The Gentleman and the Whore

[Asfaloth]

Ginae had spoken to Shawn earlier, warning him that another trainee would be moving in to the room he shared with the others. He already shared the room with two others, not that he ever saw either of them but their stuff was always there. He tried to say they didn't have room for another but the Mistress had insisted that rooms hold four and they were lucky enough to have had only three so far. It seemed that the other trainee was now in a room by herself and they needed it for storage.

 

After that unfortunate meeting Shawn had returned to the room to try to clean up what he could. He cleaned his corner easily enough but wasn't quite sure what to do with his roommates things. He ended up just tossing all their things into their respective trunks. Well, all their things except the weapons of course; those he dutifully hung on the communal weapons rack.

 

Then there came a knock on the door. He was curious who this new roommate would be. he hoped it was someone he knew, someone he might even have something in common with besides training.

 

He stood up and walked to the door. He was anxious to see who it was. when he opened the door he was shocked. Stunned. He hadn't even imagined it would be her. The first time they'd met he'd barely covered his admiration/lust before it became obvious to her.

 

"Ya...You're...cough, cough...excuse me, you're my new roomie?" Why did it have to be her? he had a hard enough time hiding his attraction to her during team training sessions, it'd be near impossible if they shared a room.

[Christine]

A new roomie… great! Just what she needed! Almost done with her trainee, and having many teachers, she was more than ready to be a Tower Guard. She would be raised in only a month or two, and yet she still had to move. Everyone else had been raised, or thrown on a farm, or away for a few months, so she was left alone… go figure it was her room they decided to use for storage. And so, instead of keeping her room and privacy to herself, Deneira was being into a new room with three people, and losing all of her privacy.

 

She gathered up her few clothes into a bag, and her father’s books went into another bag. She still had her scimitar on her hip, and she kept her knives in their sheaths in her bag with the books. There was nothing else to carry. Going up to the new door, she lightly knocked, and waited until the door was answered. She was shifting her bag on her shoulder, and looked up as the door was opened.

 

It was him… her Captain… Shawn. She had met him once with a new trainee, and they had talked or commanded together a few times, but they had never really talked. She didn’t even know if he remembered her name. She smiled at him, and he stood there in shock. What was wrong with him? "Ya...You're...cough, cough...excuse me, you're my new roomie?"

 

She smiled at him and laughed softly. “I am indeed… anything wrong with that?†He just shook his head, and she walked past him, into the new room. She remembered those blue eyes… how could she forget. A girl could get lost in them. He was a little taller than her, and had a strong body. He was handsome too, yet she always wanted to shave off that goatee when she saw him. And let his hair grow out some. It was a pretty blonde, and still he shaved it all off.

 

She looked around, and saw her bed. It was the only area of the room that was not covered in clutter and mess. She smiled at him, pointing at it, asking, “This is my bed?†He nodded in reply, and she tossed her things onto it. He sat on the bed beside it, a little in shock, and she assumed it was his bed. Lovely…

 

Going to the wall, she undid her belt and hung it up, her scimitar hanging on it. She went back to her bags, and opened the one with her father’s books. She flipped the knives into her belt/pants, and then sat on the floor, putting the books under her bed, stacking them neatly. While she couldn’t read, it was the only thing left to her, and she treasured those books.

 

Finishing up, she jumped up, and neatly took out her clothes, which consisted of one cloak, nightwear, and two pairs of breeches and shirts. Then of course her small clothes. She set them all against the wall near the foot of her bed, and covered them with her bags. There really was nothing else she had. Flopping down on her bed, she smiled at him as he watched her. “So, Shawn, how have you been? Light, we haven’t talked in ages.â€

 

Deneira l'Spada

[Asfaloth]

Shawn watched nervously as Deneria unpacked her things and made herself at home. Why was this happening? This room was supposed to be his own private sanctuary, a place to escape from training. Lately, it had also become a place to escape from people as his two roommates both seemed to be always gone, he wasn't sure where they were but he'd heard that they were still around training. This room had been the place he'd escaped to on occassion when he was afraid of what he migt say or do around other people.

