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Myrrine sat before her mirror preparing for bed once more. The previous day had been... eventful to say the least. She had hoped to keep it from her family altogether, but as her face grew more swollen and bruised, there had been no denying that there would be some questions. Unless she hid in her room - which would be suspicious in and of itself - there would have to be some explanation given.
She’d laughed it off as a matter of clumsiness and while she wasn’t certain if anyone truly believed her, no one questioned her further.
Wearing her hair loose had helped some. If she let it fall forward into her face, the deep colors of her bruise were somewhat obscured. Even if she ended up annoyed more often than not. She was too used to keeping her hair braided back from her face. At least she’d been able to hide the most questionable of her injuries. The cut at her neck, while less severe, was the most concerning of her injuries easily. That couldn’t be explained away.
She unwound the red scarf that hid the mark from around her neck, standing to hang it in her window once more. Just in case.
It seemed unlikely that he would return tonight of all nights and for all she knew, he could have already left Colchis entirely. He had never spoken of how long he’d be remaining. Her impatience made it easy to imagine the worst. Still, even battered as she now was, she wasn’t willing to risk not seeing him. Or worse, letting him think she didn’t wish to see him again. Silly as it was, the thought of him coming to stand beneath her window to find it empty... that haunted her.
Of course she wanted him still. How could she not?
More than that, she just found the notion of being alone particularly unbearable now. He had always made her feel so safe in his presence and she needed that now more than ever. After all, there was no one else she could confide in. She certainly couldn't tell her siblings the truth. They would scold and worry. She was meant to lessen their concerns, not add to them. For all that she was their sister, her role had been that of a mother for so long, she didn't know how to act as anything else. Moreover... she didn't want to hear that she shouldn't have resisted. She knew that. She knew that all too well.
With a sigh, she turned away from the window, sitting to gaze at her reflection again. Her fingers lightly traced the angry red line across her neck. It was shallow, yet somehow it bothered her more than the painful bruising that marred her face. Perhaps it was because she could remember the feel of his blade pressing into her skin. The fear and the knowledge that just a little more pressure and he could have stolen not just her coin but also her life.
She had been fortunate. There was no denying that.
Her fingers gently swept her hair away, lightly brushing against the purpled skin beneath. She winced even as she stared at it. Fortunately, her attacker’s fist had collided with her cheekbone and temple rather than her eye itself. That made the tenderness marginally more tolerable. Not that Myrrine had ever been the sort to complain about pain. Not even now.
No amount of studying her image nor recalling the incident would change reality. Dusk was falling and her soul felt weary from too many things out of reach and unsaid. She didn't want to brood or obsess with all she could not have. She just wanted to find some shred of peace. With that in mind, she stood, intent on readying herself to retire for the evening. Her back was to the window as she began to remove her attire, loosening the sash and belt that held her chiton in place and tossing them to the side.
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Myrrine sat before her mirror preparing for bed once more. The previous day had been... eventful to say the least. She had hoped to keep it from her family altogether, but as her face grew more swollen and bruised, there had been no denying that there would be some questions. Unless she hid in her room - which would be suspicious in and of itself - there would have to be some explanation given.
She’d laughed it off as a matter of clumsiness and while she wasn’t certain if anyone truly believed her, no one questioned her further.
Wearing her hair loose had helped some. If she let it fall forward into her face, the deep colors of her bruise were somewhat obscured. Even if she ended up annoyed more often than not. She was too used to keeping her hair braided back from her face. At least she’d been able to hide the most questionable of her injuries. The cut at her neck, while less severe, was the most concerning of her injuries easily. That couldn’t be explained away.
She unwound the red scarf that hid the mark from around her neck, standing to hang it in her window once more. Just in case.
It seemed unlikely that he would return tonight of all nights and for all she knew, he could have already left Colchis entirely. He had never spoken of how long he’d be remaining. Her impatience made it easy to imagine the worst. Still, even battered as she now was, she wasn’t willing to risk not seeing him. Or worse, letting him think she didn’t wish to see him again. Silly as it was, the thought of him coming to stand beneath her window to find it empty... that haunted her.
Of course she wanted him still. How could she not?
More than that, she just found the notion of being alone particularly unbearable now. He had always made her feel so safe in his presence and she needed that now more than ever. After all, there was no one else she could confide in. She certainly couldn't tell her siblings the truth. They would scold and worry. She was meant to lessen their concerns, not add to them. For all that she was their sister, her role had been that of a mother for so long, she didn't know how to act as anything else. Moreover... she didn't want to hear that she shouldn't have resisted. She knew that. She knew that all too well.
With a sigh, she turned away from the window, sitting to gaze at her reflection again. Her fingers lightly traced the angry red line across her neck. It was shallow, yet somehow it bothered her more than the painful bruising that marred her face. Perhaps it was because she could remember the feel of his blade pressing into her skin. The fear and the knowledge that just a little more pressure and he could have stolen not just her coin but also her life.
She had been fortunate. There was no denying that.
Her fingers gently swept her hair away, lightly brushing against the purpled skin beneath. She winced even as she stared at it. Fortunately, her attacker’s fist had collided with her cheekbone and temple rather than her eye itself. That made the tenderness marginally more tolerable. Not that Myrrine had ever been the sort to complain about pain. Not even now.
No amount of studying her image nor recalling the incident would change reality. Dusk was falling and her soul felt weary from too many things out of reach and unsaid. She didn't want to brood or obsess with all she could not have. She just wanted to find some shred of peace. With that in mind, she stood, intent on readying herself to retire for the evening. Her back was to the window as she began to remove her attire, loosening the sash and belt that held her chiton in place and tossing them to the side.
Myrrine sat before her mirror preparing for bed once more. The previous day had been... eventful to say the least. She had hoped to keep it from her family altogether, but as her face grew more swollen and bruised, there had been no denying that there would be some questions. Unless she hid in her room - which would be suspicious in and of itself - there would have to be some explanation given.
She’d laughed it off as a matter of clumsiness and while she wasn’t certain if anyone truly believed her, no one questioned her further.
Wearing her hair loose had helped some. If she let it fall forward into her face, the deep colors of her bruise were somewhat obscured. Even if she ended up annoyed more often than not. She was too used to keeping her hair braided back from her face. At least she’d been able to hide the most questionable of her injuries. The cut at her neck, while less severe, was the most concerning of her injuries easily. That couldn’t be explained away.
She unwound the red scarf that hid the mark from around her neck, standing to hang it in her window once more. Just in case.
It seemed unlikely that he would return tonight of all nights and for all she knew, he could have already left Colchis entirely. He had never spoken of how long he’d be remaining. Her impatience made it easy to imagine the worst. Still, even battered as she now was, she wasn’t willing to risk not seeing him. Or worse, letting him think she didn’t wish to see him again. Silly as it was, the thought of him coming to stand beneath her window to find it empty... that haunted her.
Of course she wanted him still. How could she not?
More than that, she just found the notion of being alone particularly unbearable now. He had always made her feel so safe in his presence and she needed that now more than ever. After all, there was no one else she could confide in. She certainly couldn't tell her siblings the truth. They would scold and worry. She was meant to lessen their concerns, not add to them. For all that she was their sister, her role had been that of a mother for so long, she didn't know how to act as anything else. Moreover... she didn't want to hear that she shouldn't have resisted. She knew that. She knew that all too well.
With a sigh, she turned away from the window, sitting to gaze at her reflection again. Her fingers lightly traced the angry red line across her neck. It was shallow, yet somehow it bothered her more than the painful bruising that marred her face. Perhaps it was because she could remember the feel of his blade pressing into her skin. The fear and the knowledge that just a little more pressure and he could have stolen not just her coin but also her life.
She had been fortunate. There was no denying that.
Her fingers gently swept her hair away, lightly brushing against the purpled skin beneath. She winced even as she stared at it. Fortunately, her attacker’s fist had collided with her cheekbone and temple rather than her eye itself. That made the tenderness marginally more tolerable. Not that Myrrine had ever been the sort to complain about pain. Not even now.
No amount of studying her image nor recalling the incident would change reality. Dusk was falling and her soul felt weary from too many things out of reach and unsaid. She didn't want to brood or obsess with all she could not have. She just wanted to find some shred of peace. With that in mind, she stood, intent on readying herself to retire for the evening. Her back was to the window as she began to remove her attire, loosening the sash and belt that held her chiton in place and tossing them to the side.
Akhmad's report had been disturbing, though he had tried not to let it show. Instead he had simply nodded and thanked the silent man, considering who if any he could set out to look after her again now that she'd run into Akhmad. She had an annoying way of encountering the Sariqas to the point that he couldn't keep setting his people after her for fear she would know who they were or get suspicious and follow them back. All he wanted was to make sure she hadn't run off to the master informer or told anyone of their rendez-vous. That would have complicated things too much.
His trip out that evening then he had convinced himself was simply to look, make sure that she seemed well enough and hadn't done something stupid. He was fully expecting to find her unharmed, perhaps shaken, perhaps with the scarf taken down, but without any sort of mark upon her. The darkness had fallen enough that with his cloak about his head he was a shadow of black in the night, waiting for a small group of people to pass by with laughter before ducking into the alley where her window was.
A small smile crossed his lips to see the red signal still there in her window. She would see Hashe again and for that he was thrilled even as he shook his head. She should be more careful, there was no telling what he could be or what sort of trouble she could get into. For all she knew, he was the reason the muggers had gone after her. If they had been somewhere he was more known, it very well could have been. Instead of considering it further or giving her any kind of signal that he was there, Nahash once again scaled up her wall, landing with the softest of thumps on her windowsill.
When he had climbed he simply intended to look, and vanish, without making her aware of his presence. But what he saw instead set a white hot anger that faded into a vein of ice. The marks on her face were visible in the mirror over her shoulder, and her fingers ran along the red mark at her neck even as he watched. It was difficult to even be distracted by the way her clothes were dropping off of her, leaving her bare to his eyes once more. Gritting his teeth he intended to slip away, backing out of her room and dropping to the ground to return home. He'd given his fellows no indication as to when he would be back, and now seeing her he was glad for it.
Making a mental note to question Akhmad further, for if she looked like this he had to wonder what marks the other man's wrappings were hiding, Nahash instead slipped into the room, his feet landing on the floor with a gentle thud that could have easily been noticed. It was only a few strides before he could reach her, hands reaching out to brush along her bare shoulders lightly as he looked over the marks that were now far more visible.
"What happened?"
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Akhmad's report had been disturbing, though he had tried not to let it show. Instead he had simply nodded and thanked the silent man, considering who if any he could set out to look after her again now that she'd run into Akhmad. She had an annoying way of encountering the Sariqas to the point that he couldn't keep setting his people after her for fear she would know who they were or get suspicious and follow them back. All he wanted was to make sure she hadn't run off to the master informer or told anyone of their rendez-vous. That would have complicated things too much.
His trip out that evening then he had convinced himself was simply to look, make sure that she seemed well enough and hadn't done something stupid. He was fully expecting to find her unharmed, perhaps shaken, perhaps with the scarf taken down, but without any sort of mark upon her. The darkness had fallen enough that with his cloak about his head he was a shadow of black in the night, waiting for a small group of people to pass by with laughter before ducking into the alley where her window was.
A small smile crossed his lips to see the red signal still there in her window. She would see Hashe again and for that he was thrilled even as he shook his head. She should be more careful, there was no telling what he could be or what sort of trouble she could get into. For all she knew, he was the reason the muggers had gone after her. If they had been somewhere he was more known, it very well could have been. Instead of considering it further or giving her any kind of signal that he was there, Nahash once again scaled up her wall, landing with the softest of thumps on her windowsill.
When he had climbed he simply intended to look, and vanish, without making her aware of his presence. But what he saw instead set a white hot anger that faded into a vein of ice. The marks on her face were visible in the mirror over her shoulder, and her fingers ran along the red mark at her neck even as he watched. It was difficult to even be distracted by the way her clothes were dropping off of her, leaving her bare to his eyes once more. Gritting his teeth he intended to slip away, backing out of her room and dropping to the ground to return home. He'd given his fellows no indication as to when he would be back, and now seeing her he was glad for it.
