Guarding His Body

[AngelofDeath]

((ooc: Closed for Ninmar))

T'rissae sighed as she sat atop the moving carriage as it made it way to the city of R'kar. The female drow was headed for her newest assignment as bodyguard. Most would not trust a Drow to guard their back and sleep but T'rissae was different. She had been raised by humans and dragons. Raised at the Citadel of Blade she had been trained and schooled to be one of the either as an assassin or a body guard. Her name reflected her skill - blade dancer. It wasn't the name she had been born with though. The name her mother had put upon her before her death had been, Cice'Xunolin; Born of Demon Love. And she only used her House Name of Auvrylyl; Blood of the blade in formal situations. Such as the one she was headed to currently. T'rissae was as respected as she was feared, there were those who gave her plenty of space simply because she was what she was and to them there was no such thing as a good Drow. The rest gave her space because they had seen her fight or head of her skills with the sword.

As such she was in high demand as much as she was looked over. Part of it might have had to do with just who she was. Despite having been schooled in the deadly arts and all forms of combat T'rissae was actually very nice and playful, that was probably do the fact she had grown up outside of Drow influence. That had been her mother's goal from the start when she had fled home and family to be with her Demon mate. However things had not gone as planned, she had never been given the full story, only that her mother had handed her to her surrogate father and mentor Malek on the Blood Oath that he would make sure that her child would never be a part of the world and life her mother had forsaken and that had refused to let her leave with her half demon child alive. She was tall like most Drow women were, her hair streaked with thick blood red sections, a testament to her demon heritage along with eyes the color of blue lightening.

Malek, Citadel head and doting parent, was seated inside the carriage quite used to T'rissae's habit of sitting on top. She had told him years ago, that she preferred to have a clear view of the road ahead and the road behind. She was far from paranoid, it was simply that she didn't wish to have her few obstructed. Her newest charge was some nobleman, that was pretty much all she had been told. Her own curious nature had her pestering Malek, every second before they had left the Citadel trying to find out more information. The old man hadn't budge one inch, simply patting her shoulder and telling her to be patient. The laughter that had been in his hazel eyes at the time told her that whatever he was hiding was a juicy bit of gossip.

Picking up the apple that sat within the cradle of her crossed legs, T'rissae began to peel it with one of the made blades she carried upon herself as the carriage made its way out of the forest and down the road to R'kar. Malek would never do anything to harm her, so she would simply know when they time came why he had been so secretive. Beside her lay a large curbed sword that was nearly as tall as she was. Lightweight, but deathly sharp, the sword was her prized possession, as it had been her mother's. There was no telling how much blood it had spilled before she had been born, but T'rissae knew exactly how many men, women, demons, drows and so forth had fallen at her hands and her blade.

"Malek, how long will you be staying in R'kar?" She called down to him.

"Til the morning, to make sure you get settled and everything is in order. Silverwing has to return to the mountains tomorrow and you know how she hates to leave the Citadl unprotected."

His answer made her laughed as she bit down into a slice of apple, "Oh yes, because everyone there is as helpless as a babe without you two around. You would think that old dragon would realize sooner or later that we aren't children."

"Compared to her we are all children," he had a point there. Silverwing was at least 800 years old, though no on knew the exact age. No one was suicidal enough to ask her either.

Shaking her head, the thick braid bouncing as she did so T'rissae went back to her snack. The sun was just starting to dip when they reached the city gates. If not for the face she wore the Citadel cloak the guards might have panicked seeing her atop of the ornate black carriage. The horses navigated the narrow streets with a skill and grace that seemed out of place in such large animals. As they rolled to a stop outside of the palace villa T'rissae hopped down and looked around. Malek took his time climbing out of the wagon, while he did not look his age, the years were slowly creeping up on him. Sheathing her sword the pair headed inside. The palace like all palaces was highly decorated, glitz, lace and wealth apparent in every nook, cranny, crevice and wall. Just her luck she'd be guarding some spoiled noble from some perceived threat that didn't truly exist. Following behind the guards they headed into the main hall. Standing beside a large food and wine laden table where two men and a woman. 'Gods please don't let him be some spoiled brat, or better yet let me have to guard his father.'

As they got closer, the small group turned, there was something familiar about the younger man that stood before her. She just couldn't put her finger on it. He certainly didn't look like the typical pampered noble from the shaggy curls or the scar that ran from the left side of his nose across his cheek.

"My Lord, as requested I have brought my most trusted and skilled student. T'rissae of House Auvrylyl Lord Galen and his wife Lady Awen. And I am sure you remember their son Alric. Though it has been many years since you have seen each other."

