Return with a warning...(Attn Lorelai)

nightsshadow · April 30, 2006

The moon above gave the forest a soft glow that was undisturbed but for the breeze whistling through the leaves. In the cool dark air, a thin mist covered the ground lazily moving in the breeze.

But the moment was disrupted. None but someone accustomed to the forest would have noticed, it could only be told by the hush that fell over the birds and other animals in the area. Quietly, though not on purpose, a man walked into the clearing. Looking around for a moment he gave a satisfied nod and set his pack on the ground. As he rolled out his blanket another form walked into the clearing. With its eyes glowing in the moonlight, he gave a soft growl, staring at the man.

He stiffened and looked behind him into the eyes of a large dark grey wolf. The low rumble grew into a full fledged growl, the wolfâ€™s hind quarters crouching as if to leap.

â€œRelax, Smoke, I will give you your dinner. Be careful, thoughâ€¦the others will think that I tamed you.â€ The dark skinned man crouched and tossed a small piece of meat to the wolf, which was quickly snapped from the ground and swallowed in one gulp. The wolf sniffed the air and walked over near the blanket on the ground and lay down next to it.

With a small laugh, the man lay next to the wolf and slept. It was a fitful rest as it had been for the last few weeks. Images of a long ago love and a sense of imminent danger. He woke, as he had from the other dreams, with a sheen of sweat dripping from his forehead. The dreams disturbed him, it was not the dream he was accustomed to...not The Dream World...they seemed to be regular dreams. But he could not shake the feeling that they meant something. Which was why he was going back...back to a place he thought never to see again. A place that represented pain and betrayal.

Would she remember him? ~Of course she will remember me. She may try to take my heart out, but I donâ€™t think she would forget me. It has only been a couple years.~ He shook his head at himself and changed into fresh clothes (or as fresh as he had after his travels). He slipped his knife around his waist and threw his pack over his shoulder.

After the morning sun reach itâ€™s noonday height, He felt the cold familiar splash of walking through the barrier. He was back in the Stedding. Fear Gripped him again...and, for a moment, he was held by the terror of what he had fled...the lies...the...

â€œNoâ€¦I canâ€™t let this happenâ€ He whispered. He did not know what the dream meant...or if it meant anything at all. But, He still loved her, and if there was a chance that she was going to be harmed, he would still give his life for her. Even if it meant going through... ~Stop thinking about it and go in!~

*Smokeâ€¦Wait on the outskirts. I will call if I need you. Please stay out of sight and keep a low profileâ€¦I do not want to even be noticed if at all possible.*

*You are still a pup, running up here to your she-wolf. There is either the dream or not and you were not in the Dream.* The man shook his headâ€¦this was a conversation he had with the wolf before, but he still could not shake the feeling that she would need him.

Smoke gave a harrumph and trotted off the way they had come.

Kareâ€™el stood and looked again at the last hill before entering the main town. Then he took a breath and started walking.

As he topped the rise, he crouched low, looking for the sentries that he knew would be watching. Carefully he found them. His old friendâ€¦the man who betrayed him, had taught him well. He scanned his surroundings and found a route that would serve him well. He might be seen, but he would likely be mistaken for one of the Wolfkin.

Through the brush, he made his way into town, and though he was seen, a wave of the hand and a nod was all it had taken to make it past. The young man on duty, he hoped, would not be punished to severely for his mistake. The hardest part was upon him. Slowly, but trying not to be too careful so he wouldn't look suspicious, he made it through the town.

Behind a house he had seen the betrayer off in the distance. Owen...training the recruits as usual. ~How could they?! Why would they let him live after... ~ he shook his head, He may have to confront the man yet, but he would not do it before he absolutely had to. He was here for one purpose only. To find Lorelai and help her.

