The Space Between

Miriam was unaccustomed to company after her time spent living rough. The Elf thought his manners rusty but the prolonged attention he was paying her felt like an oasis in the desert. She was tongue tied and awkward in comparison and embarrassed that she’d broken down in his arms. His grace seemed to come so naturally, she was a little jealous.

His meeting with Mirma had given her a chance to collect her thoughts as best she could but she was still not emotionally stable enough to be able to give his gentle conversation the thought it needed. No sooner had she started to think of her answer to one thing and he had another.

Her answers were lost in her head and he’d moved on. Taking liberties? What liberties? Maybe he’d taken liberties... what did it matter. She admired his confidence, yes, if those were liberties she liked his liberties, they made her forget briefly how worthless she was.

She absolutely loved what he’d done to her hair. It made her feel like a woman again to have it long but his compliment on how it looked had her flustered, self conscious like a young girl. Like she’d felt when James Miller was courting her. The thought of James brought a momentary flash of pain to her burnt cheek and to the much deeper scar in her heart.

Back then she’d had self confidence. She’d been pretty and she knew the village men looked at her. She’d liked it, especially when it had been James... but now, rejected, confidence destroyed, it didn’t feel right when he complemented her. The thrill was still there but it was drowning in shame. It made it hard to believe the sincerity of his comments. She knew his compliments were really an expression of pity, not admiration... somehow that was even worse than not being noticed.

No!

‘Your Beauty,’ his words echoed again in her heart, washing away the bleakness that had tried to take hold again.

These dark thoughts were her own not his. He meant what he said. He did think her hair was lovely!

She ran her hands through it in renewed wonder at his power as she took the offered seat and smiled at him shyly, though it was the most difficult smile of her life.

“Sir, it is a most wonderful gift. I’m truly grateful. It feels so soft, I don’t think it's ever felt this soft before... Does it...

... does it really look lovely?”

She couldn’t look him in the eye.

The dark haired elf leaned forward at her soft words. His green eyes lit with an inner glow. She sounded so shy and nervous and this awoke a sense of protectiveness within him. Slender fingers lifted to stroke a loose wave behind her ear, fingertips lingering on her cheek briefly. “Yes little one it is most certainly lovely.” A small smile, “Rest assured I would not lie to you about such a thing. You are a beautiful woman.” Here he chuckled, “And I don’t say that merely because it has been years since I have seen a woman. As I said I give you truth, even if it’s a truth you can’t see.”

He leaned back in his seat, slowly withdrawing his hand, not wanting to push too far, to scare her off. Like any filly she could panic and bolt and he didn’t want that. Something in her called to him, made him wish he was more than Val that he was Valen again.

Miriam’s scar was so super sensitive that even contact as light as the bandanna she’d worn in the past rubbing against it had been a constant unpleasant reminder of the violation that had been done to her face.

Now though, for the first time ever she experienced a pleasant sensation in the twisted pink tissue. His fingertips, so soft and gentle, first touching her hair, then like a fairy’s kiss- tracing over her damaged cheek. Sensation so intensely pleasant she almost cried out ran like a flood through her body, starting where he touched and ending... somewhere private.

She tried to concentrate on the gentle words he spoke but moments later she was almost overtaken again as the echo of her pleasure bounced back from Mirma somewhere nearby. It was all she could do to stop herself from turning her face into his palm and kissing it passionately. It was all she could do to suppress the waves of animal lust that were bouncing backwards and forwards between her tightly controled body and her uninhibited soul. The situation was becoming complicated. Her blush deepened.

It was time for a tactical retreat, but Miriam was desperately afraid to offend her host...

“Sir I fear it is getting late, may I retire to the room I awoke in earlier or am I to sleep somewhere else? Perhaps tomorrow you will teach me a little?”

She looked up then and was almost floored by the depth she encountered when she met his gaze. Depth in years, depth in thought, depth in experience and a great well of some pain she couldn’t comprehend. All arousal was gone replaced again by awe and fear.

Mirma let out a growl of frustration that only Miriam could hear.

The expected request to retreat came following her blush at his words and touch. “Yes you may sleep in that room. We shall see about the teaching for sure.” His eyes flicked up to the barely setting sun and made no comment. He would not call her out for her retreat, this time.

