As the Citadel Grows (Open: Band, Ogier, BT)

[Kael]

Kedyn sat down on the ground slowly, folding his legs beneath him and cupping his chin in his hand. In front, behind, and to both sides were silent lines of small white crosses. Memories of those who had fallen before them, and testament to the unforgiving nature of war. Kedyn did not know how many there were, not many people knew an exact number or wished to know. No one really wanted to know how many of the Band had fallen before them, dwelling on the dead made focusing on the living to difficult.

 

All around him men and women stood, knelt, or walked through the crosses before those they had known. Nearly all had names etched in the crossbar to commemorate the person, the few that didn’t belonging to those poor souls who no one every noticed until they were gone.

 

Kedyn reached out and slowly traced the small L of Lavena’s name, letting out a long breath as he did so. He opened his mouth once to say something but couldn’t make the words come out right, so closed it once again. Kedyn looked up as a small lump began to rise in his throat, a tear forming in his eye.

 

There were people placing fresh crosses in the ground at the edge of the field, the Ogier grove was beginning to take shape as saplings were sprouting from the ground higher and higher. The city portion of the Citadel loomed in the distance, growing. There were two inns now, a silversmith had just moved in to take up shop, and the Band could boast a glassmaker as well. The rest of the Citadel was sprouting up like a weed. The Ogier, Engineers, and Black Tower channelers were all moving stone to replace the wood. The barracks all now had tiled roofs and stone was going up in the first few of the buildings, the medic building were finally all wood and the Medics were exuberant over having moved into them. In the distance the Red Keep as it had been named, was just beginning to be habitable, though just barely there was still a lot to go.

 

Kedyn turned back to the small white cross. There were precious few moments to pause and reflect over the past as the Citadel grew. “So few times to remember. I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you lately.†It seemed rather futile to talk like he was. There were no bodies with the crosses, many were never found and sometimes there were just to many. But it was the only thing Kedyn had. “I’ve been busy since the Battle of Shadows, you know how it is.â€

 

Kedyn laughed sadly, ruefully. “I don’t know what to do Lavena, I still love you, but I love Miria as well. I don’t want to lose you, but I think it might be getting easier for my memories of you to fade.†Kedyn sighed softly as he rubbed at his eyes with the heel of his hand. He kissed his fingertips softly and pressed them gently to her name. “I’m sorry I’ve been such a fool. I should have known that what I was doing was wrong, that you would have berated me for doing it, but I’m getting better now. I hope you’re proud of me Lavena.†Kedyn smiled, a small sad smile as he took his moment of pause as the world around him moved forth. The wheel turns without pause or thought to those who do not wish to move. Those who do not follow are simply grinded into nothing. The wheel never stops.

 

 

Kedyn

OOC: The jist of it. Barracks are beginning to be stone, but none are done enough to fully live in. Medics barracks and hospital are both complete in wood. Walls 3/10 finished. First floor of the Red Keep has begun, framework in progress. Planning complete. City continues construction, is closer to being an actual city. Training fields gain permanent structure, sparring rings, horse tracks, archery range, etc etc. This is set 18 months after the Band moved out of the Tents Ic time, and a week after the BoE.

[Guest Estel]

Isha stretched his back tenderly, wincing. He carried his shirt and coat in his hand, displaying his back. He had just gotten the tatoo done not half an hour ago and his monstrous back was still sore.

 

The tatooist had been thankful he was not a small man and had a large area to work with, the tatoo was quite intricate. It was the same design as his sword pommel, a sword passed down from his father. A gauntleted fist held up a decapitated Trolloc head, the face twisted in utter agony.

 

The giant Asha'man strolled through the Tower, enjoying his blessed day off. Many gave him wary looks, how could he blame them? He was not much to look at. Unconsciously he ran his finger along the scar twisting the left side of his face.

 

His walk carried him to through the Ogier Grove and to the Field of the Fallen. This was easily the most beautiful corner of the Citadel. He waked through the lines of crosses, some bearing names, others not. Other walked the Field of Fallen. In all the expression was the same- grief. Some rawer than the age-lessened pain in others.

 

One figure, bent over one of the thousands of crosses, he recognized. "Kedyn?" his deep bass rumbled the question. Isha looked at the cross. 'Lavena Kegan' it said. The look on Kedyn's face was enough to say this cross wasn't unfamiliar to him. "Who was she?" the big man asked gently as he could.

[Jocelyn]

Miria stood at the edge of the field of the fallen, a single white bloom in her hand as she surveyed the white crosses littered across the ground. So many crosses, symbols of so many lives that had been taken in the throes of war, many she had not seen. Miria considered herself lucky, she had not known any of the people who's lives had been given before her, and even the one battle she had been part of, she had not lost anyone dear to her. Almost, but thank the light not.

 

Twirling the flower between her fingers, Miria hesitated. She should have known Kedyn would be there before her, though she had not encountered his presence when she had decided to visit the field. Her heart leapt, as always, at the sight of him, seated before the cross she knew had Lavena's name on it. Her heart ached for him, knowing how he had mourned for her, how he had been broken by her death. She know understood a tiny portion of what he must have felt, what he likely still felt. She had come so close to losing him...yet he had been spared. She was still with her love. Kedyn had not always been so fortunate.

