Private Tales Read between the lines

[Talus]

His arms wrapped tightly around her, pulling her into his laps and dragging her against himself. Her voice shook in his hear, the bond twisted and wrapped around him as he felt a cold shock of fear run through their link for the first time.

The instant Talus felt it he wrapped her in a warm embrace of love. Every little inch of it that he could muster, every drop, it was all laid bare before her in a desperate attempt to sooth her feelings. His fingers tightened around her, and as her words choked in her throat Talus jumped to agree.

"I will." He said softly, his head leaning softly against hers.

What else was he going to say?

No?

Not in a thousand years would he have been able to deny her. It was something he had already been trying to do, something that he had attempted but always failed at. His fingers tightened on her, and somehow he tried to pull her closer. "I will."

He repeated as he bit back a sobbing breath, instead kissing her cheek in some desperate attempt to show her that he was there for her.

His thumbs traced over her skin, soft, soothing, desperate.

"I promise." It was a promise that he would keep, one that he would desperately do his best to fight for. He already knew the weight she carried, he already knew what all this meant. He could do this as well. "For you."

Because she was all that mattered.

 

[Zana]

Zana nodded mutely and then returned to pressing her face into the crook of his neck. With his arms around her and his scent filling her senses she was able to clear her mind of everything else. He was her anchor in the maelstrom of emotions that whirled about inside of her. Like always when it came to these things. She had been icy cold for most of her life and now the dam was broken she was struggling to deal with emotions a child would have been better at coping with. Talus' love was unwavering in all of that. A safe place she could hold on to whilst she tried to make sense of everything else. If he couldn't hold her through this she would drown under the weight of betrayal she felt.

Because if it wasn't for him it was for nothing and Zana wasn't sure if she was strong enough to do it out of the goodness of her heart.

Sure she wanted change but it wouldn't be overthrowing the Houses change. It would be making the Academy less horrific, ensuring Luana had more control and Pirian too. Houses that did good. It would see the removal of the others entirely from Vel'Anir.

"Thank you," she mumbled after a while when her heart had stopped racing and the anger, hurt and fear had left her limp. "Can we just cuddle in bed please?" a shy ask from a woman who could tear men limb from limb to the man she would bind herself in magic tampering manacles for.

 

[Talus]

Without even giving a proper answer Talus wrapped his arms a bit tighter around her. His muscles flexed, and with a surprisingly smooth motion he scooped Zana up off the ground and lifted her into his arms.

He cradled her like a Princess. "Of course."

Talus said softly, taking in a breath. His mind was not even on the change that they were bringing, the change that the Guard wanted. His mind was on the future, on the visions that he had seen. He knew that was what he wanted.

No. He knew it was what he needed.

His entire life Talus had felt as though he had been drowning. His entire life he'd been struggling for something to hold on to. At first it had been graduating from the Academy. Then it had been the Guard, but now...

Now he knew the truth of it. He wanted her. He wanted a family. He wanted the life that he had seen.

"I love you." Talus said as he placed Zana gently down into their bed, crawling into place besides her just a few seconds later.

 

[Zana]

"I love you too," she kissed his nose when he joined her in bed. "I never doubt your love, Talus," she brushed her fingers across his cheek in a light caress then tangled them in his hair. She curled a blonde lock then tucked it behind his ear with a smile; it was getting long. Despite the sudden realisation it didn't detract from her words. Zana would never ever question that what he said or did was out of love for her. It was the constant feeling that connected them in this bond.

Before she settled in close to him she wriggled out of the compressing training shirt she had been wearing along with her trousers and tossed them onto the chair that everyone seemed to have in their room for this very occasion. Then, as she settled in against him, she tugged the manacles out of the bedside cabinet he had put them in and then passed them to him with her hands outstretched.

This time she tucked her head under his chin as he put them on her, her breathing already growing calmer with every passing second. There was no fear of them anymore. She trusted him and she was enjoying the peaceful sleep.

 

[Talus]

"Nor I, yours." Talus whispered softly, kissing her head softly, a small amount of surprise crossing his face when she offered the manacles.

For some reason he had thought she would not want to wear them tonight, but as she passed the manacles to him a small smile touched his face.

He had never doubted her love. Never thought it slipped away. The bond made sure of that, always. Yet there was anxiety, paranoia, small feelings that crept from the back of ones mind that could not be helped even at the best of times.

Yet here it was, another representation of their trust, another small gift that she gave to him so willingly.

Without hesitation he slowly clasped the manacle around Zana's wrist. It slipped into place, and then the second followed soon after. Lips pressed softly against the top of her head as he took in a deep breath. "I'll always keep you safe."

I'll always make sure we get that future. Talus thought to himself as his hand slipped down her body and dragged over her skin.

