Give You What I Have [ulrica]

[ulrica]

_{He didn't feed himself first, rather he cut apart a portion he knew would fill Della and place it in the bowl which had held her water. She licked his hand in thanks and dug in. Now it was his turn. Assyrian cut a bite and stuck it in his mouth, chewing thoughtfully before swallowing. "My dear, this is absolutely lovely." The man said, already taking another piece in his mouth. “I’m glad you like it." Misty replied, her voice like music in the traveler's ears. Such a dainty little thing, she truly was a dove. "Assyrian, I say you forget the girl and take the chef. This is delectable!" Della thought to her soulmate from the floor, sitting up on her haunches to get at the meat easier. He smiled down at her, happy that she was at last enjoying herself. The dog huffed in response. "I never claimed to be enjoying myself..."}[/color] She argued stubbornly. "You never denied it either." Assyrian stated simply, a matter-of-fact tone to his deep, mental voice.

Though he wasn't usually one for vegetables, Assyrian tried a few of the carrots and also a bit of the potato though he always gave a bit to Della beforehand. He always took care of her first, as he took care of every female first. In his mind, men came second and women were placed on pedestals. One of the few things that had stuck with him from knighthood. "You know, this reminds me of the time I traveled to a desert realm far across the seas. I was made the guest of a well known merchant family there and they served all sorts of spiced meats and vegetables. Though none as good as this." He grinned, giving her playful wink.

The meal was about halfway through when a large figure appeared over Assyrian's shoulder. He looked up to see a man obviously displeased about something. The former knight prepared himself for a fight, gently laying his knife and fork on the plate in front of him so that his hands might be free to grab one of the six knives hidden in the shadows of his riding cloak. “Misty…you shouldn’t be consorting with the patrons…you know the rules. Get back to work.” Assyrian frowned, anger flashing in his eyes. Even Della looked up from her now empty bowl which she had been licking clean for every morsel of that delicious meat. A twinge of disappointment shot through the man as Misty immediately obeyed, scooting her chair back with an apology and a withdrawn look which perhaps hurt worse than loosing her company. Once again, anger flared within the man's eyes as he turned his gaze back to what he deduced was the girl's employer who in turn glared back through narrowed eyes.

As if his eyes were infrared, the thick arteries running through the man's throat stood out clearly to Assyrian. His hand began reaching for a dagger. Oh how easy it would be to simply drop this fool... “And you, stranger…keep those winks and smirks to yourself. This is my daughter.” Della growled lowly, rising into a subtle crouch. She didn't take it well when someone spoke so rudely to her soulmate. Assyrian, however, was thrown into over-drive. Her father?! This man was her father?! He had the look of a jail warden not a father! No, he had to show respect, had to make a good impression... How the hell was he supposed to make a good impression when he had already been labeled a player? And though Assyrian wouldn't admit it to himself nor anyone else, the inn keeper was correct in his assumption. But while his mind was reeling and screaming, the traveler's face was a mask of good will. He stood, his chair scraping back against the floor as he did so. One tanned hand reached inside his cloak, searching for something and pulling it forth slowly once it had been found. A small coin pouch which he weighed briefly then threw it onto the table, a grim look on his face. The money didn't bother him even though he had just paid more than twice what the meal had cost, but he had just lost a rare gem of company. The green eyed maid who hung her head in the presence of her sire.

"Della." Assyrian spoke the name as he brushed stiffly by the man, heading for the door. But he paused, his hand on the door. With a smile of a thief, the tall man turned back to look once more upon Misty's face. "I enjoyed your company ma'am, however brief it may have been..." He thought for a moment, knowing he needed to leave soon or be thrown out. "You know, the sea truly is a beautiful thing to see just as the moon rises over the waves. So like your eyes..." The invitation subtly made, his final words were mere whispers. Not even those closest to him hearing save for Della who leaned into his calves. But his time in the inn had came to a close and it was time for him to leave. Assyrian pulled the door open, stepping through then letting it swing shut behind him. Shadowfax tossed his head as the man swung easily into the saddle, the great charger rearing with a shrill whinny as he spun about and loped up the streets, people gasping and staring wide-eyed in awe of the magnificent beast.