 

She wanted to pay her respects, and as silly as it sounded, wanted to tell the woman she had never known that she would treasure Kedyn, care for him and love him the way he deserved. But she didn't want to interrupt, didn't want Kedyn to think she was taking him away from his memories. She had been the one to convince him that he needed to embrace his past, the good times, not hide from what had happened. She didn't want him to think she was asking him to forget Lavena, just because of the love they shared.

 

So she lingered at the edge of the array of crosses, idly toying with the bloom as she watched Kedyn, somewhat taken aback by the monstrous man who stepped up to speak to him. She had seen him around the Citadel, he was one of those men that could channel, and monstrous in size. The scar on his face certainly added to his formidable appearance, though Miria was not easily scared. She was more uncomfortable with his ability than his looks, menacing as they may seem.

 

Biting her lip, she stepped aside to sit under the shade of a tree, silently watching the conversation she could not hear, lifting the petals to her face and breathing deeply. She would not interrupt, much as she wanted to go to Kedyn, wrap her arms around him and ease his hurts. Resting her chin on her knees, Miria waited.

 

~Miria

[Kael]

Kedyn turned and had to look upwards, craning his neck to see the giant of the man. He stood slowly, nodding in greeting to Isha. He didn't know the man very well, only knew that he was one of the people who had posed as a Band member and turned out to be a male channeler. The new had rolled of of Kedyn, though Carnhain who had grown closer to the man had taken it much harder.

 

"Who was she?" Kedyn let out a long breath and looked back down to the cross. His mouth curved into a smile as his mind formed the image of Lavena. He rubbed a hand at his eye and run it across his face and through his hair.

 

"She was a scout. You met her once I beleive, in Carnhain's tent one morning." A small chuckle escaped Kedyn at the memory of that morning, the bright red Lavena had turned with both Carnhain and he teasing her.

 

"I loved her, with all my heart, still do really. She died in Carhein, fighting the Aiel." Kedyn's eyes tigtened at the mention of those beasts, monsters. He forced down the anger rising inside of him, turning his memories back to the more happier times.

 

 

Keydyn

[Myth]

As he made his way from what would one day be an Ogier Grove, in his mind the most beautiful portion of the Citadel, Forge began making his way back toward his temporary home. It wasn’t often that he permitted himself time for reflection when away from his duties with the Stonework. The Citadel was rapidly taking shape thanks in no small part to his abilities, he thought as a smile spread across his face. And usually what little spare time he had left was spent helping the Band’s master blacksmiths, since his love of crafting steel matched his love for the working of Stone. However, today the mood around the Citadel had overcome him, and he sought respite in the emerging growth of the not-quite-yet Grove. Despite the fact that he couldn’t sing to the trees, he felt at ease around them, as if their patient years and welcoming branches sheltered him from the maelstrom of emotions he felt around the humans.

 

He hadn’t asked for details, but he had become aware of an overwhelming sadness that encompassed the Band after their latest battle. He wasn’t sure about the details, but he knew enough to sense that it had been no ordinary crossing of blades, and the humans’ losses were even more grievous than usual. Their grief was palpable, and the Ogier’s tufted ears wilted with their shared sadness.

 

Passing by the Field of the Fallen, Forge noticed a pair of mourners near his return path. Slowing his pace to not intrude on their private grief, Forge noticed that one of the men was Kedyn, a man he had met briefly when he first came to the Citadel and liked but had never taken the time to get to know well. Praying for the Light to be with the mourning scout, the Ogier decided to offer what condolences he could and reverently approached the duo.

 

“Kedyn, your grief at the loss of a special one sings in my heart,†Forge offered in a soft bass rumble like distant thunder, holding both his hands over his heart and bowing formally. “Anything I might do to be of aid in your time of grief, I offer to you without hesitation. I am no poet, I know, and my words are but empty wind, but know that your lost one is now sheltering in the Light. Let that bring some small comfort to your grief.â€

 

Turning to Kedyn’s companion, who was shirtless and huge for a human, meaning he came slightly past Forge’s waist, the Ogier continued, “I am sorry if I intruded on your private moment, good sir. I only meant to offer some small help. I am called Forge, and please do not let my rudeness come between us.â€

[Kael]

“Kedyn, your grief at the loss of a special one sings in my heart, Anything I might do to be of aid in your time of grief, I offer to you without hesitation. Kedyn smiled and the large Ogier, Forge if he could place the name to a face. It had been a long time since he had seen the giant among men but he still had some recognition. Kedyn nodded in thanks, his words making him feel better.

 

Kedyn sniffed and rubbed a hand at his eye again as Forge introduced himself to Isha. His gaze returning to the small cross in front of him. He took his gaze away and scanned the field slowly as Forge talked. He smiled once as his eyes found Miria, seated under a tree.