He made a wide circumference making his way to the only spot he had felt safe here. He was not especially worried about being recognized at a distance. He was nothing of the man he was two years ago. His had given up his long black hair to the Short dark hair he wore now, and though his skin was the same dark brown it had always been, his small wiry body was a tightly wound spring, compared to the soft weak man he had left as. His fine clothes that he had been so proud of had all been thrown to the fire. He was now clothed in the garb of a woodsman, for he had nobody he could trust, so he had left the world of man to roam with Smoke. His rough wool shirt and coarse trousers did not bother himâ€¦until he thought of her. But it did well to keep any from knowing him as the man who had left.

He made it around the town and up the mountainsâ€¦his plan was to stay in his spot and find Lorelai tomorrow...Tomorrow.

OOC:Well Lorelai, Here is a start. I thought I would make my way to my spot on the mountainside and stay there, then find you. As you can see, I have changed a bit in my Physical appearance, but underneath it all, I am the same man who loved you. :) My Dream can be just my own unfinished business with you or a random fortelling of the future, your choice. Feel free to play with thisâ€¦I will roll with whatever you come up with. You can even be in our spot and surprise me orâ€¦whatever you like.

Anyway, On We go!!!

Kareâ€™el Hasaen

NightsShadow

The Betrayed

Lorelaiâ€™s Lost Love

Nynaeve · April 30, 2006

Lorelai watched the peaceful stir of the water and inhaled the clear fresh air. She frequented that particular spot because it was quite secluded. Or at least, that was the reason she was willing to admit to herself for spending so much time there. It brought up many memories. Memories that crushed and revived her over and over. But she had to come. That was the only thing left. The only thing that still felt hers.

She fingered the necklace around her neck, feeling the light weight of the ring that was laying between her breasts. She didn't dare wear it on her finger or even look at it. Taking it off wasn't an option, though. She wasn't ready for that. She knew it was silly of her. Healing comes with time, some said. Well, time has passed, but the pain never left. It only nestled deeper, opening a chasm of emptiness.

She watched the full moon, as she did so many times before. Two years have passed since Kare'el left, if her count was correct. Twenty four full moons without him. So much time lost. They would have been married by now, if things would have been different. She could have been with child. Thinking of a little Kare'el or Lorelai running around split Lorelai's lips into a bitter smile. She wasn't the same Lorelai she was when she got involved with Kare'el. She learned to cope the only way she could, hardening every day. Building up the walls that once Kare'el himself help demolish. It was the only way.

Her only sense of pride was achieving her new rank. She worked hard to become a Ranger. Having a purpose helped her put her mind in focus and concentrate on things that really mattered. She didn't feel alone. She was part of something bigger then her. For the first time, she belonged and she felt that she made a difference. Owen was very supportive along the way. Pushing her to her best. Not letting her quit even when she felt she couldn't go any further. He knew that emotionally she was a wreck, but he didn't let it stop her. And he was right to do so. Lorelai could see it now.

Laying on her back, Lorelai watched the star dotted sky intently. She didn't feel sleepy but her eyelids started to close in on her. Soon she was fast asleep.

OOC: Just going with the flow ;)

Lorelai

Ranger

nightsshadow · May 2, 2006

It was herâ€¦He could smell her scent as he drew close to the clearing. He stood on the trail before the clearing, transfixed by the thought of seeing her again.

Images and thoughts raced through his mindâ€¦Was he dressed OK, would she hate himâ€¦jump into his arms? Would she try to take him to â€¦ Owen? All the courage he had built for this moment seemed to have left him. His limbs would not move.

~She will hate meâ€¦It does not matter, as long as she lives. That is all I came for anyway.~

He took a breath and quietly entered the Clearing. She lay there on the ground, her soft face seeming to gleam in the noon sun. Kareâ€™elâ€™s mouth went dry at the sight of her and he crouched there, just watching her.

Suddenly, her eyes shot open looking straight at him.

â€œHello, Lorelai.â€ Kareâ€™el croaked softly.