Assyrian doubted Misty would oblige his request for her to meet him, he wondered if she even understood it or if her father had and would lock her in her room. But the man loathed the idea of losing her company so soon. Perhaps he could take her for a short excursion... Show her a few cities. Let her see with those beautiful gemstone eyes that the world was far bigger than her own small corner... The Friesian's hooves made loud clopping noises on the cobblestones of the street as Assyrian reined his mount toward the open coast. Sure he was taking a longer, more round about path, but he hoped it would give Misty time to make escape and make her way down to the sandy shore. He still made it before her however, the last bit of the sun disappearing as it laid to rest beneath the ocean. "I guess it was too much to hope, eh?" Assyrian said glumly in Della's mind, dismounting anyhow and walking the few feet toward the ocean. He would stand there for a few minutes more, watching until the moon began its climb and maybe a little while after. If Misty did come, she might see him standing there or turning Shadowfax's head toward the open road...[/color]

((OOC: Sorry for the length lol I started going and couldn't stop xD))[/sub]

[Felypsa]

Misty hated it when her father got like this. He always overreacted and now he was causing a scene in the restaurant; several of the regulars were making catcalls and obnoxious noises toward the unlucky Assyrian. Her heart went out to him; of course she didn’t want him to be treated this way, but she could not speak out against her father. It wasn’t that she feared him, but she knew it was useless. Berlach had been this way her entire life and would never change or listen to reason.

She held her breath as she looked on, wondering how Assyrian would react. He had a somewhat dangerous look in his eye as he gazed back at her father, who was still ranting. When he opened his mouth to speak, his words were surprisingly calm. He had extraordinary patience. Yet Misty felt her heart constrict at his expression. He looked so…crestfallen. Though he still bore a smile, and his words held an invitation in them…which surprised her to no end. After this fiasco, she was so sure that he would have galloped away, never to be seen again.

He was gone then, and her father was still grumpy, sending her back to work. Misty did so, but now her mind revolved around that look Assyrian had given her, the smile in his eyes as he spoke of the moon. It was easy to say that she had never met a man quite like him…and there were several reasons why she thought of him, why she was tempted to slip out into the night. Even though she couldn’t be sure he would be there, or if she had misinterpreted his words.

When she had a moment, sweeping up some dirt, she looked out the window. Night had fallen, the moon was rising. Her heart constricted again and she swallowed. So be it. If she had to endure her father’s punishment, well…he would get over it. He loved her. Hardheaded as he could be, Misty knew (or hoped) he wouldn’t be so unreasonable as to kick her out completely just for disobeying her orders. The broom she was holding fell from her hands and she bolted out the door.

Never had she run so fast, so urgently. It was surely a strange sight to see a waitress racing along the dark streets, her hands holding up her skirt just so she wouldn’t trip. As the beach came into view, Misty’s heart leapt into her throat. It had been so long since she had been there last. Her wavy hair flew behind her as she reached the top of the slope, looking down. A lone figure was there, accompanied by a huge horse and a dog. Her pounding heart skipped a beat. It was him, it was definitely him.

She saw the mighty steed turn its head, and panic filled her. “Wait!” She ran down the sandy slope, losing her balance as she neared the bottom. Her whole small frame landed in the sand, its soft cushion preventing her from getting hurt. But Misty was embarrassed as she straightened up, brushing the sand off her clothes and out of her hair. She lifted her hand and gave a mighty wave—in case her little pitfall hadn’t already attracted Assyrian’s attention.

A small part of her demanded to know what the hell she was doing…questioned her sanity…but it was too late now. Whether she had just made a fool of herself or not, Misty was here.

oOc| no worries; mine is long too xD

[ulrica]

<sub>"She isn't coming, Syri..." Della whispered quietly, her words painful to hear but so true. The young waitress wasn't coming. She had stayed in the clutches of her father... Assyrian frowned, standing from his lounging position in the soft sand. He stood for a moment, a single dark silhouette against a dark blue sky. The moon seeming giant as it made its climb away from the sea. "You're Dell.. I was a fool to think she would..." The man replied, surprised by his own sullenness. I've never been denied before. He told himself sternly, unable to accept any other reason. That's all.

