Two friends, a ritual, and an epic quest (Open to one creative female)

War ravaged the land. Hardly anybody even knew what had started the war, and what was worse, nobody seemed to care. The dwarves were secluded up in their mountains, decidedly neutral, but as for humans and elves, it was a different story.

The war had started well over twenty years ago. Barely anything at all to an elf, but more than enough time for more than one glory seeking human to join upon coming of age and retire.

The lands to the west of the continent belonged to the elves, and the east belonged to the humans, that much was uncontested. As for the middle ground, the ground had been practically split asunder by all of the artillery and fire traps that had been used.

The battle lines of each were constantly fluctuating as each side tried to outwit the other and gain the upper hand that might turn, or possibly even end the war.

______________________________________________________________

Darion's mind swam with the dream. It wasn't really much of a dream, so much as it was old memories. It had been him and princess Alhana Starbreeze. They had both been fairly young back then, but old enough to know how much fun it was to be doing something they weren't supposed to do. The pair was exploring an old library, looking for things of interest. Most of the books had been destroyed, but when they came upon "the room" they knew it was special.

For starters there hadn't been a spec of dust anywhere in it. There had been simply a table, on which rested a book, a basin of water, a red ribbon, and an obsidian dagger. The pair had entered, almost entranced by the atmosphere of the room. Darion had of course gone for the dagger, and that left Alhana to inspect the book and the objects on the table. Her fingers had leafed through the book, mostly finding words she couldn't read. She stopped however when she came to a page she could read with "Binding Ritual" printed in bold letters at the top.

Alhana's almond shaped brown eyes quickly scanned the page, and her eyes widened a bit in surprise as the ritual in the book told of the required items, all of which were laid out on the table before them.

Darion and Alhana had been friends as long as either could remember. She was of course a pure elf, and he only a half-elf. Her parents had tried to keep her away from him, but they soon gave up on that, having to deal with much more important things, such as a war.

Naturally, the thought of such a ritual to bring their friendship that much closer had intrigued them. The pair brought the needed items down to the floor, so they were more accessible to young adolescents. They had arranged everything they needed just so, and it was Darion who began.

He had picked up the dagger, and holding it as the book showed, he had cut a long gash on the palm of his left hand. The blade was so flawlessly sharp, that there was hardly any pain. Then he had done the same to Alhana's left hand. He had had to do it because she couldn't bring herself to do it. They clasped hands then, and between the two of them they bound their hands with the ribbon.

As a pair they spoke the words on the page, reciting the incantation. They then lowered their bound hands into the basin of water, melding their blood within it's shallow depths. They had each felt weird then, but neither could truly describe it. When they had pulled their hands out and unbound them, they were surprised to find that the wounds had healed. Other than that though, they figured the ritual done with, and promptly forgot about it.

Darion stirred in his sleep, opening his eyes. With a sigh he looked down at his hand, smiling at the thought of the scar and that day that had caused it. With a small grunt, Darion pulled himself from his bedroll and stepped out of the tent.

First he poked at the fire and rekindled it, once that was done he went to wake Alhana. She slept in her own tent, and he couldn't help0 but marvel at her elven beauty when he parted the flap. Her hair was raven black, but it shown brightly in any light. Her features her elven slight. Truly she was the iconic picture of an elf, right down to her big brown almond-shaped eyes.

Darion walked over to her and shook her gently. "Time to wake up Aly, we've got trolls to kill." The pair was on a mission they had gotten from the hunters guild, something to earn extra money, which they didn't really need, but it helped kill the time.

OOC: What I have in mind for this thread, is that fairly early on, the pair will come across a clue that will hint at a way to stop the war. They will head out to find it. On the way, they will find how much they truly love and care for each other. In the worst of times, their friendship will blossom.

What I need is a female to play Alhana, preferrably an experienced person who can build sexual tension. Also, since it will be a bit of an adventurous thread in addition to a romantic one, a creative partner would also be preferred. Please pm me if you're interested in joining, or if you have any questions.

Alhana

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The smell of fresh bark smoldering on the fire filtered into the small canvas tent..Alhana shifted slightly, trying to steal seconds more before Darion came to stir her...He was the morning person..She..She failed miserably to awaken every morning, unless she was physically roused..And Alhana lay, snuggled into her single wool blanket, listening shamelessly to Darion moving around their little camp....

The wisp of the canvas opening alerted her that Darion was present before he touched her shoulder lightly, and Alhana smiled, opening one eye to peer up at him..He was her favorite person in the entire world...For as long as she can remember, he'd always 'just been there'...Neither were sure when they first became friends..Neither had a definite memory..Only that as far back as they can remember, each had been there through sulks, fun, arguments, worries, and the failed interference of Alhana's parents to their friendship.....

"Time to wake up Aly, we've got trolls to kill."

Even her parents never shortened her name...And only they addressed her with out her title...Well, them and Darion...and he favored 'Aly' mostly....
Alhana reached out, and tugged a stray blade of grass from his hair, and pulled herself up to sitting, tugging her blanket to her chin, her back bare.. She tugged the blanket around her carefully keeping the little warmth it offered in the early morning chill.

Must it be so early every morning?

Her grumble is her standard lazy complaint from one that needs at least ten minutes to find her bearings before she's ready to place her feet on the ground...And Alhana slipped her hand into his hand, and squeezed Darion's hand, her smile fading slightly as she looked up at him.

I trust you slept well.....

I promise in the morning I'll waken early, and tend to breakfast and the fire, and let you rest a little longer.

And of course her promise she knew would be bartered to something else during the day..She'd fetch the water..Gather the wood...Find the wild herbs and berries to accompany their simple meals...Anything but get up before Darion..And Alhana stood, her blanket around her shoulders..She stood close to him, her eyes innocent in how they look up at him adoringly, and she gave him a gentle kiss on his cheek..Her flirtations both innocent and wicked, as she leaned against him closely...Perhaps too close...He was her best friend, the only one to see past her title..And she adored him for it..She had suddenly realized recently however, that her friend was far less boy now, and had become a lot more of a man..And she liked testing the boundaries of just how 'close' close could be for them....But her heart was pure..She was hugely protective of him, and her tease was confined to just that...He was too important to her to taunt, to vital to what made Alhana 'Aly' to push too far..Her kiss lingered, and Alhana whispered her proper good morning in his ear then...

Good morning Darion, forgive me leaving the morning chores to you........

You spoil me so............I'll get dressed now, and I'll make you breakfast.

And she turned from him, her cloths folded tidly beside where she lay...Looking over her shoulder, Alhana let her blanket slip just a fraction, quirked a brow, her lovely face innocent, her smile mischievous as she teased him shamelessly..

I think you need to leave sir.....1....2.....3.

Alhana reached out, and tugged a stray blade of grass from his hair, and pulled herself up to sitting, tugging her blanket to her chin, her back bare.. She tugged the blanket around her carefully keeping the little warmth it offered in the early morning chill.

Darion settled down across from her, his smile softening. He had always found it interesting that Alhana always chose to sleep naked, despite the cold. He didn't really minded it though, it was her choice.

"Must it be so early every morning?"

Her grumble is her standard lazy complaint from one that needs at least ten minutes to find her bearings before she's ready to place her feet on the ground...And Alhana slipped her hand into his hand, and squeezed Darion's hand, her smile fading slightly as she looked up at him.

"Early? It's already a couple hours past sunrise Aly." Darion said with a smile as he looked down at her hand clasping his. He felt that small and steady throb run through the scar in his left hand at his close proximity Alhana.

"I trust you slept well....."

Darion lifted his gaze to hers, his deep blue eyes locking with her brown ones.

"Aye, I did sleep well, I dreamed of the day you and I went exploring in that old library, way back when..." Darion's voice trailed off as he once more thought of that day. Depp down he'd always wondered about the ritual they'd done that day, wondered if anything would come of it.

Darion rose to his feet as Alhana did. He smiled down at her as she stepped close. His breath caught a bit in his throat as he felt her press close, and press that soft kiss to his cheek.

"Good morning Darion, forgive me leaving the morning chores to you........

You spoil me so............I'll get dressed now, and I'll make you breakfast."

And she turned from him, her cloths folded tidly beside where she lay...Looking over her shoulder, Alhana let her blanket slip just a fraction, quirked a brow, her lovely face innocent, her smile mischievous as she teased him shamelessly..

"I think you need to leave sir.....1....2.....3."