T'rissea's blue eyes went wide as she realized why he had been familiar. Alric had been schooled at the Citadel for a few years and the two of them had been close friends. She had also had a bit of a crush on the man before her when he had been just an awkward teen trying to learn how to handle a sword properly. They had stayed in contact even after his father had called him home for another year before his letters had stopped coming. At first she had thought he had simply forgotten about her, until word had spread that Alric had fallen in battle. She had mourned the loss of her friend even more at that news. Now to see him standing before her, a strong and able bodied and very much alive man, T'rissea was torn between hugging him and smacking him.

Instead she turned away from him and gave a short bow to his parents, "Lord Galen, Lady Awen I am at your service."

Lord Galen nodded, "And we are glad to have it T'rissea. My son means the world to me and my wife. Malek, highly recommends you and the fact that you knew my son before now sets us both at ease. Now we can both breath easier knowing he will be in the best of hands until this truce is set in stone."

"I wouldn't have suggested her had I not been sure that Alric's life would be well guarded." T'rissea could almost hear the laughter in her adoptive father's voice.

Oh Alric was in good hands alright; hands that would love to pry form him just why he had broken off contact with her.

[Ninmar]

Alric sat in the vast hall. His father told him he had brought him protection. At first he had thought about protesting but didn't argue when he remembered his position. It had become hard for him in the past few years. He hadn't been able to go out in public because everyone thought he was dead. But because of him faking his death, the treaty had been drawn up. It was a pretty good bargain, or so his father thought. It had been torture for him. Unable to leave his room, unable to see anyone he knew. What sort of life was this? He was thinking it would be better if he was dead.

"Father, I'm tired." Alric complained.

"I'm afraid I can't let you go to your room to rest. We have very important visitors." His father replied.

"No father, I'm tired of leading this life. I'm tired of hiding all the time! Am I to live out the rest of my days locked in this castle? Unable to do anything for my own. I'm surprized you didn't fire the maids to keep my being alive a secret. Do you know how strange it is listening to my funeral?" He said "All hail Alric! Son of Lord Galen. May his spirit be with us. Every year I must listen to this outside. Do you know how frusterating that is?"

"Now Alric, I know you're upset but please be patient for a little longer. After this treaty is done with you'll be able to live the life you once did." Galen said. "I have a little something for you. If you wait a little longer I know you'll be much happier."

"If you say so." Alric gave up. What else could he do?

Alric waited and waited until finally he heard footsteps coming down the hall. One, no, two people. He turned around, not caring for what would happen anymore.

"My Lord, as requested I have brought my most trusted and skilled student. T'rissae of House Auvrylyl Lord Galen and his wife Lady Awen. And I am sure you remember their son Alric. Though it has been many years since you have seen each other."

T'rissae? The same T'rissae he had grown up with? Could it be? Alric examined her body. He didn't have to look hard because as soon as he saw her sword he knew it was her. "I don't believe it!" he exclaimed. "Father! You hired my friend to guard me?" His voice was filled with joy and embarassment. "I don't believe this." He repeated. Finally he would be able to talk to someone. Not just anyone, but one of his dearest friends. Well, he didn't have many friends considering how everyone thought he was dead for half a decade, but just having someone to talk to filled his body with electricity. There was so much he wanted to tell her. So much to catch up on! Then he remembered. He had cut off all forms of communication with everyone. T'rissae must have been on the verge of strangling him. Thank goodness his parents were still there.

"Ehem." He cleared his throat and recollected himself. "Please pardon my outburst." Alric still couldn't contain a grin as he looked at T'rissae. There was so much he wanted to tell her.

[AngelofDeath]

"There is nothing to forgive Alric, believe me I am sure T'rissea is containing her own outburst at this moment." She let out a small snort at Malek's comment. Outburst was an understatement, oh she had plenty to say to Alric when they were out of earshot of his parents and Malek. The grin on his face wasn't doing him any favor at the moment. Alric had been one of the few outsiders to come to the Citadel that hadn't looked down at her because she was half drow. He had been one of the few people she had considered a close friend.

"I am sure these two would like some time to talk. Why don't we talk elsewhere about finalizing all this before we settle in for the evening."

"Of course old friend," Galen nodded to both Alric and T'rissea before the three walked off to continue talking about their plans of keeping Alric alive and unharmed. The minute they were alone however T'rissea closed the distance between them. Her fingers itched to touch him, on the one hand she wanted to slap him and o the other she wanted to make sure this wasn't some dream caused by and overripe apple and too much wine at breakfast.

"Dos lor plez whol natha elghinyrr nesst" 'You look fit for a dead man' Malek had made sure T'rissea knew the tongue of her people and Alric had been one of the few people she'd taught a few words to, mostly insults to be tossed about while fighting.