Shadowfax nickered softly as his rider approached, the large stallion sensing sorrow in the air and acting appropriately. With some normalcy, Assyrian mounted up by placing one foot in the stirrup and swinging his leg over rather than just swinging up as he usually did. The charger tossed his head at the new weight on his back, ready to be off. But the tall man held the horse for a few more moments, looking at the path and the small town of Escavas in the distance as if at any second the familiar form of Misty would just appear. But the seconds passed and turned slowly into minutes, still no figure showed itself. "She isn't coming..." Assyrian said aloud, as if he needed to be reminded and speaking the words would make them easier to understand. Easier to accept. "Come on then." He said, pulling Shadow's head to head back toward the road. Back toward the lonely fields he would be sleeping in once again. But the stallion wouldn't move. He turned alright, but he wouldn't move forward. His ears flattened along his neck and the man almost pulled the long broadsword from its wrappings alongside the saddle. The mount was dancing in place, trying to turn around as if there were some unseen foe directly behind them.

“Wait!” Assyrian blinked, it was his imagination surely. There was no way she had actually came to meet him. With a powerful pull, Shadowfax obligingly turned to face the girl running down the bank toward them. The war horse reared, neighing shrilly in the way which could send even grown men cowering. There was no denying, this horse had seen battle. But this is a girl, not a soldier. Assyrian leaped from his mount's saddle as Misty stumble and fell into the sand. He raced for her side, smiling and laughing a bit as she stood and waved urgently. The man reached her side laughing and trying to breathe at the same time, the resulting noise being a guffawing gasp. "I didn't think you would come." He said, his deep voice suddenly going soft as he caught his breath. Even though he was no longer running, his heart still raced uncontrollably, and odd feeling for the man.

"Syri...?"</sub>[/color] Della stood by Shadowfax, the horse's reins lying discarded in the sand. She couldn't speak, she couldn't move. Why was he so taken with this girl? The stallion beside her gave a soft nicker and started forward the dog's soulmate, nudging the man in the back and shoving him closer to the young maid. Assyrian's eyes widened and he instantly stepped away, laughing nervously. "Sorry, he can be a bit pushy sometimes..." He joked, eyes sparkling with joy. Della was all but forgotten.[/sub][/color]

[Felypsa]

Why was he so taken with her, indeed? Misty was just a young girl with a limited amount of life experience. She never thought herself extraordinary or worthy of such a worldly man’s attention. But in this moment, she wasn’t going to question it. She had come all the way here and she was still panting at the pell-mell running she had just done, but in one simple instant, it was all worth it.

“I didn’t know if I was supposed to,” she admitted, although it was kind of a weak excuse. Going against her father’s orders was one of the biggest risks she had ever undertaken. Misty straightened up, continuing to brush the sand off herself as suddenly the great beast pushed forward. She blushed and reached for him carefully. He seemed friendly but she couldn’t be sure. Her hand trembled slightly as she tried to stroke his nose. “He’s really quite beautiful,” she whispered, looking at Assyrian, her eyes dancing.

The perfect moment of their reunion cracked as Misty remembered why they had to sneak here. Shame filled her and she looked down at her feet. “Listen, I apologize for my father. He is very overprotective…and he overreacts at times. All he saw was me talking to a stranger while I was on duty and that made him angry. I…didn’t really want you to leave. But I hate aggravating my father. He is so unpleasant when he’s holding a grudge.” And that was an understatement.

But Assyrian still wanted to converse with her…for whatever reason. Again, Misty felt a few insecurities trickle in. She was the apple of her father’s eye, but since he got so possessive of her, it was hard for her to imagine that anyone else would think highly of her. Not that she was discontent. But…she might be now, if Assyrian left her. He had given her the slightest taste of another world, one in which she could fully thrive and be happy. Then again, perhaps that was just her imagination running away from her.

She blinked suddenly and looked at Della. “Is your dog okay?” she asked. It didn’t seem as energetic as before. But maybe it was just tired after a long day. She imagined it was a lot of work having to keep up with a man on a charger.

[ulrica]

<sub>“I didn’t know if I was supposed to." Assyrian grinned wryly, shrugging a bit. "I didn't want to say too much for risk that your father might understand." Shadow tossed his head then, warry of the slender hand which was reaching for his nose. "Peace now." The man ordered, quickly grabbing the stallion's bridle so that Misty might pet the velvet of his nose. The two connected and at first Shadowfax spooked, giving a shrill whinny, but he quieted down soon after at a few pats from his master. “He’s really quite beautiful." Assyrian chuckled lowly, running his free hand through his mass of unruly hair. "Beautiful, huh?" He smirked, wryly slowly taking his hand away from the horses lead and stepping back a few feet to see the two together. An odd smile came to his lips then and he nodded. "Very beautiful..." He murmured, blinking and looking away, hoping she hadn't heard. What's wrong with me?