Darion smiled at her innocent and teasing look. He lingered there as she started to count, but as he always did, he politely turned as she spoke the word three and let the blanket slip free of her hands, gliding down her lithe body. Darion walked out of her tent and settled down next to the fire. Out of habit, his left palm turned face up, and his right fore-finger traced the scar. People had asked him many times how and when he'd gotten it, and he'd lied every time. That was a secret shared between them, and them alone.

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She splashed some cool water on her face, and washed her hands, pouring the water from her canteen...Folding up her bedroll, Alhana tied it tidily together with a leather tong, and sat it aside for when they'd move camp..And only then did she dress.
A handwoven pair of leggings, and a rough handwoven shirt tied at her tiny waist with a leather belt from which hung her tiny gilded dagger...On her right hip swung a small leather pouch Alhana used to gather herbs..Her mother chastised her dressing like this..
But when she and Darion ran in the woods, and vanished for days together, the formalities of her life were escaped...And she loved the freedom of it.... She brushed her hair with the one sign of her station..A solid gold comb, with her name etched in the ornate grip..

Tucking it into her bedroll, she stood, braided her hair over one shoulder, and emerged from her tent with a squint as the morning sun sprinkled through the tree tops..And she watched Darion..
Squatting by the fire, lost in thoughts she often saw him lose himself in...She went to him then, kneeling behind him once she saw him looking at his scar..
Alhana rested against his back, and let her upturned left hand rest in his , her scar a silver trace across an other wise perfect palm..

Hungry?...Oatmeal, blackberries and apricot tea?...

But she didn't move just then...It was nice being close, nice smelling the pine fresh air and ferns off his skin and clothing...It was nice to feel his warmth filtering through her clothing..Alhana sighed, and rested her cheek against his shoulder, and eyed the forest , listening to the sounds of lives that lived and died but never knew the war that filled the lives both sides of these mountains..

Will it ever stop Darion?.......I want it to stop................I don't want to be apart of it.

Her voice quiet, her thoughts solemn..One day, her parents would leave their throne, and she would be bound to wed, and rule a land that was torn.........
And it saddened her.....She didn't want to rule a war...And didn't want to wed....No husband would allow her Darion..No husband would understand Darion was to her what breathing was..
Her hand turned in his, her fingers linking each of Darions, and Alhana just remained as such for a little while gaining comfort from his inner calm and understanding..

The fire spit, the flames crackled, and she rose, her fingers slipping from his, as she went to the little bundle of provisions they had...
She scooped the oat meal into the tiny pan, filled it with water, and a pinch of salt...Setting it to simmer, she looked a Darion, smiled , a little sad kind of smile, and tilted her head to the side..

When you marry, will you still be my friend..?....Be my 'Darion'?.............

I have so many fears that everything will going to go all wrong if the war doesn't stop soon, and you'll have to chose what part of you means most to you..........

And she left the pan simmering, and crawled to kneel in front of him, and held both his hands in hers, and whispered, her face a picture of fretful worry..

Tell me nothing will ever ever separate us.....

And Alhana turned their hands over, and looked down at both their upturned palms, and the twin lines that linked them..

We promised remember?.....Darion?

Darion heard Alhana emerge from her tent, but his mind was elsewhere. It wasn't until he felt her rest against his back that he acknowledged her. He smiled as she placed her left hand in his, her palm up. There, on her palm, was the small silver scar, the only flaw that marred her flesh. Darion's gaze softened as he looked at her small hand in his, her scar there to match his, his mind once more wandered to that day.

"Hungry?...Oatmeal, blackberries and apricot tea?..."

Darion nodded, responding simply with, "Yeah Aly, that sounds good."

Alhana sighed, and rested her cheek against his shoulder, and Darion remained there, supporting her. It had always been like that, especially after the ritual. He'd always been there for her. It was weird, but he could swear sometimes that he could feel her presence near him before he saw her, and sometimes feel her emotions when they were strong ones, like anger and sadness.

"Will it ever stop Darion?.......I want it to stop................I don't want to be apart of it."

Darion's head lifted, and he gazed first to the trees, and then to the sky. "I wish I knew Aly...I wish I knew..."

Her hand turned in his, her fingers linking each of his. Darion could feel her emotions then, could feel sadness. So he remained there, stoic and strong for her, hoping that somehow, his strength would seep into her.

The fire spit, the flames crackled, and she rose, her fingers slipping from his, as she went to the little bundle of provisions they had...
She scooped the oat meal into the tiny pan, filled it with water, and a pinch of salt...Setting it to simmer, she looked a Darion, smiled , a little sad kind of smile, and tilted her head to the side..

"When you marry, will you still be my friend..?....Be my 'Darion'?.............

I have so many fears that everything will going to go all wrong if the war doesn't stop soon, and you'll have to chose what part of you means most to you.........."

Darion's gaze lifted to meet Alhana's, his deep blue gaze locking with her big brown eyes. "Of course I'll still be your friend Aly. We've been friend for as long as I can remember, I'd never give up something like that just because of a marriage." Darion's words were strong, but his gaze lowered once more as she spoke her second statement. Her words stung, but he tried not to show it. "Choose what part of you means most to you..." Her words echoed in his mind.

And she left the pan simmering, and crawled to kneel in front of him, and held both his hands in hers, and whispered, her face a picture of fretful worry..

"Tell me nothing will ever ever separate us....."

And Alhana turned their hands over, and looked down at both their upturned palms, and the twin lines that linked them..

"We promised remember?.....Darion?"

Darion's eyes moved once more to Alhana's. He could feel her need, knew what she wanted to hear...what she needed to hear. Suddenly, the words came to him, the words he'd spoken all those years ago. Softly, he opened his mouth and spoke. "Strength of my strength, flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood, and soul of my soul, gifts offered by me and accepted by you, gifts binding me thus, till death do us part."

When he had finished speaking, Darion lifted Alhana's left hand and brought his to clasp hers, just like they'd done that day. His blue eyes shone brightly as he spoke once more. "I'll always be here for you Aly, always."

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Was she selfish to beg for promises from Darion that in the future, as the war lingered aimlessly, he might not be able to keep? She prayed not..She prayed earnestly nothing would ever take him from her...His face was as face she saw even when she closed her eyes to sleep...
Did Darion experience it too? She didn't know..Did he 'hear' her feelings and know her pains despite her smiles?..She didn't know...But she knew his sometimes.......And she knows now she's hurt him her question..Knows she's asking for what he's already given her, and can offer her no more..

Alhana watched Darion's eyes as he raised their hands, palm to palm his voice enhancing words that when first spoken by two children, they didn't fully understand....And perhaps still dont ....Alhana smiles gently, she mouthing silently the little vow that had been their secret for so long, as Darion spoke it clearly, his eyes capturing hers in the warmth..The moment intense, private, special....and only , as before , theirs.

"Strength of my strength, flesh of my flesh,
blood of my blood, and soul of my soul,
gifts offered by me and accepted by you, gifts binding me thus,
till death do us part."

"I'll always be here for you Aly, always."

It felt new...A new promise..One that saved her from the worries of their little world for now...And Alhana rested her cheek against their joined hands, and whispered to him , a promise, that no matter what happened, she'd keep as long as she lived..

And I'll always be here for you my Darion..

Somewhere a balance changed...The air felt lighter, the succulent scent of of the forest seemed even lovelier...She knelled there, just absorbed in the security of his eyes, and the promises given..strengthened...Her cheeks flushed...The pupil of her eyes dilated, her eyes almost black, as she lost herself in the honesty behind Darions....Moving a breath closer, she pressed her forehead to Darions and whispered quietly, solemnly ..

Only you know how to calm me...Make me happy....Feel I'm more than just what I was born to be......

I'd be lost Darion with no you.

Kissing the tip of his nose, Alhana backed away blushing...Respectful of what was too much closeness for friends...They were after all only friends..Her attentions went back to their breakfast, the tea brewing, she washing the berries and filling their bowls with the creamy oatmeal...She didn't look at Darion..This morning was ...different. There was a little something more in the air, and she avoided eye contact as she worked, but was fully aware of every move he made, and loved the feeling of never being alone..
And she served him his meal...Her eyes lingering in his hands, perhaps a moment longer than needed, as she placed the simple wooden bowl there.... .....

Then Alhana sat by his side, and ate quietly...Her thoughts wondered to her worries,.. wondered to them...wondered to the days ahead and to where their little adventure might take them...Her parents trusted Darion..they might not approve entirely of their friendship, and Alhana being unchaperoned with a male, but he had never failed them..
From bumps and bruises, tears and laughter, he'd always been there..Always supported her, and when she was wrong about something, Darion would let her find that for herself, letting her learn, but never rebuking her..Always there...

