by Orr, Krystal
Markahn leaned back and scratched at his chin. His skin glistened in the sun and the furs around his shoulders only made him look more intimidating. Lao'dahn's theory was not without merit, but it relied too much on speculation. Talliea was a free spirit, but he doubted whether she had the fire to attack one of his brothers.
"Listen," he said, "without proof of this deed, we can do nothing else. You claimed she landed an arrow in your bo-staff. Where is it?"
Lao'dahn hesitated a moment. The arrow in question was with his personal belongings. He intended to take it to the Sage woman and see what she could divine from it. The characters on the shaft almost appeared to be an alphabet to him, but he was no master in such things. Taetylona, on the other hand, was. She possessed knowledge and information on topics most ordinary people never thought of use. How she knew such things was beside the point, as far as he was concerned. The old woman could be useful. That was all he needed to know.
"It must have been knocked loose on my return to camp. Perhaps a scouting of the area will bring the other arrows to attention." He knew no such thing would happen. The day after the incident, he had returned to the cave, or as near as he could get, and the evidence of his assault had been gone. There was no arrow near the cave entrance as there also was no arrow in any of the nearby trees. He'd been relieved when he had not been shot at a second time, but had not wished to tempt his good fortune by going any further.
Markahn took in his words and nodded his head. "Very well then, we will scout the area and see what clues the landscape provides. Do not speak of this to any other, Lao'dahn. Unfounded allegations of this nature are not something to be made lightly. We will investigate this matter ourselves and see what answers we come to."
Markahn walked away from him before he could respond. He watched the man until he disappeared inside one of the dugouts and grinded his teeth together. It was time to pay a visit to the Sage woman.
* * * * * *
Talliea sat against the rock wall of the cave, her Ophe'las bed providing an abundant warmth, while she looked down adoringly at Arizira. The other woman's head and shoulders were resting in her lap and her hair was spread out around her face. Talliea's fingers were slowly running complacent trails up and down Arizira's neck while she slept. Arizira had fallen asleep while the two of them had talked some short time ago.
When Talliea realized Arizira had passed to the lands of dreams and slumber, she'd only smiled to herself before reaching for her wolf blanket and used it to cover her companion up. She now held Arizira close to her body and watched her in her most peaceful state. Her life had taken a rather unexpected turn and she found the new rush of excitement to be exhilarating.
The perfect, gentle, and beautiful woman in her lap was not only her friend and protector, she was also the person she loved and adored. Arizira had shown her that goodness still thrived in the world. She had shown her that not every action was calculated or shallow or wrought with a steel-bent pain. Through Arizira, Talliea had come to experience joy and wonder and happiness.
Never before could she recall laughing with such freedom or smiling with such openness. Arizira was the single most astounding being she knew. Most of the time, Talliea barely understood Arizira or her reasons and ways for doing something. She was so very different, and it was that difference that had first attracted her. Arizira did not respond or react the way Talliea was accustomed. She did not do things because she wished for something in return.
She was honest, loyal, respectful, curious, and loving. Were all Arnira the same, Talliea wondered, or was Arizira unique in yet another way?
Probably the most confounding thing about Arizira was her feelings for Talliea. How could someone who saw the world the way she did have feelings for someone as humdrum as Talliea? The thought was baffling. Talliea felt that she had nothing to offer Arizira. She did not have so rich a culture nor did she possess any skills that were of use.
The only thing she had for Arizira was her feelings. That was all she could give, all she could offer. As she looked down at the beautiful woman resting against her, Talliea prayed to whatever spirit was listening that her feelings were enough. Now that she had finally given a name to the emotions she felt, she wanted only to share them with Arizira, both verbally and physically.
The other woman had stopped her attempt to express herself physically and now, as Talliea let her fingers softly curl along the underside of Arizira's jaw, she found herself wondering if a verbal attempt would be met in much the same way. She knew Arizira had feelings for her. She was not sure how, but she could feel them as if they were her own. Why then had Arizira denied the two of them? She had claimed it was because Talliea was not ready, but what if it was because the thought of lying with an Esu woman gave her pause?
Talliea's insecurities flared inside her and she felt her breath become thick and heavy in her chest. She was not as beautiful and magical in appearance as Arizira or her people. Did her dark skin and hair upset Arizira? Was she deluding herself by thinking someone as pure and good as Arizira could love someone as tarnished and broken as she was?
Suddenly, she felt foolish -- very foolish. She could not shake the nagging thoughts from her mind. It was not fair to Arizira, she knew that, but it was hard for her to believe in something so good with the way her life had been laid out thus far. Life for Esu women was about duty and responsibilities. It was difficult for her to fully accept that what she was doing with Arizira required neither of those things. Arizira asked for nothing while she gave everything. Was that what love was? Giving of oneself fully while expecting nothing in return from your mate?
Looking down at Arizira, Talliea smiled when she noticed a small twitch at the corner of her lips. She remembered kissing those lips and a flush touched her skin at the memory. The way Arizira had kissed her had been unlike anything Talliea had ever experienced. She had felt the barely restrained desire in the embrace and the passion transferred between them had been electrifying. When Arizira's hands had smoothed over her bare stomach, a hot flare of emotion had settled in her belly and everything had become a blur. Arizira had kissed her, truly kissed her, and she still felt tingles when she recalled their encounter.