“I will prepare the evening meal; I will wake you when it is ready if that is your preference. Forgive me for not realizing you might still be tired sooner.” It cost him more than he would easily admit to let her go right now, just as they seemed to be connecting, but he needed to take it slow with her. His hand gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze as he rose, “Do you remember the way, or should I show you to the room?” he asked. He seemingly had drawn back in on himself, the depth of emotions she may have peaked at in him hidden behind his pleasant smile. His touch was still just as gentle, but he had realized he was pushing too far.

Depending on her response he would either escort her to the room, or remain on the balcony.

Miriam was not accustomed to eating well and the idea of more food after the soup and tea he’d already served her was a surprise. She hadn’t considered it.

“No thank you Sir, you have been most generous, I require no more food and I know where the room is... Thank you.”

This last as his hand came down gently on her shoulder, reminding her again that underneath the long soft robe he had loaned her she wore nothing at all. Her damp clothing, including her under things, had all been laid out earlier in the room to dry.

Trying not to appear rude in her haste, she pulled away and without looking him in the eye she headed down the long corridor to the room that was to be hers. It wasn’t till the door was closed firmly behind her and held shut as she leaned back against it, that she could finally relax. Her robes bunched up around her hips as she slid down the door into a seated position and she leaned her head back against its comforting solidity.

Moments later there was a scrabbling as Mirma scrambled in the window and strutted over. Miriam watched her soul approach and she looked at herself through Mirma’s eyes at the same time. Mirma looked like she’d gotten into the creamery; she had such a big smile. She almost glowed. Miriam looked worn out, gaunt and flushed.

“Heya Girl, what are we going to do? He’s amazing!”

A series of quick images and ideas flashed through her mind and she burst out laughing at her soul’s audacity.

“Hussy! I am absolutely not going to do... to do... that! Gods I don’t know what to do with you some times. He’d never...”

Her hand had drifted to her face and was probing softly at her scar where he had touched her. He’d never... surely not?

Miriam didn’t sleep well that night. Mirma was out watching the Elf who she affectionately thought of as the giant, and Miriam couldn’t help but watch as well through Mirma’s eyes... twisting and turning in bed... remembering the feel of his hands on her, his eyes on her.

In the morning she got out of bed and carefully folded the robe he had loaned her. She dressed in her own ragged but now clean clothing minus the bandanna that he had forbidden her to wear. She’d woken with a strong resolve. She would take no more from his generosity than she had to.

She’d come to him pathetic and in need but she would show him that she could look after herself. She would earn his respect and he would not regret his decision to help her. She couldn’t have him thinking her pathetic and helpless.

Now if only she could stop yawning and get some of the ridiculous thoughts Mirma had implanted in her mind to go away.
Inevitably she was already blushing and off balance when she sought him out for the day. Stupid Soul!

Val watched her go a wisp of an indulgent smile on his lips. She had clearly been alone for some time and was not comfortable with all the attention, perhaps.

After she departed he spent some time on the porch thinking, as his hands finished the carving. Finally satisfied with the wand, he headed up to his kitchen. Since it was a pleasant evening. He decided to cook outside over an open fire. His hands were steady as he chopped the mushrooms and various tubers that he planned to roast over the fire. To avoid catching them on fire, he had removed his robes revealing a simple tunic and pants, clothing of a woodsman that he seemed to wear very well, with ease. It was clear that though a mage, that might not have always been his calling in life.

His mood was reflective. How could it not be? So many memories. Having a woman around made him think of her and he could not help that. The burning pain had faded with the years, but he supposed it would never go away. She had been the one who had set him on this path, well her death had at any rate. He regretted none of it, except her death of course, and his inability to save her. The guilt was a black wall that would eat him if he allowed it.

As his food cooked he steepled his fingers and sought within himself to clear his mind, to turn away from such dark thoughts. She was gone. However banishing thoughts of Elia brought to mind Miriam, the beautiful woman who although so different from his long lost love, had a similar spirit. Determined and strong but ever so shy. He chuckled as that thought had stirred more memories. She had not always been shy, his Elia, she had teased her mentor so mercilessly at times, before the dark time and their discovering on their love for one another. He wondered if Miriam had a teasing core within her too. He was unsure but he knew that he felt drawn to her. She was so nervous around him though. Maybe she would relax over time.

He drew his thoughts away from Miriam, which lead him to thoughts of the soul Mirma. He knew she watched him, but he pretended not to notice. The soul would approach him on her own time.