And she'd fought for him..As a child, she'd stood boldly against parents she loved, and refused to lose her Darion, simply because his parents crossed an unseen line between their races..
She'd followed him around, indulged herself in his company, and adored every single second with him...Just like now..Looking across into the dark under growth, Alhana sipped the last of her tea, before speaking..Her voice as always soft, words slowly spoken, her face calm, the twinkle in her eye there, but so to is her calm.

We got five yesterday.....Maybe today we'll manage more, and we can go to the market in Chapstree?...
Ail the Elder is said to visit there..He's said to know things that even the Fae darn't speak of.......
It would be a great day in the town with him there.....

What say you?....Seven today, five yesterday...That's.....

and she added up in her head the amount owed the for ridding the woods of more trolls.....

twenty two shickles, and I have four more ..So twenty six in total...

We'd have have a bonny time....Can we Darion...It'll give us the chance to replenish our provisions too? .....Oh say yes..Please...

And I'll always be here for you my Darion..

Darion had watched as she pressed her flawlessly dainty cheek to their clasped hands, and he felt the conviction of her words, and it warmed him inside. He then watched, as she moved a breath closer, she pressed her forehead to Darions and whispered quietly, solemnly ..

"Only you know how to calm me...Make me happy....Feel I'm more than just what I was born to be......

I'd be lost Darion with no you."

Kissing the tip of his nose, Alhana backed away blushing. Darion's smile softened at the flush of her cheeks. Her innocence was an endearing trait. She was a princess after all, and subject to many a suitor, but only he could make her blush like that.

Likewise, Darion knew her words to be true. Was it fair, for him to have to be strong enough for both of them, for him to be her support, and for him to lead? Maybe it wasn't, but he took it upon his shoulders anyway. It had always been that way, even though she was royalty. He was the strength, the body, and she was the heart and soul. Together, and only together, were they both whole.

Darion's eyes glassed over as he watched Alhana prepare breakfast, though he wasn't truly seeing it, he was thinking about how things might be. The future was far from certain, but a man could dream couldn't he? A man could dream about the impossible. It was almost laughable, he, a commoner, marrying a princess...

Darion accepted the bowl, and he ate graciously and slowly, enjoying the taste of the simple meal, as well as the quiet presence that was Alhana beside him, leaning her shoulder lightly against his.

We got five yesterday.....Maybe today we'll manage more, and we can go to the market in Chapstree?...
Ail the Elder is said to visit there..He's said to know things that even the Fae darn't speak of.......
It would be a great day in the town with him there.....

What say you?....Seven today, five yesterday...That's.....

twenty two shickles, and I have four more ..So twenty six in total...

We'd have have a bonny time....Can we Darion...It'll give us the chance to replenish our provisions too? .....Oh say yes..Please...

Darion turned to Alhana, smiling once more at that hopeful innocence he saw there. She was a princess, used to getting what she wanted, yet with him, and only with him, did she ask permission. Darion nodded his head, saying softly, "Yeah Aly, I think that should be possible. We found where their leader's lair is, and he's likely got at least six more with him there."

The pair finished eating soon after that, and they were soon packing up their small camp. Darion carried most of it, the two tents, and his own backpack on his back, while Alhana carried just her own backpack. It was another burden he didn't mind so much, for the weight was sleight enough that it didn't cause him much trouble.

The pair moved slowly, carefully, and quietly through the woods, following the narrow path that was more of a game trail than anything. Darion's katana bumped against his side every now and again, a familiar and comforting presence, even as they walked towards an encounter that would be suicide to many.

When they came to within sight of the cave, they backed off so that Darion could unload the camp stuff. They covered it with some brush and moved forward once more, this time to study it. There were two trolls outside the large cavernous opening. Darion assessed the situation quickly and turned back to Alhana, whispering softly.

"The cave seems big enough for you to use your bow, all the worse for them." Darion smiled at the last bit. He was more skilled with the sword than she was, but he couldn't even compare to her skill with the bow. Darion had complete trust in her aim, even knowing that she would be shooting into close-quarters, aiming inches from him.

Darion took a few slow breaths and turned once more. He walked near the edge of the trees, bracing himself behind one. Alhana was hiding behind the one next to him. "At your ready Aly, take the first shot, and we'll take it from there." Darion's smile was small yet confident. As distant as the pair sometimes seemed, everything changed when they entered combat, especially when they were fighting together.

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The woods was full of sounds, chirps, crunching of twigs and bark under foot..The moss grew thick and lush around each tree trunk, and smells of the ferns was thicker the deeper into the forest Alhana followed Darion...
She loved watching him, how he moved, how his shoulders bore the weight of his load, and his feet trod soundlessly where she stumbled and had to be twice as careful not to create more noise than absolutely necessary......

From time to time, Alhana walked by Darions side when the path was wide enough, and slipped her hand into his..It was normal to do so...Only recently, the need to do so had grown from habit to a need.....She didn't know if Darion shared that need, and she didn't question him, or tell him..He meant too much to her.

The treeline opened up, and they squatted down, lowering their packs...Silently they efficiently moved to watch..To access and feel the rush of excitement that came with hunting the little villains that plagued the country side with their greed.
She nodded to Darion, listening to him, and obeyed, moving with him, taking her position behind the stout trunk of an ivy clad tree..Her hand reached behind her, withdrawing her light weapon from her quiver, and felt for the feathered tips of her arrow...
Deftly she loaded her bow, checked tension, and watched Darion for his word.

"At your ready Aly, take the first shot, and we'll take it from there."

His smile is returned, she then gave her attention to her task, and stepped out only when ready..Raising her bow quickly, Alhana found her target, clad in dirty canvas, and pulled....
Her fingers released, her lips pursed in concentration as the arrow stung the air silently. and in just one heart beat found its prey....The little lump grunted once, and dropped back with a dead thud..
Alerted, his companion instantly reacted with a snort of shock, and then launched himself towards the mouth of the cave screaming his warning crudely to those inside..

She ran, leaping over stumps and clumps of grass, her eyes alive, her fingers skilfully reloading as she ran..Her laughter rang out, as she called out for Darion, looking at him as the small mouth of the cave grew closer, and Alhana stopped at it quickly, resting with her back against the rock face , panting, whispering to him ..

You go first, it's only fair......I'll stay right behind you, and we'll pick them off......Who ever gets the leader the other treats to dinner in Chapstree..Yes?.......

He looked simply exquisite with his weapon drawn, his face determined, his eyes twinkling...The boy was gone, the young man sculptured perfection, with the breeze ruffling his dark hair.....
And her smile faltered slightly as for a moment a quick little flash of 'what ifs' distracted her, and Alhana blinked herself back to reality , mouthing to Darion..

I....2....3..

The small mouth of the cave swallowed them, the stench fowl, the air thick with the trolls vial natural scent....Sounds ahead of rumbled snortings, hoarse voices, and the scurrying of feet head in their direction..
Alhana paused, dropped to one knee, mindful of being careful of Darions sword when he needed to swing, and she felt her breathing quicken, as excitement and fear of the unknown clutched at her wide eyed gaze..

TWANG

Darion watched with a swell of pride as the arrow flew straight and true, landing squarely in the chest of one of the trolls. The pair rushed forward, Darion striking up a torch on the way. As the pair regrouped just to the side of the cave, Darion dropped the torch onto the corpse of the troll. The smell that came from the burning corpse was even more vile than normal for the creature, and that was saying something. The guards at the door had been small for trolls, barely six feet tall, but they'd still regenerate, so the fire was necessary.

"You go first, it's only fair......I'll stay right behind you, and we'll pick them off......Who ever gets the leader the other treats to dinner in Chapstree..Yes?......."

Darion couldn't stifle a small chuckle at her words. "Sounds like a bet Aly, just try and keep up." Darion's eyes gleamed with the joy of the competition to come. He left the torch by the corpse, they'd come back for it when they needed to burn the rest. His hand moved to his katana. With practiced ease, he withdrew the curved sword from it's sheath.

"I....2....3.."

The small mouth of the cave swallowed them, the stench fowl, the air thick with the trolls vial natural scent....Sounds ahead of rumbled snortings, hoarse voices, and the scurrying of feet head in their direction..