 

There was nothing wrong with having emotions, his study of the Spring had taught him that, but he also belived that there was no need to go broadcasting to everyone else what you were thinking and feeling. This room was where he went when he couldn't contain his emotions and had to let them out, usually in the form of grunts and growls and other equally embarrassing actions. He certainly wouldn't be able to do that with her around.

 

Having unpacked, she flopped herself down on the bed and looked up, casting that smile that had on several occassions distracted him from his training. that smile was dangerous. "So, Shawn, how have you been? Light, we haven’t talked in ages."

"Uh, I've been good, I guess. Spend my days training and my nights recovering, but I'm sure you know what that's like. I can't wait to finish my training and get on with life. I feel trapped here, always having to do what others tell me." Shawn was startled that he'd revealed so much. What was wrong with him? He usually kept such thoughts hidden within.

 

He took a couple of deep breaths and tried to recover by changing the subject. "What about you? I haven't seen you around much lately, what have you been up to?"

[Christine]

He seemed really uncomfortable, and she watched him with half shut eyes. Light, he had those eyes... everytime he looked at her during practice, her heart skipped a beat... and then Natan or Ryen would get her attention, and as Natan was on her Team, and Ryen was the other Lieutenant, she had to glance away. She hadnt seen him in a few days... it was nice to see him again... but in his room, of all places!

 

"Uh, I've been good, I guess. Spend my days training and my nights recovering, but I'm sure you know what that's like. I can't wait to finish my training and get on with life. I feel trapped here, always having to do what others tell me." She knew the feeling. Light, to be a Tower Guard. Everything would be better- everything would be different.

 

He was quiet for a moment, and she waited for him to speak again. "What about you? I haven't seen you around much lately, what have you been up to?" She sat up and laughed, moving to the foot of her bed so that she was only a few feet away from him.

 

"Ive been around. Just trying to keep out of trouble, I guess. Do you remember when Ginae's hair went blue?" Of course he did, no one had forgotten yet... her hair was barely growing back in, now that she had shaved it all off. "I did that. Along with the Tower Guard that got in trouble! Can you believe it... omg, it was so funny!"

 

She fell back onto her bed, laughing, imagining the scene where Aran got kicked first by the MoT, then by her. That was a day to remember. He laughed a little, but was still quiet. He was one of the few that hadnt landed in her bed. Aran hadnt, but he was a Tower Guard... everyother guy... the men on her team, on other teams, men in town... but not Shawn. She had always wondered why it hadnt happened between them.

 

She layed there a few moments, her fingers twirling a strand of hair, and she thought. Perhaps it would happen with them that night. He had a good strong body, and was handsome... she had thought about him on occasion, but she figured that was because he was her captain. What would she do when they were seperated by a raising? Would they stay friends? She was determined for that to happen.

 

Getting up and off her bed, she walked over to him and grabbed his hand and pulled him off the bed. He looked a little startled, and she went over to the weapons rack. Taking his sword off the rack, she tossed it to him, then took her scimitar, and put it back where it belonged. "Come on, lets go to town and see what trouble we can get into!"

[Asfaloth]

He couldn't believe she'd been one of the ones responsible for Ginae's blue hair, and subsequent head shaving. He had hid from Gonae for several days after that to avoid being seen laughing at her. It was hard to belive that Dene would have been a part of that. He made a mental note to stay on her good side, not that he didn't have reason enough anyway.

 

Shawn caught his sword belt when she flung it at him and strapped it on, glad to have the reassuring weight of a sword at either hip. He followed her out the door and into the hall. He followed behind for a few paces, admiring the view as it were, until she looked over her shoulder and made remark indicating she knew what he was up to. Blushing he cought up, mumbled an apology, and walked alongside her instead.

 

This was new for him. In all his months since he came to the Tower he hadn't left to go in to town. Not that he wasn't allowed, the trainees wee given that much freedom at least. No, it was just that he was so focused on training he didn't allow himself to have any fun. Any time, up till now that he'd been given time off from training with Corin he'd either found someone else or trained on his own.

 

Walking beside a beautiful woman through the town he decided he needed to get out more and have some fun. "Well, sad as it is to admit, I haven't spent any time at all outside the Yards. Know any good places to go?"

