on fire.

Everything, caught in smoke. Her lungs burned, sweat poured down her back and her eyes stung so hard she could barely see. She longed for air, for cleanliness, but everywhere she turned, it was bitterly hot.

She could taste ashes in her mouth. Far away, the din of alarm bells rang, and she staggered, unable to find a way out. The windows were shut, the doors were locked, and everything, flaring, burning--

She choked on something. The air was impossible to breathe, and she clutched at her throat desperately, trying to dislodge what it was. But as she did, the roar of the fire dimmed, to be replaced by something else. Her father's hands on her throat, pressing down hard, as black spots swam in her vision and she gasped for air.

"---Should have been born a son! Useless girl--!"

She could feel her lungs ache, knifelike burning for air, and she gasped pathetically, weakly grabbing his hands to pry him off--

Before she woke up in a cold sweat. Lurching upright, she prised herself from Tzuriel's arms and staggered away, only to trip over the stool before her and thud to her knees. Gasping, shivering, she tried to take in deep lungfuls of the cooler night air, trying to cool herself down and to calm, but her heart still pounded in her ears, and her throat still ached, sandpaper after the nightmare finally began to fade.

"Damn... dreams..." she rasped, trying her best to stop the terror, willing them to fade, to abate. Why did these ghosts haunt her now? Why was it always her father, rather than her husbands, or recent events? Kneeling on the floor, almost doubled, she pressed her forehead into it, attempting to will away the panic attack even as it threatened to pull her under again.

 

[Tzuriel Alanthis]

She felt like she could sleep days at a time. But with Tzuriel's gentle ministrations, she already felt more at ease than she had since their caravan was assaulted. And in his arms, she felt like she could sleep peacefully at last. It wasn't long until her eyes closed, and she sank to deep rest.

Not long after her steady breathing began, he closed his eyes and let the sound sooth him to sleep. His nerves were frayed by this point, every sense he possessed was heightened and for the past several days have been constantly on the alert.
He finally had a chance to relax his mind, to ease the rigorous strain... The effects of such a strain on his recently renewed supernatural senses and how quick he was to fully rely on them did not go unnoticed by him.

The constant use of his bestial senses had begun to result in splitting headaches, the overload of information conveyed by his heightened vision, hearing, scent and touch was taking its own toll on his unaccustomed mind... So, this chance to simply rest and only focus on the touch, hearing and scent of the woman he loved was a welcome reprieve.

Another problem also persisted... He still couldn't control when his transformations took place, so at night while he held Divina in his arms and they slept, fur grew over his body and his size grew to almost completely fill the enclosed space of the wagon.

Before she woke up in a cold sweat. Lurching upright, she pried herself from Tzuriel's arms and staggered away, only to trip over the stool before her and thud to her knees. Gasping, shivering, she tried to take in deep lungsful of the cooler night air, trying to cool herself down and to calm, but her heart still pounded in her ears, and her throat still ached, sandpaper after the nightmare finally began to fade.

He awoke as soon as she lurched upright. He was confused at first as she escaped from his embrace, it felt surreal, like it wasn't his body and everything was distant, which wasn't far from the truth.
He blinked his blue eyes at her kneeling on the floor as he tried to make sense of the situation... It was dark, but why could he see so well? Was he a vampire again? But he was peering at her over a long muzzle...

Reality crashed on him all at once as his conscious mind caught up with the situation. She experienced another nightmare!
His fur covered body had all but turned the small wagon hut into a sauna, so he immediately opened a window and moved to her side, his tail knocking over some wood-carved decoration from the small table as he turned to the window and his body upending the table entirely with a loud slam as he came beside her.

"Damn... dreams..." she rasped, trying her best to stop the terror, willing them to fade, to abate. Why did these ghosts haunt her now? Why was it always her father, rather than her husbands, or recent events? Kneeling on the floor, almost doubled, she pressed her forehead into it, attempting to will away the panic attack even as it threatened to pull her under again.

He put his huge right paw on her back and rubbed her as gently as he could with the rough pads, he leaned down beside her, nudging her cheek with his damp nose and gently pushing between her and the floor till his furry head and neck were giving her a pillow to push into.

"My love, it's alright... It's just a dream."
Is what he wanted to say, but only high-pitched whining came out in strange combinations.

"Ria Roa, Rwaa... Urf."
His tail wagged nervously, thumping loudly against the floor of the wagon, hoping that this was helping.

This wasn't her first nightmare, and he wasn't so dense to not notice. But she'd not seen fit to confide in him, so he had not inquired about it, but this one seemed especially vivid or violent. She'd never pulled free from him before or ended up in such a state of panic, so it might have come to the point where he must inquire for the sake of her own wellbeing... As soon as he could formulate a bloody sentence that didn't sound like a dying animal!

 

[Divina Rosenstern]

Something wet and furry wedged itself between her and the floor. Her first impulse was to push it back, give her space to breathe, but it was relentless. It was only by cracking open her eyes that she saw the black fur. Choking back another sob, she pressed her hands into the fur of his neck and her face into his cheek, shuddering as the terror of the nightmare finally began to fade.

For a long time, she held on as though a woman drowning, her cries muffled into his neck until the storm of fear abated, leaving her taking in ragged breaths. Her hands shook when she finally prised them apart, and her legs refused to move. Still, the noises he was making, and the thumping of his tail, did break some of the fear that had wrapped her so tightly before.

Letting out a weak, watery laugh, she smoothed a hand where she had gripped before. "I-I-I'm sorry...." she managed out, shoulders still quaking. "I just... I just couldn't breathe, and it was so hot---" another shudder took over, and she rubbed a hand over her throat, trying to breathe, to gain a single sense of sanity again. "Gods."

She felt a fool. An utterly weak fool. How had she grown to rely on someone else so much? Her second impulse was to push away, to distance herself from the situation and from Tzuriel, to smooth her proverbial feathers and calm down alone, but she couldn't even move, much less know of a place to get some fresh air.

"I'm sorry..." she pressed a kiss on his cheek, attempting to brush away the tears that still threatened to fall, even as the emotional storm abated.