Private Tales Stalked by Darkness

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Reynard was surprisingly calm the entire time, but Gwynn suspected it was likely an act intended to throw Valynn off. Looking thoroughly disgruntled, the Captain of the Royal Guard sighed through his nose. "No use in starting today; you can have at it tomorrow once you've rested."

With a bow in Gwynn's direction, the elf left the two alone at the top of the tower. "He must really not like you, I've never seen him act iike this before," Gwynn said, turning to Reynard. She walked away from Yvan's enclosure. "You can introduce yourself to Yvan, but I wouldn't get too close yet," she continued. "I would offer to eat dinner with you but I already agreed to eat with my parents," Her father had wanted to discuss something, and from his tone of voice, she knew it had been important.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard nodded his head, smile still present. He was relieved he'd have a chance to rest before needing to move on to be next trial. He was slightly worried it would be a back to back process but it seemed even Valynn had the common decency to let a man rest after a maze filled with traps and battles. Though there was a slight bit of disappointment at not being able to add on to the days victories, it was far better for him to recuperate, after all he had no idea what to expect from Yvan and the taming trial.

Once Valynn left, Reynard let out a small sigh with his smile turning tired but still present, he turned to Gwynn as she spoke, chuckling at her first words. "Yes, I'm not sure what I did to earn his ire but I'm sure it has something to do with being human or an outsider. Really the worst part is not being liked, I'm so used to everyone loving me." He said jokingly. "but really it's fine. I'll be satisfied if I can manage to earn his respect by the end of all this." Reynard looked towards Yvan but moved no closer. "And Yvan is going to help me do it, as much as I'm sure he'll make it difficult." Reynard was resolute. Even if the task ahead was far from easy, he wouldn't falter especially in front of Gwynn. It wasn't just another opportunity to show that he was more than just a regular human mercenary.

Reynard let out a louder and more exaggerated, but not serious, sigh at Gwynn's final words. Of course he couldn't be there to guard her all the time, and her time with her family was important after all. He'd eat alone tonight but it was far from a familiar feeling. "Worry not Princess, no need to take pity on me. I'm quite used to eating alone." Though the contents of his words seemed sad, the smile on his face and the twinkle in his eye would do enough to let the princess know he really didn't mind. Sure he'd prefer to eat with her but he had no more a right to it than any one else right? "Should I escort you there then? Stand guard outside? I'm not always entirely sure where my responsibilities end and begin after all."

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn thought maybe Reynard was taking his job a little too seriously, but she smiled nonetheless. "I think I will be just fine with my parents; they have their own personal guard. You know, I did manage to live 40 years without a bodyguard," she said in a teasing tone. She knew now the situation was different and truthfully she was moved by his focus on his job protecting her.

"For tonight, your responsibility is to eat a good meal and get some good rest," she said. They both would need it; taming Yvan would prove to be rather difficult.

Gwynn said good night to Reynard, and then walked down the stairs to the royal hall. She walked to her parents' chamber and knocked before entering. Her father and mother were sitting at a table laden with food. Gwynn's mother rose and mother and daughter embraced. Gwynn inhaled deeply; it had been too long since she had spent any sort of quality time with her family.

After a good dinner, Gwynn sat on her parents' bed, her mother sitting behind her, braiding her hair, as her father talked, rifling through papers on his desk. "Gwynn, I've been thinking," he said after a moment, setting down the papers. "You've been preparing to take the throne since you could walk, but it would be even more beneficial if you took a larger role," He began. He outlined a plan for Gwynn to take a larger role in ruling their people- Gwynn's father could only be king for so long. By the time she returned to her chambers, she was tired but excited. She had long worried that when she took the throne her father would be dead or dying, but this way, she would not be filled with guilt and grief when she wore the crown.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard nodded his head, she was right after all. Though he was brought in because of the recent attempts on her life, she had been well guarded and protected up until that point. He couldn't imagine royalty was anything less than incredibly well protected. "Alright, of course you're right. Stay safe and enjoy your dinner and I'll attempt to do the same." he said before they went their separate directions.