[Christine]

She felt his eyes on her as she moved, and she smiled as they walked. He was being a bit obvious, but she swished her hips, allowing him to get the best view he could. After a few more minutes, she looked back over her shoulder, and smiled at him. Shawn blushed and apologized, and she just laughed as she walked.

 

They made their way into the town, and he walked beside her. She wondered where to go. After all, it was she that had invited him to a night on the town… she should figure out what they were doing. "Well, sad as it is to admit, I haven't spent any time at all outside the Yards. Know any good places to go?"

 

She giggled at him, then linked her arm through his, holding on tight and kissing his cheek softly. “Shawn, you haven’t been around me enough… you would know this place inside and out if you had.†His face was a dark red, and she just laughed, looking around.

 

“Well, we could go to a show, do some shopping, sit in a tavern and drink, or-“ Something caught Deneira’s eye, and she stopped, turning and looking at it. “-A bath house!†She led him to it, and he almost tried to hold back. “Come on, Shawn, we are both sweaty and dirty from training… don’t you want to be clean?â€

 

They got inside, and she knew the woman running the place. She was a well known customer, whether coming with friends, or her… men. She requested a private room, and they were led off. Shawn said some bit about being a gentleman, but Deneira ignored it.

 

Once they were in the room, Deneira thanked the lady, then set about getting undressed. Taking off her boots, she smiled at Shawn, who looked to be still in shock. “Well, come on! You cant get in there with your clothes on!â€

[Asfaloth]

A bath house? Well, this ought to be interesting. Shawn hung his sword belt on a peg on the wall and started to tug off his boots. Seeing she did indeed intend to take it that far Shawn removed the rest of his clothes as quickly as he could, jumped in the water and turned to watch Dene.

 

When she finally joined him in the water Shawn nervously asked, "Well, my lady, do you know how to swim? If not, I'd be glad to teach you."

[Christine]

Deneira pulled off all of her clothes slowly, knowing his eyes were on her. She ever so gracefully let her small clothes fall off, and undid the braid that held back her long, wavey brown hair. She slowly walked to the bath, and sat in, his eyes still watching her. She settled back, and closed her eyes, watching Shawn through her dark lashes.

 

"Well, my lady, do you know how to swim? If not, I'd be glad to teach you." Swim? Deneira could swim like a fish. But that didnt matter now. It was all a part of her flirting. She glanced at him and, smiling, shook her head no. "I would love if you could teach me." She moved closer to him, her body barely touching his.

[Asfaloth]

Well, this day was certainly turning out better than Shawn had expected. Shawn revelled in the feel of Dene's body against his own. He decided to start with something easy, teaching her to float, plus that would keep her from seeing the more obvious signs of his feelings.

 

"Well, first, it's important for you to be comfortable in the water. Lie on your back and float on the water. Don't worry about sinking, I'll hold you up." Shawn held Dene's prone body out in front of him, moving his hands around underneath her body to keep her up.

 

As she floated on the surface of the water, Shawn too the oppurtunity presented to stare into her eyes. He knew from his experiences with the Tuathan the effect his eyes had on girls but that wasn't the reason he did it. There was much more to it than that. Shawn believed the old saying that the eyes were the window to the soul. He knew there was much you could tell about a person from studying their eyes.

 

Dene's eyes were a beautiful blueish-green color that Shawn loved to look into. More importantly there was a depth to them that spoke of a rich, undervalued soul. He had heard many things about Dene from others but he knew there had to be more to her than what they thought, and her eyes were evidence of that. Her eyes spoke of a rich, pure innocence that others just didn't see, or cjhose not to see.

[Christine]

He pulled her to him, and let her float on her back. This was teaching her to swim? Please, the boy knew nothing. But she liked the feeling of his hands gliding over her back and buttox as he held her in the water.

 

He stared into her eyes, and she was held by them. The icy blue... when she first met him, she thought that they were cold and distant, but now she saw innocence and purity, as if he had yet to see the evils of the world. She knew he should cherrish that innocence. But the way that he stared into her eyes... she glanced away, her cheeks red, and pulled her body away from him.