The battle was continuous from that point on, the cave apparently a lot deeper than Darion had figured. He pushed forward, his eyes darting back and forth, his right hand held his katana, and with his left hand he gave hand signals to Alhana, letting her know when to go, when to stop, and when to be ready for a fight.

The trolls were getting bigger as they went along. They'd already killed ten more, counting the guard at the door. Darion burst into the large cavernous room at the end of the cave and had to immediately duck to the left to dodge a giant club. A quick sweep of his eyes as he rolle dto his feet told him that there were no more in this cave, and this one was obviously the leader. The creature stood a solid twelve feet tall, and his stench was almost nauseating.

"Come on ugly, show me what you got." Darion spoke in common. The troll charged forward, as stupid as most other trolls. The beast lifted it's giant club and lumbered after him, just in time to catch an arrow in the back from Alhana. Darion smiled at that, rolled under the creatures swing and placed himself between it and Alhana.

The troll was strong, that much was sure, but he was no match for the pair. First it tried an overhand swing, which Darion pivoted away from, opening up the line for an arrow to strike it in the chest. Then he came out of his pivot and swung his sword low, cutting at the troll's knee. It kept it's footing though, recovered from it's swing and tried a horizontal swing. The swing was low and sweeping, so with a well timed jump Darion was able to leap the club and get a solid slash at the creature's chest. It roared in anger. Once more it took it's giant club in two hands, lifting it over it's head. Just as it started to bring it down, an arrow caught it in the neck, causing it to falter, Darion was there in the next instant, slashing at the other knee, finally bringing it to the ground. As one, Darion's blade came down on the creature's neck, just as an arrow hit it square in the head.

"Well fought Aly, as always, Darion said with a smile. He moved to her side, wrapping his left arm around her shoulders and hugging her close. He steered them towards the entrance of the cave so they could get the torch and finish off their business. "You landed more hits on him than I did, so I think dinner is on me tonight, after we get a bath." As he finished speaking, Darion let out a chuckle, for they both needed a bath badly after assaulting a troll cave.

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The leather in Darion's boots creaked, he moved so fast..Dust kicked, billowed in dirty thigh deep clouds as the wrinkled brute of a troll lumbered around swinging his massive club..That he was strong was tangible in the shift of the air with each swishing swing..He connected with nothing, but was still dangerous, purely because of the momentum he generated from his powerful shoulders..

Darion was magnificent..He moved with such speed the troll seemed to twist, rather than turn, trying to keep visual contact with the dark haired swordsman..His blade sliced through the air, connecting with a body that was more leather than skin, leaving Darions mark....Alhana shot as she could..Frightened in the fury of movement that her arrow would strike her friend...But all went well, and blow after blow was accompanied with true shots of steal tipped arrows, and then Darion's final slice acted as the final blocker on a stampede of dirt, and shuffling anger of the now dead troll..

His arm around her felt right, and she looked up at Darion beaming, her smile bright, her face filthy with dust, and dark hair cloudy with the dirt of the cave...He was as dirty as she was, and Alhana accepted his offer of dinner graciously, and rested her head against his chest..

............so I think dinner is on me tonight, after we get a bath.

We did well Darion.....

she looked up at him then, her smile softening , her eyes resting on his, and Alhana found she was whispering to him..For some reason, it just seemed the right thing to do..

We did very well......

Did he know that the right side of his mouth curled ever so slightly upward in a faint permanent smile that on some males would soften their faces too much, ...but on Darion only enhanced his already striking features.?...Did he know that when he spoke, he commanded her attention completely? Was he aware that when he put his arm around her just as now, that Alhana fitted right into the crook of his shoulder perfectly?....

She stepped a little away...Suddenly it felt as if she had stared too long, ..whispered too softly....let her hand rest on his hip just that little fraction longer than was right for 'friends', and Alhana blushed, and looked down half smiling....

You smell of troll.........

Slipping her bow into its quiver, she turned and headed back up to the cave mouth with out looking back at Darion........The balance of things was definitely changing....Did he know?....Did he feel it too?......She wasn't asking...He was her friend, and she would protect that above all else, and keep her questionable feelings unspoken.

She turned to face him in the sunlight, peering up at him , with one eye closed against the brightness.....And she wiped his face with her fingertips. There was a time, touching him like this was as common as touching her ownself...Right now...she touched him, and knew that her touches were selfish...She wanted to..For herself..Not just to wipe the dirt away..........She thought of his future, when he'd find a girl that would take his fancy, and would make her his..What would Alhana do? How would she look at him, and not think of him with another?....He was her friend....And she would be happy for him, she told herself..........Wouldn't she?......

The moment doesn't pass so quickly...She rests her head against Darions chest and grieves for her confusion......This is her friend...Her best loved friend..........She's hungry..That's it...It had been days with just fish, and berries and oatmeal......Tonight they'd eat heartily, and she'd feel better and this nonsense would pass...Alhana looked up at him, and smiled quietly..

Come.......We'll get a camp fire going, to warm and dry us ...The falls are cold, ....but I love their sound when I bathe..

They didn't run this time..Didn't rush...Gathering their packs, she walked behind him , and by his side when the path allowed.....With in the hour they'd reached the falls, and Alhana began gathering kindling for their fire......The smoke billowed like a silver cloud upwards, and she stepped behind some bushes to slip out of her leggings and boots...The shirt she'd wear in the water ...for both modesty, and because it was dirty too......Tugging it down over her bottom, Alhana slipped past the campfire not looking at Darion....She'd bathed like this with him hundreds of times...but now.....Now every thing seemed ....different......More intense...

Diving in, Alhana squealed and gasped at the cold...She burst out laughing then, kicking back towards the side of the rock pool , the smaller of falls rumbling its voice into the same bottomless natural bath of water further down...She watched Darion....Watched how he moved, and called out to him over the froting waters...Not smiling..Not teasing...Innocent, but testing how he'd perceive her..

Darion.....will you wash my hair?

As Darion led Alhana out of the dark, dirty, and smelly cave, he couldn't help but look down at her and smile. Her face was beaming, her big brown eyes looking up at him with that innocent look of adoration. She was as dirty as he was, covered in the filth of the cave, yet even that couldn't hide her beauty, not from his eyes. When she pressed her head against his chest, he could only hold her tighter and enjoy the warmth and softness of her body beside his.

"We did well Darion....."

She looked up at him then, her smile softening , her eyes resting on his. She was whispering to him..for some reason, it just seemed the right thing to do..

"We did very well......"

Darion continued to look down at her, giving her that small smile that was his and his alone. It was barely a half smile, with just the one side lifting up, but it was a smile he reserved for her and her alone.

"Yes Aly, we did very well indeed."

Darion was surprised when Alhana stepped away from his touch, and for the first time, he felt the loss of it. He had liked the feel of her body beside his, had enjoyed it more than was proper for friends, or rather for "just" friends. Her eyes looked down, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"You smell of troll........."

Darion couldn't help but laugh, a full bellied and unrestrained laugh. His gaze softened as he looked at her. He could feel the hesitation within her, and knew that the smell wasn't the real reason, but he responded to her words softly.

"Yes, I suppose I do."

When at last they were free of the cave, the pair looked first to the bright sun, and then back to each other. She turned to face him in the sunlight, peering up at him , with one eye closed against the brightness.....And she wiped his face with her fingertips. At the first touch of those small and slender fingers to his face, Darion felt a pleasing shiver run down his spine. There was a time when she touching him like this, and he doing the same to her, had been as commonplace and casual as each of them touching themselves, but now, it felt...different, not unpleasant, just different.

The pair lingered there for an untold amount of time, Alhana's hands on his face. Darion didn't move to separate himself from her. It wasn't until she leaned her head against his chest that he moved, wrapping his arms around her small and lithe body. He could feel confusion coming from her, confusion and loss. He wondered deep down if she could feel his too, if that was another thing they shared.

Come.......We'll get a camp fire going, to warm and dry us ...The falls are cold, ....but I love their sound when I bathe..

The feelings were there, yet neither wanted to acknowledge them, not yet. Darion simply smiled that small smile at Alhana, nodded his head, and responded with, "As you wish."

They didn't run this time..Didn't rush...Gathering their packs, she walked behind him , and by his side when the path allowed.....With in the hour they'd reached the falls, and Alhana began gathering kindling for their fire......The smoke billowed like a silver cloud upwards.

Alhana stepped behind some bushes to undress, and Darion stayed by the fire. He planned to leave his pants on, so it wasn't necessary for him to get behind anything. He quickly removed his armor and shirt, standing in front of the fire topless.