 

"No you are not intruding Forge. We were simply remembering, it is good to pause everyonce in a while even if the world around you does not." Kedyn's gaze never left Miria and he smiled again as she looked up towards him. He had to keep himself from calling out to her, or running towards her, he only wished she understood his silent call. He did not want to be rude with Forge and Isha by going away or seeming as if he wasn't interested in their condolences, for he truly was. Isha may be a doomed madman and Forge an Ogier who had seen more days than his grandfather but he enjoyed both of their company. "Though eventually we all must move on, even if we do not wish to leave those we have to behind."

 

 

Kedyn

[Jocelyn]

Miria surveyed the field silently, the rows and rows of white crosses, stark against the green of the grass. Her gaze continuously strayed back to Kedyn though, as though he was a magnet attracting her attention. She still couldn't quite believe just how lucky she was at times. Her life had changed so much, progressed so far. It seemed so long ago now that she had been running for her life, a woman hunted for her crimes. To think that same girl now had security, and a love to call her own. She didn't deserve what she had, but not a day went past that she didn't thank the creator. She couldn't help but think that something was bound to go wrong though, that it was impossible to be so happy.

 

Miria's heart skipped a beat as Kedyn looked up, catching her looking his way. He awarded her with one of his devastating smiles that seemed to melt her insides, and she couldn't help but smile in return, the love and affection she felt for him as strong as ever. It was crazy to think that he was the same man that had encountered her on the road to the citadel, cold and miserable as he had been. So much change, so much for the better. She took in the crosses once more. No, not all for the better. Kedyn had been forced to endure something she only faced in her nightmares. Yet if he hadn't, if Lavena hadn't died, she wouldn't be where she was, wouldn't be able to call Kedyn her own.

 

She chewed her lip as Kedyn continued to smile in her direction, though he carried on his conversation. Did he want her company? She wasn't sure, but Miria knew wild horses wouldn't be able to keep her away from him for too long. She stood, her thoughts churning, unable to shake the unease that had suddenly plagued her. Was it wrong to be thankful for Kedyn's love, knowing she only had it because an innocent woman died? It was a depressing notion, but true nonetheless - her life would be much different if Lavena had been alive. Not that she was glad that she had to die...argh, it was all too confusing and troubling. Nothing could be done about it now, so she forced a bright smile back onto her face and made her way slowly to where Kedyn stood with Isha and the Ogier.

 

Not wanting to intrude, even though the smile Kedyn gave her was anything but annoyed, she remained silent as she placed the bloom in her hand by Lavena's cross, feeling a little shy as she did so. Was it wrong to be glad a woman was dead? She shook her head slightly, tucking her blonde tresses behind her ear as she straightened, not wanting to think on that now, nor ever.

 

Stepping beside Kedyn, she smiled shyly at him, flushing slightly, wondering just what he was thinking about the simple gesture. "I just wanted to pay my respects." She said softly, pulling her gaze from him reluctantly to look at their companions, nodding to each, feeling like an ant beside the two giants. She was shorter than everyone at the best of times, but next to Isha, let alone the Ogier, she felt tiny. It was somewhat intimidating, causing her to take an instinctive step closer to Kedyn's side, though she didn't fear either of them. She nodded at them, craning her neck to give them both a polite smile.

 

~Miria

[Kael]

Kedyn's smile brightened as he noticed Miria rising and begining to come towards the small group. While he did enjoy the company of Ish and Forge it was still torture to have her so close and yet still be apart from her. Thankfully Miria solved the problem in the easiest way for Kedyn.

 

Kedyn watched out of the corner of his eye until she was close enough that diverting his whole attention to her wouuld not be rude. He watched with a rather nuetral expression as Miria layed a small flower in front of Lavena's cross. He was touched by the simple gesture. Miria paying her respects to Lavena was unexpected, but it made Kedyn feel good that she held to ill feelings towards Lavena since Kedyn still loved Lavena.

 

"I just wanted to pay my respects." Kedyn smiled at Miria, reaching out to take her hand in his when she took a step closer to him. He felt complete again as he laced his fingers with Miria's, the small whole in his heart filled by having Miria with him again.

 

Not wanting to impolite Kedyn turned to Isha and Forge. "Isha, Forge. This is Miria, another scout." Kedyn smiled and looked into Miria's eyes. He had to refrain himself from pulling her closer to kiss her at the moments, knowing that would make her blush furiously with both Isha and Forge there watching. "Miria, you may know Isha, one of our Ashaman allies. And Forge, one of the Ogier stonemasons helping to build the Citadel."

 

Kedyn

[Jocelyn]

Miria flicked her gaze back to Kedyn's once more as she felt him take her hand, threading his fingers intimately between hers. She smiled at him, her eyes telling him how much she adored him where she was too shy to say so in front of an audience. He always seemed to know just what to do to warm her heart, and give her strength when she needed it, whether he realised it or not.

 

"Miria, you may know Isha, one of our Ashaman allies. And Forge, one of the Ogier stonemasons helping to build the Citadel." Miria nodded politely, dragging her gaze from Kedyn's alluring blue one and craning her neck once more to gaze up at the two giants. Light, she felt like an infant standing with them.