 

His hands brushed over just the right places, and along with her closed eyes, she had to stiffle a moan. She half sat on his lap, and he looked at her in shock. "Swimming is boring, I would much rather talk!" She smiled at him, trying to forget that look in his eyes as she kissed his cheek softly, her legs already feeling a certain effect on him as they sat against his body.

[Asfaloth]

Shawn enjoyed the way Dene's body felt in his hands. He was revelling in the feel of feminine flesh over hard-packed muscle when suddenly she was half-sitting in his lap and he was feeling her flesh on other places as than just his hands.

"Swimming is boring, I would much rather talk!" she said as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

 

Now things were really getting interesting. Shawn thought he knew where this was leading but he feigned ignorance to play it safe. he certainly didn't want to assume the wrong thing when she just wanted some innocent flirting.

 

"And just what would you like to talk about? Training? Pranking? Or something more serious?" Drawing a deep breath he went on, in a bit of a rush, "Personally I don't much care what we talk about so long as I can look into your eyes while we do."

[Christine]

Deneira rubbed her body against his, smiling as he tried to compose himself. She would quite enjoy this roomate. He acted so innocent, and yet, he wanted her. She knew it.

 

"And just what would you like to talk about? Training? Pranking? Or something more serious?" Well, talking wasnt exactly what she was going for, but it would work. "Personally I don't much care what we talk about so long as I can look into your eyes while we do."

 

Deneira laughed and blushed, glancing away for a moment, then smiling into his eyes. She slowly leaned forward, and her lips ever so gently touched his. Sitting back, she smiled at him, waiting for him to make the next move.

[Asfaloth]

As their lips touched Shawn lost himself in his feelings. He would have to reform the Spring the next time he made it to incorporate these new feelings that Dene had brought into his life.

 

As their lips parted, Shawn looked back into Dene's eyes and saw the desire that lingered there. Then he remembered the lessons in kissing the Tinker girls had taught him and dove back in with a renewed vigor.

 

A few minutes later there was movement under the water. Realizing what his partner intended Shawn pulled away. "Dene, much as I'd like to, I don't think we should continue like this. In many ways I feel like we've just met, and I'd like to get to know you better before we move further."

 

Shawn knew his words were confusing her, she'd probably never heard a man say no before, but she was worth it. More importantly, he was determined to convince her that she was worth it, to him and to herself. "If you were just some tavern maid that'd be one thing, but there's more to you than that. You have more inherent value to you than those girls do. Dene, yuo have to see that there are other ways to show each other how we feel. Believe me, I'd like to continue but you deserve better." He desperatly prayed she'd understand and not be angry with him.

[Asfaloth]

She knew that he wanted her, and Deneira was excited as he returned the kiss. She moved around, ready to take him as her own, when he pulled away, stopping her. She was a little in shock. She thought he liked her, and cared for her. She knew he wanted her, and she knew that he needed her like that, yet he was stopping her.

 

â€Dene, much as I'd like to, I don't think we should continue like this. In many ways I feel like we've just met, and I'd like to get to know you better before we move further." Deneira couldn’t believe her ears. Never had a man told her no… never had she even been questioned. Everyone loved her, and wanted to make love to her… why was he, of all people, stopping what was meant to happen?

 

"If you were just some tavern maid that'd be one thing, but there's more to you than that. You have more inherent value to you than those girls do. Dene, you have to see that there are other ways to show each other how we feel. Believe me, I'd like to continue but you deserve better." She was hurt. In some ways, he was complementing her, but instead, she felt alone and unwanted. All she truly heard in her heart was no.

 

She nodded her head, and looked away from him. She slowly slipped from his lap, still trying to grasp the situation. This had to be a joke. Sitting beside him, she swallowed her broken heart, and moved to sit beside him. She brushed back tears and kissed his cheek softly. Her lips moved to his ear, and she whispered, “What do you want to know, then? Anything you want to know, I will tell you, because then you can have me.†She couldn’t be denied a second time.

 

--Deneria

[Asfaloth]

As she slipped from his lap he felt like a jerk. She looked so hurt though, that it only proved to him that it was the right decision. If she couldn't respect herself enough to see why he was doing this then he would have to find a way to make her.