Darion hung back while Alhana dived in, knowing she wasn't wearing anything but her shirt, and wanting to keep things as modest as possible. Only after she dived in did he come out from behind a stand of trees. It was then his turn to dive in. The cold water was a sharp sting to his skin, but he soon got used to it, and started to enjoy the feeling of the water on his body.

"Darion.....will you wash my hair?"

Any other man might have hesitated there, being half naked with an elven princess in about the second most compromising position possible, but not Darion. He moved slowly towards her, his blue eyes shining as they stared into her brown ones. He swam over to her, and gently placed his hands on her slender shoulders, easing her down into the water to wet her hair.

Darion marveled at the sight of her hair in the water, it's beauty never failing to surprise him. Her raven black hair gliding freely behind her in the water, catching the suns rays both naturally and through the water. It reflected perfectly, practically shining. Darion's hands moved slowly and reverently through that hair, stroking it as he cleaned it. Even when he pulled her up straight and ran his fingers over her scalp, her beautiful black hair shone seductively.

Then there was a moment, as Darion's arms wrapped around Alhana, where the falls seemed to stop, the birds silenced, and there was nothing around but them. In that moment, he whispered softly to her. "And what would your mother think if she saw us like this?" Darion said with a smile as he placed his hands on her shoulders. Slowly and gently he started to massage her shoulders, pressing his thumbs into the yielding flesh. Alhana's body was warm against his, and for the first time, he as truly realizing that she wasn't just Alhana anymore, she wasn't just his childhood friend. She was a woman now, and a beautiful one at that.

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Beneath the clarity of the clear mountain waters of the pond, Alhana could hear the rumble of the falls cascading into the worn rock floor...Darion's hands held her gently beneath the surface, ensuring her hair was wet before she rose slowly , and he kneaded her scalp....Alhana's hands reached out and held the bank, the water level over her breasts, in comparison to Darion's midriff..Eyes closed, head tilted back, as he cleansed her hair, and as she ducked slowly beneath the surface, Alhana turned to face him as she resurfaced.....

There was something immovable about him. Something safe, solid as she stood a breath away from him, her shirt clinging to the young fresh curve of her cleavage....The broadness of his bare chest impressed on her that yes, changes had come in the form of a boy reaching manhood...When did it happen?
How had she missed the subtle developments from a scrawny teenager that had run wild with her?...The sounds around them are filtered out, and all she hears is the drumming pump of her heart beat...racing. It lurched as Alhana shivered on the touch of Darion's finger tips to her shoulders...He soothed the tightness engulfing her shoulders, his fingers strong...so strong....Alhana felt her cheeks burn, and lowered her gaze to his mouth, and shamefully let them linger there..

"And what would your mother think if she saw us like this?"

Slowly, Alhana looked up at him, right into the twinkle of his eyes, and she feels shame for her wayward thoughts....He was being kind as always..Attentive to his friend. Nothing more. His friend...
It rung like a heavy accepted sigh as Alhana let her eyes fall closed again, and she tilted her head to the side for the probing fingers that offered her the closest thing to touches her mind told her she wished for....And briefly she dwelled on what her mother would say...' Alhana , he was trusted with you.....How could you allow him forget that?.'....

Her eyes open to stare deep into the clarity of Darions..Their bodies are touching, hers conforming to the line of his, as the water's buoyancy allows her the excuse of being so boldly close. ....Her voice shy of a whisper, as her soft hands cover both of Darions either side of her neck, and dont let go, nor discourage him.

My Mother?............I don't care what she'd say Darion.

The sound once again is sucked from around them...Alhana's focus drifts from the darkening blue of his eyes, back to the promise of his lips....Her's part a little , her eye lashes heavy, her breathing quietening.....Her kisses have always been freely given to him, but never intimate, for she doesn't know how...
Darion's breath warms her lips, and Alhana looked back to his eyes, and saw the iris surround dilating pupils.....He's her friend....her Darion.......her partner in adventure, ..Her mate in torturing her parents court......So close...So close.....But........

We should dress.....Town......Supper................Darion?........

Painfully Alhana lowered below the water and kicked back away from him...Quickly she surfaced, and climbed out, her shirt tails only barely keeping her decent...She turned on the bank, and looked back at him, clutching her two hands under her chin shivering......It was a horrid barren cold....It didn't stem from the chill of the water....Another time she'd complain..as always. 'I'm cold', and Darion would come warm her...Hold her to him..Warm her with his own heat......But not now...She can't ask that.....And it saddened her...and she shivered again under the weight of knowing why she was so cold..so chilled to the bone..

I'll dry myself...and dress quickly..................We should go then..

Alhana turns away then, and walked with a straight back, her chin quivering as she defied her tears....When had it happened.? That her best friend had grown to capture a heart aching attraction that he couldn't possibly share in her. And she gathered her fresh shirt, and change of leggings, to vanish alone behind a grassy bower...And shivered on her own as she dried and dressed, trying to find humor to share with him for their walk to town, where there was no humor at all.

Darion cursed his foolish words, he'd meant them as a joke, but he'd shattered the gentle atmosphere with his mistakes, shattered the comfort and perfection of that moment. With a heavy heart, Darion heard her words.

"My Mother?............I don't care what she'd say Darion."

"We should dress.....Town......Supper................Darion?........"

Darion watched, helpless for the first time as Alhana climbed out of the water. She turned on the bank, and looked back at him, clutching her two hands under her chin shivering. On any other day, Darion knew she'd ask him to warm her, ask him to hold her to him and warm her with his own body heat. He had both seen and felt her need and desire, had known what she was feeling, yet neither had dared acknowledge it.

"I'll dry myself...and dress quickly..................We should go then.."

Darion's head lowered. His feelings reflected hers, and he responded only with, "As you wish." This time the words were different though. It wasn't the soft and seductive teasing tone it had been before, but rather the silent resigned tone that came with the understanding of the inevitable.

Darion swam quickly to the edge of the pool. Equally quickly, he lifted himself free of the water. He knew it would take some time for Alhana to dress, even if she claimed she'd go quickly. Darion hurried to his pack, grabbed the spare skin, stripped off his pants, and dried himself quickly. Darion was rushing as fast as he could, hoping he could salvage something of what had been lost in the pool. He quickly pulled on a pair of fresh pants and moved after Alhana.

"Aly wait..."

Darion said hurriedly and hopefully.

"There's nothing saying we can't take our time in getting back."

Darion made a bit of extra noise as he stepped through the brush, making sure Alhana had time to cover herself or turn around. When he found her, she was as topless as he was, facing away as he expected.

"Aly..."

He said again with a heavy heart.

"I know you're cold Aly, let me warm you up, like I used to when we were kids. I'll stop after that if you want, but I just don't want to lose you."

Darion bowed his head a bit as he hesitated.

"Things are different now than they used to be, but I don't want us to be different. I'm your Darion remember?"

Darion took a step closer to Alhana then, not knowing whether she'd accept him or push him away.

"And you're still Aly...my Aly. You're all I've got in this world Aly, and your...all I need."

Darion took another step closer to her, putting himself right behind her. He reached his arms out, wrapping them around her. Her arms were up, holding her shirt over her breasts, but he still tried to pull her close, hoping desperately that she wouldn't push him away.

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The crunch of the undergrowth warned her of Darion's approach before she heard his 'Aly'...The light wool of the clean leggings hugged her slender legs and hips, as Alhana stooped over and hurriedly gathered her fresh shirt to her breasts...Her hair damp, hung past the curve of her back, and she hung her head low as Darion found her..Mercifully her back to him, concealed the fresh threat of tears, her cheeks pale as the surmounting change in their dynamics continued to be more evident...


"I know you're cold Aly, let me warm you up, like I used to when we were kids. I'll stop after that if you want, but I just don't want to lose you."

Her eyes close tightly in protest at the wretched prospect of being lost to Darion..It frightened her more, she believed, than he could possibly know...Without him, her life was ..empty...She was nothing on her own..He was her spark..her smile..her tears and laughter...She was simply nothing with out her Darion..

"Things are different now than they used to be, but I don't want us to be different. I'm your Darion remember?"

I'm your Darion remember? He knew her better than anyone did...And the pain of relief tightened her throat around a hiccuped sob as Alhana felt him coming closer...Things are different.. So he'd felt it too? It wasn't just her..He'd seen and felt the swaying pendulum of growth in both body and emotion too...Her mind can't conceive that she wasn't alone..His hands reached for her tentatively, Alhana half afraid she was wrong looked over her shoulder just as he closed the space behind her, and Darion held her close to his chest, arms wrapped around her tightly, his body protecting her . And she sobbed then..Great deep humbling sobs , her shirt tugged to her face, she hiding in the folds of cloth as Darion cocooned her.

