Fire Side Dancer

[Angeltears]

Breaking the kiss she rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes and sighing softly. “Rahn, I didn’t get to thank you for coming to my rescue before and for coming into my life,” she whispered her face against his neck. They would be busy for the next few days while they would where at the market and Tora remembered from the last time she was at the market by the end of the night all she wanted to do was curl up in her tent and sleep. “You will like the market, but we are going to be kept busy.”

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn listened to her and smiled. Then came the comment about being busy at the market. He still smiled at that. He held her close and kissed her softly before answering. "You don't need words to thank me for anything. Your love is enough thanks for me. As for being busy at the market, at least we will be busy together." With that comment he smiled once more at her and kissed her again.

 

[Angeltears]

Tora sat there curled up with Rahn as they kissed thinking of all the things she wanted to share with him once they managed to find some free time at the market. They were sitting there for a while until Tora noticed people moving to get there dinners. “I guess we had better get something to eat. We will need our strength for tomorrow.” Then while she was thinking about it she would ask Rahn later and one of the girls to help her gather some of the villages store of food for there travel but that could wait till after dinner.

 

[Josu_T]

After a while Toda suggested they go get some foor. Rahn nodded and got up with her. He walked with his love over to the line for food and they got their dinner. Once they had food, Rahn finally started looking for her brothers. He spotted them and went with Tora over to them. He sat next to Tora and waited for the inevitable questions.

 

[Angeltears]

With their dinner and Rahn finding her brothers they joined them. Sitting down Tora quickly started eating, maybe her brothers would let her eat first then ask questions. Ash moved and sat close to Tora giving her a slight smile at her and then started to eat his own dinner. Tan kept looking over at his sister but Sol’s warning glances told him to let her eat before he asked her questions. They all ate quietly and when she was finished Tora was a little reluctant to set her plate down which she knew would mean that they could ask her questions now.

As soon as her plate was on the ground Tan spoke but what he said surprised Tora. Instead of the question she thought he would have asked. Why she did it? Why she didn’t walk away? Instead he said, “I proud you stuck up for yourself, but I never want you to do it that way again you hear me. If you have the chance to walk away you walk away.” Tora looked shocked and then looked to each of her brothers. Sol leaned in close to Rahn so he could talk so Tora wouldn’t hear him. “The three of us spoke after we left you. We would have involved you in it but we figured you would have had your hands full. Knowing Tora she would already be shaken up by what had happened so what was the point in upsetting her any more. She knew what she did was wrong.”

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn was glad there was no barrage of questions the moment he and Tora sat down. They let her eat first. Rahn ate as well and wondered what the three might say. He finished his plate as Tora did and placed it down. Once the brothers started talking, he just listened and held Tora close for comfort in case they said anything that might be a little harsh. He was a little surprised at what he did hear. Then Sol leaned in close and whispered to him. Rahn just nodded to them and then turned to Tora, kissing her cheek. He looked to the brothers and wondered what else they had to say, if anything at all.

 

[Angeltears]

Sol looked at his brothers and Rahn and Tora and then cleared his throat. He had been thinking of this since the issues had started with Tora. Now with today he knew he should speak to Rahn about it. The only problem is he didn’t know how the other two might handle it and she was there sister too. First thing first he would speak to Rahn first and then see what response he get from the other man. “Rahn will you help me take the plates over to be cleaned. With out waiting for a response or for his brothers to say anything he took their plates and got up walking towards were others were taking their dirty plates. Tora looked after her brother and then to Rahn puzzled slightly.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn was a little surprised when Sol asked if he would help take away the plates. He looked at Tora and shrugged. He got up and helped gather the plates and walked off with Sol. Once they were out of ear shot from the rest of the group he stopped Sol. Then he asked what was on his mind. "So, Sol, what is it you wanted to talk to me about? I'm assuming that is why you asked me to help you with the dishes."

 

[Angeltears]

“Yes I did” Sol replied. “Rahn I need to ask you something and I want only the truth when you answer me. I know you care for Tora even love her but what I want to know is how much? How deep does your feelings go for my sister?” Sol glanced back at the group at Tora as she seemed to laugh at something that Ash had said. “The reason I ask is because of every thing that has happened and might happen in the future. I need to know that you will stay by her side through it and not just leave her. If you don’t think you can stay be her side then I am going to ask you to leave her now before you can break her heart beyond repair.”

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn listened carefully to Sol's question. It was a very legitimate question for Tora's brother to ask him. He didn't even need the reason he gave, but it was a very good one. As he finished speaking Rahn had his answer already. He smiled at Sol. "You don't need to worry at all. Tora means the world to me. I would not leave her side for anything and I never want to break her heart ever. No matter what happens, I will be there to support her and care for her."