"It's nice to know that whatever friendship we had meant so little that you would let me think you were dead for all this time. Of course you had stopped answering my letters long before your 'death'. All I want to know is why Alric. Why hide from me? I kept your secrets when you were at the Citadel, did you think I wouldn't keep another?" The drow knew it had something to do with the scar on his face. Even with it he was still the fresh faced boy she had known, trusted and cared for. Hopefully whoever had given it to him was dead.

It was much warmer inside the palace so she pulled her cloak off and tossed it over her arm. The lightly armored vest protected her body and well as showed off its attributes. Her beauty as well as the few scars she had picked up over the years. Most were easily overlooked on her gray skin, except for the top of a scar that peeked out from above the valley of her breast and ran toward her heart. It was clear they had both grown up in their time apart and earned their fair share of scars and wounds. "Why am I talking to a dead man and why all the secrecy?" In truth T'rissea paid very littler attention to the politics of any of the lands and kingdoms she had visited. She simply did her job and went on with her life such as it was. She had friends, but no lovers. No one she trusted enough to let into her life like that. No one who's live she wanted to put at risk because of their association with her.

[Ninmar]

As soon as Alrics parents and Malek left, T'rissea moved closer to him. He could see she wanted to hurt him. Even he would hurt him for what he did. His body tensed up, waiting for the impact. But it never came. He looked into her eyes and noticed there as a bit of a struggle.

"Dos lor plez whol natha elghinyrr nesst."

He felt like she was testing him. In a way asking if he still remembered the past. He picked up on the words dead man fairly quickly. It took him a while to piece together the rest of the sentence.

"Our friendship means very much to me. It did then and it still does. I trust you T'rissea. More than you think I do. But I couldn't communicate with you. For what reason do you think I'm feigning my death? It's because of my love for all those around me. I knew the treaty would come soon after my death. When I died would decide how many would needlessly fall. I couldn't wait for countless lives to be lost when I could act." Alric sighed and brushed a hand across her cheek. His other hand moved toward his scar but he changed direction at the last moment and wiped his brow. "T'rissea, I couldn't tell you of my plan because I was afraid. Everything would be jeopardized. Many more people would have been killed if the messages would have been intercepted. I had also hoped you would forget about me. It would have been easier if you did. People that would come after you because of what you know. I really care for you T'rissea. How do you think I would feel if I knew something happened to you because of me?" Alric left out a few details on purpose.

As she took off her coat, Alric examined her body. He let his arms drop and folded them. "Enough about why you should hit me. How have you been doing? You seem to have made quite a name for yourself." He tried to change the subject from him to her. "Is there anyone in your life now? Anyone that would make me jealous?" Indeed if there was anyone he might have been a bit jealous. The years, as few as they were, had been very kind to her.

[AngelofDeath]

"You can't forget about one of the few people who never looked at you as if they were just waiting for you to stab them in the back or carve out their heart. I was too mad to forget you and then then you up and die on me and the chance to forgive you or move on was taken from me." She would have been blind to not see how he changed the subject from him to her. T'rissea would leave it alone for now. It wasn't as if she were going to be going anywhere, anytime soon. The time for details would come soon enough, either from him or Malek before he left. She had hated the old man for his timing on her assignments. When word came that Alric as dead she had been away from the Citadel and unable to attend his funeral. It had been intentional she now knew, to keep her from possibly find out that Alric was in fact alive.

"I've been doing what I was trained to do, keep people alive, whether I like the job or the person or not. I wouldn't really call it a name for myself more like giving people a real reason to be afraid of me rather than just going by what they see." When he asked if there was anyone in her life she laughed softly, "The same number of boys that tried to get my attention when we were younger hasn't changed Alric. I'm either too strong for their tastes or too Drow. Besides when does anyone from the Citadel of Blades have time for a love life?"

That was only half a truth, there were more than a few couples who had come together at the citadel and the majority of the children who trained there had also bee born there.

"I'm glad you are alive though, and with me around you'll stay alive." Now that Alric was back in her life T'rissea had no intention of mourning his real death anytime soon.

[Ninmar]

"I'm sorry about how the others treated you. If only they saw what a great person you really are. " Alric smiled "Look where you are now. I bet any one of those idiots would kill to be in your position. And I regret not communicating with you. It's been horrible living here by myself. I've only been able to stay in the inner rooms of the castle. I'm surprised I haven't gone insane yet. Soon after my funeral I was walking and got too close to a window. A peasant saw me and ran through the market yelling my ghosthas returned to get revenge. As you can imagine father wasn't too pleased."