The next morning Val was tending his herb garden when Miriam found him the next morning. She already appeared nervous, even as the mage seemed poised and not at all perturbed. However he had long been a creature of habit and even Miriam’s presence would not alter the elf’s routine too much. “I trust you slept well?” he asked pulling his delicate hands from the moist dirt he had them buried in, gently patting it into place around the young plant. “These are good for reducing fevers,” he explained in passing, just encase she happened to be curious.

Miriam had been blushing and off balance as she searched for her host but that changed when she found him bent over working in a small garden. It was such a natural scene, something like from home before... everything. He looked good in a tunic and leggings.

Gods! He’d look good in anything!

“I trust you slept well?” He indicated the plants he’d been weeding around, “These are good for reducing fevers”

“Oh yes, Meadowsweet! We used to call that the ‘Queen of the Meadow’.”

Miriam smiled as pleasant memories washed through her momentarily, her hand absently played with her newly grown hair.

“My mother used to wash my hair in it for the sweet smell...”

The whimsical thoughts vanished as an awful image of her mother screaming horror, eyes wide in panic with blood all over her holiday best dress flashed up briefly in Miriam’s mind.

No! I don’t remember this!

Suddenly standing on shaky legs she felt like she would feint. Staggering slightly she reached out for something to help steady herself. Nearby Mirma was yowling some kind of awful sound. The previously pleasant morning felt cold and full of menace. The world spun.

Val had smiled as she seemed to recognize the plant. “Very good,” he said with a glance at her. “I imagine that would make you smell quite lovely.” He added as she continued to speak, opening up about her past just for a brief glimpse. However as he went to point out other plants, something seemed to come over her. Having spent his fair time in the elven military he had seen others have similar responses. There were times when one’s past seemed to come out of nowhere and slap the individual.

He rose quickly and stepped to her, catching her hand as she flung it out as if to seek something to grasp. He reeled her in by that hand until she was in his arms against his chest again, “It’s ok little one.” He said softly, “Come back to me Miriam. It’s in the past.” He was partially taking a guess based on what he knew of her, but he felt it was a good guess.

As pleasant as it felt to again find herself wrapped up in this lovely mans arms Miriam could not let the embrace go on. She pushed herself clear, perhaps a little too roughly, angry at herself for so quickly failing in her own resolve not to look so pathetic.

“Sorry, it’s nothing, just had a little dizzy spell!”

Even to her own ears she sounded childish and churlish. She repeated herself and this time she sounded more genuine.

“Sorry...”

She gestured vaguely to his chest where she’d shoved him away hoping he understood, she hadn’t meant to be rude. It was hard adjusting again to civilized company when all of her instincts were honed for survival in the space between. She supposed she’d gone a little feral. It was an embarrassing thought. What would her mother have said if she’d seen her daughter like this now.

No! That’s not a safe direction for thought!

Mirma was peering at her in concern from a tree branch nearby. She glared back defiantly. Defying herself. Defying the darkness within.

“Please go on, I’ve always been fascinated by plant medicine, my grandmother was a healer, she taught me a little when I was young but she was killed in a kobold raid after kings men opened a new mine near my village...”

She tried to count in her head how many years ago that had been.

“... It was a long time ago, I was just a girl.”

Mathematics had never been her strong suit.

She hoped her banter would be enough of a distraction, she really didn’t want him prying into her little episode and she needed to move on to cover her embarrassment.

Val stumbled back just a step as she pushed at him. He had sensed her movement and rolled with it, smoothly stepping back just encase she had intended more action against him. However, the old training was unnecessary as Miriam seemed to realize her mistake and apologized. He knew her words were a lie and he perhaps had hit too close to home, but she was not obligated to tell him anything so let it go.

Stepping back to his plants he indicated the next plant, “Nasty creatures, slaves to the Drow mostly.” He responded when she mentioned the filth that had murdered her grandmother. “Not difficult to kill but they swarm like ants.”

At her invitation to continue he indicated the plant he had started to gesture to a moment ago, “This is good for soothing burns and generally reducing pain, especially as I said for burns like from the sun especially.” He moved around the small garden, “I am not really a healer; I was always more gifted at taking life than giving it. However, when you’re all alone out here you learn skills you might not need otherwise. I have begun to explore healing with magic, but I find it a challenge. I do welcome the challenge though; the white arts help to balance some of the dark arts I have delved into.” He offered. His eyes rose to meet hers, almost as if testing her, would she flee, would she ask about what he’d done, or would she merely accept his words at face value. She wasn’t the only one who had done dark things when threatened.

