Anya woke up slowly. She couldn't remember where she was. Opening her eyes slowly she saw she was lying in Dahaerik's arm. She got up slowly,trying not to wake Dahaerik. The sun was warm and the air smelt sweet. Looking around she noticed Faelan was no where in sight. Sighing softly she wondered where he might had gone.
Dahaerik rolled over as she trod over him, running his hand along her bare foot. (Eventhough she tried not to wake him, he is well aware of his surroundings weven whilst asleep). He smiled, watching her. "Faelan left about an hour ago, decided he'd take a quick walk before we head out" he said softly to her. "You don't need to worry"
Anya turned to Dahaerik smiling "Did I wake you? I didn't mean to." She rested her head on him again. She still felt tired though she knew she had slept alot. She waited for Faelan to return, knowing they would have to leave right away. They still had a long trip.
He smiled, "My senses, though I'm asleep, continue working, alerting me of any movement. A gift I have that keeps me alive. You'll find its the only way I can fight in daylight. Though I can see outlines, the sunlight is blinding to drow eyes, thus I need to sense what my oponent is doing" He explained as simply as he could. "You on the other hand are easy to see, your image is perfectly emplanted in my mind." With gentle hands he began brushing her hair. "IF you're still tired go back to sleep, I'll wake you when Faelan returns"
"I'm not staying behind" he said to her, "just go or you'll be caught!"
Anya's smiled brightened and she lifted her hair to look the drow in his eyes. "Faelan should be back soon." Anya lightly ran her hand through Dahaerik's hair and then down his face. She sighed happily. She could feel Faelan was near but she didn't know how near.
The drow shook his head, "Go to sleep" he said softly, leaning over to kiss her forehead. "Back soon or not, you need sleep to keep up your strength" His gentle fingers tracing her eyebrows.
Anya shook her head stubbornly. "No I am fine now. He should return any moment and we will leave. I am not tired" Anya layed her head on the drows chest and listened for Faelan walking or humming.
Dahaerik chuckled softly under her, "Alright then" he said, accepting her decision, knowing well not to argue. Gently his hands massaged her scalp, brushing her hair at the same time.
Anya felt her eyes get heavey. Slowly she fell back to sleep against her will.
He chuckled to himself. "I knew you would fall asleep" he whispered quietly, leaning over again, this time kissing her on the lips.
Anya felt Dahaerik's lips against hers causing her to open her eyes. Anya smiled at him and sat up. "See..I wasn't tired at all..just resting my eyes." Anya looked around for Faelan again. She noticed he was still not there, making her feel abit worried.
"If you say so" the drow said, grinning. "You're worrying yourself. Faelan is fine, don't worry about him. He'll be back soon" He assured her, running his dark skinned hand along her face.
Anya heard the voices of pixies. They voices were screetchy but playful. Slowly she stood up and walked over to where she heard them singing. She reached a large rock, peering over it she saw them giggling. She smiled as one noticed her and flew onto her lap. Suddenly a sound of wood cracking scared them off leaving only sitting on the rock alone. She looked around wondering what it could've been.
Faelan jumped out of the bushes. "Roll up your bed-roll, now" the elf said, a terrified look on his face. Dahaerik looked at him, "Why whats wr..." he was cut short, "Just get your things, we need to leave right now!" Faelan exclaimed. The drow got to his feet grabbing his sword and tying it around his waist. He then rolled up Anya's bed-roll, throwing it over his back.
Anya screamed and fell to the ground. She looked up to see Faelan and listened to what he said. She quickly got up and grabbed her things. She felt dizzy from all of the sudden movement but she just shook it off. She grabbed her sword Dahaerik had given her and her things and took Dahaerik's hand so she wouldn't get lost as they followed Faelan.
An explosion sounded from behind him, a huge cloud of smoke rising over the tree tops. Faelan turned, "Damn him" he said under his break, turning back to the other two, "Quick,. lets get moving!"
Dahaerik looked up, and then back at aelan, nodding. He then turned to Anya, "Quick, lets go" he said, lifting her to her feet to push her on.
"Don't worry about me, save yourselves and I will catch up to you" Faelan called after them.
Anya stopped and turned to Faelan. "Faelan No! We need to stick together!" And tightened her grip on Dahaerik's hand. She couldn't stand the fact of leaving Faelan behind. She looked into his eyes pleading with him using her eyes. "Faelan I am not going to leave you" Anya coughed as some of the smoke entered her lungs.