 

Then she whispered in his ear, "What do you want to know, then? Anything you want to know, I will tell you, because then you can have me." That's when he knew she truly didn't understand. But how to explain? How to make her see without hurting her further. The pain in her voice made him cautious.

 

"And what makes you think I'm good enough for you? Belive me, I do want you, but don't you think you should get to know me better too? I don't think you understand Dene. You are not a commodity to be handed out to any man that comes along. You are worth more than that, and when you realize that then you'll see that I'm right about all of this."

 

Shawn took her into his arms and tried to convey comfort, to let her know that the things he said were true. "Someday, soon I hope, I'd like to continue where we left off, but until then I'm hoping we can grow closer as friends first. When you see yourself the way I see you you'll understand that I'm doing it for you."

[Christine]

She was so confused. Good enough for her? She didn’t understand. He had just admitted he wanted her, and it was pretty obvious she wanted him, but still… and she was her own woman and could make her own decisions… This fight was harder than she thought it would be, and now her emotions had been pulled into it.

 

He hugged her close to him, and she brushed away the tears. She was shaking, she was so upset. She didn’t know what to do. Did this mean he was mad at her? See herself the way he did? As what? A WHORE? She was herself, and that was what mattered to her. He shouldn’t care about that… it was none of his business.

 

Not even bothering to flirt or cover herself up, she climbed from his arms and jumped out of the bath. Taking a towel from the rack above her clothes, she took it and wrapped it around her. Sitting on the bench, she stared at him, wondering what to do next.

[Asfaloth]

Now this certainly wasn't going the way he would have hoped. What was he to do? How was he to convince her? How was he to make her see that this was better for them both? She wasn't listening to him at all. Whatever had happened in her life before this must have warped her thinking in this regard. Must have stopped her from seeing the truth. He'd have to find a way past that. Somehow.

 

He watched her leave the pool and wrap in the towel. She sat outside the pool and he tried to gather his thoughts. He was fumbling this. No matter how hard he tried he only made things worse. Maybe that was the problem. Maybe he was trying too hard. Perhaps the only way to convince her was through time, through demonstrating to her how he felt on a long term basis. But how to do it without causing further harm?

 

"Dene, the ball is in your court now. You have a choice to make. You can go on from here hating me for showing you the truth, and trying to let you see the inherent value and purity within you. Or..." Shawn moved out of the pool and wrapped himself in a towel, joining her on the bench.

 

"Or we can build upon the friendship we've started. Or you can give me the chance to prove to you the things I've said, to prove that you're better than what you've made yourself out to be."

[Christine]

He watched her as she sat there, her body shaking. She just didn’t understand. Formalities came second, pleasure was always first. And yet… he said he wanted her, but at the same time, he was telling her no. And he was so confusing! Why was this so tough? And why did she feel so stupid when he was the one that was being so confusing. She was very confused about the mind of men.

 

"Dene, the ball is in your court now. You have a choice to make. You can go on from here hating me for showing you the truth, and trying to let you see the inherent value and purity within you. Or..." She heard him leave the pool as she hung her head low. She felt him beside her, and she could see he was wearing a towel. Her value? Her purity? No one valued her, and she was certainly not very pure. So what was he talking about?

 

"Or we can build upon the friendship we've started. Or you can give me the chance to prove to you the things I've said, to prove that you're better than what you've made yourself out to be." Could she put away her pride, and be his friend? Could she deal with knowing he wouldn’t take her to his bed? It was so new, something that was completely different. Never had she been treated like this… not since Darion, at least. And he had still left her.

 

She whipped away her tears, and looked up, brushing her hair from her face. She turned to him and kissed his lips sofltly, trying one last time. “Are you certain you don’t want me now? We can be friends, but what is wrong with doing what feels good?†She couldn’t be mad at him. He was too hot and too sweet for her to ever be mad at. And yet, she still was.

[Asfaloth]

As she whispered one more invitation into his ear he was tempted to say yes. Oh boy was he tempted. He wanted nothing more than to give in and take her there and then, or in the water even. But that would have to wait.

