Completed Where the Ancients Dwelled

[Kaira Yehven]

Spring had brought Valenntenia spectacular sunrises once more, now breaking earlier in the day that she did not have to wait long to see it light the skies in the softest palette. Kaira had spent two evenings in her room reserved for the Guardian of Faith at the Tower, as the last touches to her family's home's restorations would be complete for another week yet. The home she had made in an abandoned House of Blessing soon proved no more use to her, as the Ancients no longer required her attentions and thoughts of diligent prayer.

Not when she found a happiness to keep her awake and present, one that made her feel relaxed and at ease.

Mabbon Dreierg had written to her that he would meet her at the Tower after dawn to escort her on a half week trip to the Ancients' Dwell. Such a journey would take two days, or one if you had the expertise such as the Guardian of Darkness, but Kaira had been more than prepared to leave Valenntenia for that amount of time. Only in the presence of the Guardians could she leave the city, and they had both tested this technicality a few times now to be sure.

And yet still, even as she found her way down from her room, pack all set and ready for the travel, she could not help but feel a swell of happiness in her. Perhaps a giddy tone too. Heart beating fast, she did her best to calm it, but there was no use when she saw him.

"We really could have waited for nightfall, Mabbs." She said once she was close enough, a smile wearing her cheeks with exhaustion as she walked to him. "First camp is only a fair few hours away, I would have been fine to have waited for you to be comfortable."

Kaira dropped her mag and closed the distance to him, arms wrapping round him to give her something of support as she leaned forward to press a kiss to his cheek. Her own burned bright and hot, and the Guardian of Faith tried to stifle her nervous laugh. "Otherwise, good morning to you, Mabbon."

 

[Mabbon Dreierg]

The day promised to be bright and productive. Even so, Mabbon couldn't help but feel nervous about the journey ahead. She'll be fine, he promised himself, riding into the Tower's main courtyard an hour after dawn, the sun's glow at his back and the wind in his hair.

The Tower's inhabitants welcomed him warmly, the guards on duty recognising the Guardian in a heartbeat. They knew why he was here, who he had come to see.

Gossip spread fast, and the stories surrounding Kaira Yehven and himself grew by the day.

They had started the night of the Valenn Ball, where he had -quite publicly- made his affections for her known. With a kiss, of all things. There was magic in the air that night, he thought, remembering it fondly, the way her dress had shimmered in the chandelier light, complimenting every curve. They had been so happy, then. Lost in each other, caught up in their own world.

The feelings had only grown since then. Correspondence had been shared, talks held between their two families. His mother, Carissa, had already made up her mind; Kaira would be her daughter-in-law, and that was the end of it.

Early days, he had reminded her, face aflame at the vehemence with which she spoke. He loved his family with all his heart, but his mother terrified him, as all good mothers should their sons. 'We really could have waited for nightfall, Mabbs.' A voice broke him from his thoughts. Blinking, he pulled his gaze away from the view beyond the gate. He heard her footsteps way before her arms reached out to pull him into an embrace.

Smiling, he opened his own to her, turning his face at the last moment so her lips touched his.

'I am comfortable, now you're here,' he grinned playfully, glad to see Kaira. 'Good morning to you, too.' He bowed his head. 'Are you all set to depart? You look'- beautiful, perfect, '-ready.'

Kaira Yehven

 

[Kaira Yehven]

The meeting of their lips filled her with a happiness only he could bring out in her. Mabbon left her grinning like a fool in love, still embracing him longer than she had planned but entirely to comfortable against him. She did not mind that there would be witnessed to such a display, but it had been no different to Valenn night right here in the Tower courtyard.

"Excited to go and see Ancients' Dwell." She answered gently.

She wore a new cloak too, one that had caught her eye in the market down by the port. It was nothing like that she wore in her day to day, in fact, her entire appearance was a Kaira renewed. Her long hair was not coiled and fixed at the base of her neck, and instead showed the natural curls that fell against her back. A matching scarf wrapped around her shoulders, and Kaira grinned up at him. "Well, if you are comfortable, and I am ready, we should get going."