 

[Angeltears]

“Good because I like you Rahn and I really don’t want to have to hurt you for hurting Tora. I am sure the two others feel the same way. In the last couple of days you have become sort of like family and it’s rare especially with Tan to let any one else into the family since our parents died,” Sol said to Rahn. Then he started walking towards the place towards where the woman washing the plates where but kept talking as he walked. “I think with the situation as it is you need to consider making what you have with my sister formal. In any other time I wouldn’t mention this and tell you to wait longer but well I think you understand. I haven’t told Ash or Tan about this and I don’t know how they would act if I had, Tan might be against it but it isn’t his choice is it.”

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn just listened to all that Sol said to him. However, he could not keep a big smile off his face. He was happy to be hearing this from one of Tora's brothers. As he finished speaking Rahn thought carefully of what to say next. A moment late he nodded and spoke. "I understand Sol and am glad to hear you feel like I've become a part of your family. I think that maybe the best thing to do is what you say. However, I don't want to upset Tan. We have the trip first. Maybe during our journey you or I or Tora, or all of us, could try subtly convincing Tan that Tora and I should wed. Then we can approach the elders when we return." Rahn looked at Sol and wondered what he may say next and if he might agree.

 

[Angeltears]

“Your right,” Sol said with a smile. “This trip will be a good time to talk to him about it, we will work it out as we go.” Handing the plates to the women she complimented them on diner and then headed back to the others. “Any way Tan only wants Tora to be happy like all of us do. So it shouldn’t be too hard if it’s what Tora wants. It might be a good idea to talk to Tora about it before we mention it to Tan though.” Sol smiled at Rahn, “Enough of this. Come on let’s go back and join the others before they start getting suspicious.” Sol started towards the others.

Tora had been watch Rahn and Sol from the corner of her eye as she and Ash had messed around. “If I remember right you owe me from the last trip,” Ash said suddenly. “Owe you what?” Tora asked focusing on Ash. “One of the sweets that the old woman creates at the market. Remember you eat my last one, last time!” Ash said with a smile. “I did not that was Sol who eat the last one of your and if I remember right it was you who eat the last one of mine.” “I did not.” “Did too.” “Stop,” Tan snapped at the two of them just as the other two were returning. “If you are going to argue then the two of you can remain in your tents when we reach the market and neither of you will get any of the sweets this time.” “Yes Tan,” Ash and Tora said in unison and then started to laugh at each other. “Actually I think it was Tan who eat your last one,” Ash whispered to Tora and they both glared at him. “I am glad you both chose to come back, these two are going to drive me crazy,” Tan said to Sol and Rahn.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn handed his plate to the cleaners and then waled with Sol back toward the rest of their group. He nodded to Sol once more before they got back. Apparently they were inturrupting the three siblings arguing about something. Rahn grinned and sat next to Tora, pulling her into his arms and kissing her. He held her close and looked at the others. "Glad we can help you out Tan. Any time you need me to distract Tora, let me know. I'll be happy to help." He grinned and kissed Tora again.

 

[Angeltears]

Tora was about to make a response to Tan’s comment when Rahn pulled her into his arms and kissed her silencing her. When he stopped kissing her she smiled at him until he spoke to Tan. When he kissed her again she playfully and gently hit him in the leg, before she pulled away pouting. “That’s not fair, your on his side now," pretending still she turned her back on him, not before smiling at him playfully. Ash and Sol laughed and Tan just shook his head, “Good luck to you Rahn.”

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn looked at Tora as she hit him in the leg. She told him he was not being fair and then turned away from him. He caught the little smile and grinned. He didn't really pay attention to the others. He wrapped his arms around Tora and pulled her in close, sitting behind her, her back against his chest. He kissed her head softly a few times and then looked at the others. "So, when are we planning on leaving?"

 

[Angeltears]

As Rahn pulled her back against him she laughed and she tried to keep a stern look on her face but as he kissed her head she couldn’t help but smile. Shaking her head she sighed and leaned back against him, relaxing in his arms. Tan also shook his head and answered Rahn’s question, “We will be leaving at first light tomorrow, so you will need to be ready to move before then. So that’s early to bed for you!” Tan added looking at Tora. Tora nodded her head agreeing with him, “I know, no dancing tonight and early to bed.”

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn smiled as Tora leaned against him. Tan answered his question. Rahn nodded slightly. He made a mental note and decided he would need to go to bed soon. Then Tan reminded Tora that she needed to go to bed early. Rahn laughed and kissed Tora's head again. "Well then, we may as well get you to bed now. One last thing to discuss though. Do you think we will have any trouble tonight? should we sleep outside the girls' tent tonight? Or should we just sleep in our own tents?"

