Araminta did love the sound of a lively ruckus, being such a sociable thing as she was. As much as she valued her quiet time alone with just Theon, these interactions seemed to fuel her forward better than anything else. And it was just the right remedy too for keeping her own self actie and lively, for it was hard to notice that chill trying to claw it’s way through her guts when she was so curious to see just what this island village had to offer.
Not missing the beat at all to naturally switch into just whom was leading whom, pulling Theon along by the hand to enter the place with a complete lack of trepidation.
SO THEN WENCH STILL LIVES! shouted Ry’seth from a surprisingly prominent perch of a shelf. The sudden statement stopping Araminta in her tracks with a blink of confusion as several eyes went looking in her direction. Damn the chaos you brought me into, did no one tell me the name of the trial taker! Erinminthe? Don’t just stand there like a rabbit, speak, servant to the Bloodchild of Heirra!
“It- I am Princess Araminta,” she corrected the boisterous skull quickly. Not because she cared about the title, or even being referenced as a servant to Theon, but mostly because she had a feeling Ry’seth was liable to tell all kinds of stories with a mixture of accuracy.
Princess! Why didn’t you say so at the start! Royal history is so much more dramatic and interesting than the lives of lowly peasants and humans! Where was I, then? Oh yes, PRINCESS Araminta found me there staring at my own balls and disrupted my dozing with a scream.
“…I think he likes it here,” she murmured, taking a glance up at Theon.
If there was a need to be convinced this was the right course of action, it came swiftly. Seeing how easily Araminta grabbed him to ensure he was hauled along into the strong discomfort but watching her naturally bloom into a social butterfly; it was proving this was the best course of action. Where his gaze moved quickly around to take stock of faces that easily were curious to their appearance.
Only aided when Ry’seth ever so helpfully in his crude way declared Araminta a wench. Earning a look that was probably akin to his own style of glowering and grew tenfold to not only have Araminta deemed as anything less than herself or princess, but servant. And pairing it onto the fact that he was just another spawn of the Imperial Queen. Disliking ever bit of this while inwardly preferring to be swiftly absent from the whole thing.
Taking instead to withdrawing protectively to keep from speaking, looking or even really wanting to exist in any certain terms currently. Of course Araminta wasn’t bothered and seemed to only influence Ry’seth’s antics when he learnt properly that she was royalty as well. Apparently regaling those of curiosity about how he was discovered and well, a bare nod was given to agree to the means of the skull liking it here.
At least then that could confirm he would probably be okay with staying put till a more suitable time. A tempered peek sideways and he shook his hand free to leave Araminta to the means of locating the bartender so she might be the minstrel of the evening.
Letting Ry’seth blather on his retelling of their meeting (which was sounding a lot more dramatic than it actually was), Araminta drew Theon along with her to the single bar of the place and settled into a seat. Beaming a smile at the man behind said bar, who had ears long and pointed with such an interesting array of earrings. Elves were not so common a sight in Caeldalmor anymore, due to reason Araminta didn’t really know and so far in her travels through the Imperial Kingdoms they remained there too. That she could at least surmise a variety of potential explanations – all leading back to the Imperial Queen’s cruel reign. Elves might not be fae themselves anymore, but they were still tied to them as close cousins.
This particular elf greeting them both with a warm grin, but zeroed in on Araminta almost immediately. Leaning a muscled arm on the bar top to set his full charming attention to the mountain princess. His hair was such a state of ginger that it gleamed a carroty orange in the tavern’s light, and much like many of the people here on this tiny island, he too sported a wide array of curious scars.
“Well hello there, what a treasure the sea has washed ashore,” he greeted, beaming that toothy grin.
“Not quite the sea, more of a dragon!” chirped back Araminta, not missing a beat at all.
“Aah, I suppose it was only a matter of time before Talongrath started kidnapping princesses as dragons are apt to do,” he heartily chuckled. “What you like, then, wee pip? A good stout drink? A nice bowl of the day’s stew made by yours truly? And truly yours if you ask sweetly.”
Araminta gave a small blink until she finally scoffed a little laugh. “Perhaps something good and hot that can help keep me awake. Would you mind terribly if I played my lyre?”
“A chicory brew it is,” he affirmed with a nod. “By all means, pip, play to your heart’s content! As much as I’m enjoying old great grandpa, the siren song of a beautiful woman can’t be turned down.”
What what! shouted Ry’seth. I was just getting to the part where they both nearly got me re-dead in the Marble Hall!
“No reason why you can’t chatter while she plays, gramps,” he added with chuckle. Soon to turn his attention to Theon, toothy grin and all. “What about you, then? Can’t let the little pip have all the fun. I’ve got stuff you won’t find in any Imperial tavern, I can tell you that!”
Elves weren’t exactly something he had never seen before. Just they were decently selective about the company in which they kept which was reasonable. Doubly so when his previous travels were under the direction of mad queen hellbent on bending all to her will! No matter the cost or the amount of bodies it required to do so. Although the moment where Araminta had decidedly tugged him along –a bit surprised as he had really expected her to go trotting off the second she could to start playing her lyre. After all, the reason they were here was in fact to keep her blood moving and her body warm while the old healer worked on creating a terrible brew once more.
And whatever else.
So for a brief moment he was properly distracted. Considering the elf and then secondly finding a sort of fluttering pressure in his chest that was highly uncomfortable. Influenced swiftly at how easily this elven fellow with hair of flame started so effortlessly speaking to Araminta and vice versa. Quietly seated and minding his flare of unusual frustration at it all, he directed his line of sight along the various people.
All sorts. All enjoying themselves. Noticeably as free as they could by while Ry’seth certainly was making the tale of his removal from the terrible castle far more theatric than it really was. And that wasn’t saying a lot, it was quite the ordeal.
Of course he would embellish it further.
Awareness dawned at the fact he was being addressed. Almost surprised at the motion if not entirely preferring not to be perceived, the question of something was naturally met with a quick shake of head. Food being entirely out of the question having only gotten so far as trusting Araminta with the arrangement of edibles and drinks well, he didn’t drink. “No thank you.” A glance to elf and that was more than enough for him. Although what the hell it meant about stuff not found in any imperial tavern was really news to him.
Araminta too was wondering what sort of things he might have stashed behind the bar that as supposedly unlike anything in the Imperial Lands. having just the tiniest guess it’d be smuggled imports from kingdoms outside of Bloody Heirra’s reach and control. Certainly a great interest to her, for she’d already experienced so many new things in her travels and was hoping to discover so many more.
Giving a slight tilt of her head as she examined Theon and his refusal of such items. Luckily for him, she wasn’t planning on forcing any new discoveries on his part – not about to waste her single request on trying bar food or drink. It’d have to be for something particularly special.
It seemed for something as simple as a hot drink, this elf was intending to make an entire spectacle and show about it. Bringing out a hand cranked grinder and a bowl full of roasted dried chicory root. Displaying the root in his hand and even waiting with that expectant stare for a reaction from the young princess, before giving her an appreciative wink when she did give the appropriate interested Ooh. Into the grinder it went, and with a flex of strong muscley arm it was an over done few turns to grind the root up into a fine powder.
“They call me Deli around here,” he offered up his name whilst he poured the powder into a glass jar. “Deli, because I am, how do you humans say it? Delicious? Delectable? Or it could just be the food.” Deli laughed at his own poorly done joke, twisting around to snatch up a hot kettle that’d just been hanging out on a small wood stove nearby.
“Are you a chef, then?” Araminta asked curiously, at least entertained by this silly show of bar performance.
Deli grinned his toothy smile and shook his head, resting his hands on the bar top while the brew did it’s steeping.
“Naw. One could say I am more of a ne’er-do-well. A rogue, a scoundrel. A two-bit, no good, sea trollop. Makes a good hideaway, though, out here on a dragon island with other misfits. No one comes lookin’ for ya.”
Araminta had to wonder how much truth was in that statement, because this man was clearly a wily flirt and she had not yet met even the tiniest portion of the island’s inhabitants. From the few she knew so far, it didn’t ring a bit of truth. Then again, if this was a hideaway from the Imperial Queen, maybe it was less that they were all rogues in general, but just a pain in the arse to the Queen.
With the chicory ground so finely, it took no time at all to brew to a nice dark brown. For which the elf then poured through a straining sieve into a nice porcelain mug. Soon to hold up one finger before Araminta reached out to take it, as he wasn’t finished yet! Deli reached under the bar for a tall bottle and poured the heavy sweetened cream quickly on the top.
“A pretty heart for a pretty pip,” he gestured, finally pushing the full cup in front of the girl. Then he was leaning on his forearms, eagerly awaiting for that first sip.
Araminta obliged with a careful lift and a small drink, blooming into a quick smile and a nod of her head. “Acceptable.”
“Ah! You wound my fragile heart with a mere acceptable,” he spoke with all the drama that Ry’seth himself would have. Complete with clutching at his chest as if he’d been wounded. “I’ll have to try harder for the next one. Can’t have a princess walking away from here thinking I am anything less than amazing.”
One would have to be perfectly deaf, dumb and blind not to pick up the very heavy stated name and how it was dazzled up with all the frill. An over the top addition that mentally scraped across his thoughts akin to a razor on dry wood. It was unpleasant and took a great deal of mental fortitude and his general personality to stave off a look that was liable to be unpleasant.
Well as unpleasant as it could be with him being not particularly emotive in general.
However, the whole extra flare and added efforts did get him to be watchful. Trying to gauge if the elf was attempting to just be an animated fop for the means of entertainment or if there was truth to the efforts he was making and wanting to sway Araminta.
With a look to her and to Deli, he wasn’t sure which way it could be.
Folding hands down into his lap. Keeping back straight as to observe and listen. Not only to this rake but others around. Nothing so far had been too interesting but there was a lot yet to discover about this island. Outside the way Deli expressed that it was a dragon island. Idly wondering how many people had absconded with. Was it by choice or by force. Although that would likely mean he would have to ask and well, that was interactions with people that still made him properly prickly.
The measure of care that was going into one drink was quizzical. Interesting from the point of view to whether or not Araminta liked it. Naturally taking in behaviors and actions in case, the said princess decided she wanted to favour to such things then it would need him to be astute to replicate later.
Even to the point of the pretty heart. Only for steely eyes to centre down on the elf as he was leaning on his forearms. Eagerness present and irritating those nerves that were still rather new to the world. Never mind the gradually sharpening stare that was becoming more honed on the man than others! Eventually Araminta sipped and declared it as acceptable. Enough for the man to claim that there was something more sought after in such praise.
Lips parted as to say something but shut in turn. No too clear what he could say at all nor should he. Rather he shifted, “Is it helping?” Asking instead to Araminta. It likely tasted a thousand times better than what she had been made to drink prior.
Deli did not seem to have a single ounce of shame about himself, nor seemed to notice or be insulted by Theon’s stony exterior. In fact, Theon received that same toothy smile any time Deli did bother to turn his attention that way – not that it happened quicker than a flicker! He was all eyes and ears focused on the mountain princess.
Araminta too was astute in her observations, only as a princess and a pretty one at that, she was well used to this sort of attention and how to navigate her way through it. Truly, as long as the man wasn’t reaching across the bar attempting to touch her, she didn’t mind. This one seemed to understand what was proper and what wasn’t for any sweetened look and suggestive word was all done behind the barrier of his bar. Even if he did make himself an uninvited third party by leaning on the counter itself.
Now rapt with his own attention that Theon had spoken at all, and plenty curious too in seeing if his drink was ‘helping’.
To which Araminta was quick to nod after another deep swallow.
“It’s a lot more pleasant than hot lizard juice, too.” Araminta declared easily. Maybe if the woman could mix up a batch of this stuff, she wouldn’t be so inclined to avoid her healing potions!
“One of the ma’am’s patients, pip? Ah, I feel for ya. I think she makes them as foul as they can be on purpose, so us foolish youth will think twice about getting ourselves into trouble,” lamented Deli with all genuine sympathy. Only to just as quick be back to that suggestive charm in his voice. “Now, if you were to see me for what ails ya, I could make you a nice satisfying soup and show ya what proper healing hands can do.”
“I’m afraid it takes more than good soup and healing hands to take care of the likes of me!” chirped Araminta with such a cheeky sort of smile, already slipping out of her seat with her freshly acquired cup and her lyre in her hands. Briefly she paused to give Theon a gentle, encouraging squeeze to the arm and then she was quick to escape off to find herself a nice seat under Ry’seth so she might add a little musical ambience to the dead elf’s dramatic retelling of his new adventures.
Deli watched her go with a besotted grin, dropping chin into hands on the bar right there with Theon.
“Pretty as the first sunbeam after a summer storm, she is. And a princess too. I’d like to take that one to bed and make all her troubles disappear. …Are you gonna kill me if I try? A simple yes or no is fine, I’m not about to butt in where I’m not wanted. Just, you know, a man’s gotta ask when a gem falls into your lap.”
There was relief knowing that the heat of the drink was aiding in keeping the chills from the young princess. Add on that the taste was far more favourable than as described hot lizard juice. Most medicines weren’t great tasting for a variety of reasons. One might guess a large factor being that if they tasted good, they’d be readily abused. With repercussions not suitable for apt description.
Unsurprisingly, the legacy of such concoctions weren’t unknown. Deli offering a suggestion and a comment that sparked the twisting sensation in his own gut.
Stilled by practice and controlled outer appearance generally. And, well Araminta was wise at pointing out her own comforts. As if between her grin and statement was a carefully worded warning that only the most clever would deduce.
He needed not to fight any battles after all. Nor rise in false chivalry to speak on her behalf. Following the motion of grasp that came and went so she might delight her excitement on the very reason they’d come to the busy place. For her to mingle and speak and make merry as she was known for while flitting fingers strummed lyre to its greatest melody. Naturally to pull attention and well earned awe when the time came.
He’d have been content to just melt into the nearest wall. To become unseen as was personally comfortable and likely would have.
Save the elf had a look to himself that made his skin itch and that unconformable broiling rise. Encouraged too when the flow of words fell past lips in a manner that was highly insulting if not entirely deeming to Araminta.
It was probably to his own years of lack of interaction and functionality that he wasn’t an emotional sort. Nevermind the strength of well whatever it was coiling under his skin like a serpentine, that staved any hostile reaction.
“You dishonour her as a living being and a person with such a barbaric comment.” Theon shifted slightly, “And imply you’re worth any of her time.” The red head nokken levelled a look at Deli then. Neither thrilled nor angry, “I also don’t get the say on what she wishes to do with her time or desires. Whatever she wants, is her choice. And only her choice.”
“…so that’s a yes, then? I’m a dead man walkin’?” Deli answered still just as shameless as before, even dropping his hands to clasp together on the bar top, seemingly not insulted or intimidated in the slightest. Truly a rakish scoundrel if there ever was one and with a smile to match. One would say it was devious, if it weren’t so blatantly honest!