Miriam hadn’t had much conventional education and she didn’t really understand the terms the Elf was using, white arts, dark arts. As eager as she was to learn of magic she felt that perhaps this, her second morning with him, might better be spent studying him and learning what it would mean to cohabitate with this tall handsome man. So she tucked her questions away for later and instead spent the morning following him around his garden helping weed between the rows and learning what he knew of the properties of the various plants.

The sun was gentle today and it warmed her back as she knelt between a row of brasicas and a row of bright green carrot tops, weeding. His garden was tidy and practical with herbs on one side and vegetables on the other. In the warm sun his voice became a pleasant drone and she drifted for a bit into Mirma who was chasing grasshoppers happily. Sometime around noon she snapped back to herself as he straightened up and indicated that it was time for a repast.

Miriam’s stomach rumbled its accord and as he walked passed she absent mindedly reached out and took his hand. It had been a casual gesture, done without thought, but one that they both instantly became aware of. It felt like cold fire ran over her skin as every inch of her body became hyper sensitive and she breathed out suddenly in a little gasp.

There she was on her knees in the dirt looking up into his eyes, flushed and somehow open to him. His hand squeezed hers gently. He looked back at her with a look that she couldn’t comprehend but it wasn’t frightening. She felt something powerful, some instinct was taking over and she went with it. She leaned forward and pressed her forehead against the back of his hand and waited...

Her lips parted as a little trepidation passed through her mind and through her heart. Her voice when she found it was very small.

“Sir...”

That’s really all she could say. There were no words for what she was feeling.

The morning passed with the telling her of the herbs he grew and she mostly listening. She was a quiet helper weeding and generally being companion, one that he had not had for quite some time.

When he decided he needed his second meal of the morning and she should have her first he called a halt to the work. As he passed her heading for the house she caught his hand. He gave it a squeeze, his expression puzzled. He figured that she merely wanted a hand up and that was something he was more than willing to offer her. His lips twitched into a slight frown as she pressed her forehead to his hand. He could tell how overwhelmed she had been and this must be comforting to her, showing her thankfulness for his presence.

He took her free hand in his and pulled her smoothly to her feet, leaning in and kissing her on each cheek, “You are not a slave here, you need not a base yourself for the likes of me. “Thank you for being such a patient listener this morning. I did not realize how much I missed talking,” he said softly, “I did not start off my life investing in magic, no my path was in nature and much different, so revisiting that with you has been most pleasant.”

He turned towards the house yet only released one of her hands. The other he held in his slender grip. There was a part of him that sensed the contact would be welcomed by both of them in that moment.

Whatever the odd impulse had been that led her to take his hand, he’d misinterpreted it, that was clear from his words about slavery and debasement but maybe on an instinctual level he’d understood as well because he kissed her gently on each cheek and continued to hold her hand as he led her towards the house.

She could hardly expect him to understand her feelings, not when she could barely understand them herself, but his physical response was perfect, just what she needed and she had a smile on her face as she trailed behind him up the stairs to the kitchen. Her cheeks burned pleasantly where his lips had touched.

“Sir your house is amazing; I had never dreamed that something like this could exist. Did magic do this? Could you teach me to make beautiful things with magic?”

Her voice chattered away like it hadn’t done since... since happier times... and she asked him many more questions as they washed their hands and prepared food. Not questions of import, just small questions to learn of his nature.

She’d enjoyed the feel of his large hand wrapped around hers. His fingers were long and his hand could wrap hers right up. It felt nice to be held like that, she’d enjoyed the feel of his rough calluses and the little gentle squeeze he gave just before he let go. Now she enjoyed standing beside him in the kitchen assisting when and where he asked with the task of preparing food.

She’d asked many small questions but now she had one that was perhaps a little bigger.

“Sir, why are you living all alone out here in the space between? Did you... did you do something... like what I did? Are you a... murderer?”

It hurt to acknowledge the truth. It was easier to blame Mirma but in her heart Miriam new the truth and she couldn’t lie to this man and so she acknowledged the painful past, even if only just for this moment in time, she was a murderer.

They worked together companionably. He explained the various tubers and vegetables they were eating, as well as some of the sources of the smoked meat. Not all elves ate meat, but Val did, he explained that hunting was a part of the circle of life, just because he used a bow rather than his hands to kill pray did not make him less entitled to a meal than the big cats or bears of the world. He explained though that he only took life when he needed to survive.