 

"I haven't had the pleasure as of yet, aside from seeing you from afar." She said, offering them one of her bright smiles, her dimple flashing in her cheek. "But it is nice to meet you both, it is such wonderful work you are doing." Her grin turned somewhat impish. "I'm certainly looking forward to the relative luxury of stone barracks." A faint blushed tinged her cheeks at the thought that she didn't spend much time in her own dorm as it was anymore, finding Kedyn's quarters far more comfortable and...entertaining.

 

Lowering her gaze as much to ease her neck as to hide where her thoughts had diverted to, Miria gave Kedyn's hand a squeeze, hoping he wouldn't guess at her thoughts and tease her like he was usually want to do. She still blushed far too easily in his presence, and he seemed to take great joy in watching it happen. Even though she gave him back as much as she got, her fair skin was far more prone to blushing than his, giving him an entirely unfair advantage. It certainly didn't help that she was like putty in his hands either, she supposed, his smile always playing havoc with her insides.

 

Miria's gaze swept over the field once more, taking in the neat rows of markers, her words aimed at all of them, though she flicked her eyes back to Kedyn as she spoke. "I do hope I'm not interrupting though." She asked, hoping that Kedyn wasn't annoyed at having his private moment intruded on by her. It must be difficult to embrace the past when face to face with your future.

 

~Miria

[Myth]

Forge stood patiently as Kedyn ventured back into the wonders of his memories. Listening to the human, he recalled the loss of his own true love. Now was not the time to do those memories honor, so he mentally hammered them down into the depths of his past. It was obvious, however, as he observed the interplay between Kedyn and the tiny woman Miria, that the human had at least come to terms with his past, even if he longed for what was lost.

 

“Miria, your name sings in my ears,†he replied with a soft bass murmur like a giant bull after Kedyn introduced him and Isha. Miria was so small, Forge felt like he could have stepped on her and barely even noticed. These humans! How did they manage? Some of them were so fragile, he just couldn’t understand how they survived.

 

"I haven't had the pleasure as of yet, aside from seeing you from afar. But it is nice to meet you both, it is such wonderful work you are doing. I'm certainly looking forward to the relative luxury of stone barracks. I do hope I'm not interrupting though," Miria intoned. Judging from the frequent blushes and the furtive looks she kept casting Kedyn, Forge guessed that Miria had something much different in mind for Kedyn than chatting in a cemetery.

 

With a smile, Forge offered a parting thought, “Remembering is very important. One never truly enjoys today without remembering the days gone by, nor can one build for the future if the past is forgotten. Whether we are talking of stone, nations, or relationships, it is the same I think. I think I will move on and give the two of you some time alone. Kedyn, if there is ever anything I can do, please feel free to find me.â€

 

Patting Miria lightly on the shoulder, Forge turned to Isha and offered, “My friend, why don’t we go share a drink or two and leave these little ones some quiet time. Besides, I haven’t had time for much conversation lately, and I bet the two of us can find a few good stories to tell.â€

 

Turning his back on the young lovers, Forge made his way back toward the hectic Citadel and his accompanying duties.

[Jocelyn]

Miria looked thoughtfully at the Ogier as he spoke, his deep voice a resonant rumble that pleased her ears, though the words intrigued her the most. It appeared he was very insightful, the words bringing a faint smile to Miria's lips. She farewelled the pair, noting somewhat amused, that her entire shoulder disappeared under Forge's giant palm. The past was important, it was what shaped the future.

 

Turning to Kedyn, Miria smiled at him, somewhat shyly, though her eyes twinkled, bright with the love she held for him. She gave his hand another squeeze, lowering her eyes to look at their twined hands. "I didn't want to intrude on your private moment Kedyn." She said softly, idly toying with his fingers. "But I will happily listen if you feel like sharing your thoughts." She offered with a shrug of one small shoulder, lifting her eyes to his once more. She had heard a little about Lavena from Kedyn, from early on in her days at the Citadel, and she knew he would always hold her close in his heart, yet she didn't know much more.

 

Miria's eyes strayed back to the simple white cross, the marker standing to remind them of Lavena, who had gone before. "I had never stopped to think how truly lucky I am." She said softly, wistfully. "I have never lost anyone close to me before, let alone someone I loved. You are a strong man, Kedyn. Stronger than me. I can't imagine life ever being bright and colourful ever again, if I didn't have you. Let alone being able to love again." The breeze gently pushed at her tresses, and she absently pushed them out of her face, lost in thought.

 

Miria

[Kael]

Kedyn took his hand from Miria's as she looked down at Lavena's cross. He stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her and resting his chin on her shoulder as he to looked at the simple white object. He paused to reflect her words not sure what to say.

 

Kedyn simply opened his mouth and spoke whatever his heart pushed out. "I hope you never have to either. Besides, that would be me dying if you lost someone you loved." Kedyn chuckled lightly. "Neither did I at first, think I would ever be able to love again."

 

Kedyn pushed away the pang in his chest, the memory of the pain Lavena's death had caused. "I didn't want to live, but I couldn't bring myself to end it. There were times when I got close, at night sitting staring at the dagger in my hand. My whole world was Lavena, I loved her more than life itself. I still love her somwhat."