Alric smiled when she talked about her admierers. "Oh you'd be amazed as to how many boys actually liked you. I was shocked you didn't find out. Every time we sparred I would see them looking at you. T'rissea, you honestly don't give yourself enough credit. A beautiful Drow such as yourself could win the hearts of many men."

"I'm glad you are alive though, and with me around you'll stay alive."

This little bit made him smile. "Are you saying I can't fend for myself? I'll have you know that you aren't the only one here able to weild a sword. In fact, I'd say I'm just as good as you, if not better!" He finished, smirking. Alric had really hoped T'rissea would take this as a challenge. He wanted to see how good she had gotten. He knew there was no way he was better than her, but just being able to fight with her like when they were young would make him happy. He would be able to put those years of solitude behind him.

[AngelofDeath]

T'rissea rolled her eyes, "Maybe I'll show you all of the scars. I am no beauty." She did have to smile when pretended to be upset that she didn't think he could defend himself. "I never said that, but considering all that your father has gone through to keep you alive, I can only assume they tried very hard to keep you alive and that means they aren't going to stop until you are dead. Which is too bad for them, because I won't stop until they are."

She looked him over as she made a small circle around him, "Well if not for that fact that we'd probably get in trouble for it I would suggest going to the courtyard to spar. Neither of your parents would be happy if we caused any damage in here. Unless of course your parents were nice enough to at least let you have room to practice indoors." While Lord Galen was not much of a fighter from what she heard, it would be a shame to hear that Alric had not at least been allowed to exercise his skills. "Because if they did then I suppose we could see if you've managed to forget what you learned or not." Poking him in the chest playfully, T'rissea finally gave in and pulled Alric into a hug. It felt good to do what she had wanted to do for so many years.

When someone cleared their throat, T'rissea stopped short of pushing him away as she stepped back.

[Ninmar]

"No beauty? You obviously haven't seen yourself in a mirror lately. Drows have as much charm as humans do, if not more." Alric examined all of her visible scars. He eyed the one on her chest especially. "You know if you do decide to show your scars I may not want to give you up." He teased.

As she circled around him Alric stood straight up, as if he was a soldier being inspected by an officer. "Does everything check out well?" He smiled at her professionalism. "I don't think my parents would mind if we had a little duel. We could use pieces of wood or some other substitute if you think real swords would do too much damage. I'm sure they would be pleased I'm having such a great time. And I know just the place to go if you do want to play a little. It is in a way indoors, but I think you'll find it rather open."

Her hug caught him completely off guard. It was unexpected but Alric found himself wrapping his arms around him. He lowered his head and rested it on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry T'rissea. It's been far too long."

"Ehem. I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" she asked. The maid walked in and T'rissea stepped back.

"No, nothing at all." He looked at T'rissea. "Was there something you wanted?"

"I came to inform the mistress that the bath was ready if she needed to use it. Dinner will be ready shortly." She bowed and left large room, her shoes clacking with every step she took. How hadn't he heard her come in?

Alric looked at T'rissea and sighed. "I'll be waiting for you in the garden. You should go and take a bath. Your trip must have worn you out." He turned and started to walk.

[AngelofDeath]

"Gee Alric are you trying to say I need a bath? And considering all I did was ride on top of the carriage I am not that tired. I'll bathe after dinner, Malek will have my head for leaving you alone, even in your own home." She picked up her pace to catch up to Alric and fell into step alongside him. "And honestly you still look like the scrawny youth that hated to do drill before sunrise, but was nice enough to go steal apples from the kitchen with me."

When he looked at her, T'rissea held her hands up in mock surrender, "Kidding of course. You've grown up Alric. We both have. And besides, food always sits better after a good spar, so let's go. At least then I'll have a chance to see just how much protecting I really need to do as opposed to just being support for you." T'rissea didn't doubt for a second that Alric could fend for himself, but Malek had chosen her for a reason and it was more than just so the two friends could reconnect. No whatever was really going on was bad enough that Malek was giving her full reign to do whatever needed to keep him safe. "So other than the walls, yourself, your parents and the servants have you had anyone to talk to?"

As they walked T'rissea made note of every window and every door. Tomorrow she would take her time and go over every inch of his home, the more prepared she was the better. It also meant T'rissea would be able to get Alric in and out at her will. There was no doubt in the drow's mind that Alric was aching to get out, even if only for a brief period and in disguise.

[Ninmar]

"I'm not saying anything. I just thought that a bath would make you feel more comfortable. I could scrub your back like I used to, if you wanted." Alric laughed and patted her shoulder. "Just kidding. I know better than to intrude. And you never know, maybe you were sore or stiff from sitting down. It's a possablility, isn't it?" He flinched when he remembered the drills. T'rissea would pull the covers off of him and drag him out of bed nearly every morning. It would be so bad if she didn't keep him up so late most of the time. "I only stole those apples because I got tired of the endless training. They were all running me ragged!"