A number of days would be spent outside of Valenntenia. They would leave the Tower, wander through Old Town, and find themselves in the Province before the last gates encasing the city of Valenn could be seen. They would pass through, and Kaira had very amount of faith in the fact she had the Blessing of the Anicents to go on this journey. She had prayed for a safe journey, that she would learn firsthand where the Ancients chose to dwell after leaving Valenntenia to their children.

In her packed bag was a book waiting to be filled with her thoughts and notes. Her own journey as a Guardian of Faith needed to be written down, to be handed down to the next Guardian to take up Faith. Her predesccors had opted not to note their experiences and discoveries, leaving her very much in the dark, but with Solomon's support and some of the Somners, Kaira began to write.

The gates loomed before them, Vanguard caling greetings to them both as they waves both Guardians through.

Kaira's hand went to search for Mabbon's and gave it a squeeze, holding it as they passed on through the gates and outside of the city.

Mabbon Dreierg

 

[Mabbon Dreierg]

Mabbon could feel the weight of eyes on them. Shamelessly, unafraid of their judgement, he let Kaira's hand find his, grateful for her support and what the gesture meant. 'Let go of your anxieties,' he urged her, knowing in his most secret of hearts that he was talking to himself, also. The journey would be fine, they would be fine.

Vanguard frequently patrolled the routes leading to and from the Ancients' Dwell and beyond. Their presence reassured the populace, gave those few bandits there were pause.

Two lone wanderers made for all too tempting a target, but Mabbon did not expect any trouble on the road. Not this close to Valenntenia's walls.

Looking back over his shoulder, the Guardian of Darkness sighed as he drew his hood up, blocking the city from sight. He always regretted leaving, despite knowing it was only temporary. 'What did your grandfather have to say, when you told him of your intentions?' He asked, glancing at Kaira, the warm sunlight turning her flowing hair honey-brown. He already knew, but wanted to hear her tell it again.

Anything to hear her voice.

Kaira Yehven

 

[Kaira Yehven]

Such a question easily had the Faith Guardian forgetting her worries about leaving the bounds of the city, the anxiety of her Stone perhaps changing it's mind and forcing her to return to the safety and sanctity that was kept behind the gates. "He insists on making good on your mother's invitation for dinner." She smiled softly, turning to catch a glimpse of the handsome half-orc behind her. "But overjoyed that I found progress with my Stone that allows me to leave. He said the Ancients' Dwell would be most enlightening for me. Perhaps I can connect with past Faith Guardians... but he did warn it is a place meant for those there to reflect on the dead." The resting place of the Ancients. Such a trek had been too long for travel when her parents passed, but them being buried close to Valenntenia was a comfort to her.

"I always wondered if there was more to my Stone... and despite all the prayers I have conducted within Valenntenia... I cannot feel as if I am missing some pieces..." Her hand squeezed his. Excitement, the journey to uncovering new experiences bright in her dark hazel eyes. "But I know I will learn so much from the Dwell."

Turning her head back to the road, Kaira comfortably leaned into Mabbon. Away from the gazes of busybody citizens, she could feel comfortable enough to enjoy his company, and the close proximity they were now upon their horse. Kaira wrapped his arm around her, still holding his hand, and hummed happily. Her cheeks still warmed pink even after the little time since Valenn Night, but she took comfort in that her affections for him had been reciprocated.

Mabbon Dreierg

 

[Mabbon Dreierg]

Mabbon's attention returned to the road ahead. 'Mmm!' He hummed, acknowledging Kaira's words even as his mind began to wander. He, too, knew there was more to his Stone than his predecessor's had ever cared to reveal. Which wasn't much, he thought, recalling all of the journals he had been given access to at the start of his tenure as the Guardian of Darkness. Most, if not all, had succumbed to the test of time, their secrets fading with the ages.

Only the most recent recordings had been truly legible, and in the end even those had proven light on the details.