Reynard made his way quickly to their shared common room and took the time to enjoy some real personal time. It was the first solitary moments he'd had since trekking through the wild mountains. He enjoyed spending time with Gwynn but everyone needed some personal time. Moments to really center oneself and focus on self care.

Reynard took this free time to shower, cleaning every inch of his body after the maze and in preparation for future trial's. After he was done showering he sat himself down and ate the food provided for him. It was no doubt less fancy than the meal provided to Gwynn and her family but it was hardy and filling, the more important aspect of food for a guy like Reynard. He would be found sitting in the shared connecting room, having closed his eyes for a quick nap before the princess arrived. He wouldn't stay up through the night but he would make sure she was asleep before he thought about resting.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn entered the sitting room with a grin across her face. Reynard was sitting on the couch in a relaxed position, his eyes closed. She didn't want to wake him but she desperately wanted to share with him what had happened. She figured it could wait until the morning; Reynard wasn't likely to get any deep sleep tonight and he would need all he could get if he wanted to face Yvan tomorrow.

Gwynn crept past him, moving to enter her room, praying the creaking of the door wouldn't wake him up or scare him. She paused. Perhaps she should wake him, just to let him know she had returned safely. She walked back over to the couch and sat down next to him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Reynard," she said softly.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard had enjoyed a quick nap, something he had gotten used to over the course of his career. Power naps were essential in his line of work. He didn't always have time for the full 8 hours of sleep so a quick 10 minutes here and there could really make a world of difference. He got just about 15-20 minutes when Gwynn had walked through the door to the sitting room.

He was awake the moment the door opened. Just because he enjoyed quick naps doesn't mean he was vulnerable for that time. He was a light sleeper when he wanted to be, another necessary skill for being a successful and not dead mercenary.

Even now, he knew how much Gwynn had a habit of fretting. It was strange in some ways, to have a member of the royal family worry about someone like him. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling but he didn't want her worrying about him while she needed to be getting sleep.

He was surprised when she came to sit next to him, putting her hand on his shoulder and calling his name. It seemed she wasn't quite willing to go to sleep yet. That was fine, he was her bodyguard not her nanny. It seemed she wanted to talk first.

Reynard opened his eyes and sat up straight, fully awake and smiling at the princess. If nothing else it did seem she was in a good mood. The meal with her parents must've gone well, something for which he was glad for. "Good evening princess, I'm guessing the meal went well?"

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

When Reynard opened his eyes and sat up, a smile quick to arise on his face, Gwynn guessed he hadn't really been asleep after all. "Please, call me Gwynn. I hear 'Princess' all day from Valynn and all the others," she replied.

"But the meal did go well, my father wants me to take a larger role as princess while preparing for the throne." Only until after the words were out of her mouth did she realize how spoiled she sounded. But her role as future queen was not one she took lightly. She accepted the duties that came with the jewels, and she was glad for the chance to do something of use.

"And, my father mentioned someone spotted the assassin a few days ago, before your trial today," she continued. "They're beginning to track him; the stalker is being stalked,"

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard chuckled a little. It wasn't the first time she had asked him to refer to her by a shortened version of her first name. Gwynn wasn't one for all the pleasantries she experienced on a daily basis. He couldn't blame her and the only reason he didn't call her Gwynn was because of status, and truthfully his forgetfulness. He'd have to try and be better. "I can't promise that in public, but in private I'll try and do so. Sorry Gwynn." he said with a playful smile.

Good news across the board from the dinner it seemed. Her taking a larger amount of responsibility was important for her role if she was to eventually take over as ruler of the kingdom. It was better to get her adjusted to the no doubt many responsibilities that royalty had. He wasn't worried, she would no doubt adjust quickly. "That's fantastic news. You'll do great in your larger role I'm sure. The kingdom is lucky to have you." he said, hoping to reinforce some confidence in her in regards to the future.