He nodded in approval when she confirmed his growth. Alric turned around and walked backwards in front of her. His arms spread out and he smiled "Welcome to the garden." He stepped through an open door into a little yard enclosed by all four walls. There were trees growing in random spots scattered across the ground. "I told father to plant the trees this way." He explained "It reminds me more of the outside world when the trees aren't planted in order. It seems more, untouched."

"Very funny T'rissea. I don't talk to walls. Or the maids, they're both too busy with their jobs keeping the castle up and running. But I do have two very good friends." He lifted his hands and tightened them into fists. "T'rissea, it's my great pleasure to introduce you to Frank and Earnest." His expression then dropped and he smiled a little. "Unfortunetly no, there's nobody here to talk to. Also, I'm sorry to report that all my toys are up in my room. I hope you don't mind getting your hands dirty!" Alric ran towards T'rissea and threw a punch.

[AngelofDeath]

"When have I ever minded getting dirty?" She ducked under the coming punch and tossed her cloak the side. At the same time T'rissea undid the buckle on her sword sheath and let it fall to the ground. "Tsk tsk Alric you are getting slow in your old age." She closed the distance between them, "I think we might have to start those morning drill all over again. A hundred push ups. Laps around the garden, maybe find something heavy for you to life." Laughing she blocked the next punch and drove her elbow into his ribs lightly.

The pair practically danced around each other, trying to get a read on each other and planning their next move. T'rissea's braid bounced with each move as she watched Arlic move. The look on his face said he had missed this, it wasn't about winning really, it was about being able to relax finally. "Come one Alric you can do better than this," she ducked and weaved around his strikes, "I'm not kidding about those drills, so do better. Remember its not the fight itself that's important. Its who's standing at the end."

Of course while the two of them spared like the did in the old day, a small crowd was gathering to watch. T'rissea knew they were being watched, but no one was a threat so it didn't matter. Even less so when Malek and Lord Galen joined the growing crowd. "If I win, you do morning drills for the next week. If you win, you can ask me any 5 questions you want about what's gone on while we've been out of contact."

[Ninmar]

"I'm sorry. I wasn't exactly expecting to see anyone today. If you would just wait a few moments, I'll be all warmed up." There was a little too much force in her elbow. Maybe she had gotten stronger than him. He remembered always being able to overpower her, but she had more skill. "Drills again? I thought you were here to protect me, not run me into the ground with training. And instead of something heavy, how about I wear a full suit of armor and pick you up? Don't I get a say in the deal? Instead of training, I'll do any 4 things you want me to. Does that sound like a fair deal?"

He could see she noticed the people gathering around. The maids, cooks, even his father and Malek had come to see the pair face off. His father laughed as he looked on. "Come on Alric! You were able to beat me, she should be nothing!" Alric was never able to build up the courage to tell him how bad he was at fighting. "Father! Did you.. Ow! Easy! Forget you you hired?" he panted as T'rissea's punches grazed him. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Malek chuckling heartily. "It's who's standing at the end is it?"

Alric lunged at T'rissea and grabbed her waist. He planted his feet on the ground and picked her up. Then he threw her down to the ground. At least that's what he tried to do. His foot had fallen into a loose patch of dirt that moved under him. Alric tried to regain his balance, which wouldn't have been a problem if he wasn't holding T'rissea, but her added had him unable to do anything in the position he was in. He fell to the ground flat on his back and air rushed from his lungs in a loud "Omph." Alric looked around for T'rissea but could find her. "I guess I do need that training after all." he said as tried to get to his feet.

[AngelofDeath]

"Any four things I want you say? More than a fair deal," T'rissea reached down and helped Alric to his feet. "Not bad, a bit rusty, but not bad," when Alric had started to topple she had slipped from his arms and rolled away from into a crouching stance. Technically neither of them were still standing, but Alric was a fair sport. The sun was low on the horizon and despite the two apples in her stomach T'rissea was hungry, the fact was punctuated by the growling of her stomach. Everyone was clapping as she brushed grass and dirt from his shoulders. "Now that you have done your best to make me work up a sweat and get me dirty, as well as yourself we're both going to get a bath in before we join them for dinner so get moving.."

T'rissea knew that Malek would have made sure her room would have been close to Alric's. Which was fine with her, at one point they had shared a room back at the Citadel and they had managed to avoid being too uncomfortable with each other. And Alric had been a good friend and washed her back on more than a few occasions. Waving to Malek, T'rissea pushed Alric back inside the palace. "I mean it Alric you handled yourself very well out there."