"And you're still Aly...my Aly. You're all I've got in this world Aly, and your...all I need."

Somehow, amidst the engulfing power of his arms, Alhana turned, and burrowed into Darions chest and had herself a weep...Too quickly it had all happened...Her friend forever, now was one that had the power to bend her will and break her if he so desired..Only that he was her Darion, this feeling would terrify her with the power it gave him over her...But it was Darion..The one person in the world that would honor her and she him...And therein lies the true form of her fear.......That this change, this feeling, would rip their friendship apart and leave them with nothing..That they'd lose even that.

I'm afraid.......I'm so afraid..

Plaintiff sobs are repeated against the rough beauty of his raw shirt...The fabric soon bore the ring of her shed tears, and Alhana looked him, sniffing, the tip of her nose pink, her eyes red rimmed, and her chin still quivering..

You promise me ...you'll never leave me?

Using her own shirt, she patted his, trying in vain to effect some little dryness to its stain...She shivered again and returned to his chest, on her tip toes, her forehead tucked in beneath Darions firm jaw..

What are we going to do?...........I'll die without you..........If you leave me, I'm nothing ...I'm a husk...Promise me..you'll always be with me.

Trying to control her sobs only ensured the huskiness in her voice broke on every word or two...Tugging one hand out from between them, Alhana wound her arm around Darians shoulder, her shirt offering very little protection to her now...She felt the warmth of his body filter through the fabric of his clothing, her breasts compressed against his chest..His scent calmed her as she inhaled , her eyes closing...Her crying grew quiet, but for the slow to depart occasional sob that shivered up her spin..She was in the grip of an education she'd not expected to learn with her best friend...
Alhana was learning want...Arousal...Desire...Innocent provocation......Her state of semi undress meant little to her then.....It was too late to conceal how her skin glowed , and how her eyes grew darker as her pupils dilated....Alhana looked at Darion for guidance..He had always been the stronger of them both..He had always led where she followed....And now, it was him she looked to again to call for restraint, or to explore what was happening..
And Alhana blinked through the last of her tears, asking for one gift from him, that would give her something to treasure if Darion was to patiently insist they control what was growing, and allow it blossom with out fevered rush..

Will you kiss me?....Just one time?....And I'll never ask again...I promise.

Darion hugged Alhana close, holding her through her sobbing tears. He pressed his cheek against her lovely dark hair, whispering soft reassurances in her ear. Darion's arms around her only tightened as she turned within them, burying her face against his chest.

"I'm afraid.......I'm so afraid.."

Without hesitation, Darion responded, "I know Aly...I know, it's gonna be ok."

"You promise me ...you'll never leave me?"

Using her own shirt, she patted his, trying in vain to effect some little dryness to its stain...She shivered again and returned to his chest, on her tip toes, her forehead tucked in beneath Darions firm jaw.. She was like a child then, a scared child, and Darion knew he was the only one who could calm her.

"Never Aly...I'll never leave your side, I promise."

The answer came without thought and without hesitation, it was what she wanted to hear...needed to hear, and in truth it was what he had always wanted to say.

"What are we going to do?...........I'll die without you..........If you leave me, I'm nothing ...I'm a husk...Promise me..you'll always be with me."

"Always Aly, as long as you'll have me, I'll be beside you." To fully emphasize his words, Darion's arms held her strongly and securely, his breathing was slow and steady, his voice calm, and though she couldn't see it just then, his gaze was soft and steady as well.

Trying to control her sobs only ensured the huskiness in her voice broke on every word or two...Tugging one hand out from between them, Alhana wound her arm around Darians shoulder, her shirt offering very little protection to her now...He hugged her just a little tighter, trying to share his strength with her, in addition to his warmth.


"Will you kiss me?....Just one time?....And I'll never ask again...I promise."

The request was simple, but it was the gaze that held his. Darion recognized that gaze, knew what it meant, could see the signs in her eyes, her reactions, and he could feel it as well. Yet always, it was that gaze, those big brown eyes, gazing up at him with that look that had won him over every time since they'd been kids.

Darion's breathing was slow as his gaze locked with hers. Without a word, he moved his hand beneath her chin, tilting it up. His head lowered, dropping to hers. He hesitated only briefly, knowing what this single act would do, but in the end he could not deny her. He had never been able to, and the same was true. Their lips met and a fire exploded between them. It might have been just a kiss, but it meant so much more than any kiss should have. Darion tilted his head, deepening that kiss as he moved his hand around to the back of her head, holding her without force to him. His tongue gently probed her lips for entry. When they parted for him, his tongue slipped into her mouth, seeking out her own tongue, and upon finding it, they danced a slow and sensual dance, rolling and entwining over each other.

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The kiss when it came, was simply a perfect first kiss..

There was no demand, nothing to startle, nothing to frighten..A brush of Darion's lips on hers, a pressure that wasn't a pressure at all, more a caress and a whisper of tenderness.. He'd paused...but it lasted but a wavering heat beat, that was all too brief, but so so perfect in its hesitation..It warmed Alhana that even then Darion tried to judge what was right..He was perfect. As was his kiss. So warm, so very warm, and he tasted of.......Darion.

The air breathed between them again as he moved back a fraction and Alhana's eyes lowered to his lips, and she licked slowly over her top lip a little, the warmth of his taste surprising her.. Was it bad to think of wanting more? She didn't know...She knew so little of such matters, and only had the softness in his eyes to guide her...and the innocent want of her own to have that feeling again.

Her fingertips touched his jaw, moved back unsurely..Again, they touched him, the tremble in them heightened her nervousness, and she blushed, willing them to stop....Why had he kissed her? Why hadn't he said no, and insisted on propriety..So many questions...Why now, all this lovely newness?..
Would he change now? Would this change him towards her?..

My Darion.....

Her kiss was light in her initiation......Alhana was afraid of the not knowing..Afraid Darion would tell her no, and restrain her from tempting them both ..But his lips were just so warm..It was like the affections she craved began with the warmth of lips that have also known laughter and kind words....Tongues move slowly together..She shivered against him, but not from cold....Her chill was the flush of desire that warmed every fiber of her body...This want, this change in their balance frightened her...Terrified her....But to deny what happened would be a mortal sin.

The tingled flush coiled around her skin...It seduced her sweet sighs against his lips, and softened her body in Darions arms....She clung to him, as she learned more than kisses....She learned the provocation of desire, and the whisper of her bodies growing arousal....She was learning what wanting Darion was like. And didn't resist it.

It was only as her fingers touched Darion's shirt collar that Alhana was aware of having moved on her fingers to touch more of him..Aware that her fingers no longer hold her towel, that it is Darion that shields her, and that it's the coarse fiber of his shirt that prickles against the soft flesh of her soft bare breasts and stomach...Alhana too knows now how the skin of his neck is to touch beneath her fingers..Fingers that are as eager to remember the subtle differences from Darions jawline, to the warmth and structure of his throat..

She moved back a breath, her breath came in small shallow gasps, with every part of her trembling. Every thought all leading back to one..Please God, don't let him change toward me. This is her Darion...Her best friend..Her confidant, her companion, her conscience....He has been friend and foe in their games of old....And now, he was no longer the boy that taunted her..he was the man that left her after his kisses, after catching his breath on her lips, and holding her to the beating of his heart in his chest, with nothing from Alhana to offer him, only an aroused whispered..

.....Ohhhh......Thank you...

Her fingertips touched his jaw, moved back unsurely..Again, they touched him, the tremble in them heightened her nervousness, and she blushed. Darion's hand lifted, lightly holding her hand to his cheek. That small smile was there once more, trying to calm her and assure her that all was right.

"My Darion....."

"Always"

Darion was then surprised as Alhana initiated a kiss of her own. It caught him by surprise, but he didn't push her away, didn't tell her no. Tongues move slowly together..She shivered against him, and his arms hugged her closer against him.

".....Ohhhh......Thank you..."

Darion was torn then. He knew that the thoughts going on in his head were wrong, that everything they had just done was wrong, but why then, did they feel so right? Why did he want nothing more just then, to make love to Aly, his Aly, to take her fully into womanhood. Why was he having these feelings now, despite them having been together for all of their lives.

"You are always welcome Aly."