She wondered why she had tasted mint in their kiss. Markahn, the only other person ever to kiss her -- though, if she thought about it, he had been in the act alone and that, by her definition, meant that Arizira was the first person she had ever kissed -- had not carried such a tantalizing flavor. Did all Arnira have such a taste? Was it normal? Her lips and tongue had felt both cool and hot as she had kissed Arizira, and she wondered if Arizira had noticed it as well.
Her fingers moved from Arizira's jaw to her mouth and she tentatively ran them over full and beautiful lips. Her insecurities faded away suddenly. Her worries were baseless. Her thoughts and fears were without merit.
Arizira was perfect. If she had been repulsed by her, she would not have kissed her as she had. She would not have touched her so enthusiastically. Talliea knew her worries stemmed from who she had been, not who she was becoming with Arizira.
Smiling as she watched her dark fingers move over pink lips, she knew that, even if she and Arizira had not shared their feelings with one another, either verbally or physically, that did not negate their emotions in anyway.
Arizira would not hurt her. Ever. Talliea knew that. She was safe with Arizira. As she watched her sleep, she vowed to herself she would never let any harm come to her Ahmanae. Arizira was the most precious thing in her life. She was the only thing worth saving and protecting. Even if it meant she herself came to some harm or worse, she would never allow Arizira to be in pain.
The vow inspired her and, for once, she realized she had something to live for; someone to live for. Arizira stirred and the sound of her stomach growling sounded around the two of them. Silvery blue eyes fluttered and then opened. A small and happy smile spread across her face before she spoke.
"Hi," she rasped. Talliea smiled herself, already lost
and drowning in the blue eyes looking up at her. "Hi," she breathed, her hand now cupping Arizira's cheek.
The two of them were silent for a moment, both allowing their eyes to just drink in the sight of the other. "I think your stomach is trying to tell us it is hungry," Talliea said, her smile still present.
Arizira giggled and moved a hand up to cover the one on her cheek. Turning her head, she placed a gentle kiss on the inside of Talliea's wrist before turning back to stare up at her. "Well, that is one appetite I can sate, at least."
* * * * * *
Some time later, the two of them were both preparing their meal. Arizira was stewing a mixture of vegetables over the fire pit while Talliea sorted through their stock of dried meats, berries, and nuts. Her thoughts were contemplative as she worked.
"Ari?" Arizira stirred the carrots and potatoes in the pot before her and added another leaf of the spice she was using. "Yes?" she answered.
Talliea looked up and her expressive face was dark with some deep thought. "I can not be without you," she said without preamble, her voice both true and heartfelt. The statement was spoken with great earnest and it immediately caught Arizira's attention. Setting the mushroom in her hand aside, she turned her head in a curious manner and looked into her companion's eyes.
"You do not have to be," she said softly. Talliea shook her head, biting the inside of her lip, and took a deep breath. "We know not what we are doing, Ari. I have forsaken my people, but I can not ask that you do the same. You were only going to journey with me through the winter months. You were going to teach me to survive."
Understanding dawned on Arizira and she felt a sinking sensation drop into her stomach and sting her insides. She had become caught up in Talliea and the knowledge of who and what Talliea was had become lost to her.
Their two peoples were enemies. Even now, Arizira's people were likely scouting the Esu settlement and drawing plans for a raid once the spring arrived. As for the Esu, they were completely unaware of the danger lurking in the woods. Though Arizira had no love for the Esu, she did not think she could condone an all out war without even the mention of peace talks.
Talyn was a wise and level-headed leader, but absolute power did not reside soley with her. If a vote was called and put forth, and the other Elders decided on preemptive action, then war would take place and Arizira and Talliea would be caught in the middle. The Esu would not stand a chance against Arniran warriors and hunters. What would happen to the women and children or the men who surrendered?
There were too many questions and Arizira was not the one to answer them. She was not a leader among her people, nor was she one to ponder upon such delicate matters. "I can not be without you either, Tah-li. We share a bond now," she said and her voice was soft.
Talliea swallowed the lump in her throat and looked at Arizira. Her eyes were dark and unsure. "Then what are we to do? I cannot ask that you spend the rest of your days hiding in the forest with me. Your people would feel your absence, Ahmanae, and I will not have you being without those that you love."
Arizira wanted to interject and state that, by being with Talliea she would be with the person she loved, but she refrained and only nodded her head in understanding. "I told you that I would not leave you, Tah-li. That has not changed. My people are aware of your people's presence. We have been aware since before a camp was made. I was sent to scout the area. Whispers had come to us from the spirits of the forest of newcomers. My Nai'iris," she paused seeing the look of confusion in Talliea's eyes, "my...leader, had tasked me with learning what I could."
Talliea was quiet for a time, her mind going over everything Arizira had just told her. She had strongly believed that the Arnira were aware of her people, but Arizira had just confirmed matters for her. They had been spying on her clan and relaying information. How much did they know?