[Ninmar]

"Technically you weren't standing but I think we both knew the outcome of this little bout. Right. Like I promised. Any two things you want." Alric said as T'rissea helped him to his feet. He hoped he could lessen his sentence. Now that he thought about it, four things? What was he thinking?"A bit rusty? If that isn't the understatement of the century." He couldn't help contain a smile when her stomach growled. "Would you like for me to steal any fruits for you m'lady? Just remember it would count as one of the things you want me to do for you." He waited for her to dust him off and laughed "Ha! You work up a sweat from that? If you did then I think it's you who needs the drills, not me."

He walked slightly ahead of T'rissea, leading her to the bath. After two minues, he stopped in front of a pair of bronze doors. "So what will it be? Would you like to use the bath before or after me? Wait a minute, I forgot to tell you." He opened the doors and walked in to a large steaming room. In the middle of it there was a bath, but it's size could have easily have made it a pool. On the right side right there were 5 shower heads sticking out of the walls. On the left there were 3 small tubs. "You can use anything you want here. But I came in to warn you than the water gets scaldingly hot. The king is very resistant to high temperatures. Also, the second and third shower heads do not work. Father never fixes them because we don't have company anymore. Uh, lets see, the right faucet is for the hot water and the left is for the cold. I think. I can never remember. Lets see, when you're done the maids will bring you something to dry off with. I think that's everything. So would you like to bathe first?"

[AngelofDeath]

Like everything else in the home, the baths were overdone, at least in her opinion. T'rissea had nothing against the more simplistic stylings of the Citadel, but it was Alric's home and she wasn't going to say anything. "Well we could always bathe together. Wouldn't be the first time you know," T'rissea laughed softly. Of course there had usually been other bodies or a privacy wall between them, unless Alric had been washing her back or vice versa. "Besides if we wash up at the same time, then no one can complain that we held up dinner."

Finding a bench to sit down on T'rissea pulled her boots off. Sitting up she undid the laces holding her vest together and slipped it off. She had her breasts bound with bandages as always though they did little to hide just how severe the scar over her heart was. When she felt Alric looking at her she ran her fingers over it, "Someone got lucky and caught me on a day I wasn't my fastest."

[Ninmar]

"Hmm. Bathe together. That's not a bad idea. At least it wouldn't be if we were still kids. We're adults now T'rissea. I don't know if I could keep my hands off of you anymore." He teased. T'rissea started to undress before him and his eyes grew wide. Although he knew he should have, he didn't look away. "Hold up dinner? If I know my father by now, then I would say we have a good hour before dinner is ready. After seeing us he probably went to the kitchen and told the maids to cook up a boar."

When she took off her vest Alric caught a glimpse of her scar. He put a hand to his own scar and frowned. "Hah. Yes. I'm lucky, aren't I?" He walked over to T'rissea and sat down in front of her. "Well, you are the one that invited me. And what kind of gentleman would I be if I refused a young maiden's offer?" He took off his shirt and threw it on the bench next to T'rissea. "Don't get me wrong, I am only agreeing because my clothes are soaked from staying in here too long." He laughed but he couldn't keep his eyes off her scar. "Would you mind if I asked how?" he asked as he began to take off the rest of his clothes.

[AngelofDeath]

"I had an assignment up north, escort a noblewoman to her future husband home for their wedding. It was my, Niali and Jaden. Seemed like a fairly routine job, but what her father had failed to mention, and Malek made him pay for such a lie, was that his daughter had been promised to another man at one point and wasn't happy he had been tossed over for a noble with more wealth and land" T'rissea stroked the scar slowly as she looked off towards the bath. "He contracted a demon to fetch her at any cost. Niali never saw it coming, and Jaden lost an eye. I don't really remember much of what happened after the blow, Jaden and I managed to survive and deliver the woman, Amyla to her husband. Its as close to death as I've ever come and do not wish to repeat the trip any time soon."

T'rissea looked back at Alric in time to find him starting to slip out of his pants. Her blues went wide for a moment before she managed to get a hold of herself. "What's the story behind this?" She reached out to run her index finger over the line of tough flesh. She knew it was part of the reason, everyone though Alric was dead. Why he wasn't there for when she finally graduated from the Citadel. The drow had gotten mighty drunk that night and mourned the friend she had lost and the love she would never know. Pushing the thought away she began to unwrapped the bandages from around her torso. T'rissea's breast weren't overly large, but they would fill a man's hands that was for sure. She bound them because doing so made her armor fit better, but there would be do deny that she was female.