 

Kedyn sighed softly, squeezing his arms around Miria. "And then you came and pulled me away from the edge. If I'm a strong man, you gave me that streangth. My love for you gave me streangth enough to live, gave me a reason to live."

 

The pain in Kedyn's chest had spread, leaving an all to familier hole. But unlike before the hole began to fill, remembering happier memories and remembering the woman in his arms enough to make him whole. "I do miss her and wish she was still alive, I won't lie to you. But I've made peace with that part of me, and the other wishes everything to stay the same. I have a new world now, you. I love you with all my heart Miria." Kedyn said it all softly, ending by kissing her lightly on the cheek before turning his gaze back to the little white cross. All of that had been the truth, part of him wished he still had Lavena and another liked the way things were here and now with Miria. "All my heart."

 

 

Kedyn

[Jocelyn]

Miria chewed her lip and leaned back against Kedyn's hard chest, feeling his voice rumble as he spoke. She silently cursed herself, for bringing up a topic that was clearly not an easy one for him. How could it ever be easy, dredging up the past, talking about one love to another? Yet something in her needed to know, wanted reassurance. She needed to know she didn't have to compete with a ghost.

 

"I didn't want to live, but I couldn't bring myself to end it. There were times when I got close, at night sitting staring at the dagger in my hand. My whole world was Lavena, I loved her more than life itself. I still love her somwhat." Miria closed her eyes for a moment, a torrent of emotions swirling inside her. She imagined Kedyn's pain, pictured him so caught in his grief that he contemplated taking his own life. But mainly she thought of how much he must have loved Lavena, of how he still loved her. What did that mean for her?

 

"And then you came and pulled me away from the edge. If I'm a strong man, you gave me that streangth. My love for you gave me streangth enough to live, gave me a reason to live." She smiled faintly, lifting her hands to stroke the strong arms encircling her. Since day one she had endeavoured to draw him out of the fortress he had built around him, had cajoled and chirped, and even gone so far as to abuse him! At least it had worked, she just never imagine she would fall in love with him in the process, in the warmth of the man she saw inside.

 

"I do miss her and wish she was still alive, I won't lie to you. But I've made peace with that part of me, and the other wishes everything to stay the same. I have a new world now, you. I love you with all my heart Miria." It made sense, and relief poured through Miria at the knowledge that Kedyn had made peace with the past. Of course he wished she had never died, yet the worry that had been holding Miria all morning disappeared when he told her he was looking forward to the future. She let out a sigh, blinking back the tears of relief that had threatened.

 

Opening her eyes, Miria looked at the little white cross, and uttered a silent promise. I will take care of him, Lavena. I will love him with all I am, as he deserves. I swear. She turned in the circle of his arms, standing on her toes as she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him close. "I love you too, with all my heart." She whispered into his neck. "You are my everything." She admitted, lifting her head to look up into his eyes, smiling brightly at him, her love and affection for him evident in her face as she softly kissed him on the lips, for once uncaring that they were out in plain sight of everyone.

 

"I wish there wasn't such pain in your heart, though at least I can guarantee you nothing but love and joy in your future. Any time I'm near, anyway." She teased, flashing him a dazzling grin, her cheek dimpling. "Though I should warn you I can also promise you plenty of pain should you think to try and get rid of me..." She grinned again and chuckled, so he knew she teased. There was no way he was going to get rid of her, even if he wanted to. She wouldn't allow it! Besides, she recognised the love in his gaze for what it was, and knew he wouldn't let her go without a fight.

 

Miria

[Kael]

It was such a few simple words, and only a look but the love apparent on Miria’s face, as well as her telling him she loved him was enough to fill the void in his chest. Though he was pleasantly surprised when she leaned into his, kissing him softly. Surprised because she was usually so embarrassed by doing something like that in public, the few times they had kissed where others could see he had kissed her.

 

"I wish there wasn't such pain in your heart, though at least I can guarantee you nothing but love and joy in your future. Any time I'm near, anyway." Kedyn had no doubt of that, just being near her was enough to make him happy. "Though I should warn you I can also promise you plenty of pain should you think to try and get rid of me..." Kedyn’s mouth twised in a wry grin at Miria’s teasing, lightening the mood as much as her comforting words were.

 

Kedyn gave one final quick glance at the cross over Miria’s shoulder. I will see you again soon. He turned back to Miria’s grinning gaze, matching hers with a smile of his own. “Well then I’ll have to make sure you never leave my side.†With a wicked grin Kedyn put his hands around Miria’s waist and in one quick motion scooped her up in his arms.

 

He kissed the tip of her nose. “Though I wonder what everyone else will think when they see us like this. I’ll just have to say my rugged good looks won’t allow your legs to support you.†Kedyn grinned and stuck his tongue out at the face Miria pulled. Chuckling to himself at how ridiculous they must look at the moment. Kedyn’s past lay in the white cross in front of him, but his future was in his arms. And sometimes it was best to leave the past as just that, the past. Memories that are best held on to but not dwelled upon.

