A villian.... or a hero?

[Xenoxice]

This moment... this very moment in time seemed like it was an eternity. Everything around him slowed down to a crawl as he lost himself in the kiss. Her lips were so soft and warm against his own. Her lips were sweet and he only realized after he started just how much passion and love truly burned within him that he held back for so long. He never knew these feelings so as long as he can remember but it was all so inviting and invigorating. He didn't want to let her go. There was something so amazingly special about her and he knew it deep down. He wanted her to be his but he just didn't know how to say it. Everything was brand new to him and he was lost on what to say or do... and yet kissing her felt so natural. As if he had done it before or wanted to all along without knowing.

It wasn't long within the kiss that he found his free hand slowly falling from her cheek to glide smoothly down her neck. Then it followed around her shoulder... and eventually down her side and around to rest upon the small of her back, still holding her hand snugly in his other. The way she smelled, the taste and feel of her lips and the warmth of her body. The sound of the leaves rustling in the breeze around them. Everything made this moment perfect beyond words and he only wished it could last forever. But if he could find the words to ask her to be his, then just maybe there would be many more moments like this in the future.

Very slowly time seemed to speed back up to normal. How much time had actually passed he didn't know. Nor did he care for that matter. It was all so perfect that nothing else mattered. All he cared about was seeing what would progress between them, how their feelings would develop... or even what feelings she had for him. It was apparent that she did have feelings for him in some way by the way she returned the kiss and embraced it rather than fight it. It was the most memorable moment in his entire life and he would never in all of his long, long life forget it. The first woman he ever wanted to truly be his mate. The first he ever wanted to be with or felt anything for. Gradually, his lips pulled away from hers and he breathed deeply with a stuttering breath. Opening his eyes and looking at her with a longing gaze he opened his mouth and tried to speak. "Jolene...." he managed to get her name out but could find no more words other than that. His eyes however, showed something much deeper inside that no words could ever speak clearly enough. He hoped and prayed she could look into his eyes and see what he wanted. His mouth was only open slightly as he gazed at her. Longingly.... wanting her.... -needing- her.

[Relairah]

As the kiss continued, she felt the burn of desire she had felt before growing stronger, kindling a flame of passion in her chest. Similar to Zenithe's own thoughts, she didn't want this to end. Truly it was perfect, and for once in her life she wondered how things could be going this well, this smoothly, without some sort of mishap? Could it be dream? But no, she knew this was real. She could feel everything and her body was so alive. He pulled back, somewhat against her longing and she opened her eyes only slightly, finding her breath coming short - but not because of exercise, but from the sheer exhilaration of the moment. Her heart was racing and her stomach trying to regain its composure. He murmured her name, her eyes staring into his. He wasn't the only one who was speechless.

"Don't stop..." she pleaded, moving in to kiss him again, enjoying the sensations which echoed along her spine and caused her skin to prickle. It was now she felt the stir of animal instinct, wanting to take over. Never had it felt so strong, that she could recall at this moment, anyway. In her entire life, she had always done as she pleased, following her heart, never thinking twice before diving into some action or another. This was no different as she caved to every desire flowing through her. Her arms wrapped around his body, her fingers moving to toy with his hair. She allowed him to do whatever desires he felt, even encouraging it with each movement of her body against him. They would certainly share this night in full.

[Xenoxice]

The feelings and passions burning within his chest and stomach grew. The moment he looked into Jolene's eyes and she looked back into his, even if just for a moment of eye contact, those flames of desire, passion, love and happiness burst into a raging inferno. He knew at that very minute. Beyond any shadow of a doubt... that he wanted her as his mate. He didn't want anyone or anything else but her. And that raging inferno of emotion only grew hotter and hotter. The cold air of the night suddenly seemed like it was much hotter. The feeling of her pressing her lips against his once again made his entire body tingle all over. There wasn't a single thing that could stop either of them. They were captured and braced by each other. Her skin, her lips, her body against his... everything felt so right... so perfect.

It wasn't long before his hands had started to move to places they never have before. Exploring all over the body of the woman who had captured his heart. Jolene was no ordinary human, but then again neither was Zenithe. Two people that were extraordinary in their own rights embracing each other. This night.... beside the glowing lake they were beside, was going to be one never forgotten by either of them all their lives. Zenithe was certainly going to experience sensations that are amazing beyond words. And he was sure Jolene, the woman he loved, would experience just the same. This night... Zenithe would share everything he had with her and give her absolutely everything. Slowly but surely he leaned back with his arms wrapped around her, pulling her down with him and letting her rest against him as they embraced one another and shared the most incredible night of all.