This seemed to lead to a more serious question from her. He almost considered not answering. His first instinct was to touch her cheek and first assure her she was not a murderer and his hand was half way up to her cheek before he drew his hand back. “Murder suggests that you did not have reason for what you did.” He finally said, “Sometimes when powers come alive people do terrible things, or in times of desperation they do terrible things.” He cleared his throat, some of his poise slipping away. “I did not kill her,” he said finally after a long pause, “Though due to my attempts to bring her back, my people often get it confused and think I was the one that killed her. I did put down the shade which I had created, but it was no longer her. The dark arts twisted her. She was no longer Elia and ending her was the kindest thing I could do to her since it was I that brought her back in such a vial form.” He shuttered just a little. “I have done things I too regret little one, you are not the only one who has walked the path of unbridled emotions.”

He seemed as if he were done with the subject and finally added one more thing, “I might be willing to walk that path of rage again if I ever get my hands on my brother.” With that ominous statement he turned back to the meal prep plating the food for each of them, adding a stem of grapes to each plate as a garnish and because they were so sweet and tasty this time of year. He silently handed her the plate, a bit curious how she might respond to his own revelations.

Miriam felt grateful for his words of absolution even if she could not believe them. He was kind to be so gentle with her feelings and she looked up to him to express her gratitude, thus she witnessed the darkness that came over him as he went on to address her more serious question.

It brought tears to her eyes to see it. He was the hope she clung too and to see the depth of pain he had inside, unveiled if only for a moment, was the most frightening experience of her life. More frightening she thought than if he had simply said he was a murderer... but he had said he was not.

Miriam didn't understand a lot of what he said, he used ominous words of dark aspect.. 'Dark arts twisted.. vile form... path of rage'. Miriam didn't understand his words but she understood the pain that he revealed and she shook as she cried silently. No he wasn't a murderer like her but somehow his turmoil was much greater and she was afraid of the darkness he carried.

She would not flee though, he was the only ray of hope she had and she had given her trust to him.

Val watched her. Her silent tears did not go unnoticed. He knew not why she wept for him, no one else had in many years. The fact that she seemed to care took him by surprise. His slender hand lifted to her cheek and brushed away a tear. He said nothing simply stood staring at the tear on his fingertips for a long moment as if in amazement.

He slid closer, the other hand lifting to her chin, tilting up her face. He leaned down as if he would kiss her and then as if shaking himself out of some sort of stupor he lowered his hand and stepped away, his face turning red. He had not spoken through the whole exchange. He finally cleared his throat, “Thank you for showing me kindness that undeserved,” as he spoke he held out the chair for her silently indicating she was welcome to sit.

He had been going to kiss her, she was sure of it. She'd stood there like a silly little mouse transfixed by the fox. She'd been shaking a little, very afraid, but also willing. Yes, she wanted it! He scared her to death but her body responded to him of its own accord and damn, she wanted it!

His fingers brushed a tear from her cheek. His face got that intense look that melted her insides and made her want to pee her pants all at the same time. His finger tip tilted her head back claiming her as if he he owned her, as if he had the right to do with her whatever he pleased.

She could feel Mirma watching through her eyes keeping an eye on him and watching out for her...

He leaned in... She let out a little gasp and closed her eyes. She'd been kissed before. James had kissed her in stolen moments behind the barn while they courted. Touched her a little through her clothes when she'd been inclined to let him as well but this felt much different to that. This powerful elf was no farming country bumpkin. If Val claimed her she knew she would be his forever... and yes she wanted it!

The kiss never came, she opened her eyes in surprise and found he had turned away, her tears came all the harder for the shame of his rejection but what did she expect really... scarred mess that she was. What could she possibly have to offer to this creature of wondrous woodland magic and ancient knowledge.

The shame burned too brightly and she fled, not blindly though her tears filled her eyes because with Mirma watching over her she would never be blind but wildly and with abandon. She cared not where her feet carried her as long as it was far from his cruel rejection.

She found herself at the pool in the grotto and there she collapsed to cry her heart out at all that she'd lost. She cried for her love of James, who had branded her. She cried for her family, dead by her own hands and she cried at the pitiful state of her face that had made him turn aside when she was ready to surrender. She cried in deep shame.

Mirma on the other hand decided to fish.

He didn't pull back from kissing her due to anything she had done. Nay, it was all about him and his shame and fear that he might be taking advantage of her. Too late he realized how she might have taken it and so watched as her tears rolled freely and she rushed off blindly. He started to follower but subsided. He feared he would just make it worse.