Making a mental note to question Akhmad further, for if she looked like this he had to wonder what marks the other man's wrappings were hiding, Nahash instead slipped into the room, his feet landing on the floor with a gentle thud that could have easily been noticed. It was only a few strides before he could reach her, hands reaching out to brush along her bare shoulders lightly as he looked over the marks that were now far more visible.
"What happened?"
Akhmad's report had been disturbing, though he had tried not to let it show. Instead he had simply nodded and thanked the silent man, considering who if any he could set out to look after her again now that she'd run into Akhmad. She had an annoying way of encountering the Sariqas to the point that he couldn't keep setting his people after her for fear she would know who they were or get suspicious and follow them back. All he wanted was to make sure she hadn't run off to the master informer or told anyone of their rendez-vous. That would have complicated things too much.
His trip out that evening then he had convinced himself was simply to look, make sure that she seemed well enough and hadn't done something stupid. He was fully expecting to find her unharmed, perhaps shaken, perhaps with the scarf taken down, but without any sort of mark upon her. The darkness had fallen enough that with his cloak about his head he was a shadow of black in the night, waiting for a small group of people to pass by with laughter before ducking into the alley where her window was.
A small smile crossed his lips to see the red signal still there in her window. She would see Hashe again and for that he was thrilled even as he shook his head. She should be more careful, there was no telling what he could be or what sort of trouble she could get into. For all she knew, he was the reason the muggers had gone after her. If they had been somewhere he was more known, it very well could have been. Instead of considering it further or giving her any kind of signal that he was there, Nahash once again scaled up her wall, landing with the softest of thumps on her windowsill.
When he had climbed he simply intended to look, and vanish, without making her aware of his presence. But what he saw instead set a white hot anger that faded into a vein of ice. The marks on her face were visible in the mirror over her shoulder, and her fingers ran along the red mark at her neck even as he watched. It was difficult to even be distracted by the way her clothes were dropping off of her, leaving her bare to his eyes once more. Gritting his teeth he intended to slip away, backing out of her room and dropping to the ground to return home. He'd given his fellows no indication as to when he would be back, and now seeing her he was glad for it.
Making a mental note to question Akhmad further, for if she looked like this he had to wonder what marks the other man's wrappings were hiding, Nahash instead slipped into the room, his feet landing on the floor with a gentle thud that could have easily been noticed. It was only a few strides before he could reach her, hands reaching out to brush along her bare shoulders lightly as he looked over the marks that were now far more visible.
"What happened?"
After she’d turned away from the moment of replacing the scarf in the window, she hadn’t glanced back. So she thought little of it as she returned first to her mirror and then approached the bed to undress for bed. It was odd to her, how she suddenly found everything about her life so tiring. She had never minded shouldering the burden for the sake of her family. She barely even thought about it. Yet now... she could only acutely notice that she had no one to share the truth with that. Before he had walked into her life, she’d been too busy to notice the loneliness of it all and now... now it haunted her every thought.
When she heard a gentle thud behind her, she had expected nothing more than a fallen object. Yet as she turned to face the noise, instead she found a familiar face. “Hashe!” she gasped, entirely surprised by his sudden appearance. For a moment, she didn’t even take note of his words or concern, instead wrapping her arms around him and burying her face into his chest.
“You came back,” she whispered in awe, almost unable to believe this was real, even as she felt his familiar touch on her bare skin.
It was when she pulled back to look at his face that she saw concern and thinly veiled rage. “It’s no-” Her words cut off abruptly in the midst of her default dismissive words. She wanted to ease his concern yet she could not bring the usual lies to her lips. Instead she sighed heavily, taking a moment to find the words.
“It was stupid really. Some cut purse threatened me for the coin I carried and I... well, I resisted. He didn’t seem to appreciate that much,” she commented wryly. “I angered him and earned his fist,” she continued, gesturing to her face. The mark on her throat seemed obvious enough that it warranted no explanation.
Much as she didn’t want to waste a single moment of a night with him, much as she was eager to lose herself in his touch, Myrrine found herself holding back. She knew that she couldn’t push past this conversation, and really, she didn’t want to. Speaking of herself felt so foreign and uncomfortable. Her life had been about others for so long... she was quick to shy away from any attention put on herself. Yet with Hashe, she didn’t feel that same need to hide in plain sight.
“I’m alright though. A man intervened on my behalf and incapacitated him before he could do more harm. These marks will fade soon enough, and it will be as though nothing ever happened.”
She smiled up at him, one hand shifting from his waist to cup his cheek.
“I’m glad you’re here.”
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Check out their information page here.
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After she’d turned away from the moment of replacing the scarf in the window, she hadn’t glanced back. So she thought little of it as she returned first to her mirror and then approached the bed to undress for bed. It was odd to her, how she suddenly found everything about her life so tiring. She had never minded shouldering the burden for the sake of her family. She barely even thought about it. Yet now... she could only acutely notice that she had no one to share the truth with that. Before he had walked into her life, she’d been too busy to notice the loneliness of it all and now... now it haunted her every thought.
When she heard a gentle thud behind her, she had expected nothing more than a fallen object. Yet as she turned to face the noise, instead she found a familiar face. “Hashe!” she gasped, entirely surprised by his sudden appearance. For a moment, she didn’t even take note of his words or concern, instead wrapping her arms around him and burying her face into his chest.
“You came back,” she whispered in awe, almost unable to believe this was real, even as she felt his familiar touch on her bare skin.
It was when she pulled back to look at his face that she saw concern and thinly veiled rage. “It’s no-” Her words cut off abruptly in the midst of her default dismissive words. She wanted to ease his concern yet she could not bring the usual lies to her lips. Instead she sighed heavily, taking a moment to find the words.
“It was stupid really. Some cut purse threatened me for the coin I carried and I... well, I resisted. He didn’t seem to appreciate that much,” she commented wryly. “I angered him and earned his fist,” she continued, gesturing to her face. The mark on her throat seemed obvious enough that it warranted no explanation.
Much as she didn’t want to waste a single moment of a night with him, much as she was eager to lose herself in his touch, Myrrine found herself holding back. She knew that she couldn’t push past this conversation, and really, she didn’t want to. Speaking of herself felt so foreign and uncomfortable. Her life had been about others for so long... she was quick to shy away from any attention put on herself. Yet with Hashe, she didn’t feel that same need to hide in plain sight.
“I’m alright though. A man intervened on my behalf and incapacitated him before he could do more harm. These marks will fade soon enough, and it will be as though nothing ever happened.”
She smiled up at him, one hand shifting from his waist to cup his cheek.
“I’m glad you’re here.”
After she’d turned away from the moment of replacing the scarf in the window, she hadn’t glanced back. So she thought little of it as she returned first to her mirror and then approached the bed to undress for bed. It was odd to her, how she suddenly found everything about her life so tiring. She had never minded shouldering the burden for the sake of her family. She barely even thought about it. Yet now... she could only acutely notice that she had no one to share the truth with that. Before he had walked into her life, she’d been too busy to notice the loneliness of it all and now... now it haunted her every thought.
When she heard a gentle thud behind her, she had expected nothing more than a fallen object. Yet as she turned to face the noise, instead she found a familiar face. “Hashe!” she gasped, entirely surprised by his sudden appearance. For a moment, she didn’t even take note of his words or concern, instead wrapping her arms around him and burying her face into his chest.
“You came back,” she whispered in awe, almost unable to believe this was real, even as she felt his familiar touch on her bare skin.
It was when she pulled back to look at his face that she saw concern and thinly veiled rage. “It’s no-” Her words cut off abruptly in the midst of her default dismissive words. She wanted to ease his concern yet she could not bring the usual lies to her lips. Instead she sighed heavily, taking a moment to find the words.
“It was stupid really. Some cut purse threatened me for the coin I carried and I... well, I resisted. He didn’t seem to appreciate that much,” she commented wryly. “I angered him and earned his fist,” she continued, gesturing to her face. The mark on her throat seemed obvious enough that it warranted no explanation.
Much as she didn’t want to waste a single moment of a night with him, much as she was eager to lose herself in his touch, Myrrine found herself holding back. She knew that she couldn’t push past this conversation, and really, she didn’t want to. Speaking of herself felt so foreign and uncomfortable. Her life had been about others for so long... she was quick to shy away from any attention put on herself. Yet with Hashe, she didn’t feel that same need to hide in plain sight.
“I’m alright though. A man intervened on my behalf and incapacitated him before he could do more harm. These marks will fade soon enough, and it will be as though nothing ever happened.”
She smiled up at him, one hand shifting from his waist to cup his cheek.
“I’m glad you’re here.”
He was not pleased to see her in this state and even as she embraced him his expression remained one of cold blankness. It would have shown fury and a violent rage if the perpetrators had been near by, additions to his collection of tongues as punishment for touching what was his. There might have even been a fear, an emotion he was not used to, both at the thought of some harm coming to her, and the depth of his care for her. She was supposed to be nothing, just a dalliance that was convenient and eager to please, something he could use and leave when the time came. And somehow she had stuck herself to him like a burr that he needed to shake free.
"This is not nothing."
Nahash wouldn't let her ponder that for even a moment, pulling back and taking hold of her face with a little less gentleness than perhaps he should have, the physical proof of his rage. Brushing his thumb over the bruise on her cheek, it trailed down to trace along the line of the knife at her neck before he had to turn away to hide his snarl. He came back to her as soon as he'd turned away, arms enfolding her once more and keeping her close to his chest. The fact that she was bare before him was becoming apparent, and as much as he enjoyed the sight, he had an urge to cover her up, to wrap her in layers of protection and keep her hidden from all harm.
He had failed, in protecting himself from her and her from the rest, the heat in his chest still that of the confusion and desire and fear that had somehow become associated with her. Listening and nodding along as she told the story of how she had been attacked and then saved by Akhmad, he had a wild thought that was an impossible plan. If he took her with him, made sure that she was safe and close by at all times, safe when they went on missions and hidden away, he could keep her safe. Fight against all others who might try to touch or look at her the wrong way.
"You shouldn't wander alone, it isn't safe."
The touch of her hand to his cheek brought focus to his gaze, and he looked down at her finally before letting out the breath he had been holding. Lifting his arms to settle around her waist, Nahash drew her close and tried to push away his mad ideas. He couldn't take her with him, it was impossible and as much as he thought of his skills at keeping her safe, it would be far more dangerous to bring her along with the Sariqas. The trust he had in his people was unshakable, but more often than not the situations they put themselves in, the missions they undertook, the places they stayed, there was no comfort or security, nothing he could offer her beyond himself.
This character is currently a work in progress.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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He was not pleased to see her in this state and even as she embraced him his expression remained one of cold blankness. It would have shown fury and a violent rage if the perpetrators had been near by, additions to his collection of tongues as punishment for touching what was his. There might have even been a fear, an emotion he was not used to, both at the thought of some harm coming to her, and the depth of his care for her. She was supposed to be nothing, just a dalliance that was convenient and eager to please, something he could use and leave when the time came. And somehow she had stuck herself to him like a burr that he needed to shake free.
"This is not nothing."
Nahash wouldn't let her ponder that for even a moment, pulling back and taking hold of her face with a little less gentleness than perhaps he should have, the physical proof of his rage. Brushing his thumb over the bruise on her cheek, it trailed down to trace along the line of the knife at her neck before he had to turn away to hide his snarl. He came back to her as soon as he'd turned away, arms enfolding her once more and keeping her close to his chest. The fact that she was bare before him was becoming apparent, and as much as he enjoyed the sight, he had an urge to cover her up, to wrap her in layers of protection and keep her hidden from all harm.