She was the love of his life, and he would never let anything happen to her. "I'm going to send Thawne tomorrow."

He told her softly.

"I think we need the day together." It had been too long now, and the Guard could stand on it's own. Thawne was smart, his first lieutnenat, and if anyone could win Belle over then it would be him.

 

[Zana]

They had five more days together but Zana chose not to remind him of that. Any extra time she could have with him alone was like a precious gift and if he believed it was a job someone else could do then it was a job someone else could do. Possessively she cast her leg across his waist and pressed herself as close to him as she could get.

"That means you have the rest of the week off, right?" her fingers ran down his chest and she was careful to keep the manacles from touching his bare skin; she didn't want him to be cold. Her eyes were drawn to the intricate weaving of runes on the silver metal as they caught the pale sliver of moonlight that crept through the curtains of their room. She wondered if she would be able to replicate them somehow or if there was a smith who would be able to decipher them. There was a morbid curiosity to how they worked. Perhaps this would be a kinder way of defeating other Dreadlords in battle...

"Maybe we should take a trip," her lips pressed to his collarbone and she cast thoughts of war from her mind. "I believe there was mention of hot springs..." It would also be nice not to be so rushed in their adventure this time.

 

[Talus]

"Yes." He said as he closed his eyes and simply enjoyed the sensation of her pressed against himself.

There was an absolute joy in the simple feeling of warmth that spread from her body. Her simple touch brought him heat like a fire. Fingers slowly traced over her bare skin a breath filling his lungs as she spoke of the hot-springs.

"Sheketh." He mused with a smile. What had that city been called? "Thallin."

The city of the fire-giants, or at least once.

Now it was more other species than fire-giants from what he understood. A destination for merchants who wanted firesalts and nobles who believed they could live longer by bathing in the springs. "We can go."

He told her softly.

"It'll be a nice little adventure." Something neither of them had seen before.

 

[Zana]

Zana gave a happy little sigh and wriggle. The way his fingers traced patterns over her skin sent goosebumps spreading up her arms and down her legs but in the pleasant way. She shivered and pressed closer in a silent plea for him to continue. They were sending her to sleep.

"Yes, tomorrow morning let's go," a bubbling stream of excitement threaded its way down the bond and this time Zana's wriggle was one of anticipation. Seeing the world was one of her big dreams that she had already confessed to him. Hearing of his adventures all the way from here to the Tundra... Zana wanted that. With him. "Maybe we can find some other tacky little gift for your growing collection," she teased with a giggle. It hadn't escaped her attention that for some reason he was drawn to the little gift shops.

 

[Talus]

"Tacky?" He teased as his fingers slowly continued their path down her body. "You love those gifts."

Talus projected of course. He had no idea why he enjoyed those stupid little nick-nacks, but there was something fun about them. The young Dreadlord was almost entirely sure that within a few years their shelves would be filled with the stuff.

"Maybe we'll find an actual lingerie shop too." Talus whispered quietly, nuzzling her softly and planting a kiss on her skin.

Vacation was meant to be enjoyed after all.

 

[Zana]

"I love those gifts because they're from you," Zana chuckled and then rolled herself on top of him. Her arms folded across his chest and she rested her chin on top of them so she could watch his face in the evening twilight. The Guard Apron was currently her favourite, though the small snow globe from Karak was a firm second. She liked seeing them around the cabin; small tokens of their lives together.

"And I'll have you know there's a very good lingerie shop in Vel'Anir," this time her playful smile was a lot less innocent. "If you don't hide my clothes in the wall this time maybe I'll actually get a chance to wear some hm?" she nipped at his bottom lip.

 

[Talus]

His fingers continued their slow paths up and down her body even as she moved herself atop him. They ran over her side, traced down her spine, and sailed over the curve of her behind in a slow and playful touch.

"Yes but I can't watch you try things on in there." He could only imagine the shop stewards reaction when Talus came ghosting through a wall to avoid the eyes on the streets. The thought brought a small smile to his face.

Fingers stopped for a moment.

"Whatever do you mean, my love?" Innocents dripped into his voice. "I hid nothing. I think the cabin is haunted."

He smirked. "Ghost walking around."

 

[Zana]

Zana gave him one of her best, what she called, Sloan looks. They were a perfect blend of disbelief, disgust at the lie, and with a hint of amusement.

"Yeah, one pain in the arse ghost," she shook her head sending the gentle waves of her hair falling over her shoulders and across her back. The tendrils were silky soft and luminous because of the dwarfish shampoo and conditioner she had started using regularly. "It even took Grey's ball, he was so sad," her lips twitched somewhat. They had left the wolf outside again; the great ball of fur was enjoying the warmer evenings and the hunt. These trips were as much for him as they were for her.