He should be used to women's emotions. Elia's emotions had always run close to the surface, and truth be told so had her mother's, his long ago partner as a ranger for the military. It had just been too long since he had last interacted with a woman. He started off to follow her but he went slowly hoping that she would listen to him, even though he knew not what to say to her.

It was not the elf that found her first but one of his two longtime companions. Not the original Cat Valen had had all those years ago, but Val was certain a descendent of hers. Elven cats were very smart and this one more than most, very empathetic. Purring, the beautiful cat wound around Miriam where she huddled, rubbing against her hoping to give some small comfort.

Miriam was too busy crying to keep watch and Mirma was diving deep into the dark waters of the pool chasing the darting silver fish that fascinated her so much. So it was that the cat was able to get quite close before some small disturbance, certainly not a sound from its stealthy paws, maybe some other sense, caught Miriam's attention and she looked up.

Months of living hard in the extreme environment of the space between had her instincts well honed and this graceful little predator had gotten alarmingly close. A hiss of shock escaped the girls lips as she scuttled back instinctively and alarmed Mirma surfaced in the pool already growing long claws and armor plates as if for a fight. But the cat was as startled by Miriam's sudden movement as she had been by its stealthy approach and leapt away quickly before stopping again and just staring at her with captivating deep eyes.

Sensing no threat Miriam's soul returned to her fun in the water and Miriam herself relaxed a little, this was some woodland creature- wild but not necessarily dangerous and no doubt it had simply come to the grotto to drink from the pool. It had much grace though it was clearly not the same domesticated variety of cat that the girl knew form her farm life, it was not much bigger than such cats.

The two of them stayed as they were for a while. Both as weary as the other and neither ready to give ground. It was standoff but then the cat ended the impasse. Obviously deciding that the slight human girl was in fact no threat despite her bristly defensive hostility, the creature stood up suddenly and approached. Miriam sensed no hostility and the cat came close enough to extend its nose out and sniff at Miriam's face. Miriam sniffed back. The cat had made up its mind and moments latter was butting its head against hers in a gesture she recognized from the domesticated creatures her own folk had kept on the farm to control rodents.

Of course it was right then that he turned up. She felt her heart turn little somersaults as he ducked his head under the lowest hanging branches and stepped into the cool light reflected from the pools surface. Mirma's activities in the water had the mirror dancing and the light reflected onto his dark clothing and pale features was like amagical halo. Again she felt her insides melting at the masculine beauty of him. What power he held over her! It was born of the fact that her every hope for the future resided in him. Bereft of any other path forward she found herself completely in his hands. It made her feel powerless and vulnerable.

The beautiful grotto that she loved so much was a dead end and so there was no retreat. The cat left her then and headed for the elf. Rubbing itself affectionately against his legs. She felt like a worm. She was still on her knees in the moss. Her face was tear streaked as she looked up at him, struck speechless by her own shame and by how handsome he looked, handsome but cold. He had rejected her, why follow her now? Wasn't her humiliation enough?

It wasn't like she had asked for it, it was he that had been going to kiss her, not the other way around, then he didn't. Why awaken that desire in her only to turn away. Her tears came back stronger but she couldn't hide her face from him now. Fine! Let him see her pain, He'd hurt her. Let him see what he had done! It was easier to be angry, she was sick of feeling so pathetic! But gods why didn't he say something already? The moment was drawing out and she feared to open her own mouth least she humiliate herself any further.

Mirma surfaced and spat a long jet of water that hit him square in the face. The cat leapt away startled to avoid getting wet and Miriam found herself almost overwhelmed with love for her mischievous little soul as laughter burst unbidden from her lips! It sounded a little wild even to her own ears but at least it wasn't more tears.

Val stepped into the clearing to see that Raine had found the woman before he did. He couldn't help but to smile at the sight. Raine retreated to wind around his legs and he bent to rub behind her ears, "Good girl," he murmured in elven.

Stepping closer he was suddeenly hit in the face with a stream of water. He paused in his tracks his hand coming up to block any future attacks. He spluttered a bit but otherwise seemed unfazed. "I can't say I didn't deserve that," he said his eyes on Miriam, not on her companion.

Stepping closer he spoke again, "I ..." he started and the normally well spoken elf was clearly having trouble speaking. "I see you have met Raine?" He finally stated looking down at the cat, clearly not what he had originally intended on saying but obviously had gone with the easier topic rather than the tears obviously coming down her face and how he might have caused them. Elf he might be but still male and still not having been around people for a long time, this tactic came off as awkward but perhaps endearing as well.