Reynard's smile faltered for a moment. The subject of the assassin hadn't been revisited for a while, not since the first night he attacked. To know the assailant was being properly tracked was nothing but good news. Reynard took his job seriously and the protection of Gwynn's life even more so. "That's good. May they find him as soon as possible so that we can rid you of this rat." he said, offering her a reassuring smile. He couldn't imagine what it felt like, to be stalked and have multiple attempts on your life in your own home. The life of the heiress apparent was certainly not one he envied.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn smiled when Reynard used her first name again. When it was just the two of them formalities didn't matter as much, since there was no one else to judge them. His response to her news warmed her insides and her smile grew. She was truly excited for the new opportunities that would surely arise and was glad to see Reynard had faith in her. His opinion meant a lot to her.

When the topic shifted to the assassin, Gwynn noticed his smile drop for a second. She wondered if he still felt bad for letting the assassin get away the first time, but Gwynn held nothing against him. He was already proving himself to be more than worthy of being her bodyguard.

"I have total faith in you and your abilities," Gwynn replied. "Tomorrow, we'll go back up to the eyrie and you can ride behind me on Gavne; to get a feel for rohks," she continued. She believed he was capable of taming Yvan, but she also didn't want him to leave, not now when they had become friends. Perhaps it was selfish of her, but in reality Gwynn had no real friends besides her parents, and they hardly counted.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Gwynn's faith in him went a long way truth be told. He had no idea why her opinion of him seemed to matter so much but there was no denying that it did. He wanted to do all he could to make her safe and her believing he could do that was more than enough to keep him motivated. "Thank you Gwynn. It's nice to know you have faith in me, I hope to feel I've earned that sooner rather than later." he said with a smile. Though he didn't quite think he deserved the faith he was given, he would take it gratefully regardless. Despite the fact it was nice she believed him, a client that trusted their mercenary was always easier to work with. Not that he saw her as a simple client or this as a simple job, not anymore anyways.

His smile remained, though with a hint of something he couldn't discern within it. The idea of riding with Gwynn on Gavne high in the air, soaring through the sky right next to her was a pleasant one. He couldn't but imagine how few others have ever received the same opportunity and couldn't help but chuckle out how lucky a mercenary could get in just a few days. "Well the sounds wonderful. You'll receive no arguments from me, I've always been curious what it's like to fly through the sky. I've only ever travelled by boat or by foot."

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn smiled at Reynard, leaning back into the couch she was sitting on next to him. "Flying is certainly amazing, you'll love it." She recalled the first time she had flown on Gavne, and how her stomach had dropped. "If you need help with Yvan, don't hesitate to ask," she added in a softer tone.

She knew she should likely turn in for the night but she would've much rather stayed up all night sitting on this couch and talking to Reynard. Gathering her will, she placed her hand on his arm, and then stood. She could not stifle a yawn. "I should turn in. Good night, Reynard," she said, giving him a tired smile as she walked to her bedroom and shut the door behind her. She leaned against her door for a moment, staring at her stone ceiling, wishing everything wasn't moving so fast. She knew soon Reynard would pass the test and once the threat of her assassin was gone, he would have no reason to stay with the Sky Elves.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

"I look forward to it. I doubt I could do much better for a first time flying partner than you Gwynn." he said, meaning every word. It helped that she was more confident in the air then he would be, he certainly couldn't let his first time flying being on Yvan shortly after, hopefully, taming him. The last thing he needed after all his efforts was to fall from the sky and turn himself into a fine paste on the beautiful sky elven stonework that was the castle. "and don't worry, I'm not so prideful as to deny help with Yvan. He's likely going to give me a bit of trouble." he said with a chuckle and a shake of his head, only partly joking.

Reynard did his best to contain the quickening of his heart at Gwynn's touch. A simple and likely innocent act but one that he took notice of regardless. He pushed away whatever wild thoughts were gathering before they had time to take shape. He gave Gwynn a smile instead. "Goodnight Gwynnestri."