He had failed, in protecting himself from her and her from the rest, the heat in his chest still that of the confusion and desire and fear that had somehow become associated with her. Listening and nodding along as she told the story of how she had been attacked and then saved by Akhmad, he had a wild thought that was an impossible plan. If he took her with him, made sure that she was safe and close by at all times, safe when they went on missions and hidden away, he could keep her safe. Fight against all others who might try to touch or look at her the wrong way.
"You shouldn't wander alone, it isn't safe."
The touch of her hand to his cheek brought focus to his gaze, and he looked down at her finally before letting out the breath he had been holding. Lifting his arms to settle around her waist, Nahash drew her close and tried to push away his mad ideas. He couldn't take her with him, it was impossible and as much as he thought of his skills at keeping her safe, it would be far more dangerous to bring her along with the Sariqas. The trust he had in his people was unshakable, but more often than not the situations they put themselves in, the missions they undertook, the places they stayed, there was no comfort or security, nothing he could offer her beyond himself.
He was not pleased to see her in this state and even as she embraced him his expression remained one of cold blankness. It would have shown fury and a violent rage if the perpetrators had been near by, additions to his collection of tongues as punishment for touching what was his. There might have even been a fear, an emotion he was not used to, both at the thought of some harm coming to her, and the depth of his care for her. She was supposed to be nothing, just a dalliance that was convenient and eager to please, something he could use and leave when the time came. And somehow she had stuck herself to him like a burr that he needed to shake free.
"This is not nothing."
Nahash wouldn't let her ponder that for even a moment, pulling back and taking hold of her face with a little less gentleness than perhaps he should have, the physical proof of his rage. Brushing his thumb over the bruise on her cheek, it trailed down to trace along the line of the knife at her neck before he had to turn away to hide his snarl. He came back to her as soon as he'd turned away, arms enfolding her once more and keeping her close to his chest. The fact that she was bare before him was becoming apparent, and as much as he enjoyed the sight, he had an urge to cover her up, to wrap her in layers of protection and keep her hidden from all harm.
He had failed, in protecting himself from her and her from the rest, the heat in his chest still that of the confusion and desire and fear that had somehow become associated with her. Listening and nodding along as she told the story of how she had been attacked and then saved by Akhmad, he had a wild thought that was an impossible plan. If he took her with him, made sure that she was safe and close by at all times, safe when they went on missions and hidden away, he could keep her safe. Fight against all others who might try to touch or look at her the wrong way.
"You shouldn't wander alone, it isn't safe."
The touch of her hand to his cheek brought focus to his gaze, and he looked down at her finally before letting out the breath he had been holding. Lifting his arms to settle around her waist, Nahash drew her close and tried to push away his mad ideas. He couldn't take her with him, it was impossible and as much as he thought of his skills at keeping her safe, it would be far more dangerous to bring her along with the Sariqas. The trust he had in his people was unshakable, but more often than not the situations they put themselves in, the missions they undertook, the places they stayed, there was no comfort or security, nothing he could offer her beyond himself.
She sighed once more even as she nodded in agreement. “I know.” She was so used to putting herself aside to better care for her siblings, that dismissing all of her own emotions and issues was second nature. But with Hashe... she could almost dare to let herself matter.
He took hold of her face, studying her and the marks that marred her appearance intently. Even as his touch was rougher than usual, Myrrine never so much as flinched. She was too busy staring up at him, wide-eyed and watching the emotions that played across the handsome features she so very adored. Could he really feel so protective of her already? That thought thrilled her more than it ought to for something destined to be temporary.
He turned his head away as his hand lingered at the angry skin line on her throat, and his pain in that moment tugged at every instinct she had to comfort him. One hand moved to cover his, shifting it to rest over her heart. “I’m safe now. I’m here with you and I’m safe, Hashe,” she whispered, knowing that wasn’t enough to soothe him but was the best she could offer.
His arms wrapped around her, holding her to him as he folded himself around her. She barely even considered the fact that she was bare before him - after all, he was already quite well acquainted with every inch of her body after their first night together. Instead, she simply clung to him, soaking in the comfort of his presence, hoping that she offered even a hint of the same to him.
As she spoke, her voice was steady, but soft. She understood the gravity of it all, and she wasn’t going to make light of it, but she wasn’t trembling with fear either.
His words earned a raised eyebrow as she pulled back slightly to meet his gaze and his hands settled at her hips. Her thumb brushed over his cheek before she gently tugged her lips to his. It was a slow tender kiss, meant to reassure more than ignite their passions.
Yet when she pulled back, she couldn’t hold her tongue. “Hashe, I have walked the streets of Midas alone since I was a girl. Moreover, I have been the head of this household in nearly all practical matters for over a decade now. I cannot do what needs done if I must wait for an escort that doesn’t exist.” She smiled warmly at him, knowing that his overreaction was a well-meaning one. She leaned forward to nuzzle lightly against his chest, pressing small kisses as a balm to his irritated nerves before pulling back to meet his gaze.
“I appreciate your concern, but I cannot stop living out of fear. I cannot afford to and moreover, I refuse to. I won’t give that brute the satisfaction.”
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She sighed once more even as she nodded in agreement. “I know.” She was so used to putting herself aside to better care for her siblings, that dismissing all of her own emotions and issues was second nature. But with Hashe... she could almost dare to let herself matter.
He took hold of her face, studying her and the marks that marred her appearance intently. Even as his touch was rougher than usual, Myrrine never so much as flinched. She was too busy staring up at him, wide-eyed and watching the emotions that played across the handsome features she so very adored. Could he really feel so protective of her already? That thought thrilled her more than it ought to for something destined to be temporary.
He turned his head away as his hand lingered at the angry skin line on her throat, and his pain in that moment tugged at every instinct she had to comfort him. One hand moved to cover his, shifting it to rest over her heart. “I’m safe now. I’m here with you and I’m safe, Hashe,” she whispered, knowing that wasn’t enough to soothe him but was the best she could offer.
His arms wrapped around her, holding her to him as he folded himself around her. She barely even considered the fact that she was bare before him - after all, he was already quite well acquainted with every inch of her body after their first night together. Instead, she simply clung to him, soaking in the comfort of his presence, hoping that she offered even a hint of the same to him.
As she spoke, her voice was steady, but soft. She understood the gravity of it all, and she wasn’t going to make light of it, but she wasn’t trembling with fear either.
His words earned a raised eyebrow as she pulled back slightly to meet his gaze and his hands settled at her hips. Her thumb brushed over his cheek before she gently tugged her lips to his. It was a slow tender kiss, meant to reassure more than ignite their passions.
Yet when she pulled back, she couldn’t hold her tongue. “Hashe, I have walked the streets of Midas alone since I was a girl. Moreover, I have been the head of this household in nearly all practical matters for over a decade now. I cannot do what needs done if I must wait for an escort that doesn’t exist.” She smiled warmly at him, knowing that his overreaction was a well-meaning one. She leaned forward to nuzzle lightly against his chest, pressing small kisses as a balm to his irritated nerves before pulling back to meet his gaze.
“I appreciate your concern, but I cannot stop living out of fear. I cannot afford to and moreover, I refuse to. I won’t give that brute the satisfaction.”
She sighed once more even as she nodded in agreement. “I know.” She was so used to putting herself aside to better care for her siblings, that dismissing all of her own emotions and issues was second nature. But with Hashe... she could almost dare to let herself matter.
He took hold of her face, studying her and the marks that marred her appearance intently. Even as his touch was rougher than usual, Myrrine never so much as flinched. She was too busy staring up at him, wide-eyed and watching the emotions that played across the handsome features she so very adored. Could he really feel so protective of her already? That thought thrilled her more than it ought to for something destined to be temporary.
He turned his head away as his hand lingered at the angry skin line on her throat, and his pain in that moment tugged at every instinct she had to comfort him. One hand moved to cover his, shifting it to rest over her heart. “I’m safe now. I’m here with you and I’m safe, Hashe,” she whispered, knowing that wasn’t enough to soothe him but was the best she could offer.
His arms wrapped around her, holding her to him as he folded himself around her. She barely even considered the fact that she was bare before him - after all, he was already quite well acquainted with every inch of her body after their first night together. Instead, she simply clung to him, soaking in the comfort of his presence, hoping that she offered even a hint of the same to him.
As she spoke, her voice was steady, but soft. She understood the gravity of it all, and she wasn’t going to make light of it, but she wasn’t trembling with fear either.
His words earned a raised eyebrow as she pulled back slightly to meet his gaze and his hands settled at her hips. Her thumb brushed over his cheek before she gently tugged her lips to his. It was a slow tender kiss, meant to reassure more than ignite their passions.
Yet when she pulled back, she couldn’t hold her tongue. “Hashe, I have walked the streets of Midas alone since I was a girl. Moreover, I have been the head of this household in nearly all practical matters for over a decade now. I cannot do what needs done if I must wait for an escort that doesn’t exist.” She smiled warmly at him, knowing that his overreaction was a well-meaning one. She leaned forward to nuzzle lightly against his chest, pressing small kisses as a balm to his irritated nerves before pulling back to meet his gaze.
“I appreciate your concern, but I cannot stop living out of fear. I cannot afford to and moreover, I refuse to. I won’t give that brute the satisfaction.”
It was difficult for him to tell if she was trying to comfort him or herself more with her words, the reassurance that she had been walking these streets since she had been young and reminders that she was head of this household. It was driving home all the more she would never leave with him even if he had asked it of her, even if he could consider such a thing. Perhaps that was the confirmation he needed. She would never leave her family and he could never stay, their time was brief and could be nothing more than what it was.
Her lips on his own were a relief from his own concerns, and he could feel himself slowly beginning to relax beneath her promises and ministrations. As easy as it had been to give in to that first kiss her words once again sealed his expression in one of cold anger. Holding her as she tried to soothe him with kisses to his chest he began wondering if Akhmad could identify the fool who had tried to harm her, or if he could stalk the streets himself and rid any other cut purse of their tongue so they couldn't demand anything further from her. It would be easy enough to do but her request for calm and moving on drew a sigh from him and he finally brought his gaze back to hers.
"Still. Be careful. I won't have any more knives to your throat while I'm here."
In a flurry of motion he turned her round so that she was held against his chest, hand at her throat gently as if it was a blade. From this position it was easy to see just how fragile she could be. His voice was low as he spoke, lips brushing above her ear in a far more tender simulation of the violence he wished to teach her to escape. "If ever you find yourself like this again, break his fingers. Or hit him in the gut with your elbow if you can't grab his hand. If you don't struggle he won't expect it, and you can incapacitate him."
As if to reassure her now that he had no intent to harm, only to teach and protect, Nahash pressed his lips to her bare shoulder, hands sliding along her waist to her stomach as he enveloped her from behind. If he was going to keep returning he would have to give her proper instruction on how to survive. He couldn't have Akhmad or anyone else following her at all times, she would need to learn to take care of herself. And for all he hoped to be discreet, there were people who could find her, try to harm her to get to him. He hated to admit that it might work, but for now she was a dalliance, one he enjoyed, and would keep returning to as long as he was able, but they had no future outside of this moment, and he would not allow her to be a weakness.
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It was difficult for him to tell if she was trying to comfort him or herself more with her words, the reassurance that she had been walking these streets since she had been young and reminders that she was head of this household. It was driving home all the more she would never leave with him even if he had asked it of her, even if he could consider such a thing. Perhaps that was the confirmation he needed. She would never leave her family and he could never stay, their time was brief and could be nothing more than what it was.
Her lips on his own were a relief from his own concerns, and he could feel himself slowly beginning to relax beneath her promises and ministrations. As easy as it had been to give in to that first kiss her words once again sealed his expression in one of cold anger. Holding her as she tried to soothe him with kisses to his chest he began wondering if Akhmad could identify the fool who had tried to harm her, or if he could stalk the streets himself and rid any other cut purse of their tongue so they couldn't demand anything further from her. It would be easy enough to do but her request for calm and moving on drew a sigh from him and he finally brought his gaze back to hers.