[Relairah]

Jolene awoke with a start, sitting up in the grasses by the glowing lake. She panted for a moment, looking around, trying to gather herself and then calmed as everything came rushing back into her mind. It was still night, though in the very early hours of the morning. The sky straight above them was still a deep blue though already the hints of lighter blue were creeping higher as the sun made way to dawn. She blinked and reached her arms up, pointing her toes and stretching. She had slept on the ground many times before, but this time had somehow been different. She had slept deeper, somehow awaking more refreshed. Only hours before had been the most exhilarating thing she had ever experienced. It was amazing how her body just knew what to do.

She looked over, her eyes resting on the form of the one she had somehow let closer than anyone before him. She couldn't help the soft smile which touched her face, even reaching her fingers out to touch him lightly, almost as if making sure, once again, this wasn't a dream. She laid back once again, surprised at how comforting it was to have his arm around her. She had never thought she would be the type to like affectionate behavior... but it was soothing.

Despite the fact her clothing was still strewn beside her in the grass, she also was surprised at how warm she had been beside him. His cloak was slightly draped around her legs and she grasped it, pulling it up farther. She was truly curious what would happen next.

[Xenoxice]

His breaths were deep and slow. Early in the morning as the sun hadn't even come over the horizon yet but the sky was starting to lighten up. Even though one would think he was in a deep sleep, Zenithe was actually a very light sleeper overall. He trained himself to be to protect himself. But now... he has someone else to protect. Someone else to care for and love. To be with and truly be happy with. He felt her soft touch and that was enough to make him stir and smirk a little, unseen on the side of his face that was against the ground. He was awake now with one of his arms still wrapped around her waist. He felt as she lay back down and pulled the cloak up more. The way he wore it, it was a lot larger than it actually looked on him. Fully unfolded it was easily the size of a large blanket that could completely cover two adults with plenty to spare. As he lay with his arm wrapped around her, he moved his hand over to rest upon her belly with a smile as he spoke gently to her. "Good morning, Jolene."

Gradually his eyes opened and those crimson orbs looked over to her, glowing as vibrantly as ever. Memories of the events that transpired that night rushed through his mind. The emotions... the passion... the sensations... everything was beyond incredible. Nothing he ever imagined could have even come close to what he experienced that night. He reached up with his right arm that had been tucked under his head and caressed her cheek lovingly. "Jolene...." He began to speak as he looked at her with eyes of deep compassion and care. "I love you...." . He never would have heard himself say such words before now, but this woman was different. He gave her more than he ever gave anyone in his entire life. Let her get to the point it's impossible to become any closer to him than they were during those events. He simply looked at her and smiled softly. His hair, even while laying on the ground all night long, managed to stay perfectly clean. He leaned over to give her a gentle kiss upon her lips as he lay beside her cuddled closely.

His eyes showed what he wanted. What he desired and wished for. What he couldn't say last night in the moment of pure passion, he found came so easily to him this time. "Jolene. There's something I wanted to say last night but never got the chance... All of this is just so new to me I couldn't find the words to say it at the time." He looked deeply into her eyes and pulled the cloak up over their shoulders completely. "But now it's so clear to me just what I wanted to say last night. I want you to be mine Jolene." His smile was warm and inviting, caring and compassionate. "I want you to be my mate. Lover. Wife. Whichever way you wish to say it.... I want to be with you." He didn't care if he sounded foolish or if he was asking too soon. He knew that he would never know her answer if he didn't ask. And after that night, he felt deep down she was the one for him.

[Relairah]

She met his gaze, smiling, "Morning..." was her soft response. She let her eyes trace the features of his face, as if trying to memorize every detail. She was hardly expecting the words which came next and her face grew more serious, her eyes locking on his once again. There was something in those eyes which she couldn't describe, perhaps, and yet somehow she felt something similar within herself. But those words... was this all too fast? Too soon? Perhaps she was thinking too much. She let him speak, staring at him all the while. Somehow she sensed what it was he was wanting to say, but it wasn't until he said it, out loud, that it really hit her and sank in.