As Gwynn entered her room and closed the door behind her Reynard looked forward and found a fixed point on the wall to stare at. A realization had hit him as he said the word 'goodnight' to the princess. It was an innocuous thing really, the kind of thing those not accustomed to mercenary life would likely never even think of. Reynard was so used to spending his nights alone, more often than not somewhere deep in the dangerous and solitary wilderness. There was never a goodnight or sweet dreams to exchange, no smiles just before bed and the expectation of waking up to companionship in the morning. A soft smile crossed his lips, somehow even softer than usual which was quite the feat.

Reynard let out a small sigh. It was a small thing, a tiny ray of unexpected joy. Often in life, it was the small things that truly made a difference and all too often the small things alluded him. Reynard let his head fall backwards onto the spine of the couch, looking up towards the ceiling. A sinking feeling began to take shape. It wasn't all consuming yet but he could feel it. The knowledge that after these trials, after the taming, the bonding and everything else, after he either killed or captured the assassin he would have to leave. He would need to return to the life of a mercenary. A pang of sadness hit him. He'd need to leave Gwynn's side wouldn't he? There was no place for a human mercenary in the kingdom of the sky elves.

Reynard stood suddenly and clenched his fists, before taking in a long and deep breath. Steadying himself, Reynard unclenched his fists. "Oh Reynard, why couldn't you just be heartless instead." he said with a mirthless laugh quietly to himself. Reynard would stay up for another hour or so, allowing time for the princess to fall asleep before falling asleep himself. Tomorrow was another day, the start of his second trial. Here's to hoping he could be the first outsider in who knows how long to tame a Rohk.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn pushed off her door and bathed, then put on a nightgown. She moved quickly, trying to distract herself from the man she knew was also readying to sleep in the next room. It would be better, she told herself, if she did not get too attached to Reynard. But she knew it was too late.

It took Gwynn an hour of tossing and turning to fall asleep. Despite being exhausted, her brain would not let her body rest. It was after midnight before she finally fell asleep and she had strange dreams that she couldn't remember in the morning.

She braided her hair tightly the next morning, the morning light casting a glow over everything in her room. She heard the servants enter the front sitting room, setting the table with breakfast for both Gwynn and Reynard. Gwynn dressed in a formfitting tunic and leather riding pants, pulling on a pair of soft leather boots. She left her room and sat down only briefly to eat a quick, light breakfast.

Soon, it would be time to take to the skies.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard slept well and rose early, making sure he was up before Gwynn was in order to make sure there were no assassins in waiting or traps laid during the night. On jobs like these it always paid to be cautious even when most would never think to be. Assassins made their money on creative and effective murders, getting through carefully laid defenses and schedules in order to strike their targets. The key was to expect the unexpected and be ready for everything else. Remain three steps ahead because assassins would try to be two ahead.

As Gwynn entered the sitting room Reynard would already be there, sitting and tasting a bit of everything to ensure nothing had been poisoned, another assassin favorite. He ate lightly but enough to ensure he wouldn't feel the pangs of hunger to soon into the task of taming later in the day. Reynard looked to Gwynn and smiled, "Good morning Gwynn, I hope you had a good nights sleep." he said smiling kindly, happy to see her well and ready for the day.

Today would be a rarity for Reynard, so used to being the lead in most any situation that it would be unfamiliar to be following Gwynn's lead. She was the expert on matters of taming the Rohks and flying through the skies on them. He had neither flown nor tamed a Rohk so he'd be relying completely on her and her experience for todays less than forgiving trial.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn returned Reynard's smile. Already, she felt better than she had yesterday. She was looking forward to riding Gavne and showing Reynard the ropes. "Yes I did, did you?" she asked as she ate. She honestly wasn't very hungry but she knew today would be grueling, perhaps for the both of them.

After eating her share, Gwynn stood up, her pale blonde braid swinging. "Are you ready to get started?" she asked.

Once Reynard agreed, she would lead the way to the eyrie, which was a relatively short walk. Once there, Gwynn would immediately head for Gavne, stroking her eagle's beak. She murmured a soft hello, and then prepared to ride the rohk. Yvan was still in his pen snorting and stomping per usual. Sometimes Gwynn wondered if the eagle was doing it just for the attention; she had sometimes caught him in an unusually quiet moment where he was laying down, his large head resting on his forelegs, a contemplative look in his beady eyes.