 

 

Kedyn

[Jocelyn]

“Well then I’ll have to make sure you never leave my side.†Miria should have known trouble was coming by the wicked glint in his eyes, but she had been distracted by his words, so it came as a surprise as she was suddenly swept off her feet and into his arms. She wrinkled her nose at his kiss, finding it difficult to breath, the way he held her close against his chest was far too distracting.

 

“Though I wonder what everyone else will think when they see us like this. I’ll just have to say my rugged good looks won’t allow your legs to support you.†Miria couldn't help but grin at his teasing, though her cheeks flushed scarlet at the absurd position she now found herself in. The soft kiss she'd given him had been bold enough, while she would never turn down such contact from him, it embarassed her terribly knowing she was seen. She was almost certain Kedyn did it deliberately at times, just to see her squrim.

 

"Not to belittle your rugged good looks," she began with a smirk, her arms twining around his neck, though she told herself it was only to keep her balance. "But something tells me our onlookers would more likely be jumping to...less wholesome conclusions, given your reputation." She grinned impishly at him, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

 

"Now, are you going to put me down, or do I have to cause a scene?" She smiled sweetly, though her eyes glinted dangerously. He should know by now that she would take any opportunity to best him...even though he would no doubt give it to her twice as bad. Still, it was always worth it, Kedyn always seemed to pay her back for her teasing in the most pleasurable ways...

 

Miria

[Kael]

"But something tells me our onlookers would more likely be jumping to...less wholesome conclusions, given your reputation." Kedyn grinned. His reputation among the scouts had changed since he had met Miria. And although it was not a bad change it did seem to provide some..interesting..conversations every now and then. Especially with the women, he would never understand that.

 

He also grinned by the fact that even with her bundled in his arms she was still trying to tease him. He knew her well enough that being like this would be enough to make her embaressed, being out in the open, and Kedyn would not deny that he didn't enjoy seeing her like that.

 

"Now, are you going to put me down, or do I have to cause a scene?" Those perhaps were not the best words for Miria to use if she wanted to get down. Kedyn wouldn't let her down just to see what she would try and find anyhting that happened a very enjoyable expirience. But still, he would have to add some fuel to the flame. He began walking away and towards the heart of the Citadel, to the more populated ares. "I wouldn't want to cause a scene would I now." Kedyn cooled his features and tried to make his face look as innocent as possible.

 

"Perhaps then I'll just have to bundle you up in your room and not let you see the outside for a good long time to make sure though." Kedyn grinned wickedly, not being able to keep a completely straight face. Kedyn winked once and slowed his pace a little more. He wasn't planning on taking Miria thorugh the Citadel like this, he wasn't that mean, but she didn't need to know that.

 

It marked their relationship, this playful bantering back and forth. The battle of wits that made Kedyn so fond of Miria. And despite the teasing he would have it no other way. "Well into the night, and only let you out sometime tommorow."

 

 

Kedyn

[Jocelyn]

Miria should have known better than to continue to goad Kedyn, but she could never help herself. She gave him a mutinous glare as he started to walk towards the citadel, the people witness to the spectacle he was creating increasing as he walked. Her cheeks were aflame, but she was finding herself somewhat reluctant to carry through on her threat.

 

"Perhaps then I'll just have to bundle you up in your room and not let you see the outside for a good long time to make sure though." Oh but he teased her so! The gleam in his eye was nothing short of wicked, and combined with the way he winked at her, Miria found her blood was boiling in anticipation, knowing full well what he meant by the seemingly innocent words. "Well into the night, and only let you out sometime tommorow."Despite the furious blush, Miria couldn't help but grin. That was to be her punishment for creating a scene?

 

Tilting her head so she could look up at him, Miria grinned impishly. "Oh dear that punishment sounds simply dreadful." She lied, though her face made it plainly obvious what she thought of such a fate. She could think of many, many worse things than being locked into a room with Kedyn. Light, but so many pleasurable possibilities were flitting through her mind already. There had never seemed a more beneficial time to call Kedyn's bluff. She would regret it, she was certain, and no doubt she would embarass herself more, but the temptation was too much.

 

Grinning broadly, Miria winked at Kedyn before taking a deep breath, and letting out a loud scream. Her eyes laughed at the surprised look on his face, no doubt shocked she had actually carried through on her threat. She squirmed in his grip, though she kept her hold of him, screaming and doing her best to ignore the myriad of eyes turning her way. It would be interesting, seeing what his reputation was like after this little debacle, though the glint in her eye promised she would not escape unscathed. So long as she got the punishment Kedyn promised, she didn't particularly care. She loved that she had the freedom to tease and poke fun at him, knowing he didn't get mad or irritated, but instead rose to the challenge. It was one of the many reasons she was never going to let him go.

 

~Miria

[Kael]

Kedyn rolled his eyes at the all to familier grin Miria flashed at him and at the following words. "Oh dear that punishment sounds simply dreadful." Kedyn answered with a grin of his own at the look on Miria face telling him her opinion on such a punishment was much like his own. He could think of a lot worse than being locked in a room with Miria, and very little that would be better.