“Listen, I apologize for my father..." The tall man turned back, shrugging a bit and clasping his left wrist with his right hand behind his back. "Please, don't apologize, I understand. Really." Assyrian grinned mischievously, casting Misty a sly wink. "Besides, with such a lovely daughter, who wouldn't be a bit protective?" He chuckled softly, content to simply stand with the young waitress and listen to her small little comments. She was so different from the women he was used to, perhaps that was her draw for him? Perhaps it really was simply her innocence and youth, the vitality which almost glowed from within her. And perhaps she felt the same? Misty had just confessed she hadn't wanted him to leave. But many women have said that in the past and it had no effect then... The voice of reason argued with boredom. Assyrian sighed mentally, he really needed to get a hold on the situation.

“Is your dog okay?” The man blinked, looking back at his soulmate who was sitting forlornly in the sand. "What's wrong?" Della made no response, she simply trudged forward and flopped down onto her haunches a few feet away from Assyrian. "I don't know..." Assyrian said softly, before turning back to Misty with a troubled expression. "I'm curious though... What will your father do when you return and...when are you returning..?" It was another invitation, this time for her to come away with him. He wanted to show her the world, reveal the wonders of a sunrise in the mountains. He wanted to be there for the magical moment when she woke in a town not her own. He wanted to take her everywhere and show her everything and protect her from it all.... "You're a fool..."</sub>[/color] Was she the only one who understood that this was a horrible, horrible thing...?[/sub][/color]

[Felypsa]

Misty stayed as still as she could as the horse seemed to freak a bit, but then he calmed. She removed her hand, though, to show that she meant no ill will. He really was an extraordinary creature. But then so was Assyrian. He was no ordinary world-weary traveler. She did not know what sent him on the road, but it was clear he really loved it. A pang of longing filled Misty’s heart. Ah, what freedom he enjoyed…she could never travel alone like him, she would be too vulnerable. So she thought.

Assyrian was understanding about her father, though she still felt responsible. She had known she was breaking the rules by talking to him. Then this handsome admirable charming traveler added a wink and a compliment that sent Misty blushing all over again. She placed her hands to her warm cheeks. She wanted to tell him to stop saying such things, but part of her really did enjoy it…made her feel special. Besides, she had a feeling that telling Assyrian to stop wouldn’t help. He would do whatever he wanted.

Misty glanced at the dog for a moment; Della did indeed seem tired. Little did she know what the source of her depression was. Assyrian was speaking and Misty’s attention returned to him. The question he phrased was odd…“My father won’t be pleased…he’ll probably make me do all the undesirable chores and tasks for a while. And he’ll glare and make snide comments until he gets over it.” She gave a little frown and clasped her hands together in front of her. “As for when I’m returning…well…”

She blinked. She should have said an hour or two at the most. But Assyrian’s tone suggested something else. Something impossible. Misty swallowed and looked up at him. “I suppose it would depend…when are you leaving?” If he was leaving right away, she would want to spend some time with tonight. If he was staying in town, she could come and find him again before he left. Never in her wildest dreams could she have guessed that he actually meant to whisk her away with him. That he would want her to accompany him on his travels.

[ulrica]

<sub>He needed to go, he should have already been away. The open road called to him like a lover, but Mistyweaver's sea-like eyes held him fast. "As for when I’m returning…well…" Assyrian waited expectantly, irritation churning in his stomach at the thought of her father treating the young girl in such a way. Glares and snide comments, no woman should be given such things. Anger breeds anger, it was common knowledge.  “I suppose it would depend…when are you leaving?" The man's head tilted a bit, his brows furrowing as he glanced at the road over his shoulder. 