And so it is up to me to forge my own path, he mused, his gaze falling to the saddlebag where he kept his own journal. All my thoughts, every feeling I have ever felt, all in that book. There was more there, too. Tales and experiences dating back seven years ago, when all of this had began.

How many lives had he taken now? How many had he managed to save? Was the Stone's power benevolent or malevolent?

Would any of it matter when his mind was no longer his own?

'I hope you find the answers you seek, Kaira,' he said, pushing back the dark thoughts smothering his mood. 'The Ancients' Dwell really is one of the most magnificent places I have ever laid eyes on, though, of course, you'll see for yourself soon enough.' Smiling, he dug his heels in, encouraged his mount to move faster. A flick of the reins and he was at the canter. Before long, they were out into the open country leading to the Dwell.

Mountains loomed in the near distance, tall, snow-capped. Their destination was nestled somewhere in its shadow, high up, with a nice panoramic view of the land they both called home.

Kaira Yehven

 

[Kaira Yehven]

Perhaps it was fateful that it took three days of travel to get to the Dwell, allowing her to witness many stunning vistas on their way. She could feel the smiles from Mabbon each time she pointed out something for him to glimpse, her excitement never dropping after hours of travel. It was not until the last hour of sun peered over the ridge, washing them in gold, that they reached flat ground to set up camp for a few hours. Kaira already was feeling the strains of traveling on horseback for hours, but near the camp there were hot springs known to every Valenntenian. Most particularly popular in the summer months, but as the cold began to set in this spring evening, she could not wait to rest her weary muscles in those healing waters.

"I do not know what I want first. Sleep, to bathe, or to eat." She laughed as she kicked debris from a spot she declared would be the perfect spot for a tent for them to rest in. Kaira tried not to blush at the idea of them sharing sleeping arrangements, recalling Carissa Dreierg's warning her son to respect the symbol of Faith on their travels. Of course, she liked the idea of being near him while she slept, as did she enjoy being around him any other time since Valenn Night.

Satisfied that she cleared an area for the tent, she wandered over to retrieve it from the pile Mabbs placed down. "You look like you could ride a little longer..." She frowned, a tad jealous he was so seasoned for travel and she was not. This was perhaps her first adventure, although not Guardian appointed, but nonetheless travel away from a home her Stone imprisoned her in for the past four years.

Mabbon Dreierg

 

[Mabbon Dreierg]

The dying of the sun had breathed new life into Mabbon. Blood red, the sky's cloudy underbelly gave way to hues of purple and black. Enjoying the setting, revelling in the death of light and the coming of dark, it was with some newfound energy that he turned to regard Kaira. 'Oh, I most certainly could!' He replied, driving home the last stake with glee. 'Aye, straight up the path and headfirst into the hot springs.'

Grinning, he had built for them a small cookfire whilst Kaira had shifted their bags inside.

'Perhaps it would be wise to take a bath first,' he mused, gazing at his fellow Guardian through the woodsmoke. 'Wash the dirt and grime off, y'know?' He shrugged. 'I'm... um, okay waiting here, if you wanted to go first.' Mabbon's scar started to itch. Reaching up, he brushed his fingers gently over the old wound. His eyes darted once more to Kaira, and he smiled, pleased by how good life felt.

'Go on! You've earned it! First day out and already adventuring like a pro,' he laughed, unable to keep his joy in check.

Kaira Yehven

 

[Kaira Yehven]

Kaira grinned at him, standing opposite from him. His encouragements only spurred her to chuckle, turning to find her packed bag and extracting the soft towel and her soaps and oils. For the ride, she had her hair braided right down her back, but with the offer of hot springs so readily available, she would happily take some time to relax. "Would you like to join me when you can?"

It was hard for her to proposition this to him, with them taking their friendship to something more romantic, she did not want to appear as if they were moving too quickly. Her cheeks darkened with red, and she kept the smile on her lips as she looked to Mabbon. "Of course, nothing untoward... I just thought that you, too, deserve a good bathe after the day of travel..."

Crickets! If he teased her for the suggestion, she should just march off to the springs!