"But coming back to the more important point... I thought the fun bit was the surprise of seeing what I brought, not the trying on phase?" her nose rubbed against his playfully.

 

[Talus]

"It can be both." He smiled and planted a small kiss on her lips.

Of course working out just how to make both happen wasn't always that easy. He mused for a few seconds, considering.

"Maybe surprise at home." He kissed. "And I'll help you pick things out when we're away."

The best of both worlds. "Might keep the ghost away."

Talus suggested with a grin.

 

[Zana]

"The Ghost is interested in my lingerie collection huh?" Zana raised both eyebrows in a dubious manner then pressed her lips to his in a soft, quick, kiss. "Well... if it will stop me being haunted..." she sighed dramatically and then pushed herself off of him. The thoughts of the argument just a few moments ago still lingered in her mind and she wanted them gone; she didn't want to fight with the man she loved. It hurt her. Hurt her in a way she couldn't even shield herself against.

So she slid out of bed and as she grabbed her bag from the corner she thought of happier things like how to make him squirm.

Zana was gone for five minutes tops but when she returned it was in barely anything more than when she had left. Black stockings finished in pretty lace came up to her thigh and were held up in place by ribbons that looked as though they would snap with very little encouragement. They were attached to the lacy red corset that enveloped her upper half. She had tied her hair up in a messy bun to show off the necklace she still wore about her neck.

"Better?"

 

[Talus]

As Zana slipped away from him Talus wriggled slightly within the bed. He shifted the blankets surrounding him and moved so he was a tad more comfortable while she grabbed her back and slipped out of the room for a few seconds.

After a few seconds he closed his eyes.

His thoughts were still roaming about where they would be going, what they would have to do to get there and whether or not he actually knew the right direction. He supposed it would all work out, but Talus liked to plan.

When he heard her voice Talus opened his eyes.

In an instant he could feel his heart skip a beat, a lecherous gaze drawing over Zana as he took in her figure and the lingerie that adorned it. He practically squirmed in place as he took her in, teeth sinking into his lower lip.

Then, before she could move towards him any further, Talus snapped forward. The ghost didn't even appear this time, instead Talus' entire image shifted and dragged itself forward in an instant. Before Zana had time to speak she would find herself pressed against the wall behind her, lips locked in a passionate embrace.

 

[Zana]

With the manacles on she couldn't sense him moving like she had been able to when they had fought. At least, not in the slowed down version she had been able to before. Clearly whatever had enabled her to do that had relied on part on the magic within her as well as the bond. The interesting line of thought was quickly dispelled from her mind when he claimed her.

Her back hit the wall hard and what little air was left in her lungs from the impact was quickly stolen by his kiss. Zana's eyes fluttered shut and her hands came up to cup his jaw and throat, fingers playing with the silken ends of his hair as he devoured her. As his hands roved her body those goosebumps from earlier returned but this touch didn't make her tired. No, it woke something inside of her that had lain sleepy and content for the last day whilst her body recovered.

"Mmm, do you think the Ghost will like it?" she said in husky, breathy tones as their lips parted and she gaze up at him through the thicket of her lashes. Her coy smile was made even more playful by the fact her lips were swollen from his kiss.

 

[Talus]

Instead of answering her Talus only kissed Zana again. He pressed against her with a fierce amount of lust and desire, teeth slowly scraping over her lower lip for just a few seconds as hands came up to pin her hips against the wall.

"I think so." He hissed quietly, his heart thundering in his chest.

The games were forgotten, the idea of playing around pushed from his mind. He wanted nothing more than her in that moment, the flames stoked the moment that he'd opened his eyes and seen her standing in his doorway. "But for now I'm keeping it to myself."

Another kiss silenced any response she could have given him, hand traveling up her form as he desperately took her.

 

[Talus]

Talus did not know for how long they slept, his meeting with Bella had not been until mid-day anyway and thus he felt no urgency when waking up even as the sun graced them with it's presence. His eyes twitched, and he felt Zana's weight still lingering on top of him.

His fingers played slowly and absent of mind over her skin, a breath filling his lungs as he slowly and gently nudged her to the side of him.

She slid into the crook of his arm without much effort, felling into place like a rock. A smile touched his face as he watched her sleep so soundly, knowing that the manacles allowed her a level of peace she had likely never imagined.

Talus wondered if he could thank Fen any more. "I love you."

He said softly, knuckles playing over her cheek.

 

[Zana]

Zana gave a soft happy sigh as he brushed his knuckles across her cheek but she didn't wake for a few hours more unless he woke her sooner.