"Still. Be careful. I won't have any more knives to your throat while I'm here."
In a flurry of motion he turned her round so that she was held against his chest, hand at her throat gently as if it was a blade. From this position it was easy to see just how fragile she could be. His voice was low as he spoke, lips brushing above her ear in a far more tender simulation of the violence he wished to teach her to escape. "If ever you find yourself like this again, break his fingers. Or hit him in the gut with your elbow if you can't grab his hand. If you don't struggle he won't expect it, and you can incapacitate him."
As if to reassure her now that he had no intent to harm, only to teach and protect, Nahash pressed his lips to her bare shoulder, hands sliding along her waist to her stomach as he enveloped her from behind. If he was going to keep returning he would have to give her proper instruction on how to survive. He couldn't have Akhmad or anyone else following her at all times, she would need to learn to take care of herself. And for all he hoped to be discreet, there were people who could find her, try to harm her to get to him. He hated to admit that it might work, but for now she was a dalliance, one he enjoyed, and would keep returning to as long as he was able, but they had no future outside of this moment, and he would not allow her to be a weakness.
It was difficult for him to tell if she was trying to comfort him or herself more with her words, the reassurance that she had been walking these streets since she had been young and reminders that she was head of this household. It was driving home all the more she would never leave with him even if he had asked it of her, even if he could consider such a thing. Perhaps that was the confirmation he needed. She would never leave her family and he could never stay, their time was brief and could be nothing more than what it was.
Her lips on his own were a relief from his own concerns, and he could feel himself slowly beginning to relax beneath her promises and ministrations. As easy as it had been to give in to that first kiss her words once again sealed his expression in one of cold anger. Holding her as she tried to soothe him with kisses to his chest he began wondering if Akhmad could identify the fool who had tried to harm her, or if he could stalk the streets himself and rid any other cut purse of their tongue so they couldn't demand anything further from her. It would be easy enough to do but her request for calm and moving on drew a sigh from him and he finally brought his gaze back to hers.
"Still. Be careful. I won't have any more knives to your throat while I'm here."
In a flurry of motion he turned her round so that she was held against his chest, hand at her throat gently as if it was a blade. From this position it was easy to see just how fragile she could be. His voice was low as he spoke, lips brushing above her ear in a far more tender simulation of the violence he wished to teach her to escape. "If ever you find yourself like this again, break his fingers. Or hit him in the gut with your elbow if you can't grab his hand. If you don't struggle he won't expect it, and you can incapacitate him."
As if to reassure her now that he had no intent to harm, only to teach and protect, Nahash pressed his lips to her bare shoulder, hands sliding along her waist to her stomach as he enveloped her from behind. If he was going to keep returning he would have to give her proper instruction on how to survive. He couldn't have Akhmad or anyone else following her at all times, she would need to learn to take care of herself. And for all he hoped to be discreet, there were people who could find her, try to harm her to get to him. He hated to admit that it might work, but for now she was a dalliance, one he enjoyed, and would keep returning to as long as he was able, but they had no future outside of this moment, and he would not allow her to be a weakness.
Myrrine felt him relax against her lips only to tense once more as she spoke. She couldn’t blame him truly. His anger was warranted. She wanted to ease his nerves, but she wouldn’t lie to him. She couldn’t make light of the situation, or make promises she couldn’t keep.
Finally he sighed and met her gaze once more. She nodded, even as his words reminded her once more that this was merely temporary. In time, he would leave. He could not stay and she could not follow him. Somehow, that stung all the more now. It was only their third meeting, and yet she already struggled to imagine her life without him in it. He had become her safe harbor where she could be nothing more than herself.
She scarcely had time to react to his words before he spun her around in his arms. Her instinct was to relax against him, yet as his hand pressed to her throat, she understood what he was doing. Easy as it would be to melt into his embrace, she resisted the urge, knowing she needed to take his demonstration seriously. Even as his lips at her ear sent a shiver down her spine.
“Yes, pretending to comply would probably be a far more effective course of action,” she agreed. Her stubbornness and pride had gotten the better of her. His lips pressed to her shoulder as his hands moved over the bare skin of her stomach. Her head tipped back against his chest, lips parting slightly. With a small groan, she straightened herself, focusing once more on the lesson at hand.
“So elbow,” she mused, her arm moving to lightly bump against his stomach, mimicking the gesture he had spoken of without force enough to harm . “Or hand.” Her fingers moved lightly along the line of his arm, coming to rest over his own fingers. She pulled his hand away from her throat, turning within his arms to face him once more. “That seems simple enough to remember.”
Yet none of this would have helped her in the confrontation that had caused this conversation.
“I never want to feel powerless again.” That was what bothered her more than anything. For so long she had been in charge not just of her own life, but so many others. She lightly grasped the cloth of his attire, pulling him along as she moved backwards until her back was pressed to the wall. She pulled his hand back to her throat. Her eyes closed and for a moment, she was back in that alley. Her body began to tremble. She forced herself to look up at Hashe’s face, reminding herself that she was safe, pinned by a man who would show her only tenderness.
“And what should I have done in this position?” Her voice had a hint of huskiness to it, but there was a sincerity in the way she looked at him. It was impossible not to want him, but she knew she needed what he was offering her now just as much. “Please, I want to learn to protect myself.”
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Myrrine felt him relax against her lips only to tense once more as she spoke. She couldn’t blame him truly. His anger was warranted. She wanted to ease his nerves, but she wouldn’t lie to him. She couldn’t make light of the situation, or make promises she couldn’t keep.
Finally he sighed and met her gaze once more. She nodded, even as his words reminded her once more that this was merely temporary. In time, he would leave. He could not stay and she could not follow him. Somehow, that stung all the more now. It was only their third meeting, and yet she already struggled to imagine her life without him in it. He had become her safe harbor where she could be nothing more than herself.
She scarcely had time to react to his words before he spun her around in his arms. Her instinct was to relax against him, yet as his hand pressed to her throat, she understood what he was doing. Easy as it would be to melt into his embrace, she resisted the urge, knowing she needed to take his demonstration seriously. Even as his lips at her ear sent a shiver down her spine.
“Yes, pretending to comply would probably be a far more effective course of action,” she agreed. Her stubbornness and pride had gotten the better of her. His lips pressed to her shoulder as his hands moved over the bare skin of her stomach. Her head tipped back against his chest, lips parting slightly. With a small groan, she straightened herself, focusing once more on the lesson at hand.
“So elbow,” she mused, her arm moving to lightly bump against his stomach, mimicking the gesture he had spoken of without force enough to harm . “Or hand.” Her fingers moved lightly along the line of his arm, coming to rest over his own fingers. She pulled his hand away from her throat, turning within his arms to face him once more. “That seems simple enough to remember.”
Yet none of this would have helped her in the confrontation that had caused this conversation.
“I never want to feel powerless again.” That was what bothered her more than anything. For so long she had been in charge not just of her own life, but so many others. She lightly grasped the cloth of his attire, pulling him along as she moved backwards until her back was pressed to the wall. She pulled his hand back to her throat. Her eyes closed and for a moment, she was back in that alley. Her body began to tremble. She forced herself to look up at Hashe’s face, reminding herself that she was safe, pinned by a man who would show her only tenderness.
“And what should I have done in this position?” Her voice had a hint of huskiness to it, but there was a sincerity in the way she looked at him. It was impossible not to want him, but she knew she needed what he was offering her now just as much. “Please, I want to learn to protect myself.”
Myrrine felt him relax against her lips only to tense once more as she spoke. She couldn’t blame him truly. His anger was warranted. She wanted to ease his nerves, but she wouldn’t lie to him. She couldn’t make light of the situation, or make promises she couldn’t keep.
Finally he sighed and met her gaze once more. She nodded, even as his words reminded her once more that this was merely temporary. In time, he would leave. He could not stay and she could not follow him. Somehow, that stung all the more now. It was only their third meeting, and yet she already struggled to imagine her life without him in it. He had become her safe harbor where she could be nothing more than herself.
She scarcely had time to react to his words before he spun her around in his arms. Her instinct was to relax against him, yet as his hand pressed to her throat, she understood what he was doing. Easy as it would be to melt into his embrace, she resisted the urge, knowing she needed to take his demonstration seriously. Even as his lips at her ear sent a shiver down her spine.
“Yes, pretending to comply would probably be a far more effective course of action,” she agreed. Her stubbornness and pride had gotten the better of her. His lips pressed to her shoulder as his hands moved over the bare skin of her stomach. Her head tipped back against his chest, lips parting slightly. With a small groan, she straightened herself, focusing once more on the lesson at hand.
“So elbow,” she mused, her arm moving to lightly bump against his stomach, mimicking the gesture he had spoken of without force enough to harm . “Or hand.” Her fingers moved lightly along the line of his arm, coming to rest over his own fingers. She pulled his hand away from her throat, turning within his arms to face him once more. “That seems simple enough to remember.”
Yet none of this would have helped her in the confrontation that had caused this conversation.
“I never want to feel powerless again.” That was what bothered her more than anything. For so long she had been in charge not just of her own life, but so many others. She lightly grasped the cloth of his attire, pulling him along as she moved backwards until her back was pressed to the wall. She pulled his hand back to her throat. Her eyes closed and for a moment, she was back in that alley. Her body began to tremble. She forced herself to look up at Hashe’s face, reminding herself that she was safe, pinned by a man who would show her only tenderness.
“And what should I have done in this position?” Her voice had a hint of huskiness to it, but there was a sincerity in the way she looked at him. It was impossible not to want him, but she knew she needed what he was offering her now just as much. “Please, I want to learn to protect myself.”
"They expect you to fight and struggle, if you surprise them all the better for you."
Soft strands of her rich brown hair brushed against the front of his tunic, the rustling sound and her gentle groan were a distraction. Perhaps all she would have to do would be to seduce any attacker and they would be unable to harm her, but that thought was brushed from his mind as soon as it crossed. She needed to learn to protect herself and though he hadn't intended to do more than look in on her it was a task he was taking on. The more time he spent with her the more he enjoyed her company, and that was all the more dangerous for her. It was only fair that she be capable of defense.
Giving a grunt as she tapped at his stomach and reacting in exaggeration, letting her pull away and turn to face him. He nodded as she declared it simple enough, put in the most basic of terms it was simple. The only goal would be to survive, however it came about, and if she could be prepared to survive that was all he could expect. His eyes darkened as she took hold of him and pulled him towards the wall, allowing her to manipulate him to mimic what he assumed had been the attack that Akhmad had saved her from. She was trembling beneath his hand even as she put it to her throat and there was a glint of fury in his gaze as he determined he would find and dispose of the attackers without hesitation.
"Knees. When it's this close bring your knees up into his groin to make him fall away. Be sure you push the knife away, use the leverage of the wall behind you." Nahash reached with his free hand to take hold of her knee, pulling it up to show her the position that would be required. "If you can take the flat of your foot to kick him aside you can run. Scream."
Moving back against her and releasing her knee, he resumed the position she had put him in, pressing a kiss to her cheek in an attempt at reassurance. If she feared this she would freeze, if she overcame the fear she would be able to act. Whatever it took to try to give her the strength to escape. Running to safety would be her best course of action, he didn't think he had time to teach her acrobatics and knife skills, much less something simple as hand to hand combat. It was foolish to think that she would never be in such a situation in the future, but he could only hope that she was able to avoid anything that left so many marks on her.
"Fight back. I won't be hurt if you hit me. Make sure you push away the knife, even if its an accidental hit you'll die much faster if you're cut in the throat than if you're cut on the torso, arm, or leg."
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"They expect you to fight and struggle, if you surprise them all the better for you."
Soft strands of her rich brown hair brushed against the front of his tunic, the rustling sound and her gentle groan were a distraction. Perhaps all she would have to do would be to seduce any attacker and they would be unable to harm her, but that thought was brushed from his mind as soon as it crossed. She needed to learn to protect herself and though he hadn't intended to do more than look in on her it was a task he was taking on. The more time he spent with her the more he enjoyed her company, and that was all the more dangerous for her. It was only fair that she be capable of defense.