Mabbon Dreierg

 

[Mabbon Dreierg]

'Of course, nothing untoward!' Hiding a grin with the back of his hand, Mabbon nodded. 'I would like that, yes. Just... uh, give me a few minutes to finish up here and I'll be right along.' Smiling at Kaira across the open fire, Mabbon fed a few more twigs to the hungry flames. Woodsmoke filled his nostrils as he made to stand, eyes cast about for his own pack.

Taking a knee within the shadows of their tent, the Guardian pulled his pack into his lap. Retrieving his towel, he made his way back to the fire. Filling a pot with water, he put it on to boil. By the time they were done bathing, their dinner would be ready to go in. Or so he hoped.

Adventuring was a hungry business, and, as Carissa Dreierg kept reminding him, he was a growing boy.

The half-orc snorted. Haven't I grown enough? He asked himself, watching as the stars came out from hiding above, in the distant black of an endless void. Standing, he left the camp behind, his footsteps light as he made his way to the springs after Kaira.

He could hear her humming quietly to herself as he approached, the sound of her voice enough to stir a warmth in his chest, just below his heart. 'Is it okay to approach?' He called out from down the path. Though he loved the sight of her, it would be... unwise to catch her at a bad time.

Then again, maybe it wouldn't.

Kaira Yehven

 

[Kaira Yehven]

Kaira had found the path easily, following it's trail that led her to a number of pools. She could feel the heat rising, catching her in a warm embrace as she readied herself to lower herself into a pool that had several large rocks resting at the bottom. It provided enough height for her to sit upon, with the calm water just above her collarbone.

She wore bathing attire, meant to keep her modest should she choose to bathe in the women's bathing chambers and spa services found in Old Town, converted from an old House of Blessings. Only women were permitted, and there was one hour she could attend without being approached by the others. Two female Vanguards were always stationed there, and soon it became known in their rotations that Kaira Yehven was permitted alone time before dawn, when most of the city were asleep. Many prayers were made in those waters, but it had been the true tranquillity and silence that allowed her better connection to the Ancients.

Closing her eyes, she leaned back and adjusted herself accordingly until she was comfortable. Calling on the Ancients was seamless, but even she could feel the distance from Valenntenia and the raw connection the city gave in grounding her. Instead, it was her own Stone, plain and unassuming as it rested against her chest, and the presence of Mabbon's Stone at camp. These two connections allowed her to centre herself, ensure that she was not fully abandoned by the Ancients for leaving the safety and confines of the city.

Time had passed as she had relaxed in the hot spring, that the voice of Mabbon calling out did not faze her immediately until she blinked her eyes open and saw that the world had turned red as the sun continued it's descent.

"All is fine!" Kaira cleared her throat, looking down at herself and realising this would be the first time someone would see her like this. She was not entirely bare, but the way the water made her bathing attire fit to her form was something... different. They would be alone, something she had not entirely realised these past few hours travelling with him on one horse. Her cheeks turned pink, and she hoped he could not see her fussing with her long hair and arranging it so it could try to give her some cover if the dark strands did not simply float around her like a spell.

Mabbon Dreierg

 

[Mabbon Dreierg]

Mabbon appeared from the trees, like a ghost in the night. The heat from the springs hit him all at once, making his skin tingle. Steam rose from the pools, and the Guardian could hear the sound of running water over the gentle rustling of leaves. 'Comfortable?' He asked, regarding Kaira, the way she blushed so prettily.

Stifling a grin, the half-orc averted his gaze and removed his shirt. The skin beneath was pale, and criss-crossed with faded scars, the most prominent among them across his stomach and breastbone. Old wounds, painful wounds.

'I come here, sometimes, during return trips.' Duty and necessity took him far from Valenntenia, as it did most other Guardians. To protect the Stones, mainly. Keeping them all in one place for an extended period of time was just asking for trouble. Though, he had to admit, trouble had a way of finding him regardless. Blinking, he continued to strip, removing his boots and belts and trousers.

He could feel eyes on him, though he pretended not to notice.