OOC:Let the fireworks begin. :P

Kareâ€™el Hasaen the Betrayed

NightsShadow

Lorelaiâ€™s Lost Love

Nynaeve · May 2, 2006

Lorelai blinked once. Then once again. It was Kare'el. It wasn't another dream about his return. Another illusion she tried to maintain in order to keep her sanity intact. He was as real as she was. His scent was the sign to the reality of the situation. Kare'el, for some unknown reason, was back. Her mind started to race as to why. Was he back for her? No. If she was he reason he wouldn't have left her in the first place. It seemed so cryptic. Like a puzzle that was missing several pieces.

She tried to avoid Kare'el's eyes and at the same time make it not seem too obvious. She knew that she could get lost in his eyes. No, she would not stand for that again. She got up and propped herself against a tree stump. She tried to seem as casual about it as she could. "So, I see the prodigal son has returned. I hope your journey has benefited you in some manner. I am sure there are some wolfkin that would be delighted at your return. Paying a visit to Owen would be a good idea, I wager." Diverting the topic of the conversation to Owen was the best way she could think of to get Kare'el's piercing gaze off of her. The mention of Owen did shook him up for a moment, as far as she could tell.

Lorelai paced farther away from Kare'el, which of course did not lessen the intensity of his gaze. She had no idea what he came for. Thinking any of it was connected to her was pretentious. He had no interest in her. He proved that and more when he abandoned her for the second time. "Yes, you should go to Owen. The wolfkin can always use another tracker and truthfully your place is here. The stedding is our home." Kare'el's eyes brightened for a moment. Lorelai rephrased herself. "The Wolfkin's home. As whole."

Lorelai kneeled on the ground and started to fold her blanket. Without looking at Kare'el's direction she said: "Welcome back, Kare'el."

OOC: we'll see where this goes *eg*

Lorelai

nightsshadow · May 2, 2006

She smelled just the way he remembered, the light touches of scents she would put in her bathâ€¦the scented oil she used after.

But ice covered her scent and was reinforced by the way she would not even look at him. She made it clear that she was not happy to see him.

~I donâ€™t even think she has noticed how I have changed since we were last together~

At the mention of Owen, Kareâ€™el stiffened slightly, but quickly covered his scent and emotionsâ€¦He would not allow the man to enter on this. This was not going well, but she had not taken a knife to his heart either. Kareâ€™el dropped his gaze to the ground before him.

â€œI have no excuse for leavingâ€¦Especially without you. Iâ€¦I just had to go.â€ That was not what he had meant to say, the words just spilled from his lips. He was not prepared for the longing he had buried deep down, Truth was He missed Lorelai beyond measure, but since he was captured and Tortured, he could not get things right with herâ€¦Could not explain what had happened or seem to say the right thing with her. So he ran, like a coward, leaving the one person he had ever truly loved.

Now she was lost to himâ€¦He could tell by her stance that she would not accept him.

~I will just warn herâ€¦then I will go.~

â€œIâ€¦I had aâ€¦I need to warn you. I think you are in danger. I have had dreams andâ€¦well, you were in danger. I have been having this dream for the last few weeks and felt you needed to know. â€œ He turned and started walking. â€œIâ€™ll not bother you again.â€

~Apologizeâ€¦say sorryâ€¦something! Donâ€™t leave her!~ His mind screamed. But Kareâ€™el Smashed it down into the cavern he had built around his love. He knew she would never accept him.

OOC: I just can't make this too easy! :P

Kareâ€™el

Nynaeve · May 3, 2006

OOC: Oh, it won't. Remember that Lorelai needs to come across her parents first. Only after that they'll patch things up :P

IC:

Lorelai stared at Kare'el's back."Kare'el", she called out. Kare'el stopped but did not turn. Lorelai walked up to him and faced him. "You apologize for acting as a coward and then leave once more only to prove that you are one. We are who we are. We don't apologize for it. You made some choices. Whether they were good or bad, I honestly don't know. I hold you no grudge, Kare'el. I... I could never hate you."