He chose a safe topic, nice and neutral. That was wise. Miriam used her sleeve to scrub at her face, defiantly wiping her tears away. She would take the olive branch, it was easier than acknowledging what had happened.

"Raine is a very pretty name. I'd thought her wild, is she yours?"

Mirma was still enjoying the cool pool and Miriam could feel her planning more mischief but she let it be known silently that she didn't need help. Wetting him once had been funny, twice would be a mistake.

Mirma didn't understand social niceties. She was spontaneous and whimsical, reacting only to what Miriam felt not what she thought but Miriam would not have been able to keep her soul a secret for so many years if she couldn't exert some control. The imp went back to her fish chasing nonchalantly.

"She is beautiful Sir, I've never seen a cat like her before."

He looked so composed sitting there on his rock near the pool with the cat rubbing happily back and forward against his legs. He seemed to fit in any setting, physically blending beautifully into whatever environment he was in. Miriam felt like like an ugly duckling in comparison. She sat back with her back against a nearby rock. Not close to him but not so far she couldn't hear him speak over the babbling of the thousand voices in the water fall.

"Will you teach me about magic sir? The... the... arts?"

Had she said it right? She'd heard him use that term but she wasn't sure of herself. She had no learning, no numbers or runes. All she'd known before her life got turned upside down were the skills she'd need to one day be a farmer's wife. She could cook and sow and tend a garden or milk a cow and shear sheep. Oh she knew how to fight and kill of course, she'd learnt those life saving lessons in the space between but magic... well what did she know of that?

Her soul of course was a magical soul. Others would look at Mirma and see magic but to Miriam that was just how she'd always been... there was no knowledge, it just was. She was deeply curious but maybe she was asking too soon. He'd said he'd help but she didn't really know what his help would entail.

She felt so uncertain, her life had been cut adrift and she'd found herself tied now to this elf man she neither knew nor understood. She had extremely strong feelings of attraction to him but maybe that was just desperation. Still she wished he had kissed her... In that moment she'd thought he was going to she had wanted it so badly. That had made the rejection hurt all the harder.

“Raine is one of my companions, yes,” Val said softly stepping closer, finally taking a seat on a rock near her. “I wouldn’t go so far as to say she belongs to me; elven cats are far too independent for such labels of ownership.” He considered as he pets the cat with gentle strokes, “They are magical and rumor has it they can take on human form.” He of course had seen the previous raine, his first cat does so, but never had this one, she had not trusted him to see that form.

He extended a hand to her urging her to come closer, “She will let you pet her.” After a moments silence he considered, “I think we could work together, yes. I could teach you many things.” His eyes traveled over her face, and he hoped the double entendre in that sentence was not too obvious.

“I just wish to not take advantage of you, I almost crossed a boundary with you, almost tried to take something I am unsure I had a right to claim, that’s why I stopped,” he explained. “I feel an attraction to you, something about you calls to me, even more than the obvious.” Meaning the fact that he’d been in isolation for years. He let his hand reach out again to her, fingertips gently brushing down her arm. “I clearly was in the wrong, my attempt to kiss you caused you to cry, so I am glad that I did not follow through, I am afraid of how you would have reacted in that situation,” he offered. The elf seemed completely unaware that he had well and truly misunderstood why she was upset.

Mirma was floating weightlessly in the deepest part of the pool. She'd grown sick of chasing fish and her heart hadn't really been in it anyway. It was hard to have fun when Miriam was so conflicted and unhappy.

Mirma found these situations hard to deal with. She remembered the good old days back on the farm when Miriam had been for the most part happy, not always of course but even when she wasn't happy Mirma knew what to do. But what do you do when Miriam was miserable, confused and you didn't understand why?

Mirma wished she could understand but deep thought was not her forte. What she knew was that Miriam was afraid of the tall man. Normally Mirma would respond to that by preparing for conflict but she knew that wasn't right. It had upset Miriam the last time Mirma attacked him. Miriam needed him somehow though Mirma hadn't been able to work out what for yet.

Maybe it was just for mating? Mirma knew that Miriam was interested in him for that, she could feel the human side of herself responding to his maleness more and more the more they were around each other and yet in typical human fashion even something as simple as that seemed to be difficult. Mirma knew that Miriam had been old enough to mate for quite some time but the human farmer she had chosen the first time had turned violent on their wedding night and now this new man had somehow managed to upset Miriam.