Giving a grunt as she tapped at his stomach and reacting in exaggeration, letting her pull away and turn to face him. He nodded as she declared it simple enough, put in the most basic of terms it was simple. The only goal would be to survive, however it came about, and if she could be prepared to survive that was all he could expect. His eyes darkened as she took hold of him and pulled him towards the wall, allowing her to manipulate him to mimic what he assumed had been the attack that Akhmad had saved her from. She was trembling beneath his hand even as she put it to her throat and there was a glint of fury in his gaze as he determined he would find and dispose of the attackers without hesitation.
"Knees. When it's this close bring your knees up into his groin to make him fall away. Be sure you push the knife away, use the leverage of the wall behind you." Nahash reached with his free hand to take hold of her knee, pulling it up to show her the position that would be required. "If you can take the flat of your foot to kick him aside you can run. Scream."
Moving back against her and releasing her knee, he resumed the position she had put him in, pressing a kiss to her cheek in an attempt at reassurance. If she feared this she would freeze, if she overcame the fear she would be able to act. Whatever it took to try to give her the strength to escape. Running to safety would be her best course of action, he didn't think he had time to teach her acrobatics and knife skills, much less something simple as hand to hand combat. It was foolish to think that she would never be in such a situation in the future, but he could only hope that she was able to avoid anything that left so many marks on her.
"Fight back. I won't be hurt if you hit me. Make sure you push away the knife, even if its an accidental hit you'll die much faster if you're cut in the throat than if you're cut on the torso, arm, or leg."
"They expect you to fight and struggle, if you surprise them all the better for you."
Soft strands of her rich brown hair brushed against the front of his tunic, the rustling sound and her gentle groan were a distraction. Perhaps all she would have to do would be to seduce any attacker and they would be unable to harm her, but that thought was brushed from his mind as soon as it crossed. She needed to learn to protect herself and though he hadn't intended to do more than look in on her it was a task he was taking on. The more time he spent with her the more he enjoyed her company, and that was all the more dangerous for her. It was only fair that she be capable of defense.
Giving a grunt as she tapped at his stomach and reacting in exaggeration, letting her pull away and turn to face him. He nodded as she declared it simple enough, put in the most basic of terms it was simple. The only goal would be to survive, however it came about, and if she could be prepared to survive that was all he could expect. His eyes darkened as she took hold of him and pulled him towards the wall, allowing her to manipulate him to mimic what he assumed had been the attack that Akhmad had saved her from. She was trembling beneath his hand even as she put it to her throat and there was a glint of fury in his gaze as he determined he would find and dispose of the attackers without hesitation.
"Knees. When it's this close bring your knees up into his groin to make him fall away. Be sure you push the knife away, use the leverage of the wall behind you." Nahash reached with his free hand to take hold of her knee, pulling it up to show her the position that would be required. "If you can take the flat of your foot to kick him aside you can run. Scream."
Moving back against her and releasing her knee, he resumed the position she had put him in, pressing a kiss to her cheek in an attempt at reassurance. If she feared this she would freeze, if she overcame the fear she would be able to act. Whatever it took to try to give her the strength to escape. Running to safety would be her best course of action, he didn't think he had time to teach her acrobatics and knife skills, much less something simple as hand to hand combat. It was foolish to think that she would never be in such a situation in the future, but he could only hope that she was able to avoid anything that left so many marks on her.
"Fight back. I won't be hurt if you hit me. Make sure you push away the knife, even if its an accidental hit you'll die much faster if you're cut in the throat than if you're cut on the torso, arm, or leg."
Myrrine cringed slightly as he responded, wondering just how honest she should be. “Oh, I surprised him alright...” she muttered. In that moment, she was grateful it was her back that was pressed to him, so he couldn’t see the way she blushed. “I didn’t struggle so much as I insulted him... Which admittedly is why he punched me instead of actually slicing my throat.” She swallowed hard, which he could easily feel given the positioning of his hands.
“It was stupid, I know.”
She closed her eyes a long moment before she refocused on the lesson at hand. While his first lesson was likely to be the most typical, it did not answer the question that burned through her now. What should she have done differently that day? She knew that there was surely a better way. She simply didn’t know what it was.
Yet as she adjusted their positioning, she found her emotions threatening to overcome her. And she hated it. There was no place in her life for such feelings. Least of all now. Even knowing she was here in her room, in the arms of her lover, the place she felt safest of all - still she trembled at the memory. In fact, she was so consumed by her thoughts that she entirely missed the way his gaze hardened as the memory overcame her.
He instructed her, using his hands to shift her leg, demonstrating the motions he suggested. She nodded along as he spoke, committing his words to memory. Her eyes closed once more as he pressed a kiss to her cheek even as he resumed the position of her attacker. For a moment, her hands lifted to rest on his biceps, gripping him lightly as though to remind herself that he was real and the memory was not.
In the end, it was his words that broke her free. “What? You can’t be serious, I couldn’t!” Did he truly want her to hit him, now? Surely he couldn’t. She hesitated, her arms falling back to her side. Her eyes searched his for a moment, as though asking if he was certain. Seeing only solemn determination in their dark depths, she nodded slightly. “Very well then.”
It was a moment longer before she reacted. Looking up at Hashe, she couldn’t even think of attempting to harm him. The only solution was to try to replace the face she was becoming far too attached to with a stranger’s. Only then could she push herself into motion. She reached up, gripping his forearm near the elbow and harshly shoving it away. She lifted her knee as he had showed her, though she took care to alter her aim and force, hitting him instead in the thigh. Taking advantage of the significant height difference between them, she ducked low, hoping to avoid any further attack. As she moved to the side, intent on escape, she improvised. hooking her foot around his ankle and pulled hard, hoping to set him off balance as she moved out of range.
She hoped it would be enough to impress him, or at least convince him she was taking his advice seriously.
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Myrrine cringed slightly as he responded, wondering just how honest she should be. “Oh, I surprised him alright...” she muttered. In that moment, she was grateful it was her back that was pressed to him, so he couldn’t see the way she blushed. “I didn’t struggle so much as I insulted him... Which admittedly is why he punched me instead of actually slicing my throat.” She swallowed hard, which he could easily feel given the positioning of his hands.
“It was stupid, I know.”
She closed her eyes a long moment before she refocused on the lesson at hand. While his first lesson was likely to be the most typical, it did not answer the question that burned through her now. What should she have done differently that day? She knew that there was surely a better way. She simply didn’t know what it was.
Yet as she adjusted their positioning, she found her emotions threatening to overcome her. And she hated it. There was no place in her life for such feelings. Least of all now. Even knowing she was here in her room, in the arms of her lover, the place she felt safest of all - still she trembled at the memory. In fact, she was so consumed by her thoughts that she entirely missed the way his gaze hardened as the memory overcame her.
He instructed her, using his hands to shift her leg, demonstrating the motions he suggested. She nodded along as he spoke, committing his words to memory. Her eyes closed once more as he pressed a kiss to her cheek even as he resumed the position of her attacker. For a moment, her hands lifted to rest on his biceps, gripping him lightly as though to remind herself that he was real and the memory was not.
In the end, it was his words that broke her free. “What? You can’t be serious, I couldn’t!” Did he truly want her to hit him, now? Surely he couldn’t. She hesitated, her arms falling back to her side. Her eyes searched his for a moment, as though asking if he was certain. Seeing only solemn determination in their dark depths, she nodded slightly. “Very well then.”
It was a moment longer before she reacted. Looking up at Hashe, she couldn’t even think of attempting to harm him. The only solution was to try to replace the face she was becoming far too attached to with a stranger’s. Only then could she push herself into motion. She reached up, gripping his forearm near the elbow and harshly shoving it away. She lifted her knee as he had showed her, though she took care to alter her aim and force, hitting him instead in the thigh. Taking advantage of the significant height difference between them, she ducked low, hoping to avoid any further attack. As she moved to the side, intent on escape, she improvised. hooking her foot around his ankle and pulled hard, hoping to set him off balance as she moved out of range.
She hoped it would be enough to impress him, or at least convince him she was taking his advice seriously.
Myrrine cringed slightly as he responded, wondering just how honest she should be. “Oh, I surprised him alright...” she muttered. In that moment, she was grateful it was her back that was pressed to him, so he couldn’t see the way she blushed. “I didn’t struggle so much as I insulted him... Which admittedly is why he punched me instead of actually slicing my throat.” She swallowed hard, which he could easily feel given the positioning of his hands.
“It was stupid, I know.”
She closed her eyes a long moment before she refocused on the lesson at hand. While his first lesson was likely to be the most typical, it did not answer the question that burned through her now. What should she have done differently that day? She knew that there was surely a better way. She simply didn’t know what it was.
Yet as she adjusted their positioning, she found her emotions threatening to overcome her. And she hated it. There was no place in her life for such feelings. Least of all now. Even knowing she was here in her room, in the arms of her lover, the place she felt safest of all - still she trembled at the memory. In fact, she was so consumed by her thoughts that she entirely missed the way his gaze hardened as the memory overcame her.
He instructed her, using his hands to shift her leg, demonstrating the motions he suggested. She nodded along as he spoke, committing his words to memory. Her eyes closed once more as he pressed a kiss to her cheek even as he resumed the position of her attacker. For a moment, her hands lifted to rest on his biceps, gripping him lightly as though to remind herself that he was real and the memory was not.
In the end, it was his words that broke her free. “What? You can’t be serious, I couldn’t!” Did he truly want her to hit him, now? Surely he couldn’t. She hesitated, her arms falling back to her side. Her eyes searched his for a moment, as though asking if he was certain. Seeing only solemn determination in their dark depths, she nodded slightly. “Very well then.”
It was a moment longer before she reacted. Looking up at Hashe, she couldn’t even think of attempting to harm him. The only solution was to try to replace the face she was becoming far too attached to with a stranger’s. Only then could she push herself into motion. She reached up, gripping his forearm near the elbow and harshly shoving it away. She lifted her knee as he had showed her, though she took care to alter her aim and force, hitting him instead in the thigh. Taking advantage of the significant height difference between them, she ducked low, hoping to avoid any further attack. As she moved to the side, intent on escape, she improvised. hooking her foot around his ankle and pulled hard, hoping to set him off balance as she moved out of range.
She hoped it would be enough to impress him, or at least convince him she was taking his advice seriously.
"It kept you from getting your throat cut. I would prefer that over a proper technique any day."
He couldn't help his slight smile at the thought of her hurling insults instead of screaming or going silent in fear. It was foolish, but her spark was what had caught his attention to begin with, and it kept him coming back time after time. She seemed somehow to think she wasn't anything special, but he couldn't get her out of his mind no matter how hard he tried, as if she had sunk claws deep into his chest and he couldn't break free. But there was no pain, only a stinging sort of longing when he wasn't with her. He went about his work as necessary, their raid on the house would win them the key soon, and once the bloodstone was in his grip he would have to leave.
Shaking his head to break the thoughts that were unwelcome and to silence her protestations, he looked at her with a solemn determination. With a nod as she finally agreed to treat this as if he was truly attacking her, he braced himself for the impact and any harm she might try to deliver to him. Nahash was impressed with her speed, the blow to his thigh was well aimed and he turned with her as she ducked under his arms, glad to see she knew how to use her assets to her advantage. He had reached for her to pin her back against the wall when instead she hooked her foot around his ankle.
The thief was caught slightly off guard, letting himself fall forward and catching his weight so he landed as softly as possible. Hovering just above the ground, Nahash looked to her with a grin and instead of lifting himself back up he lunged for her own feet, giving them a tug to pull her beneath him as he shifted to hover above her. His rage was beginning to finally fade, distracted sufficiently by Myrrine and all that she was. It was a start, and he had more he could teach her, but right now he wanted to hold her close and see for himself that she was otherwise unharmed by the earlier encounters.