When she did wake her head was on the soft feather pillows of their bed, her hair a wild mess of ringlets and waves. The sun was warming the spot she slept in and for a moment she luxuriated in the warmth. She thought she might slip into sleep once more her mind was so quiet, so calm. She could never quite explain the bliss of that. Her mind had held the future from as young as she could remember, burdened her with peoples deaths or greatest moments. It had left little time for her own life.

Until him.

Zana's eyes opened finally but she was in the bed alone. With a yawn she sat up and ran a hand through her hair. Worry didn't gnaw at her for she could feel him even with the manacles on somewhere close by. Even so she slipped them off and put them in the draw beside their bed before clambering out to go and find him, throwing on his discarded shirt as she left the room.

 

[Talus]

Zana would find Talus once again in the kitchen, except this time there was less of a mess.

Three or four pans were stacked in the sink, obviously, but there wasn't flour everywhere and most of the mess had been contained to just one area. He had tried to be more conscious of it this time, and as she stepped out into the Kitchen she would find him turning around already holding a plate.

"Ah." He said with a slight furrowed brow. "So much for breakfast in bed I suppose."

A smile flickered over his lips as he stepped over to the table, placing the plate down. "I've packed and sent a message to Thawne."

There was an eagerness to him. Though as he stepped over to Zana and kissed her cheek it became obvious that he did not want to rush her.

"Whenever you're ready." They would go on their second trip.

 

[Zana]

"You weren't there," Zana said simply and returned the kiss on his cheek with a smile. If he wasn't in the bed there was no point in her mind to staying in it. Her gaze turned to the food and she not only heard but felt the growl of her stomach; it looked even better than yesterday. Absentmindedly she ran her hand over her belly and then sat down to tuck into her food whilst Talus explained what he had been doing with his morning whilst she slept.

"I wondered where my bags were..." she said around a forkful of food before swallowing. Zana had seen her riding clothes out but no hide nor hair of the rest of her things and she had simply assumed he'd squirrelled them away again. "I thought the Ghost might not have been appeased by my choice of clothing last night," she shot him a playful smile.

 

[Talus]

He smirked slightly. "I suppose it was then after all."

Talus said the words as he gently brushed his hand over her shoulder and made his way to the other side of the table opposite her. There was a smile on his face as he sat himself down, the two of them sharing another one of these simple moments sending a spike of joy through him.

"I found them right where you left them." He took his own first bite, musing for a moment on how a bit of cinnamon would have made the pancakes better. "Guess we know what it takes now."

A cheeky smirk touched his lips, teeth sinking into his lower lip for just a brief second before he took another bite.

 

[Zana]

Zana shot him a playful, narrow-eyed stare, before returning to her own pile of pancakes. She was surprised to find the tang of cinnamon in it and glanced up at him with a curious look before returning to her plate of food. It wasn't long before she had cleared her plate, nearly putting Talus to the shame with the speed at which she ate. She wasn't usually so hungry in the mornings but perhaps it was the price of the Manacles when they were removed and the rush of magic returning.

"Alright, I'll get dressed then we'll go," she was excited for her second 'holiday' and even more so because it was somewhere Talus hadn't been. Zana hoped she wouldn't be as emotional this time as she had been at Karak. Leaning over the table she kissed the bit of syrup off lips lips before licking her own with a grin then disappeared back into the bedroom.

It didn't take long for her to reappear kitted out in her riding clothes and she waited now for him whilst she washed up the dishes.

"So I take it you have a plan?" because Talus always had a plan. A meticulous one.

 

[Talus]

"Mm." Talus made the noise as he shifted his own pack slightly to make sure that they had everything they would actually need.

This trip was different than the one they had taken before. Talus had known exactly where Karak was, he could picture the path in his head and walk it without a single bit of assistance. This time? This time he had a raggedy old map.

"We'll need to head to the Portal Stone." Obviously. "I know the symbols that will take us to Sheketh."

From there though? "After that we're going to do a little bit of guess work."

He smiled at her.

"We'll have to be proper explorers." Talus reached up and scratched the back of his head with a smile.

 

[Zana]

Zana finished up the dishes and wiped down the sides so everything was clean for when they returned then turned to Talus and his serious, thoughtful face. Zana's was the opposite. She was giddy with excitement at the prospect of it and she stepped into his arms to steal a series of quick little kisses to demonstrate her enthusiasm.

"We need to see about getting you one of those hates we spoke about," she nipped his bottom lip then stepped out of the circle of his arms to pick up her own pack. As they made their way outside Zana couldn't help the small squeeze of her heart that Talus had already tacked up Zandor for her. The dun gelding jigged impatiently.

"Do you want a ride or are you going to run?" he knew he could keep up and he had proven so enough times but she didn't want him to worry about his energy.