'A place worth returning to, I'd say. Feels... strange, having company.' Looking up, he caught Kaira's eye, smiled. His Stone, blacker than black, cut a hole in his chest, just above his heart. To most observers, the Stone bore no definable edges. A touch would reveal this to be a lie, but Mabbon allowed no-one -not even his own family- to get anywhere near it.

Bad juju, he mused, tying up his hair. Stepping to the edge of the pool, Mabbon eased himself down into the tepid waters. A sigh escaped his lips before he could stop it, and the Guardian found himself laughing as the stress flooded out of him.

'Not bad, ey?' He smirked, letting the water carry him out into the open. 'You look happy,' he thought aloud, 'and beautiful, though, I suspect those two things might be related.'

Kaira Yehven

 

[Kaira Yehven]

Kaira busied herself playing with her hair that floated beside her, feeling her cheeks warm a little more than the steam of the springs. Not only did she feel so vulnerable before him, Mabbon was not shy as he prepared to take a dip into the waters. It wasn't until he was truly seated she peered at him, and the sight of his handsome face more prominent now that his hair was tied back, she found herself disarmed with a smile.

Then she scoffed lightly at his words, averting her gaze once more to look at their surroundings.

"I am happy because I feel... free." And oh so happy he was here with her. Spending time with Mabbon made her stomach perform somersaults, and despite how relaxed and at ease she was in this heated water, the mere sight and proximity to him made Kaira falter. "The Ancients... are quite out here, but I sense your Stone more clearly too."

The plain pebble that made up her Stone rested between her breasts, hidden beneath the fabric that kept her modest.

Mabbon Dreierg

 

[Mabbon Dreierg]

'Well, I am the only one here with you right now.' Mabbon pointed out as he slow-walked his way towards Kaira. The spring itself wasn't deep. About half the height of a man. But why stand when you could sit? Why sit when you could swim?

Mabbon had never been any good at sitting still but now, at least, he had an excuse to.

Bobbing along, the Guardian of Darkness ghosted in alongside Kaira. There was a ledge ringing the pool, beneath the surface, and Mabbon sat down beside her, all too aware of how flustered she was becoming. 'How're you finding the journey so far?' He asked, leaning back against the side of the pool. His arm snaked up to wrap itself around Kaira's shoulders.

'Must feel odd... being away from Valenntenia. Spend so long in one place, you can't imagine ever leaving it.' Mabbon smiled, looked away. 'You put down roots, grow... accustomed to living life a certain way.'

Kaira Yehven

 

[Kaira Yehven]

Kaira pursed her lips as her heart raced seeing his head held above the water and he broke against the water and glided over to her. Her cheeks were hot, but not because of the steam rolling off of the surface of the water that lapped against her during Mabb's swim, but even his close proximity only made her cheeks grow hotter.

She turned her head towards him, lifting her eyes to peer at him through dark lashes. "I am glad for the company on this journey. You are a comfort and it is... nice to always be so close to you."

Despite how shy she was when it came to affections, it felt different with the half-orc. Never did she feel like she needed to shrink in order to be in his presence, but rather, he made her feel as if she were a marvel. That flame she could feel in him drew her close like a moth, and the Guardian of Faith turned her lips into a smile. "Valenntenia will always be home, but since you came into my life that day at the Gallery, and every day after that, I knew I could find the same roots with you."

Even if her Stone gave her pause, Kaira herself did not feel anxiety being away from home for a while, not when she had him there to ensure she was not entirely alone.

Mabbon Dreierg

 

[Mabbon Dreierg]

Mabbon coughed, unsure of just what Kaira was implying. 'I, uh... hmm.' He thought on it. 'I don't quite know how to respond to that, to tell you the truth!' He chuckled, trying his damnedest to act coy. 'I... uh, look forward to putting down roots with you, too!' Glancing at Kaira, the half-orc flashed her a sheepish grin. Strange, how quickly she could derail his thoughts.

Almost like you actually love her.