"Well..." Assyrian thought for a moment, was she wanting to stay with him? Or just curious if he would be bothering her and causing more trouble at her father's inn...? He smiled, a real smile with no hiddin motives behind it. "I have an offer for you..." Assyrian began, his voice soft and persuasive. "Come away with me." He paused for a brief moment, letting his words sink in before continuing. "I know it's a frightening thought and you're brain is screaming at you to stay with your father, but that's not what you want. I can see it in your eyes, you hunger for my world just as I've longed for company and if you come with me then we both win. If you're worried for your safety then don't be, I would protect you and please believe me when I say I am more than capable of handling any simple forest bandit. You would be safe, safer even than if you had a whole regiment of soldiers at your side. Come with me.." Assyrian sighed suddenly, running a hand down his face. 

What was he doing? Asking a young girl to leave her father and follow a smooth talking stranger? Yea, when has that ever gone wrong...? He thought somberly. "I apologize, little dove... I shouldn't ask such things of you...." He looked at her with a rueful smile. "To answer your earlier question, I was leaving as you ran upon the beach.. I never stay too long in one town, you see, it... Causes problems after a while.." Assyrian glanced over his shoulder once again. He couldn't say too much about the forms whose feral traits would overrun him if he didn't shift for more than a few days, and if she did come how would he shift? I wouldn't... I would become crazed and maybe even hurt her... He had been a fool to even consider taking her with him. Sure he had told the truth, her father shouldnt keep her locked away in this town. Misty would also be safe while on the road with him; he would have protected her no matter the consequences, but who would protect her from him? And more appropriately...who could...? Luckily, there was no possible way she would agree. 

"That's what you said when you asked her to meet you here as well...." Della reminded him, her voice sounding bored with everything that had gone on, and truthfully she was. It was the same old same old. Assyrian had taken interest in her now, but in a few days that interest would go away and he would leave her without a note or a trace as to where he had gone. But it was different this time, a small voice in the man's subconscious told him so yet he ignored it to the best of his ability. After all, what else could he do? Weren't they about to part ways for what might be the last time ever? Isn't this goodbye...?</sub>[/color]

[Felypsa]

Those four simple words—come away with me—blew her mind. Misty stood there in shock as Assyrian made his argument, assuring her that she would be safe, reminding her that she clearly wanted this. Had she been that obvious? It was a long-time dream of hers. Her heart raced as she stared at him, the shock of the proposal slowly wearing off. Oh how badly she wanted to say yes…but of course, there was the fear of leaving her father…not just because it would make him angry, but she knew how heartbroken he would be…

Assyrian seemed to realize the difficulty too, and Misty’s still-racing heart sank as he backtracked, apologizing for being too presumptuous. A few moments after he finished speaking, Misty finally found her voice. “Will you wait…” She couldn’t believe she was saying this, “for me to pack and leave a note?” She couldn’t see her father in person. If she did, she would never leave, for the guilt would catch up with her. But right now, the exhilaration of the opportunity before her caused her to accept before she changed her mind. When would she ever have a handsome, strong traveler offering to do this?

There was a small part of her that warned her that perhaps Assyrian’s intentions were not as pure as he claimed them to be…this could be a kidnapping, or perhaps he was simply preying on a young woman’s ideals. She would wake up alone in a strange place, in the wilderness or a frightening city. What then? But she would regret this if she went home. Her heart would be filled with a yearning, constantly plagued by what ifs. She remembered the tales her mother used to tell her as a child. Her own mother had been a traveler once…had journeyed through the world all by herself…

If Misty could only briefly recreate that independence, she couldn’t be happier.

The emerald ring on her finger glowed warmly with this decision, like it was approving. Misty took a deep breath and gave a hopeful smile up at Assyrian. “It shouldn’t take me more than an hour…” Hopefully that would not be too long for him to dally.

[ulrica]

<sub>Her answer was a no, she didn't have to say it Assyrian could feel it in the tension around her, see it in the frightened look of her eyes. The girl was just to well tied to this land and her father. She wasn't saying yes, and maybe that was a good thing, after all, what sort of life could he offer her? Nothing she could deserve... It was over, he had been fooling himself. He had let his heart run away with his mind. How foolish.

"Are you happy now?" Assyrian asked with an accusing tone to his voice, making sure Della knew the extent of his unhappiness. Perhaps she had been right earlier, she really wasn't enough for him anymore. But how had she ever been? After all, the small creature was only a shard of his soul personified. And one could never be satisfied with just themselves for company. "No... No I'm not..." Della whispered through their link, she too letting him feel her remorse. It wasn't that he felt some odd attraction to the girl, it wasn't her jealousy, it was the simple fact that he was unhappy and it was her attitude which had made him that way. Her discontent had leaked through their bond and infected them both.