"Well done..surprise is your best weapon for now. Perhaps you should have a knife of your own." He had seen one for sale at a market as he walked through disguised as a beggar, the hilt perhaps too intricate for her tastes, though he still had much to learn about what sorts of things she liked. And should not be learning about them. The design on the hilt though had been familiar to him, it reminded him of the archways of home.
To distract himself from thoughts that would not be productive, he kissed her, closing the space between them and focusing on the warmth. She was so small, something to be protected, and he couldn't give in to what he was most afraid of though he ached to do so.
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"It kept you from getting your throat cut. I would prefer that over a proper technique any day."
He couldn't help his slight smile at the thought of her hurling insults instead of screaming or going silent in fear. It was foolish, but her spark was what had caught his attention to begin with, and it kept him coming back time after time. She seemed somehow to think she wasn't anything special, but he couldn't get her out of his mind no matter how hard he tried, as if she had sunk claws deep into his chest and he couldn't break free. But there was no pain, only a stinging sort of longing when he wasn't with her. He went about his work as necessary, their raid on the house would win them the key soon, and once the bloodstone was in his grip he would have to leave.
Shaking his head to break the thoughts that were unwelcome and to silence her protestations, he looked at her with a solemn determination. With a nod as she finally agreed to treat this as if he was truly attacking her, he braced himself for the impact and any harm she might try to deliver to him. Nahash was impressed with her speed, the blow to his thigh was well aimed and he turned with her as she ducked under his arms, glad to see she knew how to use her assets to her advantage. He had reached for her to pin her back against the wall when instead she hooked her foot around his ankle.
The thief was caught slightly off guard, letting himself fall forward and catching his weight so he landed as softly as possible. Hovering just above the ground, Nahash looked to her with a grin and instead of lifting himself back up he lunged for her own feet, giving them a tug to pull her beneath him as he shifted to hover above her. His rage was beginning to finally fade, distracted sufficiently by Myrrine and all that she was. It was a start, and he had more he could teach her, but right now he wanted to hold her close and see for himself that she was otherwise unharmed by the earlier encounters.
"Well done..surprise is your best weapon for now. Perhaps you should have a knife of your own." He had seen one for sale at a market as he walked through disguised as a beggar, the hilt perhaps too intricate for her tastes, though he still had much to learn about what sorts of things she liked. And should not be learning about them. The design on the hilt though had been familiar to him, it reminded him of the archways of home.
To distract himself from thoughts that would not be productive, he kissed her, closing the space between them and focusing on the warmth. She was so small, something to be protected, and he couldn't give in to what he was most afraid of though he ached to do so.
"It kept you from getting your throat cut. I would prefer that over a proper technique any day."
He couldn't help his slight smile at the thought of her hurling insults instead of screaming or going silent in fear. It was foolish, but her spark was what had caught his attention to begin with, and it kept him coming back time after time. She seemed somehow to think she wasn't anything special, but he couldn't get her out of his mind no matter how hard he tried, as if she had sunk claws deep into his chest and he couldn't break free. But there was no pain, only a stinging sort of longing when he wasn't with her. He went about his work as necessary, their raid on the house would win them the key soon, and once the bloodstone was in his grip he would have to leave.
Shaking his head to break the thoughts that were unwelcome and to silence her protestations, he looked at her with a solemn determination. With a nod as she finally agreed to treat this as if he was truly attacking her, he braced himself for the impact and any harm she might try to deliver to him. Nahash was impressed with her speed, the blow to his thigh was well aimed and he turned with her as she ducked under his arms, glad to see she knew how to use her assets to her advantage. He had reached for her to pin her back against the wall when instead she hooked her foot around his ankle.
The thief was caught slightly off guard, letting himself fall forward and catching his weight so he landed as softly as possible. Hovering just above the ground, Nahash looked to her with a grin and instead of lifting himself back up he lunged for her own feet, giving them a tug to pull her beneath him as he shifted to hover above her. His rage was beginning to finally fade, distracted sufficiently by Myrrine and all that she was. It was a start, and he had more he could teach her, but right now he wanted to hold her close and see for himself that she was otherwise unharmed by the earlier encounters.
"Well done..surprise is your best weapon for now. Perhaps you should have a knife of your own." He had seen one for sale at a market as he walked through disguised as a beggar, the hilt perhaps too intricate for her tastes, though he still had much to learn about what sorts of things she liked. And should not be learning about them. The design on the hilt though had been familiar to him, it reminded him of the archways of home.
To distract himself from thoughts that would not be productive, he kissed her, closing the space between them and focusing on the warmth. She was so small, something to be protected, and he couldn't give in to what he was most afraid of though he ached to do so.
His words brought a smile to her lips. She had been preparing for a lecture, to hear how close she came to getting killed in a backalley. She certainly hadn’t expected something bordering on, well if not praise exactly then perhaps a hint of approval nonetheless. It was enough to make her relax in his hold, the tension of her anticipation fading near instantly. Somehow, hearing disappointment from him seemed as though it would bring her to her knees, more than anyone else ever could.
It frightened her how quickly he had worked his way into her heart. How much she cared about his opinions, how much she longed for his presence when he slipped away just before the dawn. How slowly the hours and days passed as she hoped to see him again. He could never be hers. She knew that - had always known that. Was it always like this? She wanted to believe this was normal, yet some part of her knew it was more. How could Hashe not be more when he consumed her thoughts and made her ache for him in ways she had never known she could?
It was impossible. That was the fact she had to focus on. Not these strange feelings. Surely they would fade once the newness of it all did. They had to, or she feared she’d never survive the end that she knew was coming someday.
She forced herself to focus on his request, pushing through the residual fear and snapping into motion. It seemed her choices were effective though, as she didn’t feel his grip on her again. It was as she had just begun to glance back over her shoulder, unsure if he had stumbled that she felt him grasp her own ankle.
Myrrine bit back a squeak of surprise as he pulled her down to join him on the floor. Her surprise quickly turned to giggles as he positioned himself above her before she fell into breathless silence, simply staring up at the impossibly endearing man who made her heartbeat quicken with just a look.
She basked in his praise, finding it nearly brought tears to her eyes. It was simply two words, yet when was the last time anyone had recognized her skills? Her siblings just expected it of her, customers would hardly take the time to compliment the girl selling them goods. Was it the words themselves or the one who said them that struck her so hard? She couldn’t know.
“Thank you,” she managed to murmur, taking her bottom lip lightly between her lips as she found herself instinctively looking away from him. When was the last time someone had truly seen her? She swallowed hard and forced herself to meet his gaze. “Perhaps. The one I carry now was never meant for such a task, though still better than nothing I imagine.” Her siblings all had fine blades to protect themselves with - she’d seen to it. But she couldn’t justify such an expense on herself. She had always hoped the kitchen blade she called a dagger would be enough to frighten off an attacker.
Yet as Hashe’s lips claimed hers, all such thoughts faded, as she melted into him as though he were the sun itself. Her hands reached up to cup his face, needing to feel him against her. Needing his touch to silence all the thoughts that he conjured in her. He made her long for a life she had long ago mourned, long ago accepted as a path she would never walk. He had brought those dreams to life and reshaped them all at once.
Yet as much as those wants were a problem... he was also the cure. With him, all the worries, the weight of the responsibility she bore... it all faded away until there was only him.
She should pull away. Should force herself to remember that they had no place for each other in their lives. It was the right thing to do. To not let herself care about him any more than she already did. It was smart, it was practical, it was necessary. Still, she clung to him, tighter if anything.
Myrrine pulled away only when she had no other choice but to catch her breath. As she opened her eyes to look up at him once more, their depths were dark with want. Her hand slipped from his face to tug lightly at the fabric of his clothes. “I think you’re still wearing far too many clothes.”
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His words brought a smile to her lips. She had been preparing for a lecture, to hear how close she came to getting killed in a backalley. She certainly hadn’t expected something bordering on, well if not praise exactly then perhaps a hint of approval nonetheless. It was enough to make her relax in his hold, the tension of her anticipation fading near instantly. Somehow, hearing disappointment from him seemed as though it would bring her to her knees, more than anyone else ever could.
It frightened her how quickly he had worked his way into her heart. How much she cared about his opinions, how much she longed for his presence when he slipped away just before the dawn. How slowly the hours and days passed as she hoped to see him again. He could never be hers. She knew that - had always known that. Was it always like this? She wanted to believe this was normal, yet some part of her knew it was more. How could Hashe not be more when he consumed her thoughts and made her ache for him in ways she had never known she could?
It was impossible. That was the fact she had to focus on. Not these strange feelings. Surely they would fade once the newness of it all did. They had to, or she feared she’d never survive the end that she knew was coming someday.
She forced herself to focus on his request, pushing through the residual fear and snapping into motion. It seemed her choices were effective though, as she didn’t feel his grip on her again. It was as she had just begun to glance back over her shoulder, unsure if he had stumbled that she felt him grasp her own ankle.
Myrrine bit back a squeak of surprise as he pulled her down to join him on the floor. Her surprise quickly turned to giggles as he positioned himself above her before she fell into breathless silence, simply staring up at the impossibly endearing man who made her heartbeat quicken with just a look.
She basked in his praise, finding it nearly brought tears to her eyes. It was simply two words, yet when was the last time anyone had recognized her skills? Her siblings just expected it of her, customers would hardly take the time to compliment the girl selling them goods. Was it the words themselves or the one who said them that struck her so hard? She couldn’t know.
“Thank you,” she managed to murmur, taking her bottom lip lightly between her lips as she found herself instinctively looking away from him. When was the last time someone had truly seen her? She swallowed hard and forced herself to meet his gaze. “Perhaps. The one I carry now was never meant for such a task, though still better than nothing I imagine.” Her siblings all had fine blades to protect themselves with - she’d seen to it. But she couldn’t justify such an expense on herself. She had always hoped the kitchen blade she called a dagger would be enough to frighten off an attacker.
Yet as Hashe’s lips claimed hers, all such thoughts faded, as she melted into him as though he were the sun itself. Her hands reached up to cup his face, needing to feel him against her. Needing his touch to silence all the thoughts that he conjured in her. He made her long for a life she had long ago mourned, long ago accepted as a path she would never walk. He had brought those dreams to life and reshaped them all at once.
Yet as much as those wants were a problem... he was also the cure. With him, all the worries, the weight of the responsibility she bore... it all faded away until there was only him.
She should pull away. Should force herself to remember that they had no place for each other in their lives. It was the right thing to do. To not let herself care about him any more than she already did. It was smart, it was practical, it was necessary. Still, she clung to him, tighter if anything.
Myrrine pulled away only when she had no other choice but to catch her breath. As she opened her eyes to look up at him once more, their depths were dark with want. Her hand slipped from his face to tug lightly at the fabric of his clothes. “I think you’re still wearing far too many clothes.”
His words brought a smile to her lips. She had been preparing for a lecture, to hear how close she came to getting killed in a backalley. She certainly hadn’t expected something bordering on, well if not praise exactly then perhaps a hint of approval nonetheless. It was enough to make her relax in his hold, the tension of her anticipation fading near instantly. Somehow, hearing disappointment from him seemed as though it would bring her to her knees, more than anyone else ever could.
It frightened her how quickly he had worked his way into her heart. How much she cared about his opinions, how much she longed for his presence when he slipped away just before the dawn. How slowly the hours and days passed as she hoped to see him again. He could never be hers. She knew that - had always known that. Was it always like this? She wanted to believe this was normal, yet some part of her knew it was more. How could Hashe not be more when he consumed her thoughts and made her ache for him in ways she had never known she could?
It was impossible. That was the fact she had to focus on. Not these strange feelings. Surely they would fade once the newness of it all did. They had to, or she feared she’d never survive the end that she knew was coming someday.