It only made sense, she thought. After all, it all pieced everything together. Somehow, she knew she felt the same, but she wasn't sure she was ready. Her mind raced with thoughts and she was silent, not responding immediately. Instead, she sat up once again, the cloak falling to rest on her lap, her hair draped over her skin. She turned her gaze to the lake, staring at the soft glow which still held strong as the sun's rays hadn't quite spread across the sky nor penetrated this area. "Zenithe..." she started, her voice soft. She found it was hard to sort her thoughts out clearly. She knew she had a desire for him. She wanted him, needed him. She had never felt the way he made her feel - like she would be crazy without him right beside her. But something within her told her that she had to think this through. It would be a lifelong commitment. No going back. No deciding she changed her mind. Their lives would be quite long, indeed, compared to any normal human.

"We barely know each other. I know it feels like we do, but we don't." She turned her gaze upon him once more, searching his face for reaction. "I want to be with you too. I want to know you, everything, more than anyone you've ever known in your life. And I want you to know me too. But I can't say those words right this moment. It feels too soon," her last sentence was spoken very softly, though the words before spoken fervently, indicating the same passion for him she had shown only hours before. She reached up to push a few strands of hair behind one ear, her gaze softening.

She hoped she hadn't upset him. But if he really wanted them to be... whatever he wanted to call it... she had to be honest, right? She waited for his response, her eyes locked on his face.

[Xenoxice]

Zenithe looked up to Jolene as he remain laying down. He listened to her words carefully and watched her reactions. It wasn't long before he realized just where she was going with what she was saying and to him, he wasn't disappointed. He figured her reaction would have been something similar to what it was. Her words only made him smile softly. If absolutely nothing else, he wanted to know how she felt. What she wanted. And he got just the response he was looking for. Once she finished speaking he simply looked at her with that same soft smile, his eyes locked with hers. There was nothing that would stop him from wanting to be with her for life. And he knew he would not be with anyone else but her, no matter what he had to do in order to make things work. After last night he felt closer to her than he even did to his own parents. After a few moments of silence he finally began to speak while gazing into her eyes, that smile never leaving his lips.

"I don't mind." he began, reaching up to place a hand gently upon her back and massage it. "I am aware of just how long we will live compared to normal humans. We have a far greater life expectancy and time to live. Believe me when I say I know I want you more than anything. In every possible way. But also know I believe you're right. I suppose I'm just willing to take a much bigger leap of faith is all. But I won't jump just yet. Not until you're ready to take that leap with me. Even if we have to climb to the bottom before you take a small hop into it." He knew full well she would know what he meant by his words. Taking that leap of faith and going all the way to the biggest commitment anyone can make to another. "Until then, I'm open to anything you want to know about me. And I believe you feel the same."

Letting his arm fall back to the ground from her back, he closes his eyes as his smile grows larger. Taking a deep breath of the fresh air around them. Listening to the sound of the water and the birds now starting to chirp. His smile seemed to grow with each passing second as he spoke once more without opening his eyes. "The birds are chirping.... wait ten more minutes for the sun to hit the edge of the lake and keep your eyes on it." His words were soft as he cracked his eyes and looked up to her. "I can guarantee you've never seen anything like it before. You'll love it. Trust me. Until then, you can ask me anything you want to help pass the time."

[Relairah]

She trembled lightly as he touched her, relaxing into the massaging motions of his hand. She smiled at him when he explained his willingness at leaping and then reassured her he was certain and would be with her along the way while she was deciding. It almost made her feel a little silly. After all, he was probably the most extraordinary man she'd ever meet in her life. Being a cat, shouldn't she be the one fearless of leaps? But this was definitely different, and the human girl side of her was definitely more cautious. She leaned down to kiss him, seeking the soft warmth of his lips. She loved the feeling it gave her also.

Pulling back, the kiss brief, he began speaking explaining what was soon to come and she looked around them before meeting his gaze once more. Well, perhaps he was right. But she doubted that from a ground-point-of-view, it would be anything more than she'd seen before. After all, she had traveled much and seen sunsets and sunrises from many different landscapes and many different views. The only one she hadn't seen would be from a flying standpoint. But then, she was open-minded, and now hoping to be pleasantly surprised. Or maybe it would be more special simply because of who was with her this time.

"And you the same," she told him, concerning questions about her. She asked him the first thing which came to mind. "Tell me about your past..." it was perhaps a broad demand, but it certainly encompassed a lot, she knew.