“Will you wait for me to pack and leave a note?” Assyrian blinked, had she truly just said what he thought she had? No surely not... He told himself, refusing to believe it was anything other than his imagination. But it wasn't his imagination or his mind playing tricks on him, she had asked him to wait. She was coming with them! “It shouldn’t take me more than an hour…” Misty smiled at him hopefully, her eyes watching expectantly as she waited for his answer.

Assyrian took a deep breath, letting it out quickly and making a short noise as if he was laughing. The man nodded his head, running a hand through his hair; an action which seemed to be quickly becoming a habit. "Of course I can wait, I have no schedule to keep. You can take as long as you need, little dove. And if you would allow me," he made an elegant bow, holding out a hand to help her onto Shadowfax's high back if she so wanted to used the horse, "I would escort you back to your inn myself to ensure no harm befall such a lovely woman." He smirked slyly, looking up at her. She's coming with me. The man thought triumphantly, the words echoing in his head.</sub>[/color] 

[Felypsa]

He would wait—and relief filled her. His smile then was a reward in itself, and Misty couldn’t think or regret her decision now. She had made it and now she had to go with the flow and keep living in the moment. Assyrian even offered to take her back to the inn, and Misty look at Shadowfax with wide eyes. “Oh…thank you…” She took his hand shyly and, with his help, was able to mount the great horse.

Part of her still couldn’t believe she was doing this. How long would it last? It didn’t matter, even a day out of Escavas and exploring the world would change her life. She would never be the same after this. Her heart thudded. To be on the brink of fulfilling her dream, and in such a way she would have never imagined (with a charming man as her guardian and guide!)…Misty breathed in the sea air. This was happiness.

As soon as they would return to The Rising Dragon, Misty knew she had to be careful. Gingerly dismounting, she hurried for a back door. The kitchen was closed now, but her father would be dealing with the patrons still. She opened the door slowly and sneaked up to her room, being as quiet as possible on the creaky stairs. Having safely reached it, she grabbed a sack—made of sturdy material that she had woven herself—and began tossing in a few things. She tried to pack as lightly as possible, with a few changes of clothes, all the money she had (not much), and a silver heart-shaped locket with a bit of her mother’s hair. This she put around her neck, and she removed the dirty apron once and for all.

Grabbing parchment and a quill, she wrote out a note to her father. “Don’t worry—I’m safe—seeing the world. Love you forever, Misty.” She left it on her bed where she knew he would look. She was about to go back down the stairs with her pack when she heard a commotion downstairs. Her father’s voice boomed angrily, arguing with a stranger. Both voices were getting closer to her. Swallowing, Misty looked around. A rope, she needed a rope to descend from her window.

Her ring glowed brightly, and Misty’s hands moved automatically through the air. The humidity of the room coalesced around her, and her fingers plucked and spun expertly, as if at a real loom. After a few minutes, Misty blinked: she held a soft but solid gray rope in her hand. Shaking her head, she went to tie one end to the bed, flinging the rest out the window. The arguing voices were right outside her door now. Misty had no time. She headed out the window, lowering herself bit by bit down the rope. Her eyes darted this way and that, looking for where Assyrian might be.

Misty landed safely on the ground, heart crashing. That was too close. She hurried away from the window, not wanting to be glimpsed by anyone who might look out. She sought out Assyrian, now in a hurry to get to him and get away.

In her room, the door burst open, and the rope vanished into the air—like evaporated droplets. A tall, thin man entered, followed by the very angry innkeeper. The thin man beheld the open window and stroked his thin thoughtfully. “It seems you are off the hook this time, Berlach,” he commented, looking at the surprised innkeeper, who had gone to his daughter’s bed. “You’re lucky your daughter is cleverer than you.” Both men looked at the note, Berlach’s expression one of complete disbelief, the stranger’s one of slight displeasure. Now the Mistweaver was going to lead him on a chase…how inconvenient.