“You’re wound up tighter than an angry badger,” he laughed. “But a word of advice, friend? Better tell her. Something, anything. A choice is good and all, but one can’t make it unless they know it’s an option. And I-” he waggled his eyebrows, “intend to be an option!”
As for Araminta, it only took a small amount of plucking to retune her lyre back to proper working order. Settled in nicely with a chair and a small table so she could occasionally reach over and take another swallow of the toasty drink. Ry’seth was effectively making a mountain of the worshipping chambers, where she’d had her arm stuck in the mouth of that blasted wyvern statue. From his point of view it’d sound sound near as stupid or silly as what had actually happened. With Araminta hanging upside down with her whole arm stuck in there and squeaking like a monkey. His statements of Theon were far more accurate – the man held the line with his light magic in a way that was truly impressive.
While she started a melody that went along with this retelling, it did have her pondering. A wyvern was a sort of dragon, wasn’t it? A demon dragon – or at least this specific one was. Talon was effectively the only dragon she’d ever seen in her entire life, and what a formidable sort of beast he was even being half blood born. Somehow she felt if she told him that if against all odds she made it to the tenth trial that she would need a dragon scale, that it would not go over well.
Honestly he wasn’t sure there would be anything that could be said that would correct the man’s thoughts. Nor would he personally do anything to Deli. The idea of bloodshed wasn’t appealing and he really didn’t want any more on his hands either.
Add on that the comment of being wound up was personally confusing too -certain that he hadn’t done anything to convey such a thing.
The whole wiggled brows and mention of being an option, Theon just tilted his head slightly. Adjusting to glance at Araminta next as she played and Ry’seth prattled.
As much as he was working on changes in himself, he also wouldn’t imposed or demand or take choices away from Araminta. She had free will and deserved to have those very things for herself. Regardless of whom was around her.
Whatever Deli meant, it was still not his place to impose a will that was his and not Araminta’s. The idea that even a small thing could be influenced or made for him to overstep in any manner was still enough to keep him from acting.
Simply giving Deli a look then. “Then that is your choice. If she wants you as her option, I cannot say otherwise.” And he’d accept it as he usually would. Not sure really what the point of this was while trying to rewrite the logic in his head that pressed to be compliant to others will entirely.
“She’s of free will.” Nevermind how it panged quietly and his unnamed frustrations pressed at chest.
“Alright, alright,” responded Deli with a laugh raising up his hands in surrender. “I was trying to be a gentleman about it and not step on your toes, but if she is as free as a bird, then who am I to say no to a pretty blessing walking through my doors.” He rapt his knuckles on the bar twice, that toothy grin looking almost smarmy now. “Let me know if you change your mind about that drink. I’ll give ya something strong enough to drown those sorrows in, while me and lady faire are romancing in the moonlight.”
A pair of finger guns was his parting goodbyes before Deli wandered off to work on some business in the back. Leaving Theon alone to begin his stewing as it seemed Deli was the sort that made not just soup stews, but of the vexing people type as well.
Araminta was not bothering to watch that exchange, when in most cases she’d be very studious in keeping an eye out for Theon. In most cases simply because she knew he was so uncomfortable in crowded public cases and needed her as a buffer. Yet tonight it was difficult for her to split her attentions between too many things at once. She could watch Theon and play, or listen to Ry’seth and play, or get lost in her own thoughts as she strummed along an appropriate little tune for the atmosphere of the place… and lost in her own thoughts is exactly where she landed. Always trying to think ahead several steps even beyond just the next few days, because it was not as simple as just showing up at trials anymore.
Ry’seth had finished his story of how he’d arrived – kidnapped by a dragon no less to this quaint little island, and still was not yet done with his chattering. Araminta supposed that an undead skeleton didn’t really need to sleep, so it was likely he could keep himself blathering on all night if he had enough of an audience. Luckily, she was glad to play her music as it was as natural to her as breathing and such a wonderful way to help organize her thoughts. She played quite easily for quite while with nary an issue.
Until a note twang a sour chord.
She’d stopped there, bending gently forward to squeeze her eyes shut as she struggled to draw in a breath against a growing icy pricklyness. Like trying to breathe through an icy blizzard, all sharpness and tight biting. Finding suddenly, that she much preferred when it was making her sluggish and sleepy, as this was a lot more painful that she expected!
It stung to listen too. Offering the simple look as the man was talking about the whole thing as if it was just a simple conquest. Uneasy and pained to know that while there was unknown turmoil brewing silently within that felt as if it was looking for a way to burst out in a tirade or open violence; he’d keep it down. Not about to create some sort of scene when it wasn’t for him to do.
Not to mention he really didn’t want to add drama to the moment merely on a zinging whim that made no sense to him.
The elven man fluttered away. Not sure what to do with the statements as they were or what to do with the bubbling ire moving under skin. Something in his head whispering privately about how perhaps one person here ought to be reminded, if not told, that he had fairly earned his terrible reputation for a reason.
Save that would do nothing outside of proving the point that he was hardly a good being.
Ears figuratively lifted at the lull of plucked chords of beautiful measure. Turned abruptly twisted. The silent. Pulling focus promptly to where if one asked when he had stood up to hasten over, he’d have been shocked that he’d been that quick at all.
Glancing around minutely at those others that took notice at the change of ambience. Shifting hulking posture to temporary act as a shield to lend Araminta a moment to collect. Laying palm down upon feminine knee, “Ara?” Musing name softly, concern ever present.
“What can I do to help?”
Her lungs were brittle and biting, and for a single terrified moment the princess thought this was it for her. After all of the trials and all they’d gone through, a single fluke of a moment was going to be the end of her. The sixth trial had succeeded in it’s work and won.
Yet there was Theon, all too observant in watching over her. He was always comfortingly warm, but tonight it was very warm, almost feverishly so. Putting in Araminta’s mind that she must be truly freezing from the inside out to feel like just a simple touch to the knee was scorching hot even through the fabric of her pants.
It wasn’t such a torment, though, to have him close, even if she didn’t like this concerned hint of a frown currently on his features. Cementing without a shadow of a doubt that this wasn’t where she was going to perish. Not a thing in this world was going to take her away from Theon, when there was still an entire lifetime she wanted to give him.
Araminta reached out, touching gentle hand to his face with a swift brush of her thumb against cheek. Offering up a reassuring smile.
“I’ll be fine,” she insisted, and in the moment it might’ve sounded like she was fibbing just to ease his worries. “It’s a little painful and stabby? I think maybe music is not quite active enough. You might need to set me loose to fox run around the village, or we could go have a midnight swim?”
It was far too easy to lean into the brushing pass of thumb. With concern ever present to what might be potentially causing issues to the point that even he could hear the difference in the means of her measured notes. Bothered naturally at the means that something she enjoyed wasn’t bringing enough fluttering excitement to stir her blood into keeping one’s body at a thrilled pace.
A glance aside either shoulder was enough to spur any potential eavesdroppers to carry on their merry little way, she at least affirmed further than a simple fine to what was happening.
Allowing thoughts to readily pick themselves up in search of what could still work as something to help her keep the heat of her body from chilling so drastically. Two mentions of activities she gave and he wasn’t certain the first one was very serious. The second sounded like it was intending to be.
They were in a tropical area so the waters were likely to be warmer than they would have been back in the Imperial lands. And it would keep her active certainly, and well… he hadn’t ever really disliked the water himself. Likely because it was associated with the nokken half of his biology. So easily there was a nod to agree. “Would you want to take another cup of the drink with you?” He asked, gauging if it was something she actually liked or not.
He might’ve been appalled to know Araminta would’ve genuinely picked herself up and start running circles around all the huts in the village if it meant keeping herself alive and moving! Even more shocked yet to discover she might even have a tussle with the grim reaper himself if he even dared to show his ghostly bone-skull face in this realm to try and take her away.
She’d fight Death for Theon too if she had to. The mere thought bringing a bit of a cheeky smile to her features, which at least blended well into the blink she gave her now empty mug and the side-glance she shot towards the bar where the elf named Deli had returned to start wiping down the counter tops again. While the drink was good and warming, she did not have much of an appetite for anything. Making sure she actually consumed something of sustenance was more for easing Theon’s worries.
… and well, that bartender was a shameless flirt. He hadn’t made her uncomfortable or stepped over any lines with her, but she felt it better to avoid any potential people vexing Theon, when he already had his brother testing the very limits of his patience.
So she shook her head, already rising up out of her seat with a grasp of Theon’s hand to help him stand as she always did.
“Goodnight, Ry’seth! If you know any songs from the old world, you ought to share them. I bet you have a nice singing voice.” she suggested to the skull from over her shoulder.
If a skull could preen and blush, he and his glowing orb eyes surely did! Why, yes! Yes I do have a magnificent singing voice! I was even in the choir of my university! Let me see, let me see… what to start with…
Araminta wasn’t sure if that was going to be a delight for the tavern or pure mischief… either way she was grinning wide and tugging Theon’s hand to signal for him to lead the way.
Why did that sound like it was a message of potential torture. The skull already had a talent for talking and talking and talking. Making anything seem like a laborious task and now Araminta had given the undead head an idea that was probably about to either make a lot of people amused or horrified.
And he was a bit surprised that with such a challenge issued, that Araminta might not want to stay a second to see if Ry’seth could sing or if he brutalized people’s ears without their permission. However, he wasn’t exactly bothered at the means of leaving the overcrowded place. Or the idea that Deli was to be kept within the establishment.
That still needed some fine investigation to decipher exactly why he got a so internally perturbed and agitated at all by the elf’s forwardness. It wasn’t like it was the first time Araminta had drawn attention. She tended to everywhere she went, so why was this time different.
Something he could mull on even as they made the drift out from the tavern. Into the warm night air and he could feel the measure of easier breathing once more. Lightly adjusting the grip of hand so it wasn’t just a lead but a hold. Scouting attention ahead to lightly gesture a dirt worn path that would lead from it to sandy beach side. There were other’s out and about –not just at the tavern- making use of the paths made by wandering feet. Uninterested in them at least from what he could tell but rather the open heavens that were glittering with millions of dazzling speckling lights, against a waning moon.
Earning a slight bit of his own attention, “Perhaps when the healer is able to mend everything, you can return to play more at length without worry.”
Once they were out of the tavern and back in the quiet of the late evening, Araminta took in another deep testing breath, confirming that while she was still in this state of unknown flux, waiting for the next batch of terrible brew, it was best to keep herself moving as much as possible. Playing her music did well to ease her mind and keep it awake, it was unfortunately not a curse of the mind she was dealing with but strictly of her physical self.
They were lucky that she had the stamina of a sprightly forest goblin. Though, it was starting to get, well… exhausting!
“I might,” she agreed with a thoughtful tilt of her head and a deliberate bounce in her step. Usually such a thing was natural for her when she was excited about something, but today it was very obvious she was doing it on purpose to keep her blood moving. “Though, I would rather not linger here longer than necessary. There will always be opportunities to play.”
“Besides,” she continued with a small faeish smile and a squeeze of his hand. “It is more fun exploring places with you, trials or not. More beautiful places to go and people to meet. I’ve never in my life been on an island and swam in the ocean, and I wouldn’t want to miss the chance. …and it gives me something new to write songs about too!”
Knowing how important her music was, there was a silent consideration about the means of her putting it temporarily aside for the favour of the future. Suggesting more opportunities to play though that was being very hopeful. As he wasn’t too sure how well their time would continue to be forgiving between the trials. The last one had done some grand damage and caused more than enough problems that now she was being forced to deal with. Alongside the knowledge that there was still a unknown to what the lich himself had been up too.
In that castle.
And now Talon was involved in ways that were unspoken about.
Still, it wasn’t something he wanted to overtly bring up. When it seemed she was trying rather hard to stay moving in any way possible. Grimacing somewhat at the whole people to meet portion. Doubtful he was ever going to feel like that was something to look forward too. “Songs about swimming?” He’d ask instead leading them down a narrowed path that slightly sloped downwards. Indicating for her to take her steps carefully as the sounds of lapping waves announced how close to the beachside the tavern was itself.
“There’s folk tales about mermaids and those of the dangerous sort in the waters, but I don’t know if I’ve heard in passing just someone mentioning the act of swimming with nothing more foreboding as a warning.” Yet his thoughts flipped, “Do you want to actually swim. There is no cloth brought along to dry after you do so. It might not help you stay warm after.”
Araminta giggled softly, not missing that he was still so careful about having her mind her step even though she was perfectly find on her feet now that she wasn’t being riddled with demon poison. …though, now she had a new ailment to have him fretting about. Making her wonder if it was truly going to be like this through every trial and in between. One of them getting so battered that the other was sick with worry.
It made it all the more important she spend these quiet moments with Theon, where they weren’t hunting or being hunted by people and monsters. Not scaling up cliff sides or digging around in caves. On her own she would’ve trudged forward, never stopping to rest or enjoy a peaceful moment, so what a blessing Theon was and he truly had no idea. That without him she’d never have taken the time at all to remember why she was even doing the trials in the first place.
“Not about swimming itself,” she corrected. “But inspired by… seeing things and trying things? The feelings and the moods that it stirs up, good and bad. It’s funny, really, that before in my homeland I was struggling to write my symphony, and now I realize it’s because I had never really experience much at all to write something unique and inspiring. Now I could write a hundred songs and there is still so much more life to live.”
On his own mention of mermaids and dangerous waters, he seemed to double-think this idea of ocean swimming. Likely now imagining all kinds of perils beyond his excuse and worries that she might end up wet and cold after. Prompting her into an easy laugh.
“I can remove most of my clothes and you can start us a nice warm fire. You’ll be with me and I’ll tell you the very second if I am getting uncomfortably cold, okay?”
It sounded magical in a way. To think that she was so inspired by the world she was now thrust into. Not exactly expected or imagine to have been done the way it had. Granted this was Araminta, he had come to learn that she seen the bright side on most things. The silver lining. Always with a positive note to a point that it truly baffled him. Only because well, he was pretty sure that there was no one else in the world that could complete such a feat.
Or well. Reeves was like that too. Okay so maybe Araminta was meant to be a inspiring leader of some sort. She had the tactical mind after all. Though he wondered if she might be able to complete such a thing due to her music. The fact she was a stunning person inside and out would truly make it easier for her to bring people to hear her play. To strum songs and pass knowledge in ways that was stirring. “I hope you are able to write a hundred songs to your leisure.”
It was the truth though it seemed to almost short circuit after he had pointed out the whole swimming part may not be effective on keeping her warm when she was finished.
Realizing that he could have quite literally swallowed his tongue then and there. Aware that he had been momentarily enchanted at the idea of swimming as well but with the statement of lack of attire and he was to build a fire to keep her warm, he had a new task to do. Rather than being a lingering presence. “Alright. I will need to find wood then.”