"The night we met...you had been watching us?" she asked. Arizira made no gesture of affirmation. Her eyes told Talliea everything she needed to know. "You told your leaders of our presence?" Again, Arizira said nothing.
Talliea sighed and wondered why she even cared. Her people had never done her any favors. She was not upset with Arizira. The woman had only been doing what she could to protect her own people. She was, however, upset with herself. She had allowed herself to become so lost and caught up with Arizira that she had managed to forget there was another reality to deal with.
Her people would never accept Arizira. They would sooner kill her than offer her any hospitality. She wondered if Arizira's people would be more understanding of their relationship or if they, too, would be blinded by past animosities. What were the two of them to do with the threat of war on the horizon?
"I do not care what you were doing the night we met. I do not care about the past o-or about what myth says. I want no part in this cycle of hatred. Hate and anger and the chains of bondage have ever held sway over my life. The only thing I wish to give a care to is you, Ari. Whatever happens, I know, without a doubt, that I can no longer walk the path of my life without you."
Arizira smiled, the gesture spreading across her face so quickly that it stilled Talliea's heart. "The path you walk is now also my path, failira. We shall continue it together. I told you that I would remain with you through the winter. I shall do that. What plans we make at the dawn of spring shall be decided together. Our two peoples shall eventually come through the mist and fog and learn fully of the other; that seems likely."
Talliea nodded, all thoughts of food now lost to her. "Once the spring arrives," Arizira continued, "if you wish it, I can return to my people and request amnesty on your part. You are Esu, Tah-li, but you are also a woman. The Elders may be willing to grant you asylum in return for information on your people."
Talliea held Arizira's gaze. Her mind felt overwhelmed. Could she truly be a traitor to her people? Could she turn her back on her own mother and the people she had grown up around and with? What loyalty did they deserve? She cringed and tried to slow the pace of her thoughts. Why did matters have to be so complicated? All she wanted to do was be with Arizira. Did that desire come with so great a price?
She wished no part in what their peoples chose to do. It did not matter to her. Only Arizira mattered, but how could they be happy with their people possibly being at war? If she was granted a place among the Arnira, could she and Arizira honestly be happy together? Would the other women of the tribe view her with contempt or worse, treat Arizira differently because of her? She did not speak the Arniran tongue so communication would rely solely on Arizira. The Arnira were nocturnal. How was she supposed to adapt to such a drastic lifestyle?
No, she did not think living with Arizira's people was in her best interests. Despite not wanting to be separated, she knew there had to be another alternative. But what?
Arizira was still watching her intently, her glowing eyes acting to calm the upset in Talliea’s heart somewhat. "I just want to be with you," Talliea whispered in a heartfelt tone. "I did not ask for my people to hate yours or for yours to want to remove mine from the valley. I asked for none of it. I-I did not ask for these feelings I have for you, but they are the one thing that brings me joy instead of upset. I do not know what to do. All I do know is that I can not be separated from you. It would kill me."
Standing and walking around the fire, Arizira sat next to Talliea and wrapped her arms around her in a tight and secure hug. She threaded the fingers of her left hand into Talliea's dark hair and cradled her head against her chest. "You will not be separated from me, nor I you. Whatever happens, Tah-li, we will decide on our course together. Do not let your thoughts be troubled any longer. An option may yet present itself before the winter passes."
Talliea, her arms wrapped around Arizira's waist and her head resting against her chest, only nodded and tried to believe the words being spoken. Arizira held the back of her head in a tight embrace and she felt a kiss being placed in her hair. Tilting her head up, she looked into Arizira's mesmerizing eyes and leaned for
ward to press her lips against her chin in a tender kiss. "You are the best thing to ever happen to me, Ahmanae, and I will do everything I can to keep you next to me."
Arizira smiled, her eyes searching Talliea's and finding only truth, before lowering her head. Her nose dragged down Talliea's until their lips were only centimeters away from one another. "I will never leave you," she whispered before kissing Talliea slowly. Her lips did not move in a rush. This kiss was not about passion or lust. It was about emotion and love. It was about cementing their promises to one another.
She pulled back, smiling softly, before leaning in again and kissing Talliea a second time just as slowly. Their lips met in a series of small, short, but intense caresses. The taste of mint danced on their tongues and, if possible, they felt even closer to one another.
The future was unclear to both of them. All paths they could think of held the possibility of disaster or heartache. Despite that, they each knew they could not live without the other. However things came to pass, both women were intent on remaining together.
Elsewhere...
"It is about time you showed up. These nights are cold and I am not as young as once I was."
The wolf circled the small and frail looking woman sitting in its den. A blazing fire cast the woman's face in various shades of orange and red, but her light purple eyes were clearly visible. Avoiding the flames of the fire, the wolf, its coat a startling white and its eyes an icy blue, came to sit next to the woman.
Cynra raised her hand and placed it on the wolf's large head. Scratching behind its ears, she sighed and stared into the fire. "They have stopped being young and stupid and given into their desire, hm?"