[ulrica]

<sub>Assyrian climbed up in front of Misty, making sure she had a good grip before he urged the great charger forward. He was glad once again for the stallion's gaited pace, making the steady lope seem as if it were merely a walk though they still moved just as quickly. The streets were fairly empty and those still out and about tried not to show their faces, not knowing or caring about their behavior the traveler continued on until he reached The Rising Dragon. "Be careful..." He warned, carefully helping the young girl to her feet. Concerned eyes watched her slight figure as she slipped unseen through the door.

"She will need a mount." Della said after Assyrian had stood in the street watching for Misty's return for a few minutes. "Are accepting that she's coming with us now?" The creature sighed wearily, leaning into her soulmate's leg and licking his hand affectionately. "I just wish you would have consulted me a little first..."</sub>[/color] Assyrian nodded, understanding. "We'll have to wait until sun up. No honest trader would be awake at this hour." Suddenly, a great booming voice echoed from out of the inn, claiming both of the travelers' attention. Her father... Fear thudded through the man's heart and he shifted uneasily from foot to foot. What if she had been caught? What if he was beating her right now and she needed his help? What if the inn keeper was just yelling at an unruly customer? What if, what if, what if, it was never ending! And finally, a light gray rope appeared out of an upstairs window. Assyrian breathed a sigh of relief before moving quickly toward Misty as she rushed away from the inn. "Peace, dove, all is well." He said in a reassuring tone, seeing the anxiety on her face and sensing the fear which quickened her heart and his.

Reaching out a hand, the tall man would lead her back to Shadowfax, helping her up as he had before. If she obliged and mounted the horse as he guided her, placing her in the saddle so she would have an easier time holding on, he would swing up and spur the great charger away from the small fishing town. Being in such a hurry, neither he nor Della would notice how the rope Misty had used to scurry down from her room would simply vanish. Her hidden abilities were still safe, and from the only two in the area who would most definitely help her.[/color]

((OOC: Sorry lol xD i was posting from my phone earlier and thought that i had just forgotten to post back =P ))[/sub]

[Felypsa]

oOc| ahaha no worries. I was just confused xD

He was there for her—thank goodness—and with a few comforting words, he helped her mount on Shadowfax. She held her sack in front of her and leaned against Assyrian for balance. Immediately he spurred the steed to the road, taking her out of her home. Misty turned back to give a last glance at the place she had grown up in. It was hard to believe that she was leaving it so quickly. Who knew when the next time would be when she saw it again? A few days from now, years from now? Her life was on a different path starting now. It was scary, of course it was…but it was also exciting.

She didn’t know exactly what she was leaving behind…but she had avoided an angry encounter with her father. Misty hoped he didn’t try to come after her. Probably not; thinking outside the box like that was not his style. More than likely, he’ll just worry and stew until she came back. Would he disown her? Her heart quickened. Oh hopefully not. If traveling with Assyrian did not work out, if she did not make a new life for herself, she might have nothing to return to.

Misty closed her eyes. She didn’t like thinking about that. Forget the goodbye. Think of the future. Whatever it might be. She was full of hope for what it might bring. “Thank you,” she said softly. “Thank you for giving me this chance. It means so much to me.” He probably didn’t even know how much. But she appreciated it all the same.

[ulrica]

<sub>Assyrian blinked as Misty settled back against his chest. Although her weight against him was nice, her warmth comforting, it was still a surprise and he took a second to snap out of the trance-like state it had put him in. "Right! Off we go!" Shadowfax snorted a few times as the man tapped his heels into the charger's sides; he might have been a large creature, but the Friesian was far from slow. Sucking his rear under and lunging forward, the stallion took off at a break-neck pace, but with a sharp tug of the reins he slowed to the gentle lope from earlier. Good horse... Assyrian thought gratefully, glancing down to where Della easily kept pace with them, her tongue lolling from the side of her mouth in what almost seemed to be a doggy grin.

Minutes passed and they were out the town once again, though this time Assyrian didn't stop at the shore. He held Shadow to the road and headed onward. "Hold onto his mane, dove." The man said in Misty's ear, the wind of their speed brushing her scent into his nose and making his head dizzy with emotion. "Relax, feel his movements beneath you and let your body roll with the rhythm. He won't let you fall, I promise." His voice was soft, gentle. Assyrian knew she was scared and that her heart must be hurting with the knowledge she had left her father, and if she would let him he would comfort her all she needed. To hold a woman and make her feel at ease was one of his specialties after all, but until she opened her arms to him he wouldn't be more intimate than keeping his own strong arms on either side of her in order to steer and keep her from falling. That's as far as it will go. He told himself sternly.