 

With an effort he controlled his yearnings and composed himself, "Yes Dene, I do want you now. But I know that it will be better for both of us if we wait. If we build our relationship first then when we do get together it will mean more and be that much better."

 

He could sense she was in a vulnerable position now. He knew she'd probably never heard no from any man and now he'd said it to her three times. If they were to have any chance of moving further and maybe getting back to what she'd intended today he was going to have to distract her from the perceived insult, and soon.

 

"Tell you what I would like to do. How about we get back in the water and clean up. Then we can go to dinner and get to know each other a little better. What do you say?"

[Christine]

"Yes Dene, I do want you now. But I know that it will be better for both of us if we wait. If we build our relationship first then when we do get together it will mean more and be that much better." Her heart had jumped as he had said yes, but again, he said no. More than likely, he would never talk to her again. Light, they would probably go back to their room right after this, and he would hide from her. What was going on in his mind?

 

"Tell you what I would like to do. How about we get back in the water and clean up. Then we can go to dinner and get to know each other a little better. What do you say?" She smiled, then started laughing. She couldn’t be mad at Shawn. It was practically impossible, and she pitied any girl that had tried. Well, she would get him eventually. And she had heard that anticipation made it all the better… Maybe that was what he wanted.

 

Nodding, she let her towel fall back onto the bench as she walked towards the water, looking back at him, giving him a seductive smile. “Well, come on!†She would make him regret turning her down… and that would really make it all the better. When men were desperate for her body, and not just lusting, she was always pleasured all the more.

 

She cleaned herself, and of course, helped eachother out. When she washed his back, she ran her fingers over it slowly, blowing cool air onto it. She knew his heart was racing… she could practically feel the thudding. She knew he was wanting her, and eventually, he would take her. Until that time, she would certainly enjoy herself.

 

By the time they were all clean, they went back to their towels and clothes. She slowly pulled on her clothes, and by the time they were all finished, her hair was somewhat dry as she tied it up into a ponytail on the back of her head. It was rather curly, and she smiled as she bounced some of the curls, her hair taking on a life of its own.

 

Taking his hand as he was dressed, she smiled at him, and slowly leaned forward. Her lips were close to his, and she slowly and sensually kissed him softly, letting their lips barely graze. She was almost a little shaken herself from the feeling of his lips on hers. Pulling back slowly, she smiled at him, and got lost in his eyes again. “Dinner?â€

[Asfaloth]

Shawn shed his towel and followed Dene back into the water. Somehow, just being in the water took a measure of tension out of his body. He just seemed to be so much more at home in water than on land. They took their time washing each other's bodies and Shawn had an ever increasingly difficult time holding to his decision. He began to wonder if getting back in the water was such a good idea after all. Then again, without changing his mind he could think of no other way to release stress than being in the water and it seemed to do wonders for her as well.

 

Seeing that they were clean, and wanting to avoid any further temptation, they got out and dried off. Dressing again in the clothes he'd worn earlier Shawn belted on his sword-belt relieved to have the familiar feel of a sword at each hip.

 

When Dene kissed him it was a slow lingering kiss that left him wanting more. Then she pulled back, "Dinner?"

 

Clearing his throat to avoid squeaking Shawn replied, "Yes, dinner. Unfortunatley, as I said before, I have not spent much time on the streets of Tar Valon. In fact," Shawn continued as they made their way back out to the street, "the one and only time I was out on these streets I had no money and was thus thrown out of every dining establishment I came to. I could make some recommendations based on the floorboards I saw and the smells but that's be about it. I defer to your judgement m'lady, have you any favorites in town?"

[Christine]

Deneira's lower lip found its way between her teeth, and she nibbled on it as he cleared his throat. She placed her hand in his, and he led her from the room and into the hallway. "Yes, dinner. Unfortunatley, as I said before, I have not spent much time on the streets of Tar Valon. In fact," by this point, they were back on the streets of Tar Valon, and her still warm skin prickled at the touch of the night air on it, "the one and only time I was out on these streets I had no money and was thus thrown out of every dining establishment I came to. I could make some recommendations based on the floorboards I saw and the smells but that's be about it. I defer to your judgement m'lady, have you any favorites in town?"

