Sword song

[Altias_Bromn]

The sound of sword upon sword rang clearly through the crisp morning air. Short bursts of sound, rapidly exchanged blows. The large tent surrounding the combatants only slightly muffled the boisterous activity.

Now and again the wind would grasp at the flap over the entry, exposing the pair within. The contrast of the two could not have been more extreme. One swordsman was tall, ebon skinned and rippling with muscle. His opponent his opposite. Pale as milk, toned, but thin. As they came together time and time again, the clash of metal did ring, before they drew apart once more.

A long sweeping stroke of the sword from the large man brought the smaller to one knee as the blades connected. As quickly as it happened a long leg extended, removing the center of balance from his attacker, as one knee folded beneath the larger man.

"Well done, Tias, though your skills have slipped greatly since you left us."

Even as the words were spoken the dark man was righting himself with practiced ease.

"I still know enough to keep myself alive, Nathaniel. My skill as a swordsman is not as important to the people of Myrkenwood as it was to my father."

Again the large man charged. The governor's sword rose, but not quickly enough. With the force of the sweeping blow, Altias' sword was quickly torn free of his grip, landing with a dull thud on the hard packed dirt floor of the tent.

An animal cry rose from his attacker, as his body weight followed the blow, driving the much smaller governor to the floor with the hilt of his blade. Bodies clashed, the two rolling over one another in a test of dominance.

A flick of a wrist and the pale man gestured wide around the shoulders of the dark man. A moment, then the harsh realization that he could no longer breathe. A leather cord wound only once around his neck, held tightly by the governor who now sat upon his heaving chest.

"Slipped have they?"

Arrogance is not something that has any place in battle, something the governor knew well enough. As he took his moment to gloat, Nathaniel seized the opportunity. His much greater body weight and superior muscle tone served him well. It took only a great shove with his piston arms to drive the governor forcefully from his chest. Unfortunately, the governor retained his grip on the cord.

Still unable to breathe correctly, Nathaniel swung himself over the governor, wrapping massive hands around the pale neck of the man beneath him.

"one...has...to...give..."

Neither could draw full breath, Altias at a distinct disadvantage due to the hands wrapped around his throat, coupled with the weight of the massive man atop his chest. Normally gentle hands released the cord, rising in a gesture of submission.

Both men began gasping for air as the large hands did release Altias. They lay in an unprofessional heap on the floor of the tent, bodies covered in a well earned sheen of sweat.

"Well done, young governor. Perhaps you have more fight left in you than I had first imagined."

"Enough to have bested you had I not been distracted by your muscles, I should think."

Altias laughed softly, untangling himself from the other man. Nathaniel looked after the other man, turning to rest a chin on a propped arm.

"Tias...? Is something wrong?" For Nathaniel, this was unusual behavior. Never had Altias left him after such a battle. Usually it would continue well into the bed chamber and through the night. Deep chesnut gaze followed the pale form of his sparring partner.

"Wrong? Oh...no. I'm sorry, Nathaniel, I just have something on my mind." Someone, more like. There he lay, this beast of a man that normally would have Altias' heart all a flutter, waiting, wanting....and Altias wanted none of it.

"Yes...yes there is something wrong. Something very wrong, and I can not put my finger on it."

The governor did not look back at Nathaniel, but poured himself a glass of water from the table near the door. The larger man rose, coming to stand behind Altias. Powerful arms did wrap around him, drawing him to the massive chest of his trainer, and once lover.

"Speak to me of this, Ivory Prince. What troubles you?"

The use of his pet name did bring a smile to his lips, though it was short lived. Turning within the arms which held him, to face the other man, he shook his head sadly.

"I can't stop this thought process, Nathan. Everytime I close my eyes it begins again. It makes no sense and I hate it. Or I should, but I don't think I do really. I...I like her."

Violet eyes looked up to his companion, searching for some sort of sanity in this.

"I'm sorry, Tias....but you did say 'her' didn't you? Excuse me for saying so, but since when did women, besides Tressa of course, ever concern you?"

The dark man seemed on the verge of laughter, so bright the twinkle in his eyes. Their gaze brought Altias a comfort long sought after, though it was still not enough to drive her from his thoughts.

"I know, I know. It's damn odd. I can't even begin to explain it, but....I gave her a Yule gift, Nathan. When have I ever given a woman a holiday gift, other than Tressa and Mother, of course. Never, that is when. Never in all of my days. And to top it all off...I gave her half of the special bottles momma gave me."

This brought a look of surpise to the ebon one's face. One brow cocked sharply above the warm brown eyes. Carefully he removed his arms from the governor. One massive hand came to rest on Altias' cheek, tilting his face to look upward once more.

"She must be a very handsome woman, someone special indeed. You would not even gift your own sister with those bottles. I dare say I would never expect to see you parted from them."

"Lamai is not handsome. She is beautiful."

The words out before Altias could stifle them. Shoulders slumped forward then, resigned.

"What in the nine hells is wrong with me? She is a woman for the love of the mother!"