"I'm not staying, I'm taking a seperate way, so you can escape, just go" Faelan said, his gaze sharp, yet fearful.
"Come on Anya, we must go" Dahaerik promted her to follow, tugging on her hand.
Anya held off abit longer looking at Faelan, and turned to followed Dahaerik. She had no idea where they were running but she followed. "Who is after us?" she asked as they ran. She kept ahold of Dahaerik's hand trying not to fall behind.
Dahaerik lead her on, holding onto her hand tightly, making sure not to let go. Over panting breaths he said, "Judging from the look in his eyes, someone he fears over all others, that explosion was no ordinary explosion, I could sense it before it went off, meaning it was some sort of magic"
"Its more than likely to be Naedan, but I'm not sure..."
Faelan watched them for a moment, the sopund of footsteps making their way away from his position, another pair of feet coming closer. Actinbg quickly he leaped into a tree, landing himself in perfect balance on its branch. Without stopping he made his way in the opposite direction to Anya and Dahaerik, sprinting as fast as he could along the tree tops, leaping from branch to, to branch, not losing his footing.
Anya stopped for a moment "Dahaerik maybe it would be best if we went in different directions too. It will make it harder for who ever it is to find us. We will find eachother once its clear." Anya kissed his cheek. There was no use both of them getting attacked and she knew it would confuse whoever was following them. Anya looked into his eyes for some kind of response.
He turned and looked at her, his eyes shimmering as the fire spread rapidly through the forest. Finally he nodded his response, though worry shone in his eyes. "Will you be alright?" he asked.
Anya smiled and nodded. "Don't worry about me..Wait" Anya quickly untied the necklace she wore around her neck. It was a bottle of this beautiful dust of many colours, wrapped in the most beautiful silvery metal. She tied it around Dahaerik's neck, kissed him on the cheek and backed up smiling. "I will come back for that no matter what.I promise" She said softly.
He leant in on her and kissed her once more, backing himself away from her a little, grabbing the necklace he squeezed it tightly. Gently he kissed his finger tips, and pressed them to her lips. "Meet me on the border of the forest, be safe" he said, turning away. "Please be safe" he said again, sprinting off into the forest.
Anya smiled one last time and ran off in the other direction. She wasn't to worry for herself because she knew they wouldn't follow her, but she feared for the others and how she was slowing Dahaerik down. She knew he would be able to run faster without her. She looked around trying to figure out which way to go. She could hear a river up ahead and decided to follow it. It would be the best place to hide is someone came her way..also a good way to escape.
Dahaerik ran as fast as his feet would carry him, his mind turning back to Anya, praying she was safe. Suddenly he skidded to a halt, more of lathias' men standing firmly before him. The drow scowled, drawing his long-sword, and another,-the one he made to replace the other he gave to anya-
'Be safe Anya, and please be careful' he said to himself.
"A drow does not belong in *our* forest, KILL HIM!!!" one of the elves before him screamed. "Not on your life" the drow muttered, awaiting their charge.
Faelan continued his stride, leaping from branch to branch, little did he know his enemy was bellow him. He took one last step, hitting the wrong branch, his enemy striking it hard with his sword.
The elf fell to the ground, another figure standing over him. "You really need to work on your technique at not getting caught, Faelan" a dark voice said from under his cloak.
Anya ran down the river side as fast as she could. She heard someone following her close behind. Anya spun around her sword in hand and smiled at the men as the stoped. "Its not nice to following girls you now" She said sarcasticly. "But it will be nice to kill you" Said the man in reply. Anya reconised the voice and realised that he was the man she tripped early on. She laughed to herself and waited for them to attack.
Dahaerik struck hard against the leader's sword, bringing his second blade around to block the other two men striking at his right hand side. He could see in the leader's eyes, the fear of the drow. The dark-elf cracked a smile, "Your fear is your weakness" he said, taunting his adversary.
"Are you suggesting...I
'm afraid" the elf said, pushing against Dahaerik's blade with as much force and strength as he could muster.
"I can see it in your eyes" the drow said, pushing back with more force.
Faelan rose slowly, his blade glistening brightly as flames surrounded the two of them. "What do you want, Naedan?" the elf said, a slight touch of fear in his tone.