Taking a deep breath to still herself, she carried on. "As to this dream of yours. Well... A life of a Ranger is never a safe one." Kare'el seemed surprised for a moment and then content. Lorelai couldn't help but smile. She always did when she spoke of her newly gained rank. "Yes, I've been a busy little bee in your absence. I've been training closely with Owen and with his help and support I managed to gain acceptance to the Rangers' circle."

Kare'el seemed thoughtful for a moment. "I'm proud of you", he said quietly, peering at the ground. Lorelai nodded. "Kare'el, I don't want you to leave. This place was your home a long time before it became mine and I will not have you leave on my account. Please. I can't take that right now. If you're truly concerned for my well being, stay."

Lorelai didn't dare add a word. She didn't want to make any promises. She was so confused by Kare'el's return. The only thing she was certain of is that she didn't want him gone. The wolfkin needed him. She needed him. No matter how much she wanted to deny it, she knew it was the truth.

Lorelai

nightsshadow · May 4, 2006

Her words cut at him. Though, deep inside a spark of hope ignited.

~She does not hate me...But...Neither has she said she loves me.~

Off on this thought he was abruptly brought back when she said she was now a Ranger. Fear and worry crept back in, all that time spent with Owen...He did not even know if the others knew about his relation to Bane, the evil that engulfed the Dream. But Owen had tormented and tortured Kare'el for nearly a year in the Dream...it was the reason he fled. Now, Kare'el finds that Owen has been instructing Lorelai. What if she was corrupted...what if she was being manipulated.

Calming all of this and keeping his scent inside of this calmness he merely said "I am proud of you." And he really was. She had grown to be true to herself, turning her anger and despair to a higher cause. He smiled slightly as he looked up into her deep brown eyes.

"Kare'el, I don't want you to leave. This place was your home a long time before it became mine and I will not have you leave on my account. Please. I can't take that right now. If you're truly concerned for my well being, stay." She said. Her words were hypnotic to him, but he shook himself out of that thought.

Stay...Stay and be in harms way. To worry that Owen would slit his throat in the middle of the night or worse, drag him back into the dream. There would be no avoiding Owen if he stayed. he would need to deal with that one way or another.

But there was Lorelai. Really the only reason he could think of to stay. Could he leave her in the care of Owen and the Wolfkin who were blinded by their faith in Owen.

He wanted to believe that she wanted him to stay...to stay with her. But her eyes told the lie of this thought. She could not love him.

But he did Love her.

"Fine. I will stay. But...Tell no one I am here. I will stay up here and I will not bother you all." He did not know if she would keep his presence a secret, but if she did not...that would tell him all he needed to know of what has been happening. " also, You must tell me if you are leaving on a mission. I came to see you safe, and I will not let you go out and find someone to make my dream come true."

He turned back into the clearing and tossed his pack on the ground. He turned to look at Lorelai ~My beautiful Lorelai~ "It is good to see you are well, my...um" He flushed at what he almost said, but turned the words instead to say "My...uh...Wolf companion will be pleased to meet you."

He could not break his eyes away from her face...

Kare'el

Nynaeve · May 4, 2006

Lorelai nodded slowly. At first she didn't take the mention of his dreams seriously. She figured it was some sort of excuse for coming back. But when he mentioned them for the second time, she could sense concern in his scent. He wasn't making this up. He was having nightmares about something bad happening to her. She always felt she and Kare'el had a special connection beyond the love they shared. When he first disappeared she knew he was suffering. She could almost feel it. Until this day Kare'el hasn't brought himself to tell her what happened to him in all that time.

"I might have to go on a journey soon. Nothing too serious. Owen has mentioned something but nothing has been decided yet. I will let you know as soon as I'm briefed on the subject. As to your presence here, if you wish it to remain a secret I will, of course, keep the information to myself. I just really don't see why you'd be bothering anyone with your return, Kare'el. You were an important part of the Wolfkin when I first arrived and you can step back to it if you wish."