Araminta should’ve known her mistake in phrasing the second Theon went thoughtfully quiet. Blinking in surprise when he mentioned needing to find wood and then needing to not make an exasperated sigh or start laughing out loud! She’d forgotten that he’d leap at the chance to do any sort of task for her, the second she said it, without considering the bigger picture of what she actually wanted.
Which was simply to enjoy an activity with him while she needed to keep moving, not have him doing chores while she splashed about all by herself!
“I will gather up some wood with you,” she announced, catching his eye to tap a finger against her head to signal that she was thinking ahead. Complete with a cheeky bit of a wink too as they were now in a place where he could handle the gentle teasing. “We can prepare a spot for the fire, then go swimming together. I would like to have your company.”
Funnily enough, this was one time that even Araminta knew it wasn’t wise for her to go splashing around all by herself. She didn’t know what swam in these waters and there was always the chance that her current ailment could do something sudden or unexpected. This was not something she was going to mention to Theon, however, as he’d likely fritz out his own brain worrying about it instead of just spending the time with her!
It was nearly a knee jerk reaction to suggest she not bother wasting her effort in collecting wood at all. To leave it to him to do the work while she took part in the means of play or relaxation. That he’d do whatever asked because it was at least things he knew he could effectively do without any potential mess ups or chastising.
Only that it didn’t fall from lips. Rather he considered her phrasing. The way her lips pulled and he both felt interested and soft all at once. “I would like to spend the time with you.” Theon softened noticeably.
Till he started to fidget. Thinking over what he wanted to say. Adjusting and fixing it all so it might come out without it sounding so out of character. “Although I’m embarrassed to think of you being less clothed as it’s been… harder to ignore my attraction as of late.” Since the Sable Fawn… “But I do like the concept of swimming as well. Likely because of my bloodline.” He could feel it.
The burning in his face.
Hoping that it was dark enough that she couldn’t see it.
“Oh,” she exclaimed with a breath and a sudden pause. Feeling a flush of red in her own features. …well that was one way to get warmer wasn’t it!
Why didn’t Araminta consider that maybe dragging the man off to swim mostly undressed would be a scandalous thing! Knowing without even having to question it, that being around Theon was as natural as breathing. He’d seen her in all manners of undressed already, this was hardly anything new to witness. Only she did have to admit that perhaps all of those previous times there was such a different context of being. They’d been strangers and then friends. Now they were quite a bit more than that, testing the waters – apparently now literally – of things of a more physical nature.
Did this change her idea of swimming at all? Araminta tilted her head again, seemingly giving it a serious amount of consideration to the point of chewing into her bottom lip and maybe getting a bit carried away with playing out a dozen different scenarios in her mind. All of which were likely the very thing Theon was so afraid of.
She was going to have to behave.
“We are exploring the amorous now at our own pace, aren’t we?” she finally asked gently, giving a gentle reassuring tug to his hand. “So why ignore how you feel? Show me affections as you wish, Theon, I would be happy to have them. …and you will be alright with mine?”
The question did come with a sense of worry and unease, so concerned that he might allow her too much that he was not wanting or ready for, simply because she was such a touchy feely person!
The oh only helped the heat in his face burn ever hotter. Likely because well, it indicated loudly that Araminta really didn’t think about such a thing and here he was voicing it out loud that the mask of everlasting stoicism might be breaking slightly with him. Worrying immediately that perhaps he ought not to be speaking so forwardly but wouldn’t that go against the choice he had made to start fixing the errors in his own being.
To stop going five steps backwards and repeating the same mistakes over, and over and over.
Likely.
So even if she was currently thinking and he was quietly mortified at the whole reveal that she had a very profound effect on him. Something he knew he shouldn’t take back because that would fall into that hole again of just never getting better. Doing better. Being better.
Feeling the change of dirt to sand under foot provided enough of a distraction that focus took consideration of where the wooden pier was built upon the beachfront. Aligning them to use it as a cover for where they might be able to dig a shallow hole for fire and wood, but she was speaking. And pointing out that they were allowed to explore the amorous at their own pace. Encouraged with the squeeze of his hand to where she expressed being pleased if he was willing to show her such affections.
And in turn, quizzing him whether the feeling was mutual.
Something about that spurred a flutter in his stomach and a tingle through his joints. And then an strong annoyance because unfortunately Deli’s face flashed in his mind. How the elven man was going to be an option.
An option… something that Araminta was allowed to make because it was her choice and yet? It really did bother him! Intensely that her question had him looking at her. A silent lingering that for a moment he wasn’t sure what to reply with. Because nothing felt exactly strong enough to express that he practically at this point thrived off those little affections she lavished upon him. Like a drowning man that had been given a helping hand onto dry land.
It wasn’t exactly something he had planned either. Not sure what entirely spurred on the sudden pause in walking but he supposed there was still some human intentions behind his person that were revealing themselves even in mysterious ways.
Only that his own thoughts weren’t moving in the same pace as his physical body was! Merely that his features heated up further with the realization that the action of dipping down to be rather forward in stealing lips across her own and the pull back was enough to make him clue into the reactions that happened at all. “Y… yes.” A singular word to agree that he was more than alright with her own certainly felt a lot broader than even a few seconds ago.
Theon being bashful was possibly the most adorable thing in the entire world. Giving her all manner of thrilling joy just to watch that flush in his face and knowing that she was at least not the singular one smitten and fumbling her way through this ever budding relationship. Having not expecting him to answer her with a quick kiss and realizing quickly that the trouble with kisses was that one was never quite enough! There was always that immediate urge to lean forward and reach out to bring him back for another and another.
Forcing Araminta to at least try to behave appropriately, even as she fell into a soft giggling. Pulling him along with her towards the sandy shore without a single worry in the world.
“I’m glad,” she did finally say. Only releasing his hand to place her hands on her hips as she glanced up and down the sandy beach for the means of driftwood. Having at least the twinkle of stars above and the waning crescent of the moon reflecting off of still ocean waters to help illuminate the night. “It is an evening date, then! You and I, all of these stars and the moon smiling for us.”
Had she said it, he likely would have agreed. Having only the one involvement with another person that was entirely transactional for the woman that thought he was a good stepping stone towards the Imperial Queen; he was learning about just how greedy he could be. Even if the stealing of a singular kiss hadn’t been on his mind entirely. It was a lingering presence that brought his focus to wondering how one covertly did so again and again without seeming to be needy, pestering or annoying. Not yet having a clear answer to that. Nor was he certain he would.
Still she was lightly giggling and taking the incentive to lead them further onto the shifting sands.
Instinctively squeezing had where his hands to hers before they were retrieved. Though his attention was surprisingly flitting about the means of her very presence. Less intrigued by the open sky and warm air around them. Half tempted to see if there was a moon smiling but decided that was simply a figure of speech. Somewhere recognizing that he ought to focus on other things, “We’ll need a shallow hole for the flame.” Theon glanced away to replicate her own looking around for something that would make good burning material. Brushing palm over his cheek to lessen the heat that had built there. “Although I don’t exactly know what makes a date, a date.” Admitting that so in case there was some expectation unspoken, he could clarify it.
“Being amorous,” was Araminta’s immediately reply, complete with a playful teasing glance over her shoulder. Certain that he needed the reassurance that such things were allowed now, and would continue to be so without him having to ask her permission for every single step. A little more excited now about this means of swimming together and time spent as Araminta had never participated in courting or having little dates herself. Oh, there had been plenty trying to catch her attention and inviting her out, ones that surely attempted to make any time spent something more than it actually was.
The difference now was having someone she truly cared about deeply, with dreams of a future that most certainly did involve doing more than just affectionate pecking. …which the thought was now sending her own self back to reddened flushing, as her hope for their future involved getting married and having a dozen children! That’d be very involved indeed!
“…I will start the digging!” she chirped with a breath, practically skipping over to the wooden dock to search for a nice place that’d be the perfect roosting spot for the fire. “We won’t need much wood, just enough to get us dry after?”
Attention flicked up almost too quickly when she replied promptly repeating the very word that had a whole world of implications on it. Tracing silver up and down once more that eventually flicked upwards to the heavens, to the ocean reflecting the very lights and the sand once more.
He wasn’t sure if it was in his head that the air felt heavy or if it was actually true. Taking a slow breath to let air saturate within so he might nod to the idea of her wanting to make a small hole as requested. With a bare step aside with the intention of looking for bits of dry driftwood was halted. Casting a look back to her when she mentioned that the means of the kindling wouldn’t need to be too much. Only enough to get dry after.
Once more glancing out to the ebbing salty waters. “Are you certain about this?” Theon dared. Grabbing whatever temperamental bravery was shifting around inside and squeezing it. “Ara, I’ve just openly admitted that I’ve been having more of a shift of attention to you.” Shifting in place, rubbing thumb into open other palm. “Even bare talk hints at subtle notions in my own thoughts,” It was such a strange feeling to be this uncertain and driven at the same time. “It wouldn’t be difficult to… t-to… arouse… …” Giving a low hum and a flickering glance back to her, the heat in his face bloomed once more. Threatening to erupt, “You asked if I was alright with your affections. I think it’s easier to say that I’ve begun to thrive off of them. And think more about it.”
No mattered how much Araminta considered herself a mature, worldly grown woman, the fact Theon seemed to want to speak about these things in a little more detail was enough to have her a little more off-kilter in a way that was bafflingly shy. Something she’d expect out of Theon with the life he’d been forced to lead… but surely Araminta wasn’t going to be one of those blushing virgin maidens. That was so silly when she already knew and had seen so much!
However, she was not one to ever shut down Theon’s need to express himself, nor was she avoidant herself to speak about it. A little fumbling maybe, but the fact they were discovering these things together gave her a greater sense of comfort that was far stronger than any bashful embarrassment she might feel. Favoring, in fact, that they did have the ability to talk like this instead of rushing into things that either of them might not be prepared for.
And he thrived from her affections. How could she not be so hopelessly in love with the man and wish to give him even more.
“I am more certain of you than I am of anything else in my entire life,” she assured him. Pink in the cheeks as she was, Araminta put her energy to her present task of kneeling down in the sand to create a nice cozy little firepit. Not glancing up at him, for if she did, she was a little worried she might catch that expression on his face and forget that she needed to behave herself and not act on every whim she had.
It seemed Theon was worried himself about acting on his own thoughts. What a warming, pleasing feeling that was!
“I trust you.” she finally said, resting her hands on her knees and stealing a look. “You are not going to do anything that I do not welcome whole heartedly, and I am not going to press or rush.”
“…besides, you are not the only one with daydreams and wild imaginings,” she mentioned, both as a reassurance to him, so he’d know these things were not one sided, but also just to test how he’d respond to a bold statement. “So there is no need to worry?”
She spoke with such a level of confidence that it was hard not to be envious of it. Even if it was aimed at him. Where she was probably a fool in many other’s eyes to be certain about him in such a way. Considering all the background stuff that he had been involved in or around. Especially considering her own life and her kingdom. However, hearing that level of expression it made him soft in the knees. Watching a moment as she was setting to work while speaking.
He could do the same but the whole needing to wander wouldn’t exactly be beneficial either. Shouting back so she could hear what was being said at all!
Yet, she said she trusted him. Each time hearing it was so mind boggling that he wasn’t sure if it was real or not. Seeing her stealing a look to him and reminding that him, that she had faith in the fact he wasn’t about to be something wild and demanding. Pressuring the situation when it had no business of being made into a thing of gross interaction.
“You do?” That one seemed to baffle him. She was a princess after all and easily the purest person he had ever seen in his entire life. Knowing she had an illuminating effect on other people that just brought out the best, to think she had any daydreams or wild imaginings seemed so strange. So out of the norm for what he seen from her and it made him highly curious to the why and how and well, “It’s easy to say not to worry.” Theon spoke up then. Unclear where the traction rose, “You are able to charm anyone and everyone. People are no fools and gravitate to that warmth that you provide freely. Unfortunately, I do worry. In a multitude of ways.” Unwarranted was the reminder of the elf and his own comments that spoke that he would never enforce or demand that Ara do anything outside her own decision.
“I’ll look for wood.” Needing a moment to gather himself back to something more put together.
Araminta doubted he knew just how much he encouraged her own thoughts and behaviors when he made such statements about her. While she was never going to be he sort of sultry and seductive miss like the ones of the Sable Fawn, that didn’t mean she didn’t have her own wants to touch him, explore, and see how many other interesting facial expressions and soft sounds she could get him to make with a few curious touches.
Really, between them both, he was the one that ought to worry about being scandalized by bold advances!
“What a shame for everyone else that you are the only one I wish to charm, Theon…!” she called after him, full of mirth and blushing giggling that she was having to temper down, lest he think she was having a laugh at him, when that was the furthest thing on her mind. Allowing his escape, because it too gave her the opportunity to try and control her wandering filthy thoughts.
A little touching and kissing would be fine, but a sandy beach was no place for them to be too intimate. Theon would not be comfortable and the one thing Araminta held fast to, was that she wanted him to feel as safe as he could be. With no worries or fears to taint what she was hoping would be something very special.
There was a short pause in step as she called after him. Running it through thoughts that hoped to quell whatever this bubbling sourness that arose anytime Deli’s unfortunate face made itself known within the mental eye. Paired with the commentary. Threatening to almost turn him green truthfully. Although he didn’t know what the hole reason was for the shift in mood that came so easily. Guessing it was just a new quirk that had no business being voiced. It didn’t feel pleasant so therefore it wasn’t wise to voice its existence either.
Combing instead along the beach, there was thankfully some wood washed up under the pier itself. Stuck into a nich under the steps that lead upwards that could be pulled out. Assessed as nicely dry and suitable to catch flame. Scoping out a bit more along the beach in case there was a few more as he didn’t want to go up to the trees that were present along the dirt side of the area and pull off green branches or twigs. For they wouldn’t do very well!
The whole returning back was neither here nor there. Breaking down some of the larger ocean wood so it would be manageable, and offering them down in smaller pieces so she might stick and arrange them in the sandy hole.
Noticing the interruption of moonlight due to a large shadow fluttering over the island. An eye upwards would quickly take notice of the great red leviathan that had apparently flown back in from gods only knew where. Landing somewhere deep in the distance as not to rattle the town itself, Theon returned focus to the means of manifesting flame in palm to kneel down. “You’d be the first to have charmed me.” The man stated softly, “I do not know if that is a feat or not. However, I do not have any complaints to make of it either. It’s a warming thought that has only recently started to truly root itself in my mind, to be at least wanted in presence.”
Once the flame was lowered to catch a hungry grasp on wood, hands dusted across knees. Looking to her quietly, “You’ve swam before. Right? The ocean is different than a lake.”
Araminta too had caught sight of that giant flying shadow, giving it a squint and a scowl as her anger about Talon was still there simmering, even when she wished it wouldn’t. It’s not as if she hadn’t met vexing people before and managed them just fine, only this being Theon’s brother and the dragon born actually wanting to reconnect did make the stakes of getting along a little higher. There wasn’t anything she could brood about further on that subject, though, turning her attentions back to the current task. Which was far more pleasant even if the reasons for doing it were rife with trouble.