A gentle shrug and he was away from his large companion. The great fur cloak grasped and then thrown over his simple breeches, his shirt forgotten on the cot near the practice area.

"Tias...wait. Perhaps I can make you forget her for awhile."

The smile, the look, gave no room for misunderstanding. It was an invitation of the most lustful sort.

"I'm sorry, Nathan..."

A gentle shake of his head, gloves pulled from the pocket of his cloak.

"...I don't think I want to forget. "

A soft smile, a blown kiss, and the governor was gone from the practice tent, back toward the Meeting House, and eventually...back to the Inn, and Lamai.

[Suede]

Inn's were most alluring of locales, well known for the tenacity to draw in the most interesting of crowds, and likewise interesting interactions between those same persons. And this night that Altias dared to journey within the walls of The Broken Dagger was no exception. Appearances by Micheal, Mephisto, and even Milia littered as interruptions between his quiet moments with Lamai this day.

Though not all those whom would dare muzzle into such situations would ever be so bold and brash as to simply drop within their laps. One such person resided within rafters, curled admist the evening's warmth, wrapped in shadows similar to an otherworldly blanket of obsidian. This form was none other than Kish, Entreprenizing little fellow he was. Slight of frame, lithe of bone, and vulpine in features he resided with back to raise of support beam and legs left to dangle upon either side as he straddled the solid carpentry in silence.

During entirety of the exchanges that night vision had held fast to both the governer and female companion without falter unless solid matter stood opposed, and ears so sharp and inhuman soaked in every word, every breath, the slightest shift position. As day wore, night grew strong, till dinner grew upon all stomachs. Altias would eventually depart from tending to Lamai within one of the many inn chambers and slip into the chill.

It was then Kish's weight would shift, tilting heavy to one side, body trapsizing upon itself in a midair twist of mass. Falling with a thudding collision to floorboards he'd straighten to the scant 5'5 feet he stood. Ashen hairs wisped about elegant features, effeminate expression of mirth lifting cheekbones and exposing one polished fang. This would be most brilliant. Gentle, velvet hands brushed over clothing as he righted and moved from the splendor of common room and into the night in pursuit of one Altias Bromn.

Outside, in the snow and cold he trailed until banter of patrons faded to clashing muffles far indistinguishable. Now curiousity took hold, for the man seemed to be taking many changes on at once. Stature faltered, but not from hunching, rather truly losing an inch of natural height, strands of pewter grew drew back from shoulders to bob at chin and dyed as if dipped within hazels, reds, and coppers. Features of face shifted, contorted to something more feminine, disturbingly familiar, psuedo to Lamai in every distinction down to those peppering freckles upon pale flesh, and eyes so pale became brilliant aqua. Frame would continue to thin and draw to near skeletal in appearance even has clothing whipped about and shifted, till in the end none would see anyone slipping after Altias save Lamai herself.

Yes, the Governer would never reach home before 'Lamai' approached with downtrodden expressions, demeanor so sad. That dinner had been so appealling, and she just wanted to follow into his arms, feel his warmth.. to forget earlier events withim his embrace. She'd seek comfort within his touch this night, she could only hope. It was most distressing Altias was unaware whom truly gripped upon his arm in that first instant.

[Elfling]

It had taken Lamai a great deal of time to get to Altias' manor. Enough that servants were asleep, not that she needed assistance in getting around. The Govenor had given her access to his abode months ago, when he had been near death due to lack of sleep. The box that had been so carefully guarded all that night had been left upstairs in the room Altias had rented for her. It would be safer up there, considering she was likely to make a few stumbles and falls here and there.

Even so, the Manor was strangely quiet as she allowed herself entrance to the front doors, ensuring to lock them silently behind her. Surely, Altias would have been busy with dinner for her arrival? A peruse of the kitchen would find it empty and cold, which was baffling in its own right.

Every step had to be balanced with rest, and the stairs to the rooms above were daunting. Eventually, however, she had made it. Idly, servants were checked on, ensuring the continued harmony of the house, for all that she hadn't the presence of mind to unravel any holds Galacia might have managed to grasp. Internally, she chided herself for actively avoiding Altias' quarters. It wouldn't do to wake him, but he would be far more upset if she didn't.

Resigning herself to the fate, a hand closed upon the latch to the Govenor's door. Sound within, however, quickly changed that. It was more than simply the sound of slumber. It was the sound of pleasure. Worse was the differing tones -- a female.

Eyes burned with tears as her hand jerked back from the latch as if it were a hot coal that might burn her. Steps stumbled away from the room, only to twist and send her fleeing in silence. The careful need for rest was forgotten in the desperate need to be out of the house, and she took the stairs with haphazard care. Only luck would find her safely at the bottom. Only luck would find her fleeing out of the doors, leaving them unlocked in her haste.

A woman.

He couldn't even wait for her.

[Altias_Bromn]

Warmth kissed his cheeks as a rare bit of sunshine broke through his window. Early morning sun, a light so sweet upon chilled features.

A long stretch over took the governor, bared limbs poking from beneath the tossled bed clothes. Ginger tresses spilled across large down pillows as fingers sought the warm flesh of Lamai.