She forced herself to focus on his request, pushing through the residual fear and snapping into motion. It seemed her choices were effective though, as she didn’t feel his grip on her again. It was as she had just begun to glance back over her shoulder, unsure if he had stumbled that she felt him grasp her own ankle.
Myrrine bit back a squeak of surprise as he pulled her down to join him on the floor. Her surprise quickly turned to giggles as he positioned himself above her before she fell into breathless silence, simply staring up at the impossibly endearing man who made her heartbeat quicken with just a look.
She basked in his praise, finding it nearly brought tears to her eyes. It was simply two words, yet when was the last time anyone had recognized her skills? Her siblings just expected it of her, customers would hardly take the time to compliment the girl selling them goods. Was it the words themselves or the one who said them that struck her so hard? She couldn’t know.
“Thank you,” she managed to murmur, taking her bottom lip lightly between her lips as she found herself instinctively looking away from him. When was the last time someone had truly seen her? She swallowed hard and forced herself to meet his gaze. “Perhaps. The one I carry now was never meant for such a task, though still better than nothing I imagine.” Her siblings all had fine blades to protect themselves with - she’d seen to it. But she couldn’t justify such an expense on herself. She had always hoped the kitchen blade she called a dagger would be enough to frighten off an attacker.
Yet as Hashe’s lips claimed hers, all such thoughts faded, as she melted into him as though he were the sun itself. Her hands reached up to cup his face, needing to feel him against her. Needing his touch to silence all the thoughts that he conjured in her. He made her long for a life she had long ago mourned, long ago accepted as a path she would never walk. He had brought those dreams to life and reshaped them all at once.
Yet as much as those wants were a problem... he was also the cure. With him, all the worries, the weight of the responsibility she bore... it all faded away until there was only him.
She should pull away. Should force herself to remember that they had no place for each other in their lives. It was the right thing to do. To not let herself care about him any more than she already did. It was smart, it was practical, it was necessary. Still, she clung to him, tighter if anything.
Myrrine pulled away only when she had no other choice but to catch her breath. As she opened her eyes to look up at him once more, their depths were dark with want. Her hand slipped from his face to tug lightly at the fabric of his clothes. “I think you’re still wearing far too many clothes.”
There was no need to scold for the way she had tried to keep herself safe. He'd learned long ago that any rules for fighting and protection could just as easily be thrown out the window, and only those who were willing and able to think outside of the box would survive. He could teach her the basics, or could drill every single lesson he'd learned into her head, but if one attacker surprised her or went off the book, she would have to improvise to survive just like the rest of them. Better she learn it now, though he hoped she would not have to protect herself again any time soon. It certainly looked like she needed rest and time to recover.
Her squeak as she was pulled close was far too endearing, and he felt the little thread of his heart tug further. If he wasn't careful she would unravel it entirely, leaving the pieces in her hands. Making a note to find a knife that would suit her he wondered if that would be the weapon to end his life in the end. As much as he told himself she was nothing and this was nothing he knew it was a lie. He'd been drawn in with one night, and against his instinct he had returned. A journey back to the land of his birth would not be long enough to rid his mind of her.
"I'll find something better suited to you. No more being caught unawares though, this one has to stay clean and beautiful."
The way she held him was far too tender and sweet, better than he deserved, with far more affection than anyone should hold for him or otherwise. He needed to leave, had not planned to be away for too long, and after all she had been through far too much. Her eyes were dark pools of temptation and he wanted nothing more than to linger with her, especially as her hands slid down to pull at the fabric of his clothing. He shouldn't stay, the risk with her family in the house was too great, especially after the earlier incident. If someone came to check on her and they were caught there would be consequences. Though given the little he knew and more he was learning about her, he wondered if anyone would check on her, or if she would be the one still going about to see to the others still.
"I only wished to see you were well, I shouldn't stay." The words he spoke and the way he moved were at odds, stealing another kiss from her lips before sitting upright with a sigh. It shouldn't be so hard to tear himself away from her, it never had been difficult before. Reaching out to draw her into an upright seated position again, he had a thought and tipped his head slightly, brushing his knuckles against her cheek. "Did you take the tea I left you?" Perhaps if she had, if she needed more, he could be sure that there would be no risk in any future visit.
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There was no need to scold for the way she had tried to keep herself safe. He'd learned long ago that any rules for fighting and protection could just as easily be thrown out the window, and only those who were willing and able to think outside of the box would survive. He could teach her the basics, or could drill every single lesson he'd learned into her head, but if one attacker surprised her or went off the book, she would have to improvise to survive just like the rest of them. Better she learn it now, though he hoped she would not have to protect herself again any time soon. It certainly looked like she needed rest and time to recover.
Her squeak as she was pulled close was far too endearing, and he felt the little thread of his heart tug further. If he wasn't careful she would unravel it entirely, leaving the pieces in her hands. Making a note to find a knife that would suit her he wondered if that would be the weapon to end his life in the end. As much as he told himself she was nothing and this was nothing he knew it was a lie. He'd been drawn in with one night, and against his instinct he had returned. A journey back to the land of his birth would not be long enough to rid his mind of her.
"I'll find something better suited to you. No more being caught unawares though, this one has to stay clean and beautiful."
The way she held him was far too tender and sweet, better than he deserved, with far more affection than anyone should hold for him or otherwise. He needed to leave, had not planned to be away for too long, and after all she had been through far too much. Her eyes were dark pools of temptation and he wanted nothing more than to linger with her, especially as her hands slid down to pull at the fabric of his clothing. He shouldn't stay, the risk with her family in the house was too great, especially after the earlier incident. If someone came to check on her and they were caught there would be consequences. Though given the little he knew and more he was learning about her, he wondered if anyone would check on her, or if she would be the one still going about to see to the others still.
"I only wished to see you were well, I shouldn't stay." The words he spoke and the way he moved were at odds, stealing another kiss from her lips before sitting upright with a sigh. It shouldn't be so hard to tear himself away from her, it never had been difficult before. Reaching out to draw her into an upright seated position again, he had a thought and tipped his head slightly, brushing his knuckles against her cheek. "Did you take the tea I left you?" Perhaps if she had, if she needed more, he could be sure that there would be no risk in any future visit.
There was no need to scold for the way she had tried to keep herself safe. He'd learned long ago that any rules for fighting and protection could just as easily be thrown out the window, and only those who were willing and able to think outside of the box would survive. He could teach her the basics, or could drill every single lesson he'd learned into her head, but if one attacker surprised her or went off the book, she would have to improvise to survive just like the rest of them. Better she learn it now, though he hoped she would not have to protect herself again any time soon. It certainly looked like she needed rest and time to recover.
Her squeak as she was pulled close was far too endearing, and he felt the little thread of his heart tug further. If he wasn't careful she would unravel it entirely, leaving the pieces in her hands. Making a note to find a knife that would suit her he wondered if that would be the weapon to end his life in the end. As much as he told himself she was nothing and this was nothing he knew it was a lie. He'd been drawn in with one night, and against his instinct he had returned. A journey back to the land of his birth would not be long enough to rid his mind of her.
"I'll find something better suited to you. No more being caught unawares though, this one has to stay clean and beautiful."
The way she held him was far too tender and sweet, better than he deserved, with far more affection than anyone should hold for him or otherwise. He needed to leave, had not planned to be away for too long, and after all she had been through far too much. Her eyes were dark pools of temptation and he wanted nothing more than to linger with her, especially as her hands slid down to pull at the fabric of his clothing. He shouldn't stay, the risk with her family in the house was too great, especially after the earlier incident. If someone came to check on her and they were caught there would be consequences. Though given the little he knew and more he was learning about her, he wondered if anyone would check on her, or if she would be the one still going about to see to the others still.
"I only wished to see you were well, I shouldn't stay." The words he spoke and the way he moved were at odds, stealing another kiss from her lips before sitting upright with a sigh. It shouldn't be so hard to tear himself away from her, it never had been difficult before. Reaching out to draw her into an upright seated position again, he had a thought and tipped his head slightly, brushing his knuckles against her cheek. "Did you take the tea I left you?" Perhaps if she had, if she needed more, he could be sure that there would be no risk in any future visit.
Myrrine flushed deeper as he informed her that he would find her a replacement. Normally she would argue, insist that wasn’t necessary. She had long ago forgotten how to graciously accept a gift. It was a foreign concept since she had become caretaker. Yet now... she couldn’t summon a single sound of protest. The idea of a gift from Hashe... something to hold onto even when he was long gone from her life - it was everything she could want.
“I’ll take care of it always,” she promised. Even now, she knew it would be one of her most cherished possessions simply because it was from him. For that reason alone it would always tug at her heart in a way nothing else ever had.
His hesitation had her heart sinking, only to be confirmed by the words that followed. He pressed another kiss to her lips and she tried to linger there. Yet as soon as he pulled away, a soft plea fell from her lips without even a thought.
“Don’t go.”
She let him pull her upright, mind scrambling as she felt she had said too much with those two little words. “I understand if you have to, of course. I know you have business to see to and such. But... I’d feel better if you stayed. Even for a little while. I just... I don’t want to be alone.” Her words flowed in a hurried pace, scarcely pausing to breathe, as though he might disappear in that very instant.
Her eyes lifted back to his as his knuckles brushed her cheek. “Of course. Thank you, for leaving it for me.”
Looking back towards the door, a thought suddenly occurred to her. “No one will interrupt, I swear it. My father is gone on business again and my siblings are all asleep or busy with their own lives.” She didn’t need to say that none were concerned enough with her life to bother her. After all, other than caring for them, as far as anyone knew, she had no other life. Until Hashe, she hadn’t. When she spoke again, her voice was soft and wavering, almost begging.
“Please. Just a little longer?”
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Myrrine flushed deeper as he informed her that he would find her a replacement. Normally she would argue, insist that wasn’t necessary. She had long ago forgotten how to graciously accept a gift. It was a foreign concept since she had become caretaker. Yet now... she couldn’t summon a single sound of protest. The idea of a gift from Hashe... something to hold onto even when he was long gone from her life - it was everything she could want.
“I’ll take care of it always,” she promised. Even now, she knew it would be one of her most cherished possessions simply because it was from him. For that reason alone it would always tug at her heart in a way nothing else ever had.
His hesitation had her heart sinking, only to be confirmed by the words that followed. He pressed another kiss to her lips and she tried to linger there. Yet as soon as he pulled away, a soft plea fell from her lips without even a thought.
“Don’t go.”
She let him pull her upright, mind scrambling as she felt she had said too much with those two little words. “I understand if you have to, of course. I know you have business to see to and such. But... I’d feel better if you stayed. Even for a little while. I just... I don’t want to be alone.” Her words flowed in a hurried pace, scarcely pausing to breathe, as though he might disappear in that very instant.
Her eyes lifted back to his as his knuckles brushed her cheek. “Of course. Thank you, for leaving it for me.”
Looking back towards the door, a thought suddenly occurred to her. “No one will interrupt, I swear it. My father is gone on business again and my siblings are all asleep or busy with their own lives.” She didn’t need to say that none were concerned enough with her life to bother her. After all, other than caring for them, as far as anyone knew, she had no other life. Until Hashe, she hadn’t. When she spoke again, her voice was soft and wavering, almost begging.
“Please. Just a little longer?”
Myrrine flushed deeper as he informed her that he would find her a replacement. Normally she would argue, insist that wasn’t necessary. She had long ago forgotten how to graciously accept a gift. It was a foreign concept since she had become caretaker. Yet now... she couldn’t summon a single sound of protest. The idea of a gift from Hashe... something to hold onto even when he was long gone from her life - it was everything she could want.
“I’ll take care of it always,” she promised. Even now, she knew it would be one of her most cherished possessions simply because it was from him. For that reason alone it would always tug at her heart in a way nothing else ever had.
His hesitation had her heart sinking, only to be confirmed by the words that followed. He pressed another kiss to her lips and she tried to linger there. Yet as soon as he pulled away, a soft plea fell from her lips without even a thought.