Theon received a bit of her examining gaze, surely noticing he had tempered down his bashfulness back to his usual calm. A good thing, even if she did enjoy the look.
With flame properly set, Araminta was already shifting to tug off her boots to set aside along with reaching up to take the autumn pin out of her hair so she wouldn’t risk ruining it with salty water.
“I would not have escaped a bog hag if I couldn’t,” she reminded him with a smile. Liable to have sunk down under the peat never to be seen again, surely! “There is a big beautiful pond outside the castle I used to play and swim in during the summer. Although, I liked it even more in the winter when it froze over altogether and we could skate across it.”
As for the ocean not being like a lake, that had her glancing out towards the waters and giving it a thought. One couldn’t argue that! A lake had a bottom and end to it, while the sea just seemed to go on and on and on forever into the horizon. Another good reason not to be swimming by herself, for it would be all too easy to get turned about and float away into the dark.
“You’re not going to let me paddle off into oblivion, anyway,” she pointed out in good humor. “I am more wary about crabs and fishes trying to eat me up.”
Bog. Pond. Lake.
They were all things that were greatly different from a ocean. Only affirming in his mind that she would certainly need to be aware of how the very waves could be. Thankfully, the tide was not too strong at this time of night but one needed to be wise about what they were being aware of. In this case, how the flow moved. Although he was curious of course, “Skate?” Theon looked at her thoughtfully. Likely showing that the very word itself meant absolutely nothing to him. Akin to how he really hadn’t seen winter the same way she had.
Of course she wasn’t wrong about not letting her get too curious to paddle away. Just the mention of crabs, “There may be ghost crabs, but they likely will be looking for their meals rather than being a problem.” He considered the tide again, it wasn’t slack at the moment, “Though they might not be out at all. The tide low right now so they wouldn’t bother.” But fish were a different story. Although they likely wouldn’t want to be where the shallows were anyways.
Studying her as she had started taking that of parts of her attire off. “About the middle of the pier is where one should only go to. Any further and the current is stronger. Enough to pull you out, and deep enough that it would be difficult to stand.” Theon considered a bit more, “There are also crab traps that deep, so it would be unwise to go further.”
Once more checking the flame as he was sure it was going to feed well for now, the former prince dusted off pants. Standing up to consider their surroundings once more before he would actually start to replicate Araminta’s starting process. With boots being untied to be freed from feet.
Araminta didn’t waste any time wriggling out of her pants and the top she wore, to be left in nothing more than the usual romper style undergarments she was most comfortable in. After all, this was not the time and place to try and enchant or charm him with deliberation… not that she could fathom how to do so without looking absolutely silly. Instead folding up her things in a nice little pile for her to return to once they were done with their swimming.
“Skate… sliding around on the ice with special bladed shoes so you have better control of the movements and don’t fall painfully on your rear,” she explained easily. Oh, what a fun thing she will be able to show him should they travel somewhere with cold heavy winters! It was always clumsy at first, but once one got the hang of it, it was such a delightful bit of fun.
Of course then he mentioned ghost crabs, making her wrinkle up her nose with amusement that was likely expected. Not that she had any desire to get her bits clamped onto by any angry crab. Listening astutely to his instruction of how far was too dangerous to take her wading or paddling.
“Currents. Like a river,” she concluded with understanding. Meaning that the waves were not just on the surface brought about by the winds, but likely deep under the waters moving at it’s own will. Pondering too that at some point she’d read that the moon also had an affect on the waves, trying to think up any other useful information she had rattling in her head.
Soon to realizing she was standing there watching him a little too curiously and swift to turn her attention to away to start striding for the waters themselves.
It was a chosen action not to stare so obviously at the fact she had disrobed down to the bare fabrics that were the last bit of protection against skin. Somewhere wondering where his mind could dredge up the wonderment to her former night gown and recalling that it had been left at the hut. This was more practical of course and not the first time he had bared witness to the undergarments. Just this time felt different. He wasn’t needed to save her from something or they were not going to that blasted bed either.
But she was mentioning in more detail the explanation of what skate meant. Tucking the socks into boots, before untying the leather bands from biceps so they might not be shrank tight from the salty water. Pulling the tails of shirt from the waist of trousers whilst mind deliberated the whole thing about apparently needing bladed shoes to do the whole thing of sliding around. Otherwise one was liable to fall on the ice. “Curious.” He had never seen such things and well didn’t know the purpose either. It didn’t sound exactly interesting either but of course he could ask more questions when his mind was willing to go over the overall knowledge she had given him.
Setting gauntlets down by boots only that she took note of how currents were similar in that of rivers. Getting an encouraging hum to show that she was correct. At least till he seen her turning away so she might help herself to the lapping tide wetting the sands. To retrieve and fold that of the new shirt that had been sew and made by Bo, decidedly leaving the means of pants on! Assuring the collected arrangement of clothing were put together and close to the fire as possible. Knowing it would do well for Araminta to put on warm cloths when the chance was available.
So he might follow behind with the midnight sun glinting off surface of the rippling waters and dark crowned maiden. Kissed and glimmering beneath its silver gleams, feeling the leap of pulse at just the very sight. Stepping up to feel the rush of warm salt water over feet as he considered the space yet again. Then towards the shore where the distant sound of the tavern still carried this far.
Ultimately taking a few further steps that ankles and trousers soaked in the ocean. Feeling that familiar rush that came anytime he was in contact with a natural source of water, tilting attention back over shoulder with the bare hints of faeish blood revealing the influence in the night. Certainly assuring that gray eyes glimmered in low illumination, “The sand moves quickly under foot. Be wary and careful, Ara.” Blood spoke silently to himself, subtle and pulsating about the means of being within an element that was so vital to his father’s lineage. Withholding as per usual that calling that sought him to throw caution aside and merely merge with the element.
Instead, turning to offer hand in case she needed or wanted it.
The man surely had to know that splashing around in his pants was going to be uncomfortable, even moreso once they were done and would have to sit by the fire. He’d be covered in sticky, grainy sand! But Araminta supposed it was his way of making things as proper as he could, which was both silly and sweet. Not worth making commentary about.
She was far more apt to remind him she’d waded in ocean waters at Essurn, only to again refrain from such fussing when Theon was only being as protective as ever with his gentle warnings and caution. There was no need for her to have a petulant, bratty attitude over something so thoughtful!
Reaching easily to take his hand… though never one to have him do all the leading. Entering warm waters to quickly surpass him and soon be the one tugging along to drag him deeper and deeper into the ebbing waves.
Though it was dark, there was at least enough moonlight reflecting off the water for shadowy glimpses and he cut a figure that was striking. Perhaps moreso to the fact something about this gave him a… air of shiny brightness? Araminta did not know how to describe it! It’s not as if he looked any different! Maybe it was just the chance for him to relax in something natural and close to his fae blood, instead of always relying on his mage skills. Not that he didn’t get to do so when he took his horsely form, only she did remember he’d said nokken were fae of the waters so this ought to be a nice treat for him.
Perhaps that’s why he always preferred his baths out in the streams instead of a nice hot tub with bubbles.
Once they had waded deep enough, Araminta released his hand, full of all kinds of mischief when she blew him a kiss and then bent knees to disappear herself underneath the waters.
Unsurprising it was that she took the offered hand only to go skittering a few paces further. Insisting in her way to deepen the level. One of the few times he wasn’t quick to issue further reminders of needed caution. Granted it was well to point out that in Essurn, he had not gone into the waters either. Remaining a steadfast watcher nearby as she had went wading through. And even in the Sable Fawn, he hadn’t been that willing to get into the hot springs prepared by the place either.
This was a first he wasn’t showing resistance but readily following.
Had she asked him about the means of going to cold streams, she might have been given the truth that she was close too. That he preferred being able to find some connection to a side of himself that was just as mysterious as the human side.
Being tall as he was, the whole going deeper only brought the water up further but feet were able to remain on the sandy pebbly shallows. Uncaring about the state of trousers being uncomfortable nor worrying about them being wet later. It was not him that had suffered the lich’s icy touch after all.
Of course most of that disappeared from thoughts due to her releasing and blowing air at him. Shortly disappearing beneath the waters. Missing the low chuckle that came as he stood at the ready. Privately basking in the familiar connection. She wanted to go swimming after all and it would do well to keep her body temperature up.
It was easily to follow her movements under the water just by bubbles alone, not that she was under for long. She’d made an attempt at opening up her eyes to see if she could spot anything interesting, but there was far too much darkness, so all she really got a glimpse of were her own bubbles.
Araminta popped back up quickly, where she’d thought she was closer to the shallower side, only to find with a quick slide of her feet in sand and a scoffing eep that the waves had taken her a little farther than expected. She was quick, though, to bounce and splash her way back to Theon where her footing would be more stable – and even better, where it wasn’t so deep that she couldn’t stand properly.
Laughing a bit as she attempted to wipe salt water from her eyes. At least it really was nice and warm. Between this and splashing around, she was perfectly comfortable and that icy twinge only caught her in the lungs when she took in a deep breath.
“This is good, yes? Something to add to my list of acceptable Theon activities?” she asked, tilting and twisting and letting out a slow relaxing breath until she could let the water float her up to the surface. Finding it was a great deal easier to float in the highly salted water and only really needing to worry about the push and pull of the waves themselves.
Following the motion of her under the water was at least easy. The bubbles bursting to the surface indicated where she was. If not encouraging him to hover a bit deeper to at least tread water easily. Keeping the level of breath calm and moving with the flow of water without panic. As close to a flower basking in the sun as one could be in the night in the ocean depths.
Eventually she came to the surface to realize that she had been pulled a bit further than was probably wise. Of course she had realized this so she might scurry back to where it was safe once more. Reveling in the musical sound of laugh when she was attempting to clear that of vision. Feet dropped to the ground to stabilized. Making a reach out as she asked her query while coming to float easily. Lining palm to hip to indicate a encouragement to keep their distance close. Pulling himself closer to her than the other way around. “You have a list?” Asking curiously, the flicker of brightened rings glanced between either eye. “What sort of things have been earmarked?” It wasn’t subtle either that his attention shifted to focus on mouth a lingering moment. “I did not consider water and swimming to be things I enjoyed when you asked ages ago. It had not crossed my mind but I am curious to know what else you have put on the acceptable activities. Especially coining my name to it.”
Once he was suitably close, he dared to be forward. Chiming commentary prior about how he was given allowance to flirt said affectionate to her. Not entirely sure if it was because of the allowance or if the mood seemed to have allowed him to feel less frantic, but lips lightly crossed across temple. Skirting palm to hug around the bend of back.
Araminta took to water naturally and while she was no where near an athletic swimmer, she had a confidence and ease to move about at her leisure. No worries, no fears, just pleasant bobbing about.
Apparently not to bob too far with Theon reaching out to draw her near, allowing her to draw up knees and toes to be more of a floating duck than a swimming girl. Giving her plenty excuse to hook one arm over his shoulder to prevent herself from getting carried away.
“You enjoy cooking and I am certain you’d enjoy gardening if given the time and space to do so.” There might have been other things on her mental list, only the soft brush of lips to her temple made all rational thoughts go flying right on out of her head. Resulting in a scrunch of her shoulders and another soft giggle. The urge to throw both her arms around his neck was high, her concern that she’d end up sinking them both the only thing that gave her any pause.
What on earth were they talking about again?
“You- hm,” the false start came with a tilt of her head back as she scrambled for something else. “…you like to learn new things too, Not just from me prattling on endlessly, you always listen to others too. I think you would enjoy being surrounded by a library of books.”
He could have countered the cooking part with the reality that he taught himself and learnt how too because of need. The whole fear of other people’s food was still very real but she wasn’t wrong either. There was indeed an enjoyment to the method of being able to create various foods. Learning about them and the idea of gardening was still foreign but with it came the possibility of having different ingredients to work with. “Time would likely be the thing needed. The space is easy enough to come by.”
Heated breath remained close as there was a gentle rest of cheek to brow as she seemed to momentarily lapse in her reply.
Spurring the means of affection to reapply down a bit across the high point of cheek bone. “You don’t prattle.” Theon spoke earnestly, “Listening however, people don’t expect one to be that attentive. And I listen because most the time you are engaging someone else and waiting to see if there is something you like so I can replicate it later for you. Or gather the item.” Cheek rested against temple, fanning the heat of breath once more as he hummed at the idea of a library. “I would not know.” Having never the time to just simply invest in exploring a library.
Just as he kept himself close, a third ginger press was given to crest of ear. “I believe you are supposed to be swimming to stay warm, Ara.”
If Theon didn’t argue with her about her carefully collected Theon Facts, then she’d have worried he was ill. Listening to his excuses get checked off one by one, as if the thought that he had interests on his own was some sort of fault of his, instead of pieces of him that were genuinely existing and only needed the freedom to actually be explored.
Araminta too was thinking that was not at all swimming, but was far too preoccupied with the soft touches and gentle breath against her skin to really care much about it. Until he himself decided to bring it up as if he wasn’t the one currently keeping her captive and unable to float on away!
“I am swimming,” she retorted, shifting legs to kick up her feet and splash at the water’s surface in a perfect example of said swimming. Although, now she was caving into putting both arms around his neck and really, who could be blamed for that?
“And you are plenty warm too, so I am multitasking.” she added on, just for that added proof that she was exactly where she should be. Giggling again with a frustrating sense of flushing shyness. This was different, now, wasn’t it? Theon just getting to be himself in a place of calm serenity. She might never leave this spot if it were possible to freeze a moment!
Naturally he wasn’t thinking too much about hobbies. Or interests or even the inkling towards them. Rather letting himself try these efforts of being as forward as his mind wanted to try to be. To quietly quash down prior irritations that felt inferior if not entirely nervous at being seen as a foolish lost bumbling soul. Of course the whole purpose of getting into the warm water was for Araminta to toddle about and expend energy while putting her blood to work to become a little private furnace. Until they were to go back to the healer for whatever brew she put together next.
Hopefully something that would just rectify the whole problem at all!
Of course he was being a bit of a hindrance to the means of letting her out from grasp. Although if she was intending to scurry away, where arms wound around, it didn’t seem like she was really trying. Kneading grasp almost floating fabric and frame alike, “If it were that easy for you to just take my own heat, I’d give it without a second thought.” Tightening grasp as if it were to attempt such an exchange. Pulling cheek away so he might be able to offer eye contact without interference.
Even if he was being bold. Nudging nose to her own with a low humming. Pushing back errant wet strands from brow to fold behind ear, “You’ll need to paddle more than a few little splash’s to be more effective. Unless you have a more robust idea on how swimming and multitasking will help keep you warm.”