 

Kedyn took another step, completely unaware of exactly what kind of scene Miria was preparing. And when she finally threw it at him he would never have guessed at it either. Her full breathed scream took him completely off gaurd and he couldn't stop the suprised look on his face and the small stumble in his step. He wasn't surpised she had gone through on her threat, but instead on what she did.

 

Kedyn held on tight as she squirmed in his grip and people began to look over curiously. A small blush crept onto his cheeks at the bewlidered stares, wondering what exactly they could be thinking though he knew it probobly wasn't very flattering.

 

I took a few moments before Kedyn got over his initial suprise at Miria's scream before he was thinking about his revenge. He stopped moving and waited until she took another deep breath before shifting his grip and throwing her uncerimoniously over his shoulder. He turned her about once and gave her a light swat on the bottom, turning so no one could see him do it.

 

"Now now, there is no need to act like a child or I'll just have to bend you over my knee and give your bottom a good spank. Now let's see, what was your punishment again. Oh yes, locked in your room." With that Keydyn set out once again walking slowly back into the Citadel and towards the barracks, a small smile on his face from the thought of acutally doing what he had threatened.

 

 

Kedyn[/i]

[Jocelyn]

Miria grinned in triumph, seeing the blush enter Kedyn's cheeks. It was a rare moment indeed, even when she did her best to tease him, she rarely managed to draw a blush from him, but her triumph was short lived. Taking a deep breath, Miria did not get the chance for her next scream, as she was suddenly tossed over Kedyn's shoulders like a sack of potatoes.

 

Opening her mouth to protest, she was shocked into silence once more as Kedyn slapped her on her behind, a light blow to be sure, but all the more startling given her current predicament, and the amount of stares she had just drawn to them with her screaming. Burn him, but when he repaid her, Kedyn did a darn good job of it.

 

"Now now, there is no need to act like a child or I'll just have to bend you over my knee and give your bottom a good spank. Now let's see, what was your punishment again. Oh yes, locked in your room." Miria screamed again, this time half in outrage and half in laughter. Her cheeks were bright red, but she could not deny the thrill his words gave her, the prospect of just what he would do when he locked her in her room almost enough to overcome her embarassment.

 

Still, she would not go down without a fight, so she continued to scream and struggle, though she grinned all the while. Light only knew what their spectators would be saying over their mugs of ale that night. Most of the scouts at least were well aware of Miria's relationship with Kedyn, though it seemed any who were unsure would be talking about this incident with interest later.

 

"You wretch, put me down!" She managed between her laughter, bouncing somewhat uncomfortably on his shoulder, watching the people pointing and smiling as they walked past from her upside down position. Kedyn didn't obey however, instead rewarding her with another thwap across her backside, drawing a small yelp from her, and eliciting a further blush. "Oh you will get yours!" She promised, clutching at his shirt to help maintain her balance as she sunk her teeth into his back, hard enough for him to notice but not so hard as to hurt over much.

 

Kedyn's growl made Miria grin, which broadened all the more as she realised they were very near to the barracks, though knowing Kedyn had just walked through the citadel with her kicking and screaming was quite embarassing, especially with everyone realising exactly where he had taken her. Light, but she doubted she would be able to go outside without blushing ever again...but it would be worth it!

 

Miria

[Kael]

Kedyn walked foreward trough the citadel acting as if nothing in the world was amiss, even with Miria screaming and struggling over his shoulder. He nodded and gave brief waves with a smile to those looking his way. It was tough not to laugh as he walked, the smiles and stares following them were enough but just imagining the blush on Miria's cheeks the more likely culprit.

 

"Oh you will get yours!" Kedyn smiled, a small wince and a slight shiver running down his spine as Miria bit him. Kedyn growled cheekily and gave her a light pinch on the back of her thigh. He shook his head and kept walking, going back to his attidude that nothing was wrong.

 

He stepped the doorway of the scout's barracks with a large smile, his heart rate quickened slightly and a wicked grin split his face. He was reaching out to open the door when a pinch to his bottom made him jump in suprise. "Hey!" Kedyn stopped and dropped Miria from his shoulder, setting her lightly on the ground. "Now why did I deserve that?"

 

Mriai stuck her tounge out at him and Kedyn reached out and nipped it lightly with his teeth. "I can't fathom why you would want to embaress me like that in front of everyone." Kedyn pulled a face and rolled his eyes, trying to keep a laugh fro surfacing as a scout left the barracks and gave the two of them a lingering curious glance.

 

 

Kedyn

[Jocelyn]

Miria yelped from the pinch, painfully aware of just how vulnerable she was in her current position. Still determined not to give up without a fight, she reached over his shoulder and pinched him soundly on the rump, smiling smugly as he jumped and put her down.

 

Instead of responding to his protest, Miria poked her tongue at Kedyn cheekily, earning herself a nip which sent a shudder of awareness down her spine. Oh, but he never ceased to be able to make her blood boil with wanting. "I can't fathom why you would want to embaress me like that in front of everyone." Oh he had some cheek, that man of hers. Opening her mouth for a smart remark, she shut it again with a click as a fellow scout walked past, pure curiosity plainly evident on their face.