"It is good to see you are well, my... um...wolf companion will be pleased to meet you." Lorelai sighed. It seemed that Kare'el didn't want to come back to the wolfkin. It was ironic in a way. The same man that convinced her that the stedding was her home. The same man that passed his passion to his kindred to her. The man that helped her to feel comfortable in her own skin and finally join the wolfkin pack. That very man was now alienated from that very pack. Not wanting to rejoin his kind. It was tragic. What could have changed him so much?

"I would be delighted to meet your wolf companion. Not now, though. I have some arrangements to do. I will be back later on and I will bring some food." Lorelai hesitated for a moment before she gave Kare'el a hug. Feeling his arms wrapped around her was so magnificent. At first she drowned in that sensation but then she tensed when she realized what she was doing. She broke away gently and put some distance between her and Kare'el. "I will see you, then. Goodbye."

OOC: just thought i'll give Kare'el some hope ;)

Lorelai

Ranger

nightsshadow · May 5, 2006

OOC: oooohhh, You are evil. :P

He tensed for a moment, not knowing what to do...not prepared for her to even look at him and here she was in his arms. He breathed in her scent pulling her closer to him. And then, as suddenly as she had wropped her arms around him, Lorelai was gently pushing him away.

"I will see you, then. Goodbye." She turned and walked out of their spot. He stayed listening until he could no longer hear her footsteps.

He dropped down next to a tree and leaned his head back, softly knocking the back of his head against the tree. ~What am I doing? What am I doing? whatamIdoingwhatamIdoingwhatamIdoingwhatamIdoing? This is just so stupid! I should leave now...she knows to be careful. Light, She is a Ranger, she can probably take better care of herself than I could.~

*That is very likely.* Kare'el heard in his mind. He looked around and could feel Smoke getting closer. The Charcoal Gray wolf entered the clearing and lay next to him.

~Hush! Old dog!~ Kare'el sent. Smoke just gave a slight harumph and lay his head down, closing his eyes.

Kare'el went over his and Lorelai's conversation...listening past his emotion and letting what he heard sink in. He wanted to know if she was being used by Owen. he wanted to know if...if she loved him. ~Perhaps.~ he thought, giving himself a small spark of hope. But not too much. He could not mess this up and he was not willing to open up again. He had to be sure.

If Owen gave her this assignment, he would go with her...or at the very least follow her. Then, maybe he could be sure. He wanted to be sure. Perhaps she would leave with him. They could leave this place and live...safe from Dreaming and death and ...

But the thought of her when she was speaking of the Rangers crushed the hope of her ever leaving.

If he was to stay...

~No!~

Smoke Harumphed again. the Wolf had heard this arguement many times in the last few weeks. *We should stay...maybe you would grow from a Pup ito a real Wolf. The Wheel sends many injuries and pain and death...it is part of living. If you have an enemy...Kill it and be done. Then you can have your She-Wolf in Peace.*

Kare'el looked at the wolf and shook his head. ~If only...If only it were that easy.~ He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, falling into a light sleep.

OOC:BTW I am out of town for three days...I will not be able to get to my computer until after the weekend. See ya!

Kare'el

Lorelai's Lost love

Nynaeve · May 6, 2006

Lorelai was shocked when she found herself standing in front of Kare'el's abandoned house. All she knew was that she wanted to be alone in her room. She didn't have any arrangements to do, like she told Kare'el. She needed time to think. Time to process what had just happened.

It's been two years since she passed by this house. She took care that it'll be aired once in a while, in the hopes of Kare'el's return. She did not dare stay in the house, though. The memories would have sank her then. But now that Kare'el was back, she needed the comfort of their memories. She walked inside. There was some dust decorating the furniture but the sheets on the bed were clean, undoubtedly freshly changed.

She took off her boots and climbed on the bed. Her head was spinning. Kare'el returned to warn her. Something bad was coming and she believed him. But he didn't really came back. He wanted his presence to remain concealed. So for everyone else Kare'el still remained gone. Why wouldn't he want his presence known. Why did he came back for her after he abandoned her in the first place. So many unanswered questions and yet her mind could only focus on one. Did he still love her. His return suggested that he did but it could have been guilt. Or maybe affection. Even concern. But it didn't necessarily mean love.