Araminta had known weeks ago, months ago, that one day that Theon wasn’t going to be so quiet and timid. That when the time came, he was going to have the woman of his choice dazzled and charmed with every soft word and well articulated sentence. She hadn’t thought it would be herself, completed bewildered that he could make such a statement that seemed innocent and not all at the same time. Too drawn in to point out that it sounded very much like he was making the same sort of flirty propositions others had in the past.
And unlike those others, Araminta was very very interested.
If he meant for her to go doggy paddling off to swim circles around him, he certainly wasn’t letting her go to do so. Encouraging that selfish moment of hanging onto him and returning the favor of getting her own hands into his far more dry hair and making a right mess of it. Soft giggles continuing when she kicked out her feet again to prove she was swimming plenty enough.
Still, she needed to keep her wits.
Even more still, because he’d worried about rushing.
But how could she not reward the man for taking chances when he was being so perfectly sweet.
Drawing hand down to bearded cheek before planting a soft kiss to the apple of the opposite side, humming a bit as she did so.
“I’m sure I’ll think of something in a moment or two,” she answered softly.
As legs stretched out rather than making a light push to indicate she sought her freedom –although he was keeping hold, he wouldn’t demand the means of staying put either. Had he not been present it could possibly be assumed there would be a stronger means of him fretting. Offering quiet options of ways to stay safe but still pacing along the beach side to be ready to leap in at a moment’s notice.
With that sufficiently nullified due to the proximity, there was less of a need to be worrying. Noting even to himself that his emotions were seemingly less turbulent. Not so close to the barrier of logical and illogical. Perhaps somewhere finding the choices that he was making to be forward and open with her far more interesting than just letting bare wonderments flit around in his head. Privately and unaware t the world.
Fingers were moving through hair. Scraping nails across scalp turning attention to focus –as if that were possible to make it strain itself further to do so- the sweet dollop of that familiar gracious offering made a burst of zinging energy move through stomach and chest. Nodding in easy agreement that there was no doubt she could come up with one or two things to be sure to encourage the whole effort of keeping her body from falling victim to an unwanted curse.
New thoughts bubbled. Spoke their ideas silently to that of the singular mind. Inviting actions to keep displaying themselves as he knew very well that Araminta liked the physicality of being acknowledged! As if that were his excuse for nuzzling cheek into hand one moment and daringly leaning forward once more to decidedly forgo the chaste offering of kiss to replicate her own to cheek.
Brushing lip over that of her own instead. Unfortunately while he might be trying to offer these things as he wanted to do and be sure she was approving of them, cheeks still found a way to show off that he was acutely aware of his actions. Taking a risk! While she said she trusted him to be mindful and attentive to either of their comfort level’s, he was trying to go past his own. To become comfortable reacting warmly to her without the fears that there would be swift abandonment and chastising. Never mind the fact that he was wholly intrigued, wholly enamoured by the mountain princess of fae influence.
Any means of being appropriate was promptly shoved out the window. Araminta even picturing it like a cat, slapping it right off the table with willful defiance. Meeting his kiss with a soft wistful smile against lips and a quiet little sigh. The entire world could’ve gone away in an instant and she never would’ve notice, wouldn’t care a wit about it, for Theon was all she ever wanted. All of the wonderful beautiful things she planned to give him likely would never make up for these moments he gave her!
One day, when he was actually able to accept it proper, she’d tell him so. For now, though, she was more than happy to return that kiss with fervent interest. Completely in mind of continuing their amorous exploration instead of bothering with anymore curses and trials. Squeezing arms tight around his neck to meet bodies chest to chest, as really, who needed swimming when Theon was warm enough for the both of them! All fiery fae and murmured sweetness!
Araminta didn’t pull away until she was forced a staggard breath, far too involved in finding new ways to touch him to notice or care that there was no icy stabbing pain along with it. Granted in this moment, she might not have told him even if there were!
It was shocking how easy it was for him to just keep pushing his own limits for that means of correcting the broken wrongs in himself, but for how much easier it became when there was no looming presence that threatened to chase back those emotions. Truly Araminta was the one that managed to complete the impossible task of well, sweetening and coaxing every new sensation with a kindness and acceptance. Where he might be a nervous uncertain burrow animal that was far more likely to dart back into its safety than come further out, she showed patience.
Determination too.
With fine rewards that when arms were thrown over to bring postures to another, he was both aware and oblivious at the same. It wasn’t as though this sort of interaction was new. It wasn’t old either but even he could note there was a level of calm in his own form that wasn’t rebelling as violently against what he ought to be doing. How to behave, how to serve.
The burning roughage in lungs certainly accented how vital it was to breath though if the rest of him were to get that same memo, it was shoved back. Such an unexplainable action. Somewhere inside encouraging the ginger affections to refuse the means of being as distance as a hair’s breath. Balancing hold to ensure she wasn’t liable to float away in the buoyant tides, flirting gentle press from the full of mouth to the corner. Lingering and studying thoughts that were coming in quickfire shots to determine a variety of next actions. Seemingly settling on the fanfare of involving lips, shifting the smaller form to feel clothed belly over that of own.
Paying heed to subtle body language that might speak louder than Araminta may, wondering if he knew how to purchase voice once more seeing as it appeared the whole means of conversational piece that was used to do so was plenty occupied.
This was a very silly place to be snuggly, that was for certain, but Araminta didn’t mind a bit. Finding fun and amusement in feeling so weightless with the moving waves, trusting that Theon had them tethered still to the shore either through his sheer tallness or faeish affinity to the waters themselves. Se might’ve wrapped her legs fully around him, but she was not yet feeling so bold and brave enough to do so. Favoring instead that gentle means of sharing warm breath and flirting kisses in this blissful moment of calm.
Curse the need to breathe, though! She was finally understanding that turn of phrase of someone being good enough to eat, as she really had no desire to stop!
Even so, there was so much more for her to explore than just the simple press of lips. Having no issues at all with this quiet silence, even if at times it seemed she’d chatter away endlessly just to fill it. Finally loosening arms from around his neck to touch examining fingers from side of neck to angular shoulders, tracing some invisible line while putting to memory any spots or scars she was apt to find in the dim moonlight. Nuzzling into red beard cheek with a lazy contented smile. Having no sense of urgency to rush, as it was just as likely Theon himself needed these lingering gentle moments to understand he wasn’t just something to be used up, but rather someone to appreciate and value the time spent with.
Shocking it was. To be so easily swayed and moored into the tender offerings that even days ago, he was very much struggling to find himself even worthy of thinking about receiving. Now, he may as well have been told he was outrageously greedy for the bare touch of imprinting fingerprints were liable to ignite little spots of golden warmth. Certainly doing little to stave away the means that they were abundantly not in any sort of closed doors.
Alone it would seem and preferred certainly. Though it was the growing lack of focus to the very surroundings and settling to merely being alert to not floating them out to sea and that of herself that held steadfast.
It was strange. It really was. To think that such things were being and coming somewhat naturally. Being a studious observer when it came to her motions. The pressure of cheek to his own, the dance of fingertips seemingly mapping a path only seamed and broken scarred flesh. Involuntarily inviting gooseflesh to rise and pucker under as though it was attempting to give Araminta something to read by touch.
Sending rippling shivers along spine to play as its own instrument, Theon hesitated a moment. Making its mark to be true to a moment. Flirting bare dance of lips along jawline to linger upon its fork to ear or neck. Settling for light nuzzling into her. “A-are… you comfortable being out here?” Of course he was still being attentive to her being out in the waters. And finding his mind certainly spurring on more of a direct course.
Araminta’s reply came in the form of a soft nod, having not a single complaint about their current activities as apparently one didn’t need to go jogging circles or splashing laps to keep oneself tingly warm! Perfectly content with the idea of staying out there for hours or even forever if it meant continuing on just like this. Finding it truly funny that she’d never once thought that this means of closeness was missing from her life, and now here Araminta was realizing she very much needed to be wrapped up into arm and squeezed into oblivion. Perhaps even more than that, but it was a little harder to imagine when one hadn’t experience it before!
“I suppose it is not good for us to stay in the water forever,” she did finally say. Though, she wasn’t even making an attempt to break away or change their status. For while he nuzzled into her, she was grinning all the more. Tightening him up in a squeezing hug because he surely needed it far more than she did! Continuing those gentle affections in the soft of soft touches and combing of her fingers through his hair.
“Likely not.” Although it was certainly not coming easily for him to just sway them to the shoreline to escape the means of the warm watery embrace. Especially when there was no insistence on her part but rather a furthering of gentle affections that surely were touching something deep and unknown in his soul that had yet to flutter to the surface for stronger awareness.
Bidding grasp to invite her to formally grip as close as possible rather than floating out of potential reach, checking the hold of his own psyche to certainly see what was bubbling within. Where no shock was found to feel the influence of both loving attention but the spurring of low heating amorous emotions that were well, rare. At least they had been. Only starting to get the acknowledgment that made him both embarrassed and aware of how true his former words were. It would not be difficult to pull at the threads that made him resist many times before.
Circling grasp to wind about that of waist. Dragging palm to feel along the waterlogged cloth that provided very little to hide what laid easily beneath. “I… it may be wise to let you swim.” Theon could feel just how easily it would be for him to play into deeper affections and hesitated politely upon them. Mostly.
One couldn’t exactly say he was being entirely loyal with the flirtation of gradual lips laying upon the bend of jaw!
It was good to know they were on the same page of being aware that they could not stay, and yet neither of them were making any attempts at going. Araminta almost laughed, until another brush of lips against jawline had her sighing in blissful defeat instead. It was going to be Araminta that needed to be practical about this, it had to be. At the very least so Theon wouldn’t have to worry about them getting washed away to sea.
She told herself one quick kiss and that’d be plenty enough. Tilting her head enough to give that single, adoring kiss with plans to declare her plans of swimming a delightful failure.
Except that single kiss became a second lingering one. Then a humming third, where she’d placed her hands on his shoulders with every intent to directly push herself backwards. Only that itself was a complete failure on her part, as it just provided her with easier means of scritching thumbs through bearded chin to take advantage of the fact he wasn’t letting her sink beneath the waves to kiss him in such a way that’d even make a sailor blush!
Well, it was a good attempt at least!
Whatever had happened in her personal agreement to go and slip away after a spare moment, it was certainly leaving him to be the attentive and properly dedicated sort! Falling willing victim into what may have been one turned into three. Finding himself properly breathless when she released him much to his astonished bother.
Exhaling through a near rattle and a attention to shifting footing to let them shuffle a bit back towards land rather than ocean. Dragging threatened kiss bruised lip through teeth, somewhere aware that even if the necessary heart was no longer where it ought to be, it was beating rampantly.
Adjusting to keep her afloat and near, one might be amazed that his own usually nonstop talking thoughts were struggling to keep up. Prodding at a piece of himself that was well encased in some sort of permafrost to stir itself to reality. Dragging half lidden stare along delicate water dropped features. Stealing close with no resistance to merely brush mouths across another in a tease. Surely it was quite the feat that even he was finding a lack of something nattering at him to cease and be absolutely mindful.
What it offered was something bright. Loud and firm.
Sending electrical sparks through body till mouth started to work to muttered upon her own that seemed like it was nearly toying with him to keep from continuing the means of spoiled drowning in her rather than the water. Straying palm to slide and feel along the bend of back. Spreading its hold over hip and further to lightly tense. Lightly scraping the tips with a dawning awareness, “W… We should…” Do something? Probably get back to the solid surface of the beach and be mindful once more. Yet it might be one of the few times he was resisting his own logic.
Holding fast rather. Daring to see just how much longer he might bend the rules of stealing just one more open mouth kiss. Failing spectacularly. “This might be… more d-difficult to cease t-than I would have thought.” Absolutely because of her and the heat that was broiling deep and low in his gut.
Finally some attempts of moving were being made on Theon’s part to shift them closer to the shore. Araminta even helped by giving her feet a gentle kick to follow, although really all that did was ensure she stayed nice and close for that perfect view of him running his lip through his teeth and looking so completely smitten that, well, she was smitten and wanted to ensure that expression never left his face.
When it seemed he was backing far enough towards the bank to have him gently rising from the water and her sinking, arms went right back around his neck again. Successfully making her a clinging monkey, sopping wet and plastered to his chest with the cheeky sort of grin where she thought she was being a clever sort of minx, but didn’t have a real clue of what sort of affect that was having. Mostly just tickled with these flirting antics and not at all be sorry for it.
“It is,” she agreed, on how very difficult it was. Especially because a little bit of exploring hands was giving her a delicious sort of flush, that was a far cry different from those bashful twinges. Making it an all too easy decision to give a little hop to link her legs around his waist, where she could have the freedom to let her own hands explore and see what sort of new reactions that might elicit!
By the greater measure of whatever overlording deity there ever was, he had not expected her to be well? Well, as willing and linking closer by the second. As the water level dropped, Araminta assured there was really no way for them to divide and he was finding no reason or merit or action to even attempt to do so. Actually, it was just influencing him to keep doing so.
Following her own lead in a sense to be sure that there was no boundaries being crossed. After all, she had expressed that she would tell him such things and vice versa.
Making that low simmer in his gut broil all the more. Tensing in a way that was both new and vaguely familiar from somewhere long ago. Although it was hardly as intense then as it was now. Where even the idea that he expressed it was actually becoming difficult to decline or hold themselves as they had been in a polite conversation. Where the motion of body flowed and found the wrap of legs hooking themselves about that of waist.
The action spurred something. Something loud within. Nearly startled at the rise of sound that pulled low in throat. Fiery.
“Ara,” Voice was intended to speak with a strength but found it even by his own awe, deep. Practically near a purr and momentarily curious but not enough to stave him from letting grasp shift to run along the grapple of thighs, traveling up and down in slow tensing pulses. Trusting her hold was solid not to just fall into the waters. Turning to lay mouth in a fresh invite upon lips, bringing it slowly down the curve of jaw to neck. Grazing teeth across with whispered hum groan that certainly wasn’t nearly as contained as he assumed it was going to be. Lingering upon the bend of clavicle with finally a new hesitation. Awareness acute to his own reactions rising, “I-is this the r-right time?” Nerves still pronounced themselves even if he lightly applied pressure upon lower back to keep herself near. Close. “Ara I do want you, a-almost terribly, but… If we… continue?” Theon eased out a shaky near whine, a strange noise but no less truthful.
Oh no. Oh no, oh no. Araminta loved this. Seemingly having awakened some sort of sleeping dragon deep within of tempestuous desire and greedy hoarding little urges inside herself that wanted more and more of exactly this. Where that deep crack of his voice and the warning murmur of her name was nothing more than wonderful encouragement. For all of the different moods and shifts she’d seen with Theon, this one was by far the most enchanting. Where everything before had been kind, comforting and loving… all of which she appreciated and loved. This This was magnetism and passion stoked by her own fingers.
Proof without any shadows of doubt through a long kiss and that shiver that wasn’t a shiver at all but a very sizzling zing from teeth grazing skin, that there was a new amazing thing that she was actually capable of gifting to him. Without having to be the sultry, seductress of the highest caliber, she was simply a very powerful Araminta that could have a man stuttering with her own hands!