[Xenoxice]

Zenithe remained laying down in thought as he listened to her words. The question she had asked ringing through his mind. His past.... not the happiest of all but at least he held -some- memories that were nice. He reached over and wrapped his arm around her side, gently trying to pull her down and hold her close as he began to speak. "There's not too much about my past really. I grew up in a rather... wealthy family. But even so I always found metal-work and blacksmithing fascinating. To take something as crudely shaped as a clump of mined ore and refine it into something so beautiful and graceful as a blade. It always drew my attention and being from a wealthy family... you can imagine my father was none too pleased when I told him that's what I wished to do with my life. He always pushed me to take over his work but I never wanted to. So I rebelled against him and did what I wanted anyways."

As he spoke of his past it was clear that he didn't like his father much. His tone when he spoke about him seemed to become somewhat more adversarial. "There is nothing in this world that I wanted to do more than create masterpieces with metal... The highest quality blades in my homeland. So I was taken under the wing of the master blacksmith that was in our home city. He was the best there is and saw I had a natural talent for working in such a manner. He realized that talent and tried to teach me how to feed on it and make it grow, improve and refine constantly. it only took but a few years for me to surpass him when he had done it his entire life. I started at the age of 7. By 10, I was better than he was and even took over his shop when he realized he couldn't compete with me. But making weapons wasn't enough. Being a Guardian of Night, we have a thirst for knowledge and skills. Always wanting to expand them, learn more and more until we master everything and can quite literally become... the 'perfect' guardian. Able to protect anyone and anything by any means."

As he spoke, the sun crept inch by inch closer to the edge of the water, his eyes turned for just a moment to look at where it was. But they didn't stay there for long since he turned his gaze back to Jolene. "It was after I became a master blacksmith that I sought to learn how to use the very swords I created. After that, I sought out the most unique and strongest metal ores I could find. I searched mountains, caves, underground tunnels and any place I could. Following rumor after rumor searching for so called 'otherworldly' metals. And I found the only two." Reaching over he grabbed his sword and removed it from its sheathe, dipping the blade into the water next to him as he did so. The center had gone from a dull emerald green and began to glow a slightly brighter acid green as the translucent black edges became completely opaque, pitch black to the point it looked like coal. "This is the blade I made from them. Remarkably strong.... more than any other metal. I learned to use it as I trained myself. Aside from that Jolene, I'm afraid there's not much to my past... Both of my parents died, I was in an accident while riding in the carriage carrying their bodies happened to fall off the edge of a cliff, which is why I will always have my tail even in this form. A partial shift before impact sadly. Other than that you know of my mercenary life which is what I went to after I started traveling and left my homeland behind for good. There's nothing for me there anymore." His words trailed off as though he had a deep sorrow coming over him which he had hidden his entire life.

[Relairah]

She listened in silence, taking in each word he spoke. She was hardly surprised by the speed with which he told her he learned and mastered his skill, especially considering the dragon part of him, something he stated as part of being a guardian. She realized she very much enjoyed his voice, it's deep masculinity and the way it rumbled across his lips from his chest. He described how his thirst for more lead him all over, searching for the perfect materials which in turn gave him the perfect weapon, and he emphasized this, dipping his blade into the pond's surface. It was almost worthy of marvel as she observed its edges and its core. Truly a masterpiece, there was no doubt.

She turned her gaze from the blade to his face, words briefly coming to her mind though she didn't yet speak them. Rather, she waited for him to finish. He did... well he trailed off after describing that his parents had passed from this world and he had left them and all associated behind him. It was sad, in a way, and she felt perhaps he felt moreso about it than he let on. Regardless, she didn't press the issue and was glad for what he did share.

Briefly, her thoughts had trailed to her own past. She had never known her parents, and part of her was quite curious about them. She pushed it aside. Grasping Zenithe's hand, she began tracing the lines of his palms with the tips of her fingers. "Thank you," she murmured, "it seems so impressive, truly. But lonely," it was true. "I think if your parents truly knew all your accomplishment, that they may be proud. I would be..." she trailed off, then looked at Zenithe once again, giving him a soft smile. She wondered if there was anything he wanted to ask her...

Her fiery gaze turned toward the horizon, the sun's rays rising higher, creating a glow over the pond quite different from any of the magic they had witnessed the previous night. It was beautiful... and fascinating. Mesmerizing even. Much like the man beside her. And where the trees were gathered around them, the rays filtered through like wide beams of golden light, reaching their arms toward the landscape before them. From Zenithe's perspective, he would see the light begin to reflect off Jolene's hair and skin, giving her a soft morning glow though quite different from that on the pond. Jolene's gaze was fixed on the scene around her, in front of her. "Wow..." she said softly.