Mirma wanted the girl to mate with him. It would make her human happy and Mirma found him as attractive as Mirriam did. The human saw a beautiful man who could teach her, the soul saw a powerful magic user that would be able to keep them safe, provide for them and look after them if they had cubs. Miriam was proud and wouldn't want to admit to such desires but Mirma didn't have as many layers of self deception between her desire and her surface thought. Miriam might deny her motivations but they were one being, if Mirma felt it Miriam did too.

Sometimes Mirma wondered why she let her human make all the decisions. Things would surely be much simpler if she was in charge... would probably be hard work though... maybe not the best idea after all.

Next to the pool the tall man was talking quietly and Mirma could feel Miriam's raw emotions calming. The mans presence seemed to sooth Miriam like a balm. Mirma let their mind merge more fully, she lost herself as a separate being a little while she was doing this but it allowed her to watch what was going on through Miriam's eyes and understand a little more of the human complexity. When she did this the inexplicable human behaviors made a little more sense. Miriam was aware of course as Mirma slipped into her mind, there was no resistance, they were one being and this was normal. Mirma gained understanding from the bond, Miriam gained her souls animal insight and better instinct. The Elf was still talking.

“I feel an attraction to you, something about you calls to me, even more than the obvious. I clearly was in the wrong, my attempt to kiss you caused you to cry, so I am glad that I did not follow through, I am afraid of how you would have reacted in that situation.”

Mirma/Miriam digested that for a moment. Miriam understood and so Mirma did too. It was a misunderstanding. Clearly he had been living alone for some time, he had become a little insensitive. He had been insensitive to her feelings but the fault was not all his. Miriam had been too sensitive, perceiving rejection where none had been intended.

The two of them pondered his words, they made their best decisions when they were together like this. They had the best of both mind and soul to draw their decisions from and so Miriam scooted over closer to him and laid her head against his knee. She reached out tentatively to Raine and scratched behind the feline's ear. Mirma lent her the courage she was looking for and the girl looked up into his beautiful face.

"You're wrong about why I cried Sir, you should have kissed me, I cried because you didn't."

Miriam was putting on a brave face but the hand that stroked the cat was shaking. Mirma knew the girl was at her most vulnerable right now and deep down in the dark of the pool her claws were growing long and sharp just in case the Elf made a stupid mistake.

He listened to her words and looked confused for a moment. Then he realized what she was saying. He could then recognize how rejected she must have felt in that case. His left hand stroked through her hair as she leaned her head against his knee. “Maybe I should remedy my mistake then little one,” he murmured.

His right hand slid down her cheek until soft fingertips settled beneath her chin, and began to tilt up her chin until their eyes could meet. He bent down towards her his arms sliding down her body until he could lift her up half into his lap, to meet him halfway. His lips pressing to hers, softly at first, but she could sense the tension in him, the tension of restrained passion. He tightened his arms around her curvaceous form and pulled her still closer unconsciously deepening the kiss rapidly.

Miriam's psyche was suffused with Mirma as she sat there enjoying the feel of his long fingers running through her lovely new hair. she was more grateful than she could express for what he had done to her hair. It made her feel like a woman again to have it long and the way he was touching her made her feel that way even more so. Mirma, ever the hedonist was not going to let Mirriam go while he was causing them so much pleasure.

Thus it was the two of them together that caught their breath in excitement as he took them gently by the chin pulling their face up towards his. It was the two of them together that closed their eyes and let out a little involuntary gasp of arousal as his magic fingers trailed down over her cheek, brushing lightly over the oh so sensitive scar tissue of her branding.

For just a moment that delicate flower that was Miriam's fragile ego wanted to whither at that contact against her brand but Mirma wasn't having it and so it was that the soul carried the mind through the moment of doubt and it was together that they felt his lips brush hers. It was together that they surrendered to the moment as his passion deepened the kiss and his hands explored her more intimately than she had ever been touched before. And in their heart the surrendered together to him.

Mind and soul rejoiced.

Mirriam opened her eyes and met his as he pulled back from the kiss. He looked deeply into her in that moment and she submitted willingly to his probe unsure if it was real or just a figment of her imagination but willing either way. She could feel that through her eyes all her secrets were revealed to him. She knew she could hide nothing from him so she felt no need to express the love that had blossomed in her heart but she was still afraid despite her sudden fiery desire.

She couldn't say the words that came from deep within but she felt that maybe he heard them anyway.

Don't hurt me? Protect me? Treat me gently? Make me feel safe? Love me? Please Sir?