All it really took was that small pressure of his own hand on her lower back for those hands of hers to grasps his face, leaning in a hair’s breadth of closeness with all due intent to kiss him into a stumbling stupor. Not really thinking about the consequences of such a thing. But he was stammering with a heated breath and she needed to listen. To stay aware and not push him too far.
To not push herself too far either, as if she were some over eager teenager with no sense.
What was she doing again?
Araminta made a soft regret sigh of her own, examining his face to imprint this moment to her memories forever before forcing herself to really pause and take stock of the moment. They were still out at the ocean’s edge in the broadness of night. Alone… for now. That did not mean it would stay that way forever. And she very much wanted to be sure they had all the time in the world.
“Sometimes I do not like being reasonable,” she breathed with a slow, frustrated breath. Leaning anyway to steal a last kiss, but this time – finally – coming back down from the clouds. Putting arms solidly around neck to hold herself firm before unhooking her legs to dangle and then set back down in soft sand.
“I do not want to stop,” she asserted. “…but there will be a better time and place. …yes?”
He did. Honestly and it was a mesmerizing sensation to be aware that there was a true want for something. Although he was already well fixated and sufficiently in love with the young woman, it hadn’t spread to this point yet. Now that it had come about and there was that dizzying dance of touch and taste and each other; he wasn’t sure where and if there should be a line drawn.
Speaking because well, that was what they had promised to do. To communicate to another in hopes to avoid any further confusion.
Perhaps this was a moment he might regret bringing it up but also knew had he not, it also would bring the same feeling. Paired with guilt.
Still she paused. Centered in palms and easing out a paired shaky whine and agreement that the whole reasonable part was actually kind of annoying right now. Wanting to throw it somewhere into the back of his thoughts to be buried by the pestering existence of a very active internal voice that thought about this, that and everything in-between.
Feeling her so near and then slowly pulling legs back that he let his hands merely shuffle down the length of form. Notably taking a telling half step back as not to keep letting them be too close as unfortunately there was no discretion about the effect she had successfully had on him. Not about to introduce that when they were to start getting their wits back about themselves. Exhaling heavily with a stuttering breath at the very mention that she didn’t want to cease but pairing on the statement that there was a better time and place.
A voice inside him seemed to want to point out they weren’t exactly always gifted with time and if they were, it was rarely just the pair of them. But that was not his personality and nodded to agree instead. Letting thoughts that were put on hold start once more to allow embarrassment to come in so it might take blood to other parts of form. Particular back to face as he gave a look over head to where the fire was thankfully still burning. Chewing on a few comments that weren’t exactly discreet. “I’ll dry off first, if that is alright.”
For all of the ways Araminta was quick to realize things, of having at least observant skills to figure out the world around her, it was in that moment she displayed there were still plenty of other ways she was naive and clueless about. Maybe understanding that Theon needed a moment to compose himself from frenzied petting to help stave off the urge of continuing something they couldn’t resume in the moment, but not realizing that there were some very physical reactions the man might need to temper!
Nodding sweetly with nothing but sweet smiles and hint of unspoken wishing that she hadn’t let him go at all.
Araminta was plenty warm now, flying high on something thrilling and new and oh so tantalizing. Remaining right where she stood to splash through the shallow tide in a small circle just to hold onto that vigorous feeling. Already plotting ahead in time, as she always did, for just because now was not their moment, it did not mean that there wouldn’t be one in the future. With all sorts of opportunities for sweeping, fiery romancing, that she was now fully aware she was very capable of.
If she was not of such a gentle nature, Theon would need to be scared!
Once it was clear that the moment had sufficiently past and things were to go back to the way of calm tranquillity, it took a few sidesteps to assure there was brushing or touching further. Letting thoughts eagerly grab and replay the actions of what had happened. Pushing mental nudges as to assess with both curious wonderment and flaring mortification that such things had gotten so potentially salacious. Out in the open! Where anyone could have stumbled across and not to mention the people around here knew clearly that Araminta was that of a princess.
It came with awkwardness to skirt away from and try ways to temper down reactions of a physical body, if not entirely smothering them down to be snuffed out entirely. Using the means of a wide berth to walk rather a bit away to keep from the firelight. Eventually taking a few good minutes to eventually come and sit at the fire side. Listening to the means of the distant tavern bustling with rowdy souls, keeping an eye out for Araminta allowing mind to settle on figuring they ought to return to Phita soon.
Araminta lingered out in the shallows just long enough to give Theon that time to compose himself as he wished, taking advantage of it herself to try and wind herself down into a behavior that was more appropriate. As much as she wanted to throw all fears, concerns, and properness off to the wind and see just how flushed and frenzied she could get Theon to be, he deserved so much better than rolling around in the sand.
When he’d sat down near the fire it was her signal that he’d walked himself out, wading herself away from the pleasant midnight tide to join him at the fire. Sinking down into a seat next time, perhaps far too close to him considering she didn’t even need to lean for resting arm against arm. Having this insistent need to be in physical contact every single second, else she might just wither up and die.
Wishing she hadn’t presently had this concerning cold within her, because truthfully that single worry being in the back of their minds was the only thing keeping her in check at this point. Not wanting there to be anything that could take away from a special evening alone together.
Even so, she was linking her hand with his and promptly resting her chin on his shoulder, taking full advantage of every moment they got.
“What do you think of dates so far?” she dared to ask him. Ready to file away useful facts for things she might charm him into later for time spent together.
With the rush of both the effects of half of his lineage being encouraged by the very element that ruled their souls, and the means of having separation from her to allow thoughts to return to logic; one could be tempered back into the neat little packaging of organized thoughts and actions. Feeling the heat from the stoked flame, the coolness of the ocean brushing each time it pulled into the bay.
The salt, the stars and the distant sound of other people enjoying their nights worked well to store away any sort of primal actions that had briefly appeared.
Likely good considering that when she came from the water to sit beside him. Slinking close to where she was bracing up against him, taking hand into her own –he wasn’t rife with a sparking want to continue or push. It had been successfully neutralized into the calm as it always had been. Considering her under the glow of the firelight, “I’ve only had this one. I do not know if I can form an whole opinion entirely, but it was nice.”
A soft giggle was Araminta’s response, taking in this sight of him just ever so slightly tousled with the soft glow of firelight making shadows dance across his muted features. He likely had no idea that when he was at rest, his face would soften out of that stoic expression he always wore, to something gently captivating. Handsome and endearing without being that marbled statue stort of beauty.
She really needed to stop this, to think about something else!
Forcing herself to pull back and sit up straight without hanging all over him, Araminta took to trying to comb through her wet salted hair with her fingers to help it dry a little faster. Another bath would be required to get all of that salt out, but she could save that for a tomorrow problem. Content to sit here with Theon until she was dry enough to go see if Phita was ready for her.
“Nice is a good place to be in,” she agreed with a smile. “Next time I will aim for spectacular. Magnificent. Dizzying, dazzling…” There was a whole host of promises in those words that Araminta wasn’t the least bit sorry about. Having found this new personal power of being enchanting, she was thrilled to get to use it!
Unsurprisingly that Araminta would find challenge in the means of doing better than merely nice. Something that caused him to perhaps lightly narrow an eye in quiet contemplation. Unsure of what she could put together that could meet any of those bold statements but doubted highly that she would not succeed. It likely helped that he didn’t have an opinion or history at all.
Which in itself leant innocently to, “You’ve been on dates then before? Were they then spectacular. Magnificent. Dizzying or dazzling?” Of course his interest was pique seeing as well, he hardly doubted that Araminta would have not been out and about with men that she either fancied or her parents had encouraged.
The reminder of her proper royal heritage did spark him to ask. Curious in double to what she had experienced to determine just how one elevated an event to such lofty goals. And perhaps to pick up silent cues of things he was to do better as to meet those unspoken requirements as not to overstep or overburden.
That gave the princess pause, both because she’d not expected Theon to ask… and because she really should have known better. Sometimes Theon did assume that she was so much more experienced in everything she did simply because she was unafraid to just… try it! Tackling everything with a strange sort of confidence that she could eventually figure it out even if she failed.
“Well- No! Not exactly…” she admitted, finding herself in a state of warmed flushing, cause maybe she should’ve before. Her mother certainly had wished Araminta would’ve been a little more proactive about getting to know potential suitors. Just, Araminta had honestly not even thought about it back then. She sort of expected a grand romantic love was going to just explode into the scene and sparks would fly and magic would happen the very moment she met that right person.
Nothing with Theon had been like that at all. Yet, she’d not change a moment of it.
“There were a few trying to court me, some more obvious than others,” she settled on explaining. “And moments too that I did not realize that we were meant to be on a romantic outing until it was proclaimed and that was a bit embarrassing. But no, no dates that I accepted with intention of wanting a date. No one has been worthy of such a moment, until you.”
They both knew that his history thus far had been very one sided. A tool. Used for whomever, whenever, for any reason at all. Including the first and only thing that had been considered temporarily as a relationship too. So naturally, he assumed that Araminta had that history. For being both a princess and a young lady that people –as they both knew and witnessed regularly- found highly attractive. Certainly she would have been on examples of such outings that would have inspired her choice of wording.
And, he could take subtle notes of interest or tidbits from to replicate for the future.
To hear her state no, and a not exactly; curiosity shifted. Folding hands into lap, shifting just a bit so more of a side could start to dry from the fanning heat while lending undivided attention to her. She was the pinnacle of royalty after all to him.
At her explanation, he was thoughtful. And well, he had made that promise to himself to be more vocal regarding things. “What is it that you expected then from interactions and how does that differ between ourselves?” What the hell had made him apparently so worthy when in reality, she probably had a three dozen more far more suited for that label.
Theon was giving her that studious look again, somehow having triggered that little center of his brain that latched onto new things to learn, especially when it pertained to her. Something that was both frustrating and adorable all at once, depending on the moments and timings. Thankfully right now was one of those moments of calm and relaxation, where he wasn’t hindering something he needed, nor was he trying to place her up on a stool where she was more important than him.
…it was still a bit of an embarrassing personal conversation, though, wasn’t it! Not with the heat and steam of frenzied kissing, but still an intimate discussion of just what made Theon oh so special that he stood out against all others she’d met before. Where things with him did not start with a big band, but a sweetly stoked ember fanned into something as warm and cozy as a beach fire.
She could not help but laugh.
“I guess I expected a grand spectacle then. Except, how can a moment be heart moving when there’s nothing behind it, or between the two people already. Gifts and sweet words didn’t mean much, and then time spent did not make me feel… Well, it simply didn’t make me feel.” An easy admittance. Araminta wasn’t about to claim she was not interested in romancing. To the contrary, everything about it was gloriously sweet and enchanting. Only, when it came to herself, nothing felt romantic at all.
Of course for Theon, she now held that wide smile, leaning closer with that soft giggle.
“You are different because… so many reasons. You were kind to me as a stranger and gentle of heart, even though you were meant to let me die. The more I learned about you, the way you talk to others, to little ones, to animals. How you are so curious and thoughtful about everything, and so careful not to do harm unless you have to. To still live and be all of these things, even despite who you came from and how you were raised, it gave me every reason to believe life was worth still living. Now I can’t even imagine a future without you in it.”
These sort of things were not the topics that he had spent time learning about. They were mundane. Unnecessary and more of a distraction when one’s tasks were to dominate and destroy. Hardly the sort of antics that an Imperial Queen needed from her pawns, to have romances and dates and things that were seemingly pretty normal in places that were not under her thumb. Of course he was curious to what and why when it came to Araminta.
Trying in his own way to imagine the sort of things that would have happened in Caeldalmor for that of the princess. A thin blank considering he really didn’t know what sort of things would be considered a grand spectacle. Though he could also see it being a thing for Araminta simply because of her charismatic personality. How she was able to light up a room, talk to anyone and come out on the other end with practically everyone at her beck and call simply because she was authentic.
It seemed strange that she didn’t feel in the encounters she did have. Making him curious to what had she been looking for and why it had changed.
Of course he didn’t actually ask the means of why him, but as she grinned enchantingly wide and came closer, he couldn’t exactly cease the wonderment either. An innate reaction to hush and tell her that those sweet something’s were utter nothings in relation towards him. But staved that off, humming and warming colourfully under cheeks because such cozy statements were so alien and so kindly.
Settling to decorate cheek with a gentle pecking because he wasn’t sure what to say. Hoping some profound romantic statement might purchase placement on tongue so he could be charming in reply.
Such things were not his forte.
“I think I’d be interested in seeing that kind of future.”
Not even a single tiny bit of arguing with her about how he wasn’t all of the wonderful things she believed him to be? Even better, he declared his interest in a future with her, complete with soft affections. Surely there was no reason she shouldn’t crawl onto his lap and kiss him senseless? Grinning so ridiculously with that faint flush of her own and a huffing giggle under her breath.
There was no pouncing on him as she might’ve wished, just a brief caress of her hand to his cheek and that effervescent smile.
“Let’s go back and see if a new vile mixture is ready for me. Full of rat eyes and lizard tails, I’m sure.” she finally declared, hating to end these quiet moments, but more than eager to get this weight of illness off their minds so that they might have a few more!
Stealing a quick kiss, despite telling herself she wouldn’t. Not feeling an ounce of regret or shame about it either as he did so look like he needed to be kissed a thousand times.
It was starting to get a lot easier to lean into those soft affection. A touch here or there. A cupping to cheek and the means of leaning into it to silently express how easily she had started to dismantle walls that had been erected for years that no other had knocked over. Now, he was making efforts to avoid lapsing back into mannerisms or refusals of the past.
Actually finding a thrill in his stomach at the idea of a future that was well… wide open. With a familiar presence that embodied that very sensation of it being welcomed.
Almost truly saddened at the idea of having to leave their little moment but knew there was very much the problem of Araminta’s lasting curse that needed to be broken. “I don’t think she’d give you the same remedy as before.” Theon remarked generally in a calm effort. Not that he wasn’t perhaps suggesting in his own way that Phita could have dredged something worse since they had been absent! Without watchful eyes, who was to say what she threw into the pot!
Yet, she stole close. And left a complaining sound that actually startled him at the whole prompt retraction. A slight clearing of throat to shirk away the complaint as vision dipped and volleyed about their little space. Wishing then that he had a coat to offer over to Araminta’s shoulders rather than a dry shirt.
Still, “Have you dried enough?”
Araminta nodded to the statement of dry enough. Being salty and slightly damp wasn’t going to bother her much and would be remedied easily when it was time for bed. …when she was allowed to go sleeping without fear she’d become and icicle in the process! Quick to brace her hand on his shoulder to get herself to her feet, then grasping his own hands to help him to his own feet.
He never really did need this help to stand, she just enjoyed having those excuses to touch him now.