A brilliant idea hit him then. Misty was from a fishing neighborhood and she obviously wasn't used to being around horses judging from her reaction when they had first begun conversation. So, Assyrian was able to deduce that she had probably never guided a horse either. "Would you like to lead him..?" He offered, the deep notes of his voice holding a sense of adventure and play as he held the reins on the open palms of his hands for her to take if she wanted. Shadowfax was smart enough to follow the road so Misty would be hard pressed to make him falter, but she didn't need to know that. He would let her taste the power which would come with controlling such a magnificent creature, even if it wasn't completely real.</sub>[/color]

[Felypsa]

Assyrian didn’t give her time to reflect and regret the decision she just made. There was only the open road before them, trying to adjust to the rocky rhythm of riding such a powerful creature. Her body bucked and she had a feeling she was going to be saddle-sore fairly quickly.

That was when she felt Assyrian’s arms tighten slightly around her, his head by her ear. His words were soothing, and she swallowed. She reached out to grab the animal’s mane, hoping she did not pull too hard and hurt him. Trusting Assyrian, she let her eyes fall closed. It unnerved her to do so, but somehow, it seemed like the right thing to do.

As long as he was holding on to her, she didn’t feel unsafe, even without her vision. Slowly her body adjusted to each bump, till she was moving along with him. She was still going to be sore, she knew, but maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. Her hands tightened on the mane and she opened her eyes to see how she was doing.

That was when Assyrian did something very surprising. He offered her the reins. She stared down at them in his hands, and then twisted around to look right in his face. Was he serious?

He was. She swallowed again and turned around to face front. Assyrian believed in her. He believed in her from the very beginning, undeterred by her lack of experience and her plain ordinary-ness. His confidence spurred her to take the reins. She tried not to pull them too tightly to hurt or startle Shadowfax. “How…am I doing?” she asked softly, her wide eyes darting between the bopping horse head in front of her and the road.

[ulrica]

_{Her body was adjusting to Shadow's rhythm, moving easier to the horse's rocking motion. Assyrian could almost feel her anxiety as Misty took the reins in uneasy hands.  “How…am I doing?” Assyrian laughed softly, placing his hands on his thighs, knowing it would be too presumptuous of him to place them around her waist. "You're doing wonderfuly." Shadowfax tossed his head, a move which could be mistaken as the horse flicking his forelock from his dark eyes, but it was a rare motion for the stallion. "Della, do you hear anything...?"}[/i] The man asked his soulmate, concentrating on the scents and sounds of the area himself. "You would hear it before I would. Can we rest for a while?"[/i][/color] The small dog replied, even her mental voice sounding tired. 

Assyrian glanced down, surprised to see her panting heavily and limping. "Shadowfax hold." He ordered, sliding off the horse's rear as the charger slid to a halt. "Sorry about that..." He would say, already on a knee to investigate a cut a paw. "When did this happen?"[/i] He asked his counterpart worriedly. "I'm not sure... We should get off the road..."[/color] Assyrian nodded and scooped Della into his arms. 

"Sit tight, 'kay?" Assyrian said to Misty with a grin before walking off the road and into the trees alongside it, Shadow followed him faithfully with his nose touching the man's shoulder. "We're a few miles already away from the town, and while it's not as far as I would like, it'll have to do. I apologize for the inconvenience, I had hoped to get you a bed tonight." The man said as he set Della down on a grassy area then moved back to offer assistance to Misty if she hadn't already gotten down. He would then start pulling a couple blankets and a long object wrapped in cloth: his sword. "Here, you go ahead and lie down." Assyrian said, folding one blanket in half and laying it flat on the ground then folding a corner back to indicate she should lay on one half and cover up with the other. The second blanket was rolled to create a sort of pillow for her. His sword was set to rest a few feet away, propped against a tree. "I'll start a fire and then bandage her up a little, you get some rest though alright. I'm sure it's been a long day." His voice would be gentle and kind, as it always was toward her. If she would allow him, he would reach out a hand to guide her to the small pallet.[/color]

((OOC: Sorry forthe suckiness of it >.<))[/sub]