Getting her to feet and moving so that she wasn't standing directly in front of Alric she began to undo the various laces holding her pants up. The soften leather dropped to the floor almost silently as she stepped out of them. Alric was right, they weren't children any more, but that didn't mean they couldn't be mature about seeing each other naked. While she waited for his answer she walked over and then stepped down into the pool of steaming water. "Oh gods this feels good."

[Ninmar]

Alric flinched when T'rissea touched his scar. "Now it's my turn, is it? Well you know why I was taken out of the Citadel. Father needed a substitute for his general. During a battle I do not want to remember, I made my way far into the enemy's army. You remember me in my youth, don't you?" He laughed. Why was he talking like he was his father? "Well I got careless and got hit from behind. When I woke up I was shackled to a wall. I was kept there for a while and can see how everyone presumed I was dead. One day I got angry at a guard and spit at him. He took out his sword and " He made a horizontal motion with his arm. "If I hadn't turned my head, then this scar would have gone across the width of my face. And that is how that happened."

Alric had done his best not looking at her once she got her bandages off, but wouldn't be able to resist not looking for much longer. He shed the rest of his clothes and jumped into the the pool as quickly as he could. When he was in the water, he would be able to relax more. "This does feel good, doesn't it?" He kept his body underwater as he floated around the pool. "Hey T'rissea, can you swim? I don't have any memories of you surrounded by this much water. I can't swim very well but I can hold my breath for around 5 minutes."

[AngelofDeath]

"I learned eventually, it does come in handy when you have to retrieve a sword or make use of the only natural cover you have. It wasn't like the baths back at the Citadel weren't nice you know. Nothing like dragon fire warmed water." T'rissea sank further into the water with a sigh and let the heat work away the tension in her body. Closing the distance between them T'rissea touched his shoulder, "Alric I'm glad you survived. And if it makes you feel any better, I still think you're pretty ugly for a human." She then pushed him under the water and swam away from him.

Laughing as he came up sputtering T'rissea flicked some water his way, "There now you look better."

[Ninmar]

"Well, yes I guess you have a point there." His face plushed as she approached him. "How on this world is that ever supposed to make anyone feel better? I might have to" And then she pushed him underwater. Alric had got a mouthful of water as he struggled to find the surface. Instead, he found the floor first and pushed off as hard as he could. "I swear T'rissea," he coughed "if I ever get my hands on you, well, I'll do something that'll make you wish you hadn't done that. I don't know what it is, but I'll think of something."

As he rambled on, he wiped his eyes, trying to get water out of them. "No splashing in the tub! You could irritate somebody's eyes, just be lucky mine aren't sensitive." He opened his eyes and saw T'rissea. Alric started trudging towards her as fast as he could. "I don't have to know how to swim to catch you."

[AngelofDeath]

T'rissea laughed, "Oh come on Alric, we're friends remember, you wouldn't want to do anything rash now would you? It's not like I was trying to drown you, you know." She laughed as he advanced on on her, moving back herself at the same time. She knew this was the most fun Alric had been able to have in the longest time. "And besides its not like wrestling in the tub is a good idea." Looking for an opening she she knew there was no way she was going to be able to get around him swiftly in the water.

So she did the only thing she could do when Alric finally closed in on her,, T'rissea grabbed his arms and pulled him off balance into her. Rather than moving out of the way though, because they were so close to the edge of the pool, T'rissea kissed him. It wasn't that soft and brief kiss she had given him before he had left the Citadel, no it was a kiss from a fully grown woman. Pulling back slowly she stared up at him, "You know that was probably a very bad idea, but I've wanted to do that for a very long time. When we got word at the Citadel, I wanted to scream. Actually I think I did do that. As angry as I was that you had stopped writing I was angrier that I wouldn't be able to ask why you didn't want me in your life any more."

[Ninmar]

He couldn't help but smile. "Au contraire madam,I think something rash is exactly what I want to do right now. Who knows when I might get another chance like this." Alric laughed as he pushed her towards the edge of the pool. "And the mighty hunter corners his prey. You're right though, wrestling in the tub is a bad idea. But this can't really be called a tub."

Alric closed in on her and spread his arms out. "Now there's no way you can escape. I might not be as fast as you on land, but I can definitely catch you no matter which way you go." But it's because she didn't try to escape that Alric was caught off guard. T'rissea grabbed his arms and pulled him towards her. There wasn't much Alric could as his body drifted towards hers.