Soon to turn and gather up her folded clothing, pleasantly warm from baking by the fire as they swam. Ignoring that uncomfortable feeling of sticky sand and salt when she tugged on her trousers and pulled her shirt back into place. Along with stuffing her feet back into her boots. It really didn’t take much to set her right again, finalizing her redressing by twisting her hair up into a mess on top her skull and setting autumn pin to keep it all out of her face.
“…that is true,” she then answered pondering on the brew. “As long as there isn’t dragons toes in it, I don’t think I much mind.”
As she popped up only to motion to aid him to his own feet, smoothing thumbs over the backs of knuckles in a gentle passing effort; the means of dressing was thankfully swift. Outside collecting bits of sand that had happily sunk their way between toes and fingers and sticking to every wet spot. Replicating the action of pulling shirt on with its various other bits of clothing.
Sparing effort to extend fingers and gave a sharp twist of wrist to pull the strands of feeble magic that had keep the flame from being snuffed by natural means. Shrinking into embers, then cinders, then nothing at all. Only a whisper of warmth remained, fading into the ocean night air.
Sighing somewhat as he brushed off hands as though he had collected soot from them, Theon kicked sand over the hole. Burying it down to be leveled once more so no one accidentally fell or tripped into it to twist an ankle, her remark about how hopefully there weren’t any dragon toes within the new brew, she would be alright.
“It would be a large toe.” Theon stated factually, not too sure that Talon would be too eager at losing one at all anyways.
Just that he offered hand to her as a motion that he would lead them back to Phita’s once more. “Let us just hope she was successful in creating something that can finally help.”
Araminta took his hand without hesitation, falling into an easy step next to him as they made their way back to the village and towards Phita’s strange little island house. Finding herself imagining all too easily a big giant dragon’s toe, too big for that cooking cauldron, so pad and claw would be hanging out the top of it. Discovering that it amused her all too much to think about Talon pitching a fitch about the missing appendage, then realizing just as quick she’d be drinking such a noxious brew maybe from his dirty dragon feet.
Goodness, Araminta just wasn’t going to think about what was in the elixirs anymore, or she’d not be able to drink it at all!
She did find out very quickly that having sand in your boot was by far so much more uncomfortable than having icy inside. At first walking perfectly fine until she started adjusting and cringing at the feel of grinding sandy bits all against her skin. At least decided she was glad to have been responsible and get control of her thoughts and whims, rolling around in the sand with Theon would’ve been very unpleasant indeed!
“If it does not work, we might see if there is a volcano here on the island for me to take a bath in. It’ll taste less bad,” she remarked with that hint of dark humor.
He offered her a bit of a concerned look. Hearing the humour in her tone of course but he wasn’t sure he would be willing or even accepting to her desire to bath in that of a molten heat that would broil the skin off of most living beings. “I will lend on the side of hope further then. As to evade such a potential.” The man knew she would probably do it to if it meant freeing herself from the clutches of such a potent curse.
As they approached the distant abode from the rest of the denizens on the unnamed island, he could smell something sweet on the air. Sugary. Light. Surely not what one would have expected from that of a healer’s hut. Though perhaps Phita had decided to try and sweeten the next brew so Araminta was unlikely to throw up trying to drink whatever putrid arrangement had been created from puppy dog tails and frog eyeballs.
With a look around just out of mere habit, the lead up to the abode was easy. The door open to beckon late night visitors in without voice.
The old woman had been present in that of her woodsy hut once more. Although that wasn’t the portion that pulled attention, it was the low blue flame that was casting its eerie light across the exterior that caused for pause. Curiosity flickering left and right, whilst the old healer motioned for them to step inside. “I was wondering if I would have to send a messenger after the lot of you.” Her voice crooned sweetly even if the suggestion bordered on sounding almost annoyed.
“You’ll be happy to know that we’ve got the means of a elixir for you. The bad news is, you’ll have to take it a few times between now and five days. Three times a day. At the end of it, it should banish that necrotic curse from your bones. It needs to thaw out your cursed body from the lich’s curse.” Phita made her way over to the cauldron boiling as she dropped something into it. Causing it to briefly flare with ethereal flame before settling into a swirling, deep crimson liquid with a faint infliction of gold.
The blue fire dimmed softly to a flickering pale near white making the hut almost appear monochromatic. “Well… ready for your first sip, dear? How it should work is you will feel a rush of warmth as a sensation and movement returned. And when you are ready for the next dose, you’ll feel the onset of chilly sluggishness. It is important you take it immediately when you feel this sensation, otherwise you’ll be a thrall to that curse. Any missed applications well… you might as well go and find the lich yourself and hand yourself over to them.” Finger lifted, “And no throwing back all the vials I give you at once. Overuse will result in an overheated soul, causing feverish delirium and potentially spontaneous combustion. Sort of not what I believe you have in mind.”
The small island home felt a lot more cozy when it smelled of something sweet and fragrant, instead of an old goat’s backside. Even Araminta found curiosity in the blue flames and the gentle glow of light it set the room into. Somehow seeming cool and icy in itself, despite the fact she could feel the heat that’d filled the hut to the point that surely everyone else had to be sweating in their clothes!
Araminta was all bright smiles until Phita detailed out the remedy to her current affliction. The boiling brew didn’t look so bad, prettier than the first one and not seeming to be full of dragon toes or whole lizard bodies when she stirred it up. The problem was that taking a medication three times a day for the next five days was a lot to have to remember and keep track of.
It would be a very bad idea to attempt heading for the next trial while trying to keep track of… she held up a hand to count the potential vials on her fingers. One drink now, then three a day for the next five days… fifteen little vials! Or large ones depending on just how much of the stuff she was meant to swallow down.
Well, perhaps they could stay here for a time and somehow make a bridge with that pain in the rear dragonborn. Otherwise, it was best to return to her tiny little home with Theon to spend a few days of peaceful recovery.
“I think it will be a simple thing to follow such a regiment,” Araminta agreed, stepping over to Phita and her glowing cauldron of suspicious elixir to accept her first drink.
He was curious to how and what made this elixir that had be taken for so many days, in so many increments. Otherwise if it was all toppled back, it had ramifications that were equally just as bad. Considering he knew how to brew and put together herbs found out in the wilds and how to use them to aid most sort of discomforts, but this was something more. Something grander. Something more on the means of dispelling a curse, a magical disease or what have you. His mind plucked at the unmentioned and stirred silently to what sort of ingredients one had to create this at all.
Not that it mattered. It was highly doubtful that either of them were going to try and have a second lich curse placed on either one of them. So a need to know how to make it was absolutely not something needed to know.
Doubtful too that Phita would give them the list of ingredients. Or the instructions of how it was brewed.
Although he wasn’t thrilled at the prospect that a blip or over action to the offering could result in equally troubling measures, he was politely silent. Watching instead as Phita stood there and was lofting up a small spoonful of the glimmering cauldron potion. With Araminta agreeing that it would be best to follow the regiment, “Good girl.” Being praised for her obvious wits about the whole thing, the spoon was hefted up. “Drink up and I’ll prepare you a little case of the rest.” The woman paused, “No lizards this time.” She offered with a smirk. Seemingly more amused at the idea, “And it shouldn’t be so vile this time around. Seeing as you were liable to burst previously.”
Theon tilted head curiously, trailing inwards a bit to look at the depth of the reddish gold brew. Feeling the heat wafting from it, unclear if it was from the flame or the pot itself. “By the second day, we should see a noticeable change. You will likely still get chilled at points but it should be less. Less fatigue as well when you are at rest. Granted, I would suggest avoiding any liches for the future. Nasty beings.”
Araminta looked both completely annoyed and delightedly amused at Phita’s chiming in that no lizards were in this particular brew. Good at that, but what could possibly be in there if a few drinks too much would have her combusting into fiery ashes! Even so, there was very little hesitation on the princess’ part. More worried that it was going to taste so terrible that she’d spit it back out instead of swallowing it.
Taking the spoon and being real quick about the swallowing so she wouldn’t lose her nerve. Covering her mouth with her hand just in case when she passed the spoon back to the woman.
It did not taste bad! …though Araminta was not sure if this was good either! The elixir being both spicy and sweet, like a warm toasty cinnamon that was so strong that it burned, melted with brown sugar to make it all syrupy. If it were just that taste alone, it’d have been fine, except it also came with such an astringent alcoholic burn when it hit her stomach, she may as well have taken a shot of cheap liquor. Stronger than any amount of sweet mulled wines than she usually favored.
As promised, the warming was immediate, pleasant even. Now Araminta could understand the warning of not drinking too much too soon. Anyone with a taste for liquor would be sorely tempted by such a brew. For the taste had been nice enough and it seemed to be free flowing through her blood so quickly that it left a bit of easy relaxed tingling.
This was for certain a bad idea to have out on the road. Araminta would adjust her plans accordingly.
But first there was a bit of a shaking out her hands, welcoming that feel of having her body feeling much closer to normal again. Giving Theon the brightest of soothing smiles so he’d know that she had not just been poisoned to death, and instead was going to be easily on the mend.
“I will be happy to never see another lich for the rest of my life,” Araminta declared. “I think we can say that trial has both been completed and survived.”
He waited. Nearly on bated breath. For some sort of unsavoury reaction. That Araminta was either going to spit out what had been thrown back or throw the spoon at all. Seeing how Phita was generally unphased about it all. Taking the spoon and exchanging it for a thin ladle. With a small box like container that had a collection of tiny vials that could be filled and carried around for quick administration.
Only when it was clear Ara wasn’t about to eject the elixir, he drew closer. Not that he had to go far. Muted features observing with knife bright rings peeking this way and that till she offered a smile that set nerves to settle.
“Only for your next one.” Phita interjected on the comment about the trial being completed and survived. “It will only be harder after this point and you’ve barely managed to survive this one had it not been for your own awareness to things being wrong and the fact Talon brought you here. Had it been elsewhere, who is to say what sort of aid you’d have gotten. Even a good magic healer would have had quite the battle with such a curse.”
Theon wasn’t particularly thrilled at the fact behind all that. It set about a few new private thoughts of course. Things he would need to mull over before they could be spoken about, “Well now,” The old woman continued filling each little potion bottle then plugging it with a cork. “I’d use this time wisely before you go off gallivanting to your next trial. I am sure the queen isn’t too thrilled that you’ve made it this far.”
The very moment Theon stepped closer, Araminta could not resist bridging that gap to wrap her arms around his waist and squeeze him in a hug. A moment of burying her face against his chest with her own relief of lifting a weight off her shoulders, but also in knowing he needed that comfort himself even if he never announced that her did.
Only turning to give the elder woman a small frown, as it really wasn’t necessary to bring up how the trials were going to get harder and more dangerous from here. After all, Araminta already had some vague ideas of what was to come next. She’d mentioned a couple to Theon in passing conversation when something had been relevant, but there was still a concern that no one had ever gotten past the ninth trial to even see what the last three were like. Already suspecting the next two were meant to make those with hubris feel as if they were undefeatable, especially after getting out of the sixth in one piece.
“Such a scene was made there, if she didn’t already know that Talongrath is still alive, she certainly knows now,” muttered Araminta with some thought. “With the knowledge too that you have made contact with your brother again.”
There was no telling what the evil woman was going to do with such knowledge. She clearly didn’t want Theon to die or she’d have crushed his own heart within her hands. It was safe to say she’d find new ways to get to him, especially now that he could learn too much from his escaped brother.
“…maybe it is time to actually talk to Talon?” she suggested, glancing those green eyes up at Theon. “Then after we can go home for a few days and stay out of trouble until we’ve rested well?”
A low appreciative hum was made from Phita at the whole suggestion that it was probably already well known that there had been a spectacle at all. With Talon and the Lich that lived likely telling the tale. The destruction and the success of the mountain princess getting the jar of soul or whatever. While she had begun the means of wrapping close, he hadn’t exactly lessened it after.
Bending touch to hold about waist, subtle but firm. Listening and almost instinctively frowning when Araminta suggested it might be time to actually speak to the dragon born. Because clearly Talon had been hoping for a conversation –well that part was clear- and he was close to just saying no.
But found it increasingly difficult when one was looking at him with bright green eyes. Wavering quickly, “If it would help… then I can do so.” Surprisingly it was not something he was even eager for. Content to just let the time spent apart, continue. Knowing there was plenty inside him that needed to be worked on, his displeasure for finding out a sibling had lived was surprisingly one of the things he did not want to deal with. Or even the emotions that were floundering around inside.
“It would be wise to return to the imperial lands rather than tarry here. As to endanger others.”
Phita hummed but offered nothing in the form of commentary. Rather closing the little box to hand to Araminta. Her eyes watchful and lingering in such a way that declared she expected the princess to follow the instructions precisely. “Thank you Madam Phita.” Theon spoke then to express his gratitude for her help. Knowing she didn’t have too.
“I like a challenge. And now the two of you should properly rest. And to give this old woman a chance to do the same.”
Araminta accepted the box of medicines with a grateful smile. Humming and nodding in her own silent affirmation that was going to follow those instructions without deviating even in the slightest. For if she didn’t Theon was likely to be dutiful about reminding her, and she was not about to lay that burden solely on him when we was so worried about everything already.
Taking Theon with her by means of hand, she waited until they were outside in the night air before speaking again. Glancing up at the myriad stars with their soft twinkling, trying to get her thoughts in order to plan out their next steps. Literally the next steps on their evening now, as well as what the next few days should bring.
“It is your choice,” she told the man with a squeeze to his hand, stepping back enough to easily relay said choices. “Do you wish to speak with him tonight to get it out of the way? So it no longer looms over you? Then we can simply leave and return to the hut immediately.”
“Or,” she continued tilting her head towards the direction of the private space they’d been given here on the island. “Would you like to just rest with me tonight and just worry about all that tomorrow? It’s been such a long few days and I know you do not rest when you’re worried about me. We can have a good sleep and tackle everything fresh.”
With temporary goodbyes given while being led out by hand, it was no shock to him that Araminta had offered him the chance to just get it all over with. To find Talon and open that means of communication that he still much rather just ignore till it was long buried in the ground. Knowing it wasn’t a healthy response but unsure of how else currently to deal with the myriad of complicated feelings. Even if it was a looming presence, he had surely dealt with worse things to be hanging over his head.
But she seemed to know that his option when asked were going to favour just ignoring it for one more day.
As she corrected. Giving head a slight tip towards the way the village laid and the offering in paired invite that they could just go and rest. That things weren’t going to change so drastically a few hours more. Not to mention, he really didn’t actually know where Talon was after he had landed when they were at the beach.
It was probably for the best that they didn’t interact when there was still a high potential for tempers to flare. A soft hum as he gave the indication to move.
Their steps were slow, unhurried as they left the hut behind, her hand still loosely laced with his using it as the grounding touch needed but didn’t want to push. The village lights flickered warmly in the distance, casting a golden glow along the path ahead, but seemingly not in a hurry to reach it.