It amazed him still how she had come to him last night. Hurting inside, but bolder than he had ever known her to be...with him. Her sorrow manifested into desire. A desire she brought to him. An offering, a gift. Why had she not gone to Michael? It did not matter, really. She had come, and he had welcomed her.

It was strange, it had been so easy. His warring feelings had troubled him for months before. The idea of being with Lamai, physically, had troubled him. But their night together had begun like silk drawn over flesh. Beginning gently, a caress by the fire...bulding into a lust he had not known in some time. Their lovemaking had become almost animal in nature. Both of them crying out, clawing at one another in desperate abandon.

Altias bore the marks of their desire. His back racked and torn by small fingers. The burn from the wounds brought a smile to his face, as he turned to look upon the bed beside him.

Gone. There was no sign that she had even been there, besides the cuts on his back and the smatterings of blood upon his sheets. Not a single hair left upon the pillow. How very strange.

Violet eyes searched for a note, perhaps left on the bed table, or upon his desk. He found none.

"Lamai?"

His voice seemed so loud in the stillness of his chamber. Only silence did answer him. Even the usual clattering of the servants seemed subdued this morning. What in the nine hells was going on?

"Luke!"

The governor's voice rose well beyond the dulcet tones which normally flowed from his lips.

"LUKE!"

Within moments the young page could be heard scuttling up the stairs, a mass of gangly arms and legs. A moment taken at the door to generally compose himself before bursting in.

"Yes, governor?"

"Luke, where is Miss Lamai? Did you see her leave this morning?"

The dark blue eyes of the page immediately found a very interesting spot on the rug to study.

"Miss Lamai, Sir?"

A long sigh from the governor. Violet orbs did lock on to the face of his young helper. The gaze did not waiver until the boy looked up once more.

"Yes, Luke, Miss Lamai. You know...tiny woman, coppery locks, saved my life...I'm sure you have seen her around."

The sarcasm in the governor's voice did not escape the boy, nor did the notion that after the sarcasm would come genuine anger.

"I...I have not seen her this morning, Sir. Only late last night, after you had retired."

Altias remembered that he had retired rather late, most of the servants already long into bed. Luke had not yet returned from the auctions, his horse had not been in the stable.

"I see, did she go to the kitchen for some tea? Perhaps something to eat?"

Again Luke's gaze did drop away, for he couuld not face the governor, a man he respedted, even cared for.

"She left in the night, Sir. She left in a hurry. She fled here, crying. Despite her injuries, she moved like she had seen evil itself."

The words struck him in almost the same moment as the physical pain. His body ached as if he had worked the fields for a week or more. A feeling of agony coupled with the plain desire to return to slumber was almost overwhelming.

Still, the words were like a slap in the face. Like cold water thrown on a freezing man.

"What...did you say?"

"Crying, Sir. Looked like she hhad seen the devil"

So, she had suffered what he had been afraid of. Regret. Either she felt wrong for laying with him instead of Michael, or it was regret over his past lovers. Perhaps she did not wish to be the woman who slept with the governor of unusual tastes.

Or, worst of all, she could not bear the fact that they had once been lovers to the same man. Had he kissed too much like Alexander? Had he been too rough with her? Another trick the snowy haired Captain had been fond of.

Did it really matter? Yes, it did. It mattered a great deal to him...but the pain was mounting, the exhaustion taking him over.

"Luke...."

He had wanted to tell him to go after her. To find her, to let hm make it right. But sleep seized him, drug him under with barely a fight. His body and his mind seemed sapped of energy, he was too weak to fight it now. He would make it right, when he woke...

[Altias_Bromn]

"Lamai..."

Tiny freckles kissed her face, aqua eyes hidden now and then behind copper lashes. Her voice sweet in his ear, lips moist on his throat.

Pulling away once more, just to look at her, the tiny frame began to melt away, leaving in it's wake, Alexander.

Horror stricken, Altias back peddled from the snowy haired Captain. Laughter, bitter and cruel rose from the other man's lips.

"What's wrong Altias? Don't you even know who it is you are with?"

Even before the words were finished, the face, the form, began to change again.

Dark skin, glistening with sweat, muscles rippling. Staring back at him with those accusatory golden eyes.

"Traitor"

The voice Nathaniel's, but suddenly lilting at the end. Crimson and white tresses giving way to those of palest lavender, matching the eyes of Zilliah.

"Whore"

Lavender became honey gold curls, ivory skin dusted with blood as it had been the last time they had met. Vyzorn's face looked back at him, mocking him.

"Coward"

A scream unlike any he had ever heard before began to rise from his lips. The sound continuing, for he knew not what else to do. On and on, tears streaming down his face.


Cold sweat covered his naked body as he sat bolt upright in bed. The sound of the dream continued around him, until he realized it was coming from his own mouth.

The tears, the scream..all of it real here in the waking world. But his bed was cold. He alone within it. Long limbs curled around the extra pillows, drawing the coverlet high around him.

"What have I done....?"