He looked so different. So worn out. She didn't want to mention anything to him but she was determined to get him back on his feet. Even if he was planning on leaving again soon. If she was to never see him again, she wanted to be in the certainty that he was healthy and well.

Lorelai put on her boots and headed to the kitchens. There she had a big lunch packed for two. She got some half smiles which she deflected with a cold stare. She added another loaf of bread and some cheese so Kare'el will have some left over for the day. That man was going to eat whether he wanted to or not. Even if she had to stuff him like a pig.

Lorelai also got some clothes for him. Just because no one knew he was there, didn't mean he couldn't be wearing a descent shirt and trousers. When she decided she had all that was needed, she headed off to the clearing. For some reason she checked if someone was following her. No one was.

When she got to the clearing she found Kare'el sleeping on the ground. She put down all things she brought and kneeled next to him. She caressed his hair gently, really seeing him for the first time. When she spoke with him earlier she was so concentrated in avoiding his eyes, she never even managed to watch him for more then an instant. Detecting a tree stump near by, she set down next to it and leaned back. Kare'el was undoubtedly tired and there was nothing on the face of the earth that was going to make her wake him up.

Lorelai

Ranger

nightsshadow · May 9, 2006

It had been awhileâ€¦Awhile since the darkness had haunted him. Many months had gone by since the dreams had followed himâ€¦hunted him down to bring him back to the wasteland. The scent of Death and despair reeked through the air. Kareâ€™el stood up in the middle of the desert land, wind pelting him with waves of dirt.

â€œI will not do this again.â€ Kareâ€™el said. He closed his eyes fixing his mind on a location, and felt the wind die away. He opened his eyes and was standing in the clearing he had camped a couple days ago. He heard rustling in the bushes.

~Smoke?~

*No* spoke the voice. And a dark wolf rushed out of the bushes. It had two heads both with gnashing teeth. As it came into the clearing it leapt at Kareâ€™el sinking their jaws into his neckâ€¦pain erupting through hisâ€¦.

Kareâ€™elâ€™s eye shot open into the late afternoon light. The wolf was goneâ€¦the pain was gone. Smoke was lying next to him, his breathing slow and steady. He looked past the wolf and found Lorelai sitting at a stumpâ€¦watching him.

He sat up and absently brushed leaves from his shirt.

â€œIâ€™ve brought you some food.â€ She said and her eyes narrowed. â€œ I expect it to be eaten and not wasted. Iâ€™ve brought you clothes as well. They should fit.â€

â€œThank you, Lorelai.â€ Her name rolled from his lips along with memories of their life together. â€œLorelaiâ€¦Iâ€¦Iâ€¦â€ She looked at him expectantly, waiting for hims to speak. He knew that she was waiting for an explanation. He could not give her one. How could he tell her that he left fleeing from the man who had trained her and taken her into the Rangerâ€™s circle. The only thing he could think to say wasâ€¦

â€I never meant to hurt you. Never. I only wanted to keep you safe. And Iâ€¦You were not safe with me when I left.â€

Her eyes looked at him questioningly.

He walked over to the basket of food and looked down, he smiled. She obviously thought he had been starved to death. The basket was packed with enough food to feed four people. â€œAre we having company?â€ Kareâ€™el joked. He looked up at her and smiled again at the admonishing look on her face. On reflex he lifted his hand and brushed her hair behind her neckâ€¦the way he used to when he was teasing her and she did not fully appreciate the jest. He realized what he was doing and abruptly dropped his hand.