Wiping at his brow with the back of his hand, Mabbon pretended to ignore the Darkness's musings. The Stone had been all too vocal, as of late, feeding on his insecurities and doubts. What if he was deluding himself? Happiness wasn't something he deserved, after all, and he sure as shit couldn't make her happy. Maybe they would both be better off if he just... stopped.

Stopped pretending that he gave a damn about her and started focusing on himself, how he felt and not how the rest of the world felt about him. They hate you, the voice returned unbidden, pressing in from the dark parts of his mind to blindside him at the worst possible moment. Happiness is a lie, one bound to unravel, given time.

'Kaira, I think...' Pausing, the half-orc frowned. 'I think you're a fool to trust me. To care for me with this... poison in my head.' His hand drifted to the Stone hanging around his neck. It was cold to the touch. 'But I'm glad, y'know? Glad you took the time to get to know me better. Not many do.' Looking her in the eye, Mabbon took a moment to drink her in.

'Like what you've done with your hair, by the way! The frizzy look suits you.'

Kaira Yehven

 

[Kaira Yehven]

Never had she felt her smile fall so quickly before. Nor did she ever feel a knot in her stomach twist so suddenly at his words, but then his beautiful voice kept going and undid some of that unrest in her. Kaira, who had turned her gaze outward, now brought those dark hazel eyes to meet his lilac gaze. He was already looking at her, and it was with an intensity that drew a breath loose from past her lips.

Then he grinned, noting the state of her hair.

She shoved him, brows furrowing. "You cannot say something like that and then make jest!" Kaira huffed, leaning against the warm rock behind her, arms crossed, and sulking. Her face moved to glare holes into the brush opposite from them, and she wondered if she imagined it's leaves to wilt slightly under the weight of her stare.

"Of course I care about you, Mabbon. Stone or not, I care about you even if it gets dark." Because Kaira could recognise that darkness. It lived inside her still, but her own Stone seemed to keep it tucked away from her heart and mind, allowing her to be more perceptible to love and kindness.

And passion.

If an old Guardian's story from more than half a millennia was to be believed, Faith was goodness. Faith was the balance. The Guardian would always be tied to Passion, but Kaira had not felt for Villam what she always had for Mabbon. Even the sense of the Stone of Darkness had allured her, as the abyss could do to a lost soul.

But what she felt was not the urging of her Stone, nor the Ancients in fact.

Kaira turned flicked her gaze up at Mabbon, face softening after a moment. She could not be in this mood for long, not when his handsome face always seemed to catch her breath each and every time she looked upon him. "I am glad for you. For what you mean to me and what you do for me. Actually... I think I have always thought of you this way..."

Her arms fell away from her chest, unfurling as she twisted her frame to regard him. One hand reached to cup one side of his jaw, her thumb brushing against cheek. "I am there for you, Mabbon Dreierg . This, I vow."

 

[Mabbon Dreierg]

'Oh, Kaira.' Mabbon smiled sadly. 'Don't go making promises you can't keep!' Drawing her close, he planted a kiss on her forehead. Letting her go, he sank low in the water, his head nestled on the stone at his back. Sighing, he closed his eyes, blocking out the world in order to give her words the attention they were due.

Actually... I think I have always thought of you this way...

'Y'know... you could've just said that from the start.' Cracking open one eye, he glanced up at her, a small grin breathing light and life into the space between them. 'I jest, of course. It'd be no fun if you just came out and said it.' He laughed. 'Though it would be nice to catch a break, every now and then. Ancients know, we deserve one.' Perhaps this was it for him? The well-deserved break he had been hoping for. It almost met all of the requirements.

Now, if I could just get rid of this thrice-cursed stone.

Sinking beneath the surface, Mabbon sat up with a start. 'Shit!' He cursed, the heat washing over him. 'I think- I just swallowed something.' Coughing, he looked to Kaira, his gaze hovering on her lips. 'Hey, Kaira?' He blinked as a sly, shit-eating grin plastered itself across his face.

'Has anyone ever told you... you're beautiful?'