Theon squeezed her fingers gently, a quiet reassurance without needing words. He exhaled, his thumb absently brushing over her knuckles in response, as if trying to memorize the softness of the moment—one unmarred by the weight of everything else.
Eventually he tugged her to a stop near the treeline, turning to face him fully. The night air was cool, carrying the distant scent of salt and woodsmoke. He expected her to say something, to offer another carefully worded encouragement.
And then, with the same quiet certainty, he closed the space between them.
His lips pressed against hers in a touch so featherlight it was almost hesitant, as if giving her the chance to pull away. A slow inhale, and then his hand rose to the side of her face, fingers ghosting along her jaw as he deepened the kiss just slightly, savoring the warmth of her, the way he melted so easily into her.
It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t desperate.
It was just them.
When they finally parted, he stayed close, forehead resting against hers. Fingers curled around her wrist, holding him there like an anchor.
“I just need to take a breath before facing it,” he murmured, voice barely above a whisper. Nodding once before pressing the briefest of kisses to her temple.
For tonight, that was enough.
Of course, Araminta knew in her infinite plotting brain that Theon was going to want to hide away for the night and not tackle the problem that was his elder brother right away. Only giving that soft smile when they started on their way to the own private little hut. Theon could only handle so much within a single day when it came to torrents of emotional things, and by all the gods, dealing Talongrath was definitely going to need a day all on it’s own.
Leaving her only wondering as they strolled casually in the gentle dark, if she would need to use her special request to get him in bed or if it could be saved for a more important occasion. Not thinking anything odd at all about him stopping them both, giving such an easy encouraging smile without the need to really say anything all. Perfectly patient in waiting to see what it was he wanted to say.
To be so stunned by soft kiss was an understatement. A surprised hum and a melting of her own to something that was so genuinely sweet and spoke a thousand words all by itself without having to utter a single word at all. Hating that he pulled away at all, when she could have savored such a moment forever. Almost not hearing the words, because what did she care about that dragonborn anyway, when Theon was her entire world.
He did not know the power he had. The enchantment he wove in making even this quiet night after insurmountable chaos, feel like something sweetly special.
“I love you,” she whispered back, it coming out before she could think twice about it. Likely the first time she’d said the statement directly that wasn’t mingled in and hidden amongst a bunch of other words and statements. Of course, it’d always been there, but here it needed to be said. He needed to hear it directly, now when they weren’t running for their lives, or just barely survived something terrible. Here in a quiet little moment that was just the two of them and chirping night birds.
Theon blinked, caught in that delicate moment between breath and heartbeat, where time felt as though it had briefly stilled. She had said it—without hesitation, without needing to hide it behind clever words or teasing smirks. Just three simple, unguarded words, spoken softly into the quiet night.
His fingers flexed slightly where they still rested against her waist, as if grounding himself in the warmth of her presence. A slow exhale left him, and then—just as naturally as breathing—he leaned in again, pressing his forehead against hers.
“You have no idea how much I love you,” he murmured, voice hushed like a secret meant only for her.
He let the words settle between them, let them take root in the space where their breaths mingled. Then, with a tender reverence, he kissed her again—this time slower, deeper, like he was pouring every unsaid thing into the way their lips met.
He didn’t need to say more. She already knew.
But still, when they finally pulled apart, he couldn’t help the small, lopsided smile that tugged at his lips as he whispered, “And if you’re thinking of using that special request to get me into bed… you don’t need it. There’s no fight in me for such things. I know it makes you happy and right now, you do need to rest. As do I.”
Did she have no idea? Araminta felt the same about Theon, that he hadn’t a clue just how far her love went and what she would do for him. Blossoming even further into that sweet delighted smile, welcoming kiss with tender eagerness herself to make sure it was cemented into his brain that it was true.
That small lopsided smile of his though, made her heart stutter so violently in her chest for a split second she was worried some new ailment had befallen her. That she was about to ice over and faint on the spot. Only there was no icy grip squeezing on her insides, just a thumping heart and the thrilled twist of butterflies in her stomach.
“That does make things easier,” she agreed with a faint giggle. No need to make any calculated choices about when to use her request and when to use other charming methods to get him where he belonged. Tossing head back in a soft laugh when she backed away to get them walking again. Grasping his hand to tug him along so it was less of a leisurely slow walk, and more purposeful to get them where they were going.
Araminta didn’t release his hand until they’d crossed the threshold of the small temporary home, setting aside the box given to her of little vials where they could be easily accessed the next time she needed a dose. Shifting just as quickly to remove the clip from her hair and the boots from her feet. Grimacing at all the loose sand that was still clinging to skin.
Giving a quick glance around until she found a pitcher of water and a basin, Araminta was studious about filling it up and getting a fresh rag ready.
“I know now for certain I never want to live at the beachside. If you get undressed I will be sure there is no sand on you and then you can get into bed.”
“I know you want to keep that special request for something more important.” Not that he was quietly thinking about said comment of a future that would require him to start getting adjusted to the idea of a home. A functionality that wasn’t being a murderous queen’s lap dog. That they wouldn’t perish in the trials. To have mundane and welcomed every day future that was simply as it was. It could all start with him starting to mend the fears that held firm to his chest.
To tend to them slowly and to acknowledge that they were not going to be likely harmed in a village that both knew Araminta was a princess, he the sibling of the presiding dragonborn if not the hellhound of the Imperial Queen.
As she lead them through the little hut, the door was closed. Making a near quick work to unbind that of hair and boots to be removed as he moved to repeat the action of making footware disappear. Only that he gave a curious look her way when she spoke about not wishing to live at the beachside. For likely the means of how sand liked to cling and he was considering her with that of the pitcher. With boots removed, he agreed with a soundless nod. “If one lived at the beach, one could build a small tub to enter into firstly with fresh water. To cleanse away the sand and salt.” He offered her, “Using the same build that flows water in the Sable Fawn.”
He paused a moment to indicate what did she want him to do, to be sure there was no sand on him. As he could easily pat off sand from his pants and shirt and the likes.
“I am indeed going to use it when you are being particularly stubborn,” she declared without an ounce of shame and a smile to match it. He knew the sorts of things he was stubborn about, so it was not going to come as a surprise at all when she made her request. It was likely going to involve the fluffiest most cozy bed that ever existed, some manner of a hot cooked meal, or a moment where she herself was being stubborn about something and intended to weasel her way out of it with a cleverly timed request.
He was lucky that there was little she’d ever refuse him.
While he gave her that waiting, near confused look, Araminta took a moment to dip that rag in the water and then quickly stepped back to wriggle out of sandy pants. Then once wringing out the wet scrap of fabric, gave him a quick demonstration on how one was meant to wipe away those excess grains by means of a quick swipe.
Gesturing fingers at him then, that those clothes of his own were going to have to come off.
Likely for the first time, letting out a charming sort of smile that well declared she knew such a request likely sounded filthy and in this instance she was just cheeky enough not to care.
Meeting her gaze at her stubborn declaration, he couldn’t exactly argue—because she wasn’t wrong. He had a tendency to be immovable when it came to things he had no interest in or wasn’t ready to confront. The only mystery now was what exactly she planned to use that special request on. Would it be something so far outside his comfort zone that he might end up hating—or, worse, enjoying—it? Or would it be something far tamer, just a means to make him indulge one of her more outlandish whims?
He supposed he’d have to wait to find out. Because the moment he considered asking, she made a motion that, at face value, strongly suggested he start undressing. And the way she grinned—oh, she definitely knew how it sounded.
His expression cooled, reserved, a subtle but clear sign of his impending resistance. Still, he pulled his tunic up and over his head, silver eyes meeting green in a quiet challenge. A bolder man might have warned her that she was playing with fire. He wasn’t that kind of man, but he could be stubborn enough to refuse stripping down any further.
Unlike her, he wasn’t wearing a romper that covered from torso to thigh. There was just one layer between him and indecency, and he wouldn’t put it past her to have chosen it deliberately.
There was something so wonderful about Theon when he met her toe to toe for whatever pointless battle over pure nonsense they were going to have. He could be so stubborn over the silliest of things, and she did so love the look on his face when he accepted the challenge as it was all faeish fire as he was meant to be, and not the quite beaten down beast on a leash.
“It won’t be comfortable sleeping with sand in the bed,” she explained her intentions, as she always did. Meeting that silver stare down of his with an even wider smile and tugging her own blouse of a shirt right off.
The trick here, was that no matter how wily and cheeky she could be, Araminta did not actually expect for either of them to get buck naked and be so bold. Not that the thought wasn’t incredibly tempting, as she was already pondering a continuance of earlier. To have her hands on him without the fear of waves taking them away, or someone walking onto the beach, or her suddenly drowning because she’d frozen to death. Only hesitating because she was still a little shy about such things when she started thinking too much about it.
And she was definitely thinking too much about it.
“I can toss you a fresh pair,” she finally told him, holding out the wet cloth for him to take, and pointing to the corner where a small dressing screen stood mostly folded.
For effect, he looked at the bed.
No, it wouldn’t be comfortable to sleep with sand. That was just fact but he also was meeting that mettle of her cheeky little commentary too. At this point, not at all convinced that she wouldn’t find the right wording to convince him to do as originally asked. Even if she was rather pulling off the blouse to indicate it was almost a tit for tat situation. Whatever he removed, she did. Again, had he been a different person, he likely have taken it as a challenge. To see how far this could go and play in the idea that they were simply teasing another.
With the stalwart lingering and her finally offering him the wet cloth to take while indicating that of the screen to maintain a semblance of modesty, shoulders eased. Funny how a few steps to take the offered items was almost enough to bring out thoughts. How easy it would be just to reach for her instead. To let touch be a careful pass to trace the curve of cheek. Treating her as if she were something delicate, something to be handled with reverence. The means of continuing the bravery that had him responding in affectionate kisses this night. To tangle touch through hair to pull her close.
And he knew how still affect his thoughts where.
Settling to take the cloth without the rest, “A fresh pair of pants would be appreciated, Ara.” Stepping over to pull the screen from its folded state so he could make the effort of assuring nothing was about to be exposed!
It would be so easy to blurt out she loved him again. Grinning so much that her cheeks hurt at this point because she was so completely infatuated with everything he did and said. All the relief in knowing they were alive and well and loved, so how could she not appreciate the fact he was willing to spend a future with her. If anyone could hear her inner thoughts, they’d think she was such a stupid silly girl!
As intend, she did step over to their packs and dug out a fresh pair of pants for him. Draping them over the top of the screen for his easy reaching.
“Don’t rush, it will take me a moment to change,” she warned him. Not about to scandalize the man to death with her own unexpected naked body! Taking out her own exchange of fresh undergarments and moving over to the water basin so she could get second rag for wiping away as much sand from herself as she could find. Stripping out of those salt dampened garments to be sure she could get at sand that was hiding where it shouldn’t,
Not much could be done about her hair but it didn’t seem there was much of anything clinging to it beyond that smell of sea salt. Donning on fresh undergarments with a wistful wish that she had that nightgown with her, but such things weren’t all that practical when they were more likely to spend evenings in the woods to avoid the trouble of public places.
Finally she did announce that she was all done, already shifting over to the bed to bend and fold back the light covers and sheets.
With the offering of fresh pants so the means of sand didn’t pile up in the bed for Araminta to start crafting a sandcastle inside, softly he thanked her for doing so. Lingering to stare after where she had slipped away as so he wasn’t straining to hear exactly where she had gone. Humming audibly at the announcement that he did not need to rush. Well, it wasn’t as if he would rush but the comment was appreciated.
Making use of the current wait to wash and brush away the bits of sand from torso. Perhaps a little more surprised how much actually had clung to him and could only imagine that a broom would be beneficial for the floor. Likely the two of them had brought back their own private little beach. A bit too far indoors.
With the strip down and continued washing that was removing more of the gritty unwanted presence. Listening absently to see whether or not Araminta was waiting. After a few minutes and the telling sound of blankets being moved, did he finalize the means of straightening himself up. Tidied as one could be and pushing the folding screen back to tug aside for now. “I’ll haul water in the morning. To wash again.” Words stated with purpose. Declaring easily that he wasn’t going to take any other suggestion. With rag put aside with the pitcher, he migrated slowly with sandy pants to tuck aside. Coming to finally approach the bed in which he managed to suppress the whole glaring aspect. Just cause he agreed to this didn’t mean he was going to be over the whole part of showing his discomfort.
Once ready, he did climb in. No fuss. No complaint. And probably more fatigue in him that he wanted to acknowledge.
Araminta did not argue, allowing his means of care of doing things for her. Still all smiles even when crawling into bed herself. Mind was riddled with all sorts of wonderful imagery and things she might attempt, for the moment still too hesitant to initiate. Content enough with their moments as they were, for they both really did need to catch some rest. And Theon slept so much better when he allowed himself to do so with her. Murmuring her usual soft Goodnight, Theon before nestling in and letting herself drift.
Miles and miles and miles away, deep in the heart of the Imperial Kingdom, well below the very stone castle that was built, a collection of souls presided. A round chamber of dark black stone that absorbed light more than reflected it, with a huge carved circle full of runes at it’s very center. Only a few small torches lit up the space, revealing exhaled breathes as mist due to the frosty temperature of the odd room.
Seven faceless, black robed figures stood around the circle and at their feet knelt seven ragged looking prisoners. Where they’d originally came from it was hard to tell by the shredded and stained rags that were now their clothes. Beaten, bruised faces of people who had long since given up any sense of sanity and knew with grim reality was to befall them here.
With the soft click of heels on the stone floor, the Imperial Queen approached with an ornate wooden box in her hands. Crossing into the runic circle to it’s very center, where she opened up her little box and plucked out the heart that was inside. Shriveled up, dried, blackened… The Queen placed it down in the center point and walked oh so slowly back out. The box handed off to some other faceless robed individual who scurried away without a second thought.
Bloody Heirra raised her hands and with some unspoken signal, every single one of the standing cultists pulled out a flash of obsidian blade to slash the throats of those at their feet. The sounds of gurgling filled the room, with bodies slumping forward all around the circle. The flood of vermillion red pooling from throats to spill into the lines etched into the floor of stone.
Another movement of her hands and the runic circle let up red as well.
Pool spilled, drained, rushed down the lines towards the very center where the dried up shriveled heart started to beat a slow rhythm. Beating softly at first before picking up into a rapid staccato. Thumping and inflating as blood soaked in and gave it life once again. Beating until it started moving and twisting, like there was something inside it pushing to get out. Stretching and growing, exploding into a mass of garish flesh. A hand of strangely tinted greyish green exploding out. Another hand. A full head of dark hair and a blood streak face coming forth, until those hands were slapping wet on the stone and dragging itself up out of the depths of some nightmarish hell.
Until a full orcish body emerged, choking up black ooze to vomit onto the ground and then glancing up with a grizzly tusked smile at the woman who summoned her.
“My beautiful, loyal Yara…” purred Bloody Heirra. “Welcome home.”