“Don’t go.”
She let him pull her upright, mind scrambling as she felt she had said too much with those two little words. “I understand if you have to, of course. I know you have business to see to and such. But... I’d feel better if you stayed. Even for a little while. I just... I don’t want to be alone.” Her words flowed in a hurried pace, scarcely pausing to breathe, as though he might disappear in that very instant.
Her eyes lifted back to his as his knuckles brushed her cheek. “Of course. Thank you, for leaving it for me.”
Looking back towards the door, a thought suddenly occurred to her. “No one will interrupt, I swear it. My father is gone on business again and my siblings are all asleep or busy with their own lives.” She didn’t need to say that none were concerned enough with her life to bother her. After all, other than caring for them, as far as anyone knew, she had no other life. Until Hashe, she hadn’t. When she spoke again, her voice was soft and wavering, almost begging.
“Please. Just a little longer?”
Don’t go.
Those two words pierced at a heart he had long thought protected from that sort of plea, and he looked at her with a soft smile, something far gentler than he had ever gazed at anyone. She was already a weakness that he had to keep at a careful distance, giving into her now would make it even harder to leave next time. But, if she spoke true and her father was absent, her siblings otherwise preoccupied...he should still back away and disappear out her window once again. Already he knew he would have to speak with at least Khanh about her, perhaps the others as well, but not yet. He selfishly wanted to keep her his secret as long as he could.
Following her gaze to the door he considered staying a moment longer, what that would mean, if giving into this request would be a poor choice. Just a little longer was dangerous, they both had to know that. Nahash hated to hear her beg, shaking his head and pressing a finger to her lips. Knowing that she had taken the tea was a reassurance, at least there would be no offspring from their time together, unlike other dalliances. He couldn’t allow himself any additional reason to want to stay, or take her with him. There would be no safety for them in either scenario.
“If I stay, it can’t be long. I would be gone far before dawn. Would that be enough or would you beg me to stay longer even then?”
He brushed her hair back, considering her a moment before standing and scooping her up in his arms, depositing her carefully in her bed and drawing blankets around her. The tenderness surprised him and nearly sent him back out the window once again, attachments outside of his people were not to be allowed. Not for more than a few nights anyway.
“Rest, I’ll be here until you sleep.”
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Don’t go.
Those two words pierced at a heart he had long thought protected from that sort of plea, and he looked at her with a soft smile, something far gentler than he had ever gazed at anyone. She was already a weakness that he had to keep at a careful distance, giving into her now would make it even harder to leave next time. But, if she spoke true and her father was absent, her siblings otherwise preoccupied...he should still back away and disappear out her window once again. Already he knew he would have to speak with at least Khanh about her, perhaps the others as well, but not yet. He selfishly wanted to keep her his secret as long as he could.
Following her gaze to the door he considered staying a moment longer, what that would mean, if giving into this request would be a poor choice. Just a little longer was dangerous, they both had to know that. Nahash hated to hear her beg, shaking his head and pressing a finger to her lips. Knowing that she had taken the tea was a reassurance, at least there would be no offspring from their time together, unlike other dalliances. He couldn’t allow himself any additional reason to want to stay, or take her with him. There would be no safety for them in either scenario.
“If I stay, it can’t be long. I would be gone far before dawn. Would that be enough or would you beg me to stay longer even then?”
He brushed her hair back, considering her a moment before standing and scooping her up in his arms, depositing her carefully in her bed and drawing blankets around her. The tenderness surprised him and nearly sent him back out the window once again, attachments outside of his people were not to be allowed. Not for more than a few nights anyway.
“Rest, I’ll be here until you sleep.”
Don’t go.
Those two words pierced at a heart he had long thought protected from that sort of plea, and he looked at her with a soft smile, something far gentler than he had ever gazed at anyone. She was already a weakness that he had to keep at a careful distance, giving into her now would make it even harder to leave next time. But, if she spoke true and her father was absent, her siblings otherwise preoccupied...he should still back away and disappear out her window once again. Already he knew he would have to speak with at least Khanh about her, perhaps the others as well, but not yet. He selfishly wanted to keep her his secret as long as he could.
Following her gaze to the door he considered staying a moment longer, what that would mean, if giving into this request would be a poor choice. Just a little longer was dangerous, they both had to know that. Nahash hated to hear her beg, shaking his head and pressing a finger to her lips. Knowing that she had taken the tea was a reassurance, at least there would be no offspring from their time together, unlike other dalliances. He couldn’t allow himself any additional reason to want to stay, or take her with him. There would be no safety for them in either scenario.
“If I stay, it can’t be long. I would be gone far before dawn. Would that be enough or would you beg me to stay longer even then?”
He brushed her hair back, considering her a moment before standing and scooping her up in his arms, depositing her carefully in her bed and drawing blankets around her. The tenderness surprised him and nearly sent him back out the window once again, attachments outside of his people were not to be allowed. Not for more than a few nights anyway.
“Rest, I’ll be here until you sleep.”
Myrrine could hear the hint of desperation leaking into her voice as she asked - pleaded - him to stay. She should be humiliated to hear such a tone from her own lips. Even asking for assistance from anyone but her siblings made her wince and she scarcely did that. But somehow, she couldn’t find even a hint of shame in herself now. Not with him.
Especially not when he looked at her with such tenderness.
She waited, holding her breath without even realizing it as she saw him considering her request. Silently praying that he’d agree. The reason didn’t matter, only his presence. She should feel some some sort of nagging guilt or regret... and yet she just wanted to hear him say yes, he’d stay. Even if just for a moment, she wanted him to long for those stolen moments even a fraction of how much she did herself.
“It would be enough,” she whispered. A simple statement that was so utterly complex in its meaning that it was simultaneously the truth and a lie. She would content with anything he offered her - grateful for every moment together. Yet she was beginning to understand already that she would never have her fill of him. There would never be a time where she was pleased to see him go. Where she didn’t yearn for his return the moment he vanished.
She knew they were doomed. This could only ever be temporary. They’d both known that from the beginning. Yet some long buried and forgotten part of her dreamed of a future where she could follow where he went and he could linger here with her. A future they could share. Together. An impossible dream - perhaps even more so than her childhood dream to follow in her father’s footsteps, traveling the world.
Her eyes closed as he smoothed her hair back from her face, studying her a moment. She folded into him as he lifted her like it was second nature, as though they had been in this position a hundred times and he were someone she had known all her life rather than merely days. A sting of disappointment washed over her as he began to tuck her into bed beneath the blankets rather than ravishing her, yet it was quickly soothed by the affection of that simple action, even before he finally said the words she had hoped for.
She reached out for him, lightly tugging at his sleeve. “I don’t want rest, I want you, Hashe.”
A teasing smile spread across her lips as she looked up at him. “What better way to help me sleep than to tire me out?” Yet as she stared up at him, another thought occurred to her. Her hand fell away from him to hover over the bruises that marred her face. “Oh. Of course.” She was barely the sort to captivate anyone’s gaze on a good day, yet looking as she did now...
No wonder he didn’t want her.
She swallowed hard, automatically turning her face away from him, hiding the offending marks and the sting of perceived rejection. “I understand. It’s okay. Forget I asked.” She didn’t want him to try to force himself into something he didn’t feel just to appease her.
“Just being here is enough. Thank you for that.”
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Myrrine could hear the hint of desperation leaking into her voice as she asked - pleaded - him to stay. She should be humiliated to hear such a tone from her own lips. Even asking for assistance from anyone but her siblings made her wince and she scarcely did that. But somehow, she couldn’t find even a hint of shame in herself now. Not with him.
Especially not when he looked at her with such tenderness.
She waited, holding her breath without even realizing it as she saw him considering her request. Silently praying that he’d agree. The reason didn’t matter, only his presence. She should feel some some sort of nagging guilt or regret... and yet she just wanted to hear him say yes, he’d stay. Even if just for a moment, she wanted him to long for those stolen moments even a fraction of how much she did herself.
“It would be enough,” she whispered. A simple statement that was so utterly complex in its meaning that it was simultaneously the truth and a lie. She would content with anything he offered her - grateful for every moment together. Yet she was beginning to understand already that she would never have her fill of him. There would never be a time where she was pleased to see him go. Where she didn’t yearn for his return the moment he vanished.
She knew they were doomed. This could only ever be temporary. They’d both known that from the beginning. Yet some long buried and forgotten part of her dreamed of a future where she could follow where he went and he could linger here with her. A future they could share. Together. An impossible dream - perhaps even more so than her childhood dream to follow in her father’s footsteps, traveling the world.
Her eyes closed as he smoothed her hair back from her face, studying her a moment. She folded into him as he lifted her like it was second nature, as though they had been in this position a hundred times and he were someone she had known all her life rather than merely days. A sting of disappointment washed over her as he began to tuck her into bed beneath the blankets rather than ravishing her, yet it was quickly soothed by the affection of that simple action, even before he finally said the words she had hoped for.
She reached out for him, lightly tugging at his sleeve. “I don’t want rest, I want you, Hashe.”
A teasing smile spread across her lips as she looked up at him. “What better way to help me sleep than to tire me out?” Yet as she stared up at him, another thought occurred to her. Her hand fell away from him to hover over the bruises that marred her face. “Oh. Of course.” She was barely the sort to captivate anyone’s gaze on a good day, yet looking as she did now...
No wonder he didn’t want her.
She swallowed hard, automatically turning her face away from him, hiding the offending marks and the sting of perceived rejection. “I understand. It’s okay. Forget I asked.” She didn’t want him to try to force himself into something he didn’t feel just to appease her.
“Just being here is enough. Thank you for that.”
Myrrine could hear the hint of desperation leaking into her voice as she asked - pleaded - him to stay. She should be humiliated to hear such a tone from her own lips. Even asking for assistance from anyone but her siblings made her wince and she scarcely did that. But somehow, she couldn’t find even a hint of shame in herself now. Not with him.
Especially not when he looked at her with such tenderness.
She waited, holding her breath without even realizing it as she saw him considering her request. Silently praying that he’d agree. The reason didn’t matter, only his presence. She should feel some some sort of nagging guilt or regret... and yet she just wanted to hear him say yes, he’d stay. Even if just for a moment, she wanted him to long for those stolen moments even a fraction of how much she did herself.
“It would be enough,” she whispered. A simple statement that was so utterly complex in its meaning that it was simultaneously the truth and a lie. She would content with anything he offered her - grateful for every moment together. Yet she was beginning to understand already that she would never have her fill of him. There would never be a time where she was pleased to see him go. Where she didn’t yearn for his return the moment he vanished.
She knew they were doomed. This could only ever be temporary. They’d both known that from the beginning. Yet some long buried and forgotten part of her dreamed of a future where she could follow where he went and he could linger here with her. A future they could share. Together. An impossible dream - perhaps even more so than her childhood dream to follow in her father’s footsteps, traveling the world.
Her eyes closed as he smoothed her hair back from her face, studying her a moment. She folded into him as he lifted her like it was second nature, as though they had been in this position a hundred times and he were someone she had known all her life rather than merely days. A sting of disappointment washed over her as he began to tuck her into bed beneath the blankets rather than ravishing her, yet it was quickly soothed by the affection of that simple action, even before he finally said the words she had hoped for.
She reached out for him, lightly tugging at his sleeve. “I don’t want rest, I want you, Hashe.”
A teasing smile spread across her lips as she looked up at him. “What better way to help me sleep than to tire me out?” Yet as she stared up at him, another thought occurred to her. Her hand fell away from him to hover over the bruises that marred her face. “Oh. Of course.” She was barely the sort to captivate anyone’s gaze on a good day, yet looking as she did now...
No wonder he didn’t want her.
She swallowed hard, automatically turning her face away from him, hiding the offending marks and the sting of perceived rejection. “I understand. It’s okay. Forget I asked.” She didn’t want him to try to force himself into something he didn’t feel just to appease her.