When Gavne was out of her enclosure and ready to ride, Gwynn swung a leg over the eagle's body, situating herself in the settle. She met Reynard's gaze, silently inviting him to climb on behind her.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard nodded his head and spoke in reply. "Yes I did. Thankfully I have plenty of experience getting good sleep under stressful conditions. Today is going to be far from easy." he said simply, thankful for being an easy sleeper when he wanted to be.

Reynard finished soon after Gwynn, rising the moment she asked if he was ready. "As much as I'll ever be. Though far more prepared with you here to help." he said with his smile reaching up to his eyes. He could only hope she was an adequate teacher, if that was the case then maybe he really had a chance at succeeding today.

Reynard followed Gwynn out to the eyrie, once more taking in the sight of the mountains in the distance. Though the land around the sky elves' kingdom was treacherous, it sure was a beautiful sight to behold. Almost as beautiful as-

He had to stop his train of that before it got too far out of control. There was even less time for distraction today than usual. Though he knew this, he couldn't help but take in the sight of the way the light of the sun bounced of Gwynnestri's golden hair.

He shook his head, attempting to clear it of unwanted thoughts, though no doubt that task would get much harder as the ride through the skies progressed. Reynard let out an inaudible sigh before climbing onto Gavne just behind Gwynn. He had much experience with horses, so there were a few similarities but not enough to make him comfortable. He wasn't exactly sure how to go about this as it likely wasn't often for the princess herself to take people out riding. He wasn't sure where to put his hands so he opted to put them at his sides, gripping the saddle below him. "Alright, let's hope I'm not afraid of heights or something." he said with a nervous smile.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn tried not to think too hard about how close Reynard's front was to her back. "Put your arms around my waist, or else you'll slide right off the back of the saddle," she said, surprising herself at how calm her voice sounded. Once Reynard had held onto her, she would lean forward slightly, signaling for Gavne to take off. The eagle took a couple bounding steps forward and then dove off the edge of the eyrie, her wings still tucked in.

"Gavne!" Gwynn exclaimed, squeezing the saddle with her thighs and gripping the leather straps that ran on either side of the eagle's head. They plummeted hard, the wind ripping strands of hair from Gwynn's braid. She would have slid back an inch had Reynard not been behind her. Gwynn could practically sense Gavne's amusement as the eagle pulled up at the last minute extending her wings wide.

Immediately, they caught air, and were jerked as they flew upwards again. Gwynn's muscles were tight as she gripped Gavne to stay on, but once they stabilized, she allowed herself to straighten. she glanced over her shoulder at Reynard. "Are you alright?" she asked. A smile twitched at the corners of her mouth.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

It took a great deal of self control not to sigh or react with anything other than a simple reply. "Yeah ok." he said quietly, taking her advice and wrapping his arms around her waist. He knew this was the proper way to ride with her but he really wasn't prepared for it. Should've known better than to think he could get away with gripping the saddle.

Reynard pushed out an unwelcome thoughts. Or at least he tried. It wasn't an easy feat considering this was the first time he could remember them making physical contact at all. Not even a handshake up to this point. Or maybe this moment just felt more important? He wasn't sure and certainly wasn't willing to dive to deep into the thoughts and feelings beginning to take shape.

Thankfully he had very little time to think about it before they were hurtling towards the ground at frankly terrifying speed. He sucked in a short breath as the wind whipped past his face, his jaw tight. Reynard was far from a timid man, and was proud of his bravery in most situations. However diving towards the ground at faster speeds than perhaps he had ever seen was quite effective at bringing out a bit of fear.