Kaira Yehven

 

[Kaira Yehven]

Kaira turned her face away, but of course he would know her cheeks would turn a slight red from the blush he could so easily bring out from her. "Many have, but it only really matters to hear it from.... you." She bit down on her bottom lip, stifling the coy smile that wished to stretch across her lips.

After a few breaths, she turned back to Mabbon, staring at him. "You are handsome too, you know. And your eyes... Ancients, I think they may just be my favourite thing about you." With these vulnerable feelings for Mabbon, Kaira found herself wanting more of him. So close they were in friendship, now courting had opened a whole new perspective of what she wanted. Her chest swelled, and Kaira began to move.

Her arms wrapped around his neck and the Guardian of Faith shifted to press herself against him as she found a way to settle before him. "Even without the Stones, I think I would still find myself with you. Being Guardians brought us together, but it is you I fell for." She was murmuring, a soft a whisper for only him to bear witness. "Have I thanked you yet for taking me to see the Dwell?"

The smallest of smiles twitched at the corners of her lips.

 

[Mabbon Dreierg]

Now, it was Mabbon's turn to blush. 'You have,' he purred, his arms slipping about Kaira to hold her steady. To hold her close. 'Several times now, in fact. And I keep telling you there's no need to thank me.' But did she listen? Of course not. 'Your eyes are pretty too, by the by... just like the rest of you.' Smiling sheepishly, the half-orc shook his head.

Dark locks of hair sprang free, unravelling to fall like curtains across his eyes, purple in the fading light.

'I would have helped you regardless, you know?' Pausing, Mabbon took the opportunity to admire Kaira up close. It was no wonder people called her the Daughter of Valenntenia; she was beautiful, much like the city itself. A beacon of hope, a Guardian of Faith. The light in the darkness. Mabbon smiled at the thought. 'Friends, lovers, acquaintances. I would have helped you regardless of any personal connection.'

That was what Guardians did, wasn't it? Helped people?

To Mabbon, this foray outside of the city was a small thing, an errand. But to Kaira? To her it meant everything. He knew that, could see it in the way her expression had softened, the way her eyes lit up from within.

Again, he got to thinking about how beautiful she was, and how -quite suddenly- the dark thoughts that plagued his waking moments had simply up and disappeared.

Your fault, he mused, staring at Kaira, the warm water lifting steam into his eyes.

'I really want to kiss you right now,' he said, guard lowered, heart wide open. 'Did I say that out loud?'

Kaira Yehven

 

[Kaira Yehven]

"You have my permission to do so." She bit her lip, but soon released it with a nervous smile. Kaira knew this kiss would be different to the ones they shared already.

To ensure he did not back down from his nerve, she tilted her head to catch his lips and claim them with a soft kiss. That was how it began, like every other kiss, but this still was different. Kaira took her time. They had no eyes on them, no other Guardian to grin their way and comment. No Faith-touched believer watching her every move. For the first time, they were alone and she felt safe. Felt secure in his arms and tasting his lips.

The steam only warmed them, and Kaira knew once Mabbon regained his senses, recovered from Kaira's initiative to kiss him, it would be a kiss that changed things for them.

And she was open and trusting of him. "Kiss me, Mabbon Dreierg." Her voice had been so soft, the only evidence she spoke at all was the soft movement of her lips against his own.

Mabbon Dreierg

 

[Mabbon Dreierg]

Closing his eyes, Mabbon returned Kaira's kiss twofold. Softly, at first, the intensity built and built with every heartbeat. The warmth he felt towards her in that moment was so complete as to be all-encompassing. To say he wanted more would have been an understatement.

But he had promised to take things slow. To give her time to adapt to the world outside Valenntenia's walls.

Kissing her, nuzzling at her neck, the half-orc lost himself in Kaira. For a small while, at least, he was happy, and she was happy. What more could they have asked for?

Quietly, reluctantly, Mabbon pulled away, water swishing as he moved. 'Satisfied?' Smiling, his fangs on full display, the Guardian swam slow circles around Kaira, like a shark fixated on its prey.