He crouched down and started busily ruffling through the food in the basketâ€¦avoiding looking at Lorelai. He pulled out a slice of the roast and some berries and walked to a tree and sat down. Quickly stuffing some food into his mouth. ~what am I thinking?!~ He could remember a time when nothing would throw him off. If something happened he took it in stride. When he and Lorelai met, that all changed. He always felt surprised and delighted at what she would say and how he reacted. Everything was new again and he was not that sure that the world was the same world he was so accustomed to.

That sensation had not gone away in the last couple years.

With a half full mouth he askedâ€¦â€What has happened in the stedding since I left? Tell me How things are going now?â€

Kareâ€™el could tell that Lorelai knew he was avoiding talking about what just happened, but he sat back and looked at her expectantlyâ€¦waiting for her to answer the question.

OOC: I;m back!!!

Kareâ€™el

NightsShadow

Lorelaiâ€™s Lost Love

Nynaeve · May 10, 2006

Lorelai looked away. "If you want to learn what has happened since you left, I suggest meeting some of your old friends. They'll surely fill you in. But of course, you don't want that. So, I guess you will have to be kept in the dark." Kare'el seemed surprised by her response. She smiled. "I've been so focused on my training that I hardly ever noticed where I was standing half the time. I know as much as you do."

Lorelai watched Kare'el eat intently. She packed extra food for herself but she wasn't hungry. When it seemed that Kare'el was done eating, she reached for her pouch and took out a razor and a bottle of a mixture of soap and some herbs. "I've brought this so you could shave. I couldn't, however, locate a miniature mirror. So, I can help if you like." Kare'el only nodded.

Lorelai opened the bottle and started rubbing the lotion on Kare'el's face. When she was done covering it all up, she took a long look at Kare'el and laughed. "You look ridiculous." Kare'el rolled his eyes, which only made Lorelai laugh more. When she was sure she got it all out, she picked up the razor. She didn't want to make any sudden movements. She might have been confused, but disfiguring Kare'el's face wasn't in her immediate plans.

Lorelai grabbed his chin with one hand and moved the razor slowly across his facial skin. It seemed tricky at first, but she quickly got the hang of it and managed to shave him quite neatly. She concentrated on the shaving and avoided his eyes. She wiped the lotion off of his face with a wet towel. It left a pleasant scent. "There you are, all handsome again." Said Lorelai and pinched his cheek teasingly.

Lorelai

Ranger

nightsshadow · May 16, 2006

Her hands on his face almost made him lose the last shred of resolve he had. Lorelai had that effect on him.

She took out the razor and told him how ridiculous he looked. Kare'el rolled his eyes, knowing that he looked worse than ridiculous...as he was about to come back with some witty remark or another, she took his chin in her hands and started to shave him.

"I know that you have been taught the sword...but are you sure you know what you are doing with that blade?" He asked, eyeing the razor as she gently slid the blade down his cheek and towards his throat. She just smirked and continued as if she didn't hear him.

As she finished she looked over her job. she gave a small smile and wiped the rest of the lotion off his face. "There you are, all handsome again." she said pinching his cheek.

"You mean you did not think I was handsome before?" He said mockingly. She just looked at him and raised her eyebrow.

All at once they both burst out laughing. it was as if the tension Kare'el had felt earlier washed away. He watched Lorelai as the words he had such a hard time saying only hours before flowed out of him easily.

He told her how he missed her and began to tell her where he had been for the last two years.

"...So smoke and I just traveled together ever since I left...keeping each other company and out of trouble. Until I started having those dreams." He looked at Lorelai. He had left out why he left and still did not tell her anything of his thoughts and suspicions of Owen and Bane. He still did not know if he could fully trust her...But...

"I did miss you." He said, softly touching her cheek. She looked at him and he smiled. a cheeky, mischievous smile. "Life was far too quiet without you." He said laughing at her expression. She wrinkled her nose at him and punched his arm.

"are you...Have you...met anyone else?" He did not know what made him ask the question, but it was out there now and couldn't be called back. He just looked at her, fearing the answer was yes...but still hoping that, if it made her happy, it was someone who took good care of her.

Kare'el

nightsshadow · May 16, 2006