Thank the Gods Gavne didn't decide today was the day to pass onto the next realm. She pulled up just in time and now they were flying through the air at a much more appropriate rate of speed. He manage to clam his expression a bit, though it would be obvious he had just spent the last few moments with his heart in his throat. "Yes yes. I'm alive at least, which is more than I had expected a moment ago. It seems Gavne has a sense of humor. Haha." he laughed nervously, but not without a hint of real amusement.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn tried not to think too much about how warm Reynard was against her back and instead on staying on Gavne. When they had leveled out, Gwynn laughed softly at Reynard's response, noticing the tension in his muscles. "It is probably best that was your first experience- Yvan won't waste time making sure you're comfortable," she said. Gavne snorted softly as if to agree.

"The rohks are very intelligent creatures and seem to have their own language or communication systems amongst each other. A sky elf chooses an eagle at a relatively young age, so by the time they're my age they have a close bond with the eagle, and that's where you stand at a disadvantage, since you have to bond with Yvan." Gwynn explained as they flew.

This second task would take the most time, especially since Yvan was incredibly stubborn. The last (and only) person to ride him nearly died. Gwynn was scared for Reynard, but knew he was capable. He was very friendly and the rohks could sense those kind of things, and Gwynn knew that was what mattered. This was Valynn's way of testing Reynard's character- the eagles were more perceptive even than Gwynn.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Gwynn was right. As much as he didn't enjoy the first experience with flying being a speedy descent towards solid ground, it was best to get used to these things as early as possible. All he'd heard about Yvan was that he was infamously difficult to work with, so a hurtle to the ground or two from the ornery bird was all but guaranteed.

Reynard took in Gwynn's words, knowing that every bit of information she could give might just make the different in todays trial. He had gathered that the rohks were more intelligent than animals typically were, but it was nice to have confirmation. It was likely these birds were closer to humanoid intelligence than animal, but he couldn't know the specifics for sure.

Knowing that the Sky Elves choose their eagle's much early was another roadblock in his path. Not only was he an outsider, and a different race entirely but he was starting much later than others did. It seemed everything truly was working against him for this task.

Despite the situation Reynard cracked a smile anyways, not wanting to let the weight of his test drag his mood down any further. "It seems all I've been given are disadvantages!" he said with a chuckle. "But that's alright, I always enjoy a good challenge and besides that, I'll relish the look on Valynn's face when I successfully tame a rohk, and an ornery one at that!" he never intended to be seen in such a negative light by any member of the kingdom, but there always going to be some factors contributing to peoples opinion of him that he simply couldn't help.

If Valynn had an issue with outsiders, humans or Mercenaries already then there wasn't much Reynard could do about it. A kind smile and politeness couldn't always fix preconceptions as much as he tried to do so anyways. Thankfully in the end, as long as he passed all the trials, Valynn didn't get the decision. It was up to the royal family and that meant those were the only people he really needed to prove himself to. He'd just enjoy Valynn making himself upset for little reason.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn laughed at Reynard's words, and then the two fell into a comfortable silence as they flew. Without anything to distract her, Gwynn was now fully aware of Reynard's heart beating against her back, his warm breath at her ear, and his arms around her lower torso. Subconsciously she quickened her breath until she and Reynard were breathing in sync, their chests rising and falling in the same motion. Up here, where there was no one to see them and judge them, Gwynn let her eyes drift closed. Her fingers loosened on the reins; she knew Gavne would not let her riders fall off.

Gwynn's nerves eased as the wind tossed stray strands of her pale blonde hair around her face, her eyes still shut. She subconsciously leaned into Reynard, their flight gentle and calming enough that her heart rate began to slow.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

Reynard was a fantastic talker, he hadn't met many people over the course of his life who could orate better than him. It was perhaps his greatest talent. Despite that however he was just as comfortable in silence. The opportunity to let the mind wander and let the world fall away around you.

This was not one of those times he was comfortable in silence and it's not for any negative reason, oh no. It's because this silence was too comfortable. He fell into it too easily and found his mind wandering to thoughts he probably shouldn't have. He and Gwynn's breaths were in sync. He felt his chest tighten in realization, and his heartbeat pounded against his chest as she leaned back into him.

The beautiful view, the incredible first time flight experience, and the gorgeous woman leaning against contributed to making his mind a bit fuzzy. This was so nice, easily the best thing that's happened since he arrived in the spine and even longer than that really. Companionship could sometimes be hard to come by and this was so much more than simple companionship.