Or a lovestruck fool out of his depth.

Kaira Yehven

 

[Kaira Yehven]

He had left her lovestruck.

Her lips parted in a light pant, catching her breath for he had stolen her precious air before leaving her reeling in his wake. His smile only stole from her again; her heart choosing to go without a few steady beats and skip as his smile revealed his fangs that gave him a devilish sort of look. Ancients, she was in trouble.

"No." She dared to pout. "I was hoping to stay in your arms a little longer."

---

The hot springs had left her in a warm glow, and the embracing and light kisses Kaira had made a game stealing from him. Now, they were sat before the campfire and beginning their dinner. Mabbon had offered to keep them both moving onto the Dwell through the night, allowing Kaira to sleep if she could manage on their shared horse. She thought it would be a few hours until she could fall into a slumber, but it was as Mabbon was cleaning up their dishes in a spring that exhaustion began to settle into her bones.

She did not wake until her eyes slowly opened and saw the sky bathed in a deep red as sunrise loomed in the next minutes, shrouding the clouds in pinks and oranges.

Kaira stirred, feeling herself pressed snugly against Mabbon, and she made a sleepy noise of complaint. "You didn't wake me up." Her hand lifted to rub the back of her hand against her eyelids, surprised she had slept the entire night without the Anicents pulling her into a trance of prayer. But even with the rest, she could not help but feel sluggish still.

 

[Mabbon Dreierg]

Dawn arrived, and the night dwindled. Having slept peacefully for most of it, Mabbon was the first to wake, refreshed and surprisingly eager for the day ahead. The hot springs had lived up to their name, and the half-orc couldn't help but wonder when fate would next bring him back.

Hopefully on the return trip, he mused, feeling a stirring by his side.

Turning his face towards Kaira, the Guardian of Darkness lit up the tent with a smile. 'No, I didn't,' he admitted, guiltlessly. 'You looked like you could use the rest. Besides, my arm's gone dead.' They had fallen asleep together, Kaira tucked close to his side. His arm had made for a convenient -and apparently comfortable- pillow, and so he now found himself in a bit of a predicament.

'I guess you'll be wanting to get back on the road before long?' He asked. 'Shame. I kind of like it where I am.'

Gazing into Kaira's walnut-coloured eyes, Mabbon planted a kiss on her forehead. Her black hair was frazzled from sleep and there was a faint hint of lavender in the air. Outside, the world was just waking up, the sun peaking over the horizon. The sky was awash with fire, the clouds bleeding red.

Mabbon never grew tired of the sight, though the day promised to be bright. A strain on his Stone.

With a sigh, the Guardian disentangled himself from Kaira. Grabbing up his clothes and weapons, he stepped out into the light of day. The air was cool against his skin, the rustling of leaves like music to his ears. 'I'll scrounge us up some breakfast,' he promised, turning to look back through the tent flap. 'Take a minute, why don't you. I'll be out here when you're ready.'

Getting dressed, and buckling on his sword belt, Mabbon stalked his way over to the campfire.

Kaira Yehven

 

[Kaira Yehven]

It was true she had a peaceful night of sleep, only at his expense. Sheepish, she could not stifle her grin. "We should continue. After all, you said we are to continue all day and night." The night in which Mabbon offered to steer them through as the blanket of darkness was his domain. Unsure of how she would be able to sleep on a moving horse, she figured it wouldn't hurt to stay up as long as she could.

Kaira touched her forehead once she was alone in the tent, sitting up and looking at her bag to change from her sleeping gear into her traveling clothes from the previous day. She did not take long to get herself ready for the day, packing their shared bedding and began dismantling the tent until Mabbon called her over to eat.

"Your mother would be proud of your cooking skills." She mused, eagerly looking at the plate he offered her. "This looks delicious!"

And because it was all she could think of since their time in the hot springs, Kaira let her lips lean closer to Mabbon's and stole a kiss before moving onwards to somewhere she could sit and eat.

"Fortunate we have an overcast day. Wouldn't be so hot under the sun."