Her kiss wasn't like any other he had in his whole life. Alric didn't know why, but his whole body stiffened. When T'rissea pulled away from him, he felt a little colder. His hand moved to his chest and he shuddered. "You're telling me it was a bad idea?" His expression was soft as he moved closer to her. "You dummy. Did you get hit upside the head on a mission? I should hit you myself for thinking like that. What made you think I didn't want you in my life?" Alric kissed her forehead and pulled her into his arms. "It was you I missed most. Did you think you were the only one suffering? How did you think I felt when I was told I couldn't see anyone anymore? You were the first person that came to my mind." Alric let her go and lowered himself into the water just enough so that his scar was hidden. It wouldn't be good if their bodies touched for too long. He stood up and started to walk to the edge of the water. "They're probably waiting for us." He said, even though he knew they still had a good half-hour.

[AngelofDeath]

T'rissea shook her head and followed him out of the bath. While he dressed she used a towel to pull all the water from her hair. Her back held a few more scars, some of which looked like they had come from a whip. They didn't take away from her overall beauty though, just showed her for the fighter that she was. Walking back to her pile of clothes she wrapped the material back around her breasts. After that was done she pulled the rest of her clothes and boots back on. "I know it was hard on you Alric. Look on the bright side at least you now have someone to talk to. You aren't missing much being cooped up in here, but maybe I can talk to your father about letting you out for a ride, with a cloak on of course."

As they left the baths she nudged him playfully, "Hopefully I will have my own room. You snore too much for my tastes." He didn't snore, but considering she had years of ribbing to make up for, T'rissea went for the ones that she used to pick on him about when they had been growing up.

[Ninmar]

Alric walked down to the dining hall behind T'rissea. "What? Me snore? I do not snore. At least not as much as you talk in your sleep. And just for that, I'll make sure we sleep in the same room." he snickered. "Tell me, was there even a point in getting wet?" As they approached the table, he saw the maids walking in and out of the kitchen. There was already some food on the circular table and there was more coming out by the minute. "What did I tell you about father going overboard? He does this everytime someone comes over. Well, at least he used to. Thank goodness too. I would have been as fat as an ogre." He said as he pulled out a chair for T'rissea. He waited for her to sit and took a chair next to her.

"Looks like he pulled out all of the stops this time too. What did I tell you? A boar." He pointed to a massive lump of meat being carried by eight maids and laughed. "But to tell you the truth, I'm not that hungry. My stomach hurts quite a bit. I think I'll have to excuse myself from this meal. I'm going to go to my room and lie down." Alric got up and pushed the chair back under the table. Before he left the room, he saw his father and Malek making their way down a flight of stairs. "Father! Giving Sir Malek a tour?"

"Alric? Where are you going son?" Lord Galen inquired. "Dinner will ready shortly. You'll be very pleased with what the chef has prepared. He made your favorite dishes! Boar, steak, and I even bought some of that foreign fruit you like! You know, the big green one with the red and seeds inside. What was it called again?"

"A watermelon father." His mouth started to water as he described all the food. "I'm sorry but you'll have to excuse me. I know it's terribly rude but my stomach is in a great amount of pain. Once again I'm terribly sorry." He walked by them and up the stairs before he turned around. "And Sir Malek! I forgot to tell you T'rissea mentioned something about wanting to stay in the same room as me tonight." Alric walked up the rest of the stairs and turned right. He opened the door at the end of the walkway and stepped into his room. He didn't bother closing it. Someone would be in soon to scold him anyway. With that thought, he lay on his bed and closed his eyes, just taking in what had happened that day.

[AngelofDeath]

T'rissea shook her head as Alric excused himself. She wasn't completely sure that he wasn't faking it and honestly she wasn't in the mood to sit through a long and boring dinner, especially one she was going to be ignored for the most part while Alric's father and Malek talked. So she did what she did whenever Alric skipped out on dinner, She grabbed a large plate, piled on enough food for them both and grabbed two cups and a small pitcher of wine. Seeing Malek and Lord Galen entering the dinning hall she nodded her head, "I am sure you two still have much to talk about and I have some babysitting to do."

It wasn't that she doubted Alric was safe behind the walls of his own home, but that fact was that they had been brought in long after the first attempt on his life. Alric's father was worried enough to have asked for hers and Malek's help. That was enough to tell her that she needed to keep a close watch over her friend. "And if he doesn't want to eat, well that is his loss." She had two slice of melon on her plate and she knew Alric would eat both if nothing else. Leaving the men to continue their long conversation T'rissea had a servant point her in the direction of Alric's room.

Standing at his door she see the wine and cups down before knocking on the door. If he really wasn't feeling well, T'rissea would leave him be for awhile and go do some exploring of her own to get the full layout of his home. If a threat came from within these walls she wanted to be fully prepared to see them coming or to stop them dead in their tracks.