Reynard needed to speak, to break the silence. He didn't want to but he knew that he had too, before he really lost control. But the words the came out of his mouth did nothing to help. "I'm uh. I'm really glad I got the chance to come here. I'm not sure when the last time I've enjoyed a job this much was, if ever. I'm glad to be here." he left out the 'with you' portion of that sentence, not yet willing to cross the line he knew was there.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

Gwynn opened her eyes when Reynard spoke and looked over her shoulder to give him a smile. She suddenly realized how close they were; if she moved her head forward in inch their noses would collide, and if she tilted her chin upward their mouths would meet. Gwynn looked away rather quickly and sat up straight, under the guise of guiding Gavne, even though Gavne knew where she was going. "I'm glad you're here," she replied finally, glancing over her shoulder again, her hair blowing over her shoulder and in her face.

Gavne curved gently, giving her riders a better view of the sunrise casting pink light onto the clouds. For a moment Gwynn thought the eagle might be making this flight as romantic as possible and Gwynn flushed, leaning forward more, tugging on the reigns, urging the eagle to flip and do a corkscrew. "Hold on," Gwynn said to Reynard, right before Gavne flipped upside down and completed a complicated corkscrew manuever during which it was hard to distinguish up and down.

When they righted, Gwynn was laughing, her leg still squeezing Gavne's sides. Gavne took Gwynn's laughter as a good sign and tucked her wings in a little, spinning in the air so fast that when they righted, Gwynn's hair was completely loose from her braid.

 

[Reynard De Eramant]

The first thought to enter Reynard's mind when Gwynn turned her head to look at him was that they were incredibly close. Just an inch or two and their lips would meet, a thought that nearly made his heart stop. What would her lips feel like? Taste like? Good grief, he really was having a hard time keeping his thoughts in order. Gwynn had a way of doing that to him, something he's noticed more and more everyday. She had a way of breaking down his barriers.

Thankfully the brief moment of closeness passed as quickly as it had arrived. She turned to look forward, but not without a quick glance and some kind words. He was overjoyed to hear her as glad of his presence as he was. Part of him had almost been worried she didn't feel the same, his worst case scenario thinking took control more often than he would like.

The view up here was gorgeous of course. Being this high in the sky gave you a view that few other things could. The beautiful pink light shining around the clouds was enough to take your breath away. He didn't have long to appreciate the view before Gwynn told him to hold on. Suddenly they were doing a full corkscrew maneuver. He did as he was told of course and wrapped his arms around her even tighter than before, intent not to fall out of the saddle anytime soon.

The adrenaline surging through his veins was not unfamiliar, it felt good to feel something so brand new and exciting. There was no time for him to dwell on it, for he was quickly distracted by the best view so far. Gwynn usually had her hair up, easier to work with that way. The flight had started with her hair in a braid, but now it was completely loose. Her hair being blown around by the braid but somehow still framing her face beautifully. The wind, the lighting, the view. Gwynn had never looked so "Beautiful". the word escaped his lips before he could stop it. His cheeks were burning with embarrassment at the slip up.

 

[Gwynnestri Ravaneiros]

When they had finally righted with the sky above, Gavne beneath, and Reynard behind her, Gwynn released her grip on the reigns, letting Gavne drift as she pleased once more. A large, genuine grin of pure joy stretched across Gwynn's features, and she almost forgot how close she was to Reynard. Almost.

His voice was soft but Gwynn still heard him over the wind. His voice brought goose bumps to her skin, and her face flushed with color. She kept her gaze directed forward because she didn't trust herself enough to look at Reynard and not lean forward into him. Gwynn was speechless and was glad when Gavne decided the romantic flight wasn't working how she wanted it.

The rohk landed gracefully, and it took a moment for Gwynn to get swing her stiff leg over the side of the saddle. Her face was cold and from the wind, her hair increased in volume. Her legs were stiff and sore and so were her fingers. Despite all of this, she thought she had never been happier in her life.