 

"I think we should continue this conversation out of the public eye, don't you?" She poked her tongue out at him, but the gleam in her eye betrayed her excitement for such a prospect. Light, it was the middle of the day, and she was having such wicked thoughts! Her mother would no doubt have a fit if she knew, having thought she had brought her daughter up to have a bit more propriety than that, even if she had been a theif.

 

Winking, Miria opened the door, grabbing Kedyn's shirt and pulling him after her with a grin, stepping straight into his arms as he kicked the door shut, her lips eagerly meeting his in a searing kiss. It was always incredible, Miria doubted she would ever tire of his kisses, the way he held her always reminded her of the first he had. It was still just as exciting, just as thrilling, and her love for him seemed to grow and grow. All thoughts of Lavena fled, her doubts, her worries, even her embarrassment. All that mattered was here and now, the reality of being in the arms of the man she loved. Threading her arms around his neck, Miria resigned Lavena's ghost into the far recesses of her mind.

 

"I told you that you'd get yours." She whispered against his lips with a smile between passionate kisses. "Though light knows I probably can't go out in daylight anymore." She chuckled.

 

~Miria

[Kael]

Kedyn followed Miria into her room with a rather wicked grin, he couldn't agree more. He had to make up for embaressing Miria so much and what he had in mind wouldn't be the best to do in public. What was he thinking. He was turning into such a wicked boy ever since he had first kissed Miria, and what they had done that night. But this? It was the middle of the day and while the barracks had rooms, it was rather difficult to hide things in them.

 

He kicked the door shut, his arms moving almost instincively to encircle Miria as she turned toward him. Her lips met his and his heated blood began to boil as they kissed. His arms tightened around her, pullling her against him as hers looped around his neck. The memories and gloom that came with visiting the Field of the Fallen were pushed to the back of his mind, replaced by present. The love he fet for Miria and the sensation of her lips against his own.

 

"I told you that you'd get yours. Though light knows I probably can't go out in daylight anymore." Kedyn chuckled along with Miria for a moment before silencing her with another passionate kiss. He ran his nails along the base of her spine, nibbling softly on her lip.

 

"Now is that such a bad thing? I wouldn't mind that to much." Kedyn punctuated his words with another searing kiss. "Not being able to leave here anymore." He slipped his fingers under her shirt and tickled her sides softly as he continued, pausing every few words for a kiss. "I mean if it was so embaressing then I'll have to make it up to you." Kedyn broked off the kiss and began running his lips across her cheek to her neck.

 

Running kisses along Miria's throat he smoothed his hands across her hips. "I'll just have to show your how sorry I am for putting you through that. I'm yours my love. But you're still being punished so I won't let you leave this room even if you want to." Kedyn chuckled with a wicked grin as he lifted his head and caught Miria in another searing kiss.

 

 

Kedyn

[Jocelyn]

Miria found herself quickly and effectively silenced in a most pleasurable manner, Kedyn's kisses as always invoking a need that only he could fill. How did he always seem to know to do what would drive her insane, her thoughts firmly pushed out the window as she focused on the sensations his touch created, shivering in response.

 

Grinning in between kisses, Miria returned them with fire, squirming in his embrace as he tickled her, enjoying the light hearted teasing. Her hands roamed over his back as though with a mind of their own, tugging his shirt up so she could caress the expanse of his skin with her fingers, liking the sound of him making it up to her. Something told her she would not be disappointed.

 

"I'll just have to show your how sorry I am for putting you through that. I'm yours my love. But you're still being punished so I won't let you leave this room even if you want to." Hands threaded in Kedyn's hair, Miria happily returned his kiss, with a fervour born from love as she sighed softly against his lips. He was hers. And she was his, heart, body and soul. The thought should scare her, giving so much of herself to someone else, yet she knew Kedyn would protect the gift, cherishing her love as much as he seemed to cherish the rest of her.

 

Long moments later, Miria lifted her head, smiling up into the eyes of her lover. "What ever makes you think I would leave this room willingly?" She grinned impishly, standing on her toes and tugging Kedyn down to her so she could nip his ear, tickling him with her tongue. "Not whilever you're in this room anyway. Besides, what kind of woman would I be if I didn't accept my punishment with dignity?" She deliberately let her breath caress his ear as she spoke, revelling in some of the power she held over him.

 

"Though you are far too overdressed for the occasion." She murmured wickedly, pulling his shirt over his head in one deft movement, her arms quickly moving back over the revealed skin adoringly, her mouth seeking his once more. Whatever the past, the present was all that mattered, and the future. And he was her future. "I have only one request." She murmured, her voice laced with desire as she managed the words around fervent kisses. "Be gentle with my punishment..." She broke of with a throaty chuckle and a soft scream as a wickedly grinning Kedyn swept her off her feet once more, before again she was overwhelmed with love and desire again, as the man who filled her dreams filled her vision and kissed her with a passion that threatened to drive away all her sanity.

 

Miria