Darion hesitated then, not sure if he could truly bring himself to say the next statement.

"I could...show you more if you like..."

Darion wasn't sure exactly what he was saying, or how Alhana would react, so he just kept talking.

"I could show you what it's like to lay with a man as a woman should. I could...free you from your maidenhood...if you wanted."

Darion had no idea how Alhana would react to his words, but he'd had to say them, had to acknowledge what he knew they were both feeling. The only thing that remained, was Alhana's response.

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The safety of being held so close wasn't diminished one bit by kisses that perhaps shouldn't have been shared. Alhana stood in his embrace, looking up at Darion with eyes that couldn't conceal by practiced sophistication, how deeply effected she was. He appeared as moved as she was..as stirred..perhaps as unsure in a more responsible way..Alhana unsure out of her lack of knowledge, Darion perhaps unsure because he has always been her protector..

"I could...show you more if you like..."

Her fingers lightly brushed his jaw, his breath warming her lips, as she watched his lips form words that were gently clear in their meaning...His arms hadn't loosened their hold, nor no distance had come between them. Perhaps if there was distance, it might have helped her with thinking logically, ..not delaying...not tempting her faith...not allowing the sensation of his hands on her bare back, and of how the warmth of Darions chest warmed her through the light barrier of his shirt, left her with only thoughts of ................................

"I could show you what it's like to lay with a man as a woman should. I could...free you from your maidenhood...if you wanted."

And again, Alhana reminded herself that this was her friend...Her Darion...And she his Aly...Always his Aly....Rising up on tip toes, she shivered against him, her hands clutching the front of his shirt...Alhana's eyes were intent on searching his, wanting to see any doubt, any source of fear that would threaten them in the future..Innocent enough to be honest to a fault, but secure and trusting of Darion, that her honesty would not be mistreated.

I want.....Only you do I want.

She kissed him gently, but never took her eyes from his, as she tasted little glimpses of passion, and saw her own wants reflected back in the darkening blue gray of his eyes....

Will you promise me, that you'll not turn from me after?.....That this wont change how you look on me?.

Her whisper was breathy...Her body aching, tight with desire and hunger that has been silent for long enough.. Her hands were shaking as her fingers set to work slowly on the draw string of his shirt...The beautiful dip in the middle of his collar bone revealed, she traced it with one pale finger tip, her eyes following its line...Alhana's her entire body trembled and she nodded a little, her lips whispering directly against Darions.

Will you be patient with me?......Will you show me?..Show me how to be what you want?

She looked up at him then, tightening in to him as much as she possibly could..Afraid..Afraid that her Darion may lose heart with her , and regret her..A huge fear..An immense fear...He meant simply everything to her...But she wanted him more than she feared the 'after'...Wanted him enough to hope, to trust that they'll know no regret...That would break her heart...

Soft flesh craved his touches..Her kissed lips wanted more, and to remember to remember the taste of his against them...Fears were threatening, but her desire for him, and the ache in her heart refused to allow her want be quashed...Alhana pushed his shirt from his shoulders, her hands slipped back over his chest, as she watched how her fingers appeared as they caressed the firm flesh, and experienced how his nipples felt brushing her palm....And of course experiencing how their flesh felt, as it touched together when she slipped her hands beneath his hair, her voice quiet,...her dark brown eyes trusting, adoring, revealing her arousal..

I would want to learn, with only you my Darion.

Darion watched as Alhana rose up to her toes in his arms. He felt her shiver against him as she looked deep into his eyes, searching. There was no reluctance in his gaze, no fear, and no hesitation. Darion had always been the type of man to act on what he wanted.

"I want.....Only you do I want."

She kissed him gently, but never took her eyes from his. There was want in her beautiful brown eyes, want, lust, but more importantly, there was trust.

"Will you promise me, that you'll not turn from me after?.....That this wont change how you look on me?"

That small and gentle smile crossed Darion's lips once more. That was his Aly, innocent and trusting. Darion lifted his hand to gently cup her cheek.

"I promise Aly, that the only thing that will change between us, is that we will become closer, not more distant."

Her hands were shaking as her fingers set to work slowly on the draw string of his shirt. Darion quivered in anticipation at that soft touch. She was so inexperienced and cute, that he couldn't help but let her explore and do as she wished.

"Will you be patient with me?......Will you show me?..Show me how to be what you want?"

Alhana pushed his shirt from his shoulders, her hands slipped back over his chest. Darion moaned softly at the feeling of her hands on him. When at last he felt he could speak again, he spoke softly.

"You are already the type of woman that I want Aly, but yes, I will teach you, I will show you the joys a man and a woman can experience together.

For all his control, Darion was hard pressed to retain it as he felt her lean against him, pressing her breasts against him, with nipples already erect and hard from her need and lust.

"I would want to learn, with only you my Darion."

It was only then that Darion let his hands truly start to explore her body. He pressed a series of passionate kisses to her lips as he let one hand glide down the curve of her back to her bottom, while the other moved around, gently caressing the soft curve of her breast.

Darion slowly started to ease them backwards then, holding her body close as he let their tongues entwine. Darion finally stopped when they reached the fire.

Slowly, Darion released Alhana, stepping away from her. His gaze stayed locked on hers, even as her breasts were revealed to his gaze. Darion moved first to his bedroll, and then to hers. He spread his larger one out fully on the ground, and lay hers on top. Then Darion lowered himself to his knees on top of them. Darion extended his hand out to Alhana, letting her take that last step herself, giving her the choice.

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His kisses silenced any other thoughts in her mind..Darion's softly spoken assurances to Alhana mean far more than she'd actually anticipated...
They would, as he promised, be closer. Her heartbeat raced, her pale hands trembled as she held him, and Darion her...And slowly Darion's hands moved the boundary of his touches from protective, to provocative.. to intimate.

She'd never experienced such sensations as she felt when the warmth of his hand began to move ...Her back bowed, pressing her closer to him as his palm skimmed the smooth surface of her back, to cup her behind.
Alhana shivered..but not from the cold, as his lips moved with a slow increasing want with hers, and his other hand caressed the soft globe of one firm breast.

They backed the short distance to their bedrolls, still kissing, holding, pausing, moving again...The fabrics of the pants whispered as their thighs brushed, and bare feet dragged in the soft grass . He never let her go once, nor she him.

Only out of the necessity to unroll their beddings, did he finally part with her...Moving back from her slowly, his eyes on hers, on her body, as Alhana let her hands fall from Darions shoulders to her sides...
She didn't make any effort to cover herself. The thrill of a shiver ran though out her flesh, as she watched him kneel, and truly appreciated the definition in his shoulders and back as Darion worked to unfurl the bedrolls......

He turned then,.on his knees, and looked up at her, and Alhana took a step closer as he offered his hand....Not a word had been spoken ..not a sound uttered.....
She raised her hand to his, paused, and found herself looking at his hand as hers lowered to the little draw string on her leggings.....

Taking the last step, Alhana tugged on the string, and entwined it through his fingers for him to finish...Her other hand combed through his hair, she standing with one foot between his thighs, the other resting raised on the firm muscle of one.
She stooped down, and kissed him deeply...Her hands cupped Darions face, as she felt the breeze on flesh, and warmth of their arousals heat the flesh between them.

Shifting slightly, Alhana lowered down and squatted on his lap, winding her arms around him, her appreciation of how it felt to be bare flesh to bare flesh surmounting anything she'd ever experienced..
Her body naturally moves slowly against his..Nature aiding her, helping her search for the places that gave them both the promise of pleasure...

Want is new to Alhana...so too is the warm flush that heats the velvet skin on her inner thighs and creeps upwards....Up her spine,...
To the tight muscle stressed on her nape, and Alhana whispers huskily against Darions lips, wanting her untutored touches to stir and arouse him as much as his do her..

Show me.....Help me..

Darion remained there, watching Alhana. His hand as outstretched, waiting for her to take that last step towards him. Her hand lifted, but it moved instead to the drawstring on her leggings. Darion felt a shiver move up his spine at that. His gaze remained locked on that hand.

Taking the last step, Alhana tugged on the string, and entwined it through his fingers for him to finish...Her other hand combed through his hair, she standing with one foot between his thighs, the other resting raised on the firm muscle of one.

She stooped down, and kissed him deeply...Her hands cupped Darions face. Only then, when he was assured of Alhana's want of this, did Darion pull the drawstring. Her pants loosened, and then they glided down her legs. Darion lifted his gaze to her as she shifted slightly. Alhana lowered down and squatted on his lap, winding her arms around him. Darion quivered in expectation at the feel of her pert breasts with their hard nipples as they pressed against his chest.