 

Deneira had to laugh. She could just imagine Shawn trying to find his way into a tavern... so young, and so innocent... She kissed his cheek softly, letting her lips linger for a moment before she laughed again and nodded. "No money? You better have some this time! Who ever heard of a girl paying?!" She winked at him, smiling as she heard the clink of his and her belt purse. She hoped he knew she was joking, because she wouldnt want to offend.

 

"I think I know a good place. Its a small tavern, and just that, but the food and drinks are good, the bartender is nice, and there is usually a gleeman or some sort around... best of all, the Tower Guards are usually at the place across the street, so we dont have to hide, and we can see all the latest gossip!" She laughed, and pulled him the right way. They chatted a little, and she let him lead, only on occasion pulling him toward the right direction. Whenever he was silent, she started thinking. And she couldnt help but feel the tingling on each of her fingers, as they were linked with his. Her hand just seemed to fit right into his. She wasnt dwarfed, nor was it larger... it just fit right together, like a key with a lock. For some odd reason, it felt good.

 

Up ahead, Deneira spotted "The Golden Swan," the tavern they were heading to. She could already smell the wonderful smells and hear the music from inside drifting out. Pointing to it, she smiled at him, turning to face him. His eyes held hers, and she kissed his lips softly. "This is the place!" she said as she slowly pulled away. She wished she had thought faster and taken him to an inn, where the idea of what she wanted would again become an option for him. But right then and there, she enjoyed being with him more than the thought of actually having him... she kinda liked that.

[Asfaloth]

Shawn was filled with nervous energy as they walked through the streets of Tar Valon. He cared more for Dene than he would have thought possible after such a short time and still didn't really no how she felt about him. She'd propositioned him but that didn't neccessarily mean anything, as it seemed that was the only way she knew to relate to guys. He needed to know what she thought, what she felt, and that need was becoming consuming.

 

When she mentioned money his heart skipped a beat until the clink of his pouch reminded him that he did have some now. For the first time in his life he had money of his own, and he had worked hard to get it. And the money had been hard to come by at that. As he'd already told Dene, he'd had none when he arrived and trainees were not paid by the Tower as Guards were. But he had spent much of his free time running errands and doing odd jobs for Tower Guards, Warders, Aes Sedai and others to earn some coin. First it was to pay Corin back the money he'd borrowed to buy his horse, Blaize. After that there was equipment to buy, such as a new saddle and bridle and grooming tools so he wouldn't have to constantly borrow from the Tower's stock. His hard work had paid off and now he had more than enough extra to pay for both of them at whatever establishment she chose. Of course, until it came time to actually pay he'd let her go on thinking she'd pay for herself. He enjoyed surprising people with such gestures of kindness.

 

Shawn found himself oddly thrilled by the simple gesture of holding hands while walking down the street. It was kind of her to let him lead too, despite not knowing where they were going, it showed an amount of trust and submissivness he wouldn't have expected from her yet. As they walked Shawn kept the conversation casual, talking about the people in the Yards, pranks they'd witnessed, accidents they'd heard about it, the kind of things they could leaugh about without having to further explore their thoughts for each other. There would be time for that later.

 

Eventually they came to a stop outside a tavern and Dene proclaimed excitedly, "This is the place!" Looking up, Shawn saw a sign above the door with a picture of a golden swan. Shawn opened the door and stepped to the side, allowing Dene to enter first. "After you m'lady."

 

Entering, Shawn let his eyes adjust to the darkened interior and then led the way to a table in the corner. Partially due to his training, but owing even more to an overactive imagination and paranoia, Shawn had to sit where he could see everyone in the room. He wasn't sure if Dene felt the same way or not but if she did the corner booth would allow them both to see the rest of the room while sitting next to each other, on either side of the corner, rather than across the table from one another. He would have preferred to gaze into her eyes as they talked but he wanted to be as close to her as he could.

 

When they were seated Shawn motioned for one of the serving girls to come over and ordered for the both of them. "While we wait for her to bring our food, why don't you tell me a little more about yourself Dene? I'd like to know what your life was like before you came to the Tower? Even more, I'd like to know what brought you here."