[Xenoxice]

Gazing up to the now brightening sky, Zenithe didn't even squint his eyes as he looked directly into the shining light. His pupils very clearly dilated to seem like small slivers, but strangely... in the sun his eyes didn't appear their usual crimson red tint. They seemed more pinkish in color as though the amount of light changed the color of his eyes. Bright lights making them lighter and the darkness making them brighter, but also deeper in color. He reached his hand down without looking to grab Jolene's and hold it in his gently. His grip was soft, yet firm. And while the sun rose gradually and the new day began, he turned his gaze to Jolene. Admiring her beauty as the rays of sun shone upon her face. That glow like he had never seen before, accenting her soft features and making her seem even more beautiful than before. With a smile upon his face, he simply gazed upon her.

There was nothing that could have seemed to make these moments any better. Sharing such a night with the woman he loved, being by her side as the new day began and the sun rose. The warmth that now began to fill the air slowly but gradually from the sun was comforting to him, but not as much as the warmth of her body and their closeness. "What about you Jolene..?" he asked her. Even though they weren't mates to one another, he still loved her and wanted to know everything he could. He wanted to know where she came from, what she's done or wants to do, her dreams and aspirations, what she hopes to gain in life and what she's scared to lose. "Tell me about yourself... everything you're willing to share. I want to know you better than I know myself..."

His words may have been soft, but they rang like crystal in the gentle breeze that began to roll through the trees. His words sincere and his pupils slowly getting wider and more narrow as they adjusted to match the increase and decrease of light from the shade of the leaves as they gently waved in the breeze, changing the areas of light and shadows. A warm and caring smile pursed his lips as he looked at her and awaited to see what she would say or what she may or may not reveal about herself. His eyes although seeming to constantly change, seemed full of wonder and excitement as he gazed at her.

[Relairah]

OoC: Ack! So I'm sorry this took me so long DX But here is your reply... at last!

iC:

Jolene was silent for a moment after he spoke. She could identify with his desire to know her - since she also wanted to know him. But it suddenly crossed her mind that whatever she shared, he would be the first to ever hear it. Even on her journey with the other companions before, she had mostly kept to herself on the side of personal background. She had simply been the mysterious street urchin still discovering herself. It occurred to her also that such may be the case for his own past. That she had been the first to learn it outside of himself. Indeed, if so, what a pair they made.

"About my family I don't really know anything," she said first. "I sometimes have vague images come into my mind, I think of my mother, but I'm not for certain. I grew up in an orphanage in Escavas. Well, at least for a few years," she paused, a brief proud smile coming to her face. "I ran away at the age of ten and taught myself how to survive. I mainly lived on the streets and took whatever I needed. When I was sixteen, I met a group: a mercenary and her bird and a couple of vampire brothers. I accompanied them for some adventures which is when I also discovered about my feline characteristics - and my ability to transform into a cat." She paused again. "Somehow it made a lot of things make more sense. I also discovered..." she shifted, her hair draping over her shoulder as she moved to her hands and knees so as to reach for one of her boots. She seemed entirely unaware - or uncaring - of the fact she was still naked. After grasping her boot, she removed a dagger and displayed it before Zenithe, finishing her sentence with, "this." It was a treasure she alone knew of. It was beautiful, the hilt decorated with various gemstones and a shining ruby at the center. The blade was finely sharp and glimmered with a bluish-silvery light, as if the dagger itself held some sort of secret.

"At first, the thing merely captured my attention, but after experimentation, I discovered it has certain properties. I'm not sure of its past; I found it in the basement of an abandoned building. But it helped me immensely in learning how to control my transformations and honing some of my skills. I already had some knowledge of daggers and knives before - but this is special. I ventured off on my own after discovering it and once I felt I had mastered my skill with both the dagger and my other self, I began taking up work as a thief for hire. But that was some time ago. Once I had gathered a certain sum, I sort of just wandered here and there. I'm not sure what I was looking for..." she paused, "maybe just waiting for the right person." Upon saying this, she glanced at Zenithe, catching his gaze. She observed the way the light affected his eyes, almost caught up in them once again. She wondered if that would be a daily thing from now on.

She glanced back at the dagger, putting it beside her in the grass. She didn't have anything else to say, she thought. So instead, she simply waited for his response.