 

[Angeltears]

Though she frowned at Tan when she heard Rahn laugh and felt him kiss her head again she smiled. At Rahn’s question Tan looked to his brothers and then looked at Tora, “Lia and Kara are staying with their parents tonight so they should be safe with them. I think it would be best if we all get sleep tonight as it is a long ride to the market. I think Kelt and his group won’t try anything tonight as I all the elders will be on watch themselves especially after today, simply because it is no longer a once off thing. Tora should be okay tonight.” Tora would have rather stayed close to Rahn but she wasn’t about to ask out right to stay with him for the night, she didn’t think Tan would agree with that, so she kept her mouth shut.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn agreed that they should be ok for the night and not worry too much about the girls. Tora would have her brothers in their tents nearby anyway. Yet, he would ask her how she felt before she went to bed so he could decide for himself. He would do whatever needed to help her feel safe and comfortable. When they got up to go a few minutes later, he walked Tora toward her tent. He spoke softly to her. "Your brother thinks you should be ok, but how do you feel? If you want me to do something to comfort you or help you feel safe, I will do it." He kissed her cheek softly and smiled.

 

[Angeltears]

Tora smiled back at Rahn when he asked her she wanted him to do. “I will be okay my brothers are close if I need them.” Biting her lip slightly she considered what she was about to say next and choose that she would say it any way. “I wanted to ask you to stay in my tent or me in yours but I know that my brothers might not be too happy with that idea. I think Tan would rather I stay in his tent than yours. I do not want to cause trouble the night before we leave because I think this trip will be good for all of us.”

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn smiled and nodded at what Tora said. Then she continued and he smiled more. He understood what she said. He nodded and then pulled her close. He held her for a moment before kissing her softly. Then he let her go. "We should get some sleep now. We have an early morning. We will be able to spend a lot of time together in the morning and all through the day. Sleep well Tora, and dream well. I know I will, because you will be in my dreams."

 

[Angeltears]

Smiling as he held her she returned his kiss. Nodding when he let her go, her smile brightened when he said he would be dreaming of her. “And I you Rahn,” turning she gave him one last smile as she slipped into her tent. The brothers also headed to there tents all would be going to bed early. Tora changed and did final checks that all was ready for tomorrow’s early start. Once she was satisfied with everything she curled up and slept, dreaming of Rahn and the time they would be spending together.

Tan was the first to wake up and moved between the families tents, waking up Tora and the brothers. “Tora, Tora are you awake, it’s time to get up.” Tora grumbled slightly and rubbed her eyes, “I’m awake.” Getting up still half asleep she got dressed. Coming out of her tent she joined the brothers Tan was fully awake and Tora could guess that he had been awake for a while, Sol seemed like he had slept well but Ash looked like Tora felt. “I will go and get the horses,” Tora mumbled. “I’ll come with you,” Sol said and the two of them left to go get the horses.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn smiled as Tora entered her tent. He turned and walked to his. He stepped inside and did a mental check of all that was done and all that needed to be done. Then he slept. He had the dreams he'd told Tora he would have, of the two of them together. He smiled as he slept.

He woke early, having a lot more to do by himself. He didn't have others to help him pack and get his horse ready. He made and ate a simple breakfast before starting to pack up his remaining things. He then took down his tent. Once that was packed up, he gathered his things and carried them all in one trip to the horses. It was heavy and awkward, but he managed. He got to Rain and dropped everything. He smiled at the horse and rubbed his neck.

He spent a little time with Rain before starting to prepare the horse for the journey. After feeding and watering him, Rahn saddled him. He then started to pack everything onto him. He started adding one of the platforms behind the horse when Tora and Sol walked in. He smiled and went over to them immediately. The first thing he did was wrap his arms around Tora and kiss her softly. Then he asked, "How are you two doing this morning?"

 

[Angeltears]

Tora brightened when she saw Rahn heading towards them and smiled. When he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her she smiled. “I am better now that I seen you, I wish I could get woken up like that every morning,” Tora said and then realized Sol was with them and blushed slightly. Sol shrugged and smiled, “I know what you mean. It is always good to be greeted by the one you love first thing in the morning. I can see you have been busy already Rahn. Tan and Ash are working on the tents and we have come to prepare the horses.” That last bit he directed at Tora who looked more than happy to stay in Rahn’s arms. Tora smiled at him and then gave Rahn a quick kiss before slipping from his arms and heading to their horses. Smiling as she saw Dancer she patted the horse and placed her forehead against hers. “Good morning Dancer, ready to go for a long ride.” Sol and Tora worked on preparing the five horses Lia’s included. Kara and her family would prepare their horses.