Her body naturally moves slowly against his..Nature aiding her, helping her search for the places that gave them both the promise of pleasure...

"Show me.....Help me.."

Darion smiled between kisses at those words. His arms moved around her as he spoke.

"You're doing fine Aly, your body knows what feels good. Listen to it, and do what feels good."

With those words, Darion eased Alhana to her back, smiling once more at her exquisite beauty. He bent to kiss her, once more letting his hands wander freely over the sensuous curves of her body.

Darion left his pants on, letting his kisses drift to her neck, kissing, licking, and nuzzling the soft nape of her neck. Darion let his crotch grind gently against Alhana's, smiling at her reactions. He kept his motions slow, not wanting to hurt or scare her.

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No one could have told her just how precious the moments could be with a man..And she certainly could never have known just how completely beautiful they could be with Darion...His hands were warm on her...Soft as they moved over her body, guiding her responses with touches that gently introduced Alhana closer to the purring warmth of flesh on flesh..

His kisses were an introduction in themselves to knowing the depths of how thrilling lips could be as she arched her neck to the plucking kisses on the soft curve of her throat and across her shoulders..

It was utterly lovely....The air breezed warmly around them both, the sensation of his weight over her delighting the soft skin of her inner thighs that cradled him to her..She moved with him slowly, their bodies finding those little intimate places that grind and provoke sighs and sudden gasps of awakening pleasure..

Darions back feels so strong beneath her caressing hands..Her fingertips scale the ripple of muscle across his shoulders, to lightly slip down the hollow of his spine to that promised curve just above the waist of his pants....

Her nipples rub against his chest, as he steadily , but gently arouses Alhana with hands that get to know her, and kisses and lips that miss little of her in enticing her innocent responses..No one told her it would be like this.

Alhana was fully aware of how her body behaved, and responded...She felt the flutter of nerves in her stomach, ..felt the tension in her thighs spread upwards as she moved beneath him, her thighs parted, one foot tracing upward over his calve...Her hands grew a little bolder..

Her palms flat on the curve of his behind, her fingers soon kneading and caressing , learning the firmness beneath his pants...Her groans were easy earned..Everything he did was rewarded easily with breathy sighs, and fearlessly encouraged by her...She offered no resistance..

Slowly, tentatively, Alhana's fingers followed the band of his pants to Darians front..Trapped in between them, they tug on the ties of his pants, and Alhana whispered, her nerves evident in the quiver of each word..

Darion.......I want this so much......I want you so much..............Tell me you want me too......Oh Darion..My Darion................I want you.

Darion smiled inwardly as he saw the hesitation and reluctance in Alhana's motions melt away. Soon her hands were drifting over his body, her body starting to move and rock with his. She was letting herself enjoy the intimacy of the moment, and that was what he had hoped. Too long had she been trapped in the confines of the castle. Too long had she been left to her own devices, left to figure things out on her own. Now was the time for teaching, and who better to teach her about the pleasures to be had than he?

Darion's voice grew husky as he encouraged her ministrations of his body. Her hands as they moved to his behind, kneading and caressing. Darion moaned at the boldness, but had no intention of denying her the chance to explore.

Then her hands moved to the front of his pants, to the tie that bound them.

"Darion.......I want this so much......I want you so much..............Tell me you want me too......Oh Darion..My Darion................I want you."

"Mmm, I do what you Aly, and it makes me glad to know that I am yours, and you are mine. Together, we can make this day more special for you than any other."

Darion rose to his knees between Alhana's legs, letting his hands move to cover hers where they held the drawstrings on his pants. He closed his hand over hers and pulled, letting his pants loosen. Darion rose to his feet, letting his pants fall to his ankles. Darion's blue gaze was soft as he looked down at Alhana, watching for her response at her first sight of a naked man, especially a fully aroused naked man, for aroused he was. Darion's manhood stood proud at it's full ten inches, with it's two inch girth. Darion carefully lowered himself to his knees again, hesitating before he covered her with his body once more, letting her get used to the fact, and her feelings towards, what was about to happen.

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Darion's body covered hers, Alhana groaned on feeling the bulging fullness of his shaft pressed against her belly, and a kiss she searches for, gradually moved from sweetly passionate to heatedly inviting..Her hips pressed against him, her thighs parted, with her feet pressing against their bedding knees bent, either side of Darions hips..Her body allowed nature take over, and guide her to searching for the first taste of pure intimate pleasure ...

There was a clammy heat between them..Her skin felt the dampness of more than just the evening heat....Darions lips tasted so sublimely of him..his warmth.Sweet salty kisses shared, her hands following the line of his hip, upwards to cling to his shoulders..What is to come frightened her...

She knows enough to have a tentative fear of that first discomfort..Alhana felt just how beautiful his body is above her, with the soft flesh of her breasts caressing his chest, and milky pale inner softness of her thighs cradling Darions weight between them....

You're so beautiful .......I didn't know.

Her kisses are long and unrushed, as are touches that are provocative, perhaps hesitant , but gently intimate...She was afraid...but not of him.....Afraid of the shaking in her hands, and the want so much for this to be perfect.....Just perfect........

His cock cocooned against her crotch, her hips seemed to know how to caress against him, to invite him by grinding, teasing them both, with her bottom rolling, and rocking as his chest again knows the swell of her nipples brushing his skin....Breathing became whimpered moans of pleasure as Alhana wanted more....Wanted to know that touch of him in her hand........

Laying back, looking up at Darion, her dark eyes evidencing her nervous want for him....The flush to her cheeks crimson, as her hand slips down between them....His size is even more to appreciate than when she'd seen him standing over her.......How she will take him, offered both a thrill at the excitement of him bedding her, and the discomfort that will have to be explored first.....Her warm hand stroked, and caressed....felt the sweet wetness of arousal, that is both his and hers glistening against the rippling length of his stout shaft...

Her lips kissed his shoulder, her tongue marking the tasted path back up the side of his neck to his mouth....Alhana's entire body shook..Trembled, her muscles wound tight with tension of what was happening...A beautiful tension that heated the warm moistening fissure of her sex, and puffy lips of her cunt, that glistens her arousal....Her kiss is loving..but eyes close, shyly guarding her, as she whispers against his lips, as her hand guides the bulbous head of his cock to her sex..

Please don't stop.

Damien was once more treated to both the sight and feeling of every one of the responses that were so new to Alhana. He admired her courage for accepting and encouraging what was about to happen, even though he could see the fear and uncertainty in her eyes.

Alhana's kissed were needy and passionate, begging for more. Her hands wandered over his body, exploring it as her hips rose and fell to his grinding.

Darion's cock was so hard and ready, already aching to take her. He gasped at the first touch of her hand on his cock. He hadn't expected it so soon. His cock jumped of it's own volition in her hand as he moaned as she started to slowly stroke and caress his length.

Darion rose once more to his knees, watching and taking in her full beauty as her hand guided his cock to her wet and ready sex. Her eyes were closed, but her words spoke what those eyes would have revealed, "Please don't stop."

Darion quivered briefly with his hesitation at her words. He didn't hesitate for himself though, he desperately wanted and needed this. He just didn't want to cause her the pain that would inevitably come from this being her first time with a man. Still though, Darion's voice was steady and calm as he spoke, "As you wish my beautiful Aly."

Darion slowly rocked his hips forward, letting just the tip of his cock cleave her velvety pussy lips. He then did it again, letting her feel the head of his cock. With two more thrusts like that, Darion felt the barrier within her, the barrier that was her maidenhood. Darion leaned down, blanketing Alhana's body with his own. He left his cock there, not even half inside her as he spoke. "I'm sorry for this Aly, but it must be done." Darion didn't know if Alhana knew what to expect, but he moved forward with it anyway. He gave her a couple small thrusts, letting her pussy get used to the few inches inside her. Then, as he came forward with the third one, he bucked his hips, driving half of his cock inside her as he shred that barrier within her.

Alhana's cry made him sad, and Darion buried his face in her neck, whispering apologies to her. He hated having to cause her the pain, even though she'd asked for it. "I'm so sorry Aly, I'll stop now if you want, or continue if you'd still have me." That was the first shred of indecision Darion had ever shown to Alhana. He'd always been strong, but after having been forced to hurt her in such an intimate way, he desperately hoped she wouldn't push him away, not when there was so much pleasure for her to enjoy, if only she'd allow it.