[Christine]

Deneira returned his smile as he opened the door... what a gentleman he was. "After you m'lady." Her smile widened, and she beemed at him. when was the last time someone had opened a door for her? She certainly could not remember... it was nice, almost as though they were a couple or something. She knew they werent; after all, she wasnt one to be tied down. Shawn had to be the same way- with those eyes, there was no way he was single.

 

He led her inside, then pulled her to a corner table. She loved it, he had picked ther perfect table... even better for her, they were close. She could see the whole room, which made her comforted, as could he. Certainly, he would make a good warder from some Aes Sedai one day... but until then, she would get to have her fun with him. He wasnt bonded yet, and she would take advantage of all the time she could get with him. some how, that just didnt feel right. the idea of him being with another woman... she just wouldnt be able to stand it!

 

As they were seated, she felt him beside her, but she was still deep in thought. He ordered, and still, she was thinking. Why did she care if he bonded? It wasnt like they were married or anything. They were merely friends, and she wanted him in bed. It was as simply as that. But still, she wanted him. Would she be willing to give him up?

 

"While we wait for her to bring our food, why don't you tell me a little more about yourself Dene? I'd like to know what your life was like before you came to the Tower? Even more, I'd like to know what brought you here."

 

His voice brought her back from her thoughts, and she realised then how close they were. His body was just barely grazing hers, and his arm was between them, resting basically on his leg. She wished he would wrap it around her shoulders, so that then she could rest her head on his chest. But, she shook herself back to her senses before her thoughts could get away, and remembered the question. "My life before? There wasnt much of one..."

 

Deneira began her story, telling of her four older brothers and her father. She explained their farm and how they tried to protect their country from the Blight. When she got to the part about the day her family died, she was quiet for a moment, and he coaxed her on. "They all died, trying to protect me. I killed three trollocs that day... but it wasnt enough, my family was gone. Father made me promise to come here, train better and harder, and be the greatest i could ever be. And so, here I am!"

 

Smiling, their meal arrive, but she reached for the class, and took a sip, happy to get some of the liquid down her parched throat. "Tell me about yourself." Light, she wished she could kiss him again, and to feel his warm arms wrapped around her...

[Asfaloth]

Shawn listened attentively to Dene's story, gazing into her eyes as she spoke. What a sad story it was too. To lose so many so suddenly, and to be left all alone at such an age. It was terrible. And yet, in many ways, it was something he could very easily relate to, as he had twice lost his own family.

 

Toward the end of her tale it seemed to be getting much harder for her to continue. He put his arm around her and encouraged her to continue. The food arrived and Shawn dodged her question for a few seconds by taking an overlarge bite. How was he to tell her of the things he'd gone through? She seemed to have been so close to her family and he didn't even know anything about his.

 

"Well, I don't know much about my family, at least not my birth family. All I know is that they were of a noble house, but I don't know from where. They died when I was young and left me nothing but a name and a few memories..." He went on, sharing what he remembered from the fateful night on the ocean and the handful of memories he had of times before that.

 

"I was found on the shore by a blacksmith and his wife. They raised me as their own, and I was happy for awhile. At least until the Whitecloaks ruined it all..." This part was harder, and once as with the memories of his birth family, he found himself sharing more with her than any other. He tried to stop the words from flowing and simply give the short and simple answers he usually did, but he couldn't do it.

 

"...So there I was, chained to a stump and beaten and whipped within an inch of my life, when the Tuath'an found me. They nursed me back to health, though the scars still remain, and I stayed with them for a little over a year until I was kicked out of the caravan a day's ride outside Tar Valon." He modestly passed over the details as to why he was banished but he did end up admitting to killing the two bandits.

 

"As to why I'm here...Well, whether I like it or not, whether I choose to or not, I always end up defending people. Of course, without training I've always ended up hurt when I tried to and thought I'd come here and learn to do better in a fight." He had shared too much. Why had he opened up to her? What was this power she had over him that he shared so openly those things he hid from so many others?

 

He kept his arm around her shoulder but turned away to eat so she wouldn't see the pain the memories had caused him.