The other figure just laughed, leaning over, scruffing Faelan by the collar of his armor.
Anya raised her sword and smiled,remembering not to show fear, "Well lets get on with this." The men laughed at ran towards her. Anya swung at one man hitting his leg, but let her gaurd down and the other man smacked her with his swords handle. The man laughed loudly," I could've killed you there little girl, but its so much more fun watching you struggle." He then looked to his friend,"Get off your fat arse! She didn't hit you that hard!" But the man just stayed on the ground. Anya smiled "I guess its just you and I."
Dahaerik kicked hard at his opponent, the three of them ganging up on him. The leader laughed. "I think I'm gonna enjoy killing you, as much as killing her" he said, a raspy tone in his voice. The drow's eyes caught his, rage filling them. Suddenly the man realised the mistake he had made, mentioning anya. The other two advanced on him, assuming dahaerik was too busy warding their leader off. As the two drew nearer to him, he swung his arm out wide, embedding his blade into one of the men's waist. His sharp eyes turned, his gaze peircing the man's eyes as he gasped for air. "Never fight a drow, unless you know how" he warned, ripping the dagger from the man's waist. Slowly Dahaerik turned to the leader, a smile growing on his face. "Care to continue this?"
The man and Anya stood face to face. The man swung his sword cutting Anya's side alittle before she could stop him. Anya gasped in pain and punch the man in the side of the head throwing him off abit. Both swung their swords, their swords crashing together. Quicky she swung her sword again hitting him hard in the side. The man backed up in pain and turned to his friend,"Get up!" His friend stuggled and stood both of them running "I will kill you soon!" He yelled back at her.
The two men remaining noiw circled the drow, cautious of his techniques. The leader making his way to Dahaerik's back. Suddenly both advanced, the leader striking at his back, the other gioing at his side. in a single strike from both hands, Dahaerik managed to force both of their blades back, slicing into the men's sides. The man at the front fell, gagging and gasping for air. The leader however stood and pushed forward, striking at him multiple times.
In a cunning move the drow lifted himself from the ground, his weightless body landing lightly on the side of his opponents blade. The man struck at him, trying to catch him off guard,this time the drow lept over his head, driving both blades back, through his back and out his chest.
Faelan swung hard at the other, his scimitar cutting through the air, colliding with his enemy's blade. His opponent pushed him back, striking harder at the elf who barely managed to block the heavey blow. "A shame you're so weak in comparisson to me, Faelan, I expected more from a child of prophecy" The figure spoke, a dark tone emerging from his lips.
Anya watched the men run away, then kept on walking up the river. She had gotten away alive but she worried about the others. What every was chasing Faelan was very strong..and who knew what went after Dahaerik. Anya shivered, and looked around. She had no idea where they had gone off to.
AS the drow retracted, he pulled his blades from his opponents torsoe, twisting himself to cut him in half from the waist.
He shook his head, the anger in his eyes fading. "When will you people ever learn?" he said, clicking his tongue.
He closed his eyes, lowering his head. Quickly he snapped them open, turnnig to the south, towards the flames. "Faelan" he said to himself, sprinting in that direction.
The enemy kicked hard at Faelan, the elf striking a tree behind him, and hard, leaving him winded, and short of breath.
The figure leant over to lift the elf up, when out of knowhere came the drow, Dahaerik, slamming his foot hard into the half-demon's face.
"You will not touch him again, Thaera'Tehbect" the drow spat, his eyes growing feirce. The half demon lay still for a mount befoer standing again, twisting his neck tio crack it.
"Foolish drow, do you not know, you're not powerful enough to stop me" He said, his tone dark and cold.
"Dahaerik, turn and run" Faelan gagged.
"No, you may be my teacher, but I'll noit leave you, even when you demand it of me" the drow said in reply.
Anya has to idea where to go. She could not go on without Falean or Dahaerik so she sat down on a rock near the river and waited. She knew Dahaerik would find her soon enough and that he was alright. "He has to be alright" she said to herself quietly. She rested her head on her hand and waited.
The drow kicked up the dust, right into his opponents eyes. The half demon squinted and fell to his knees, Dahaeriok turned and grabbed Faelan, throwing him over his shoulder. AS he raced into the forest he could here the enemy following in pursuit, the drow racing as quickly as he could along the river. "ANYA!" he screamed, hoping she'd hear him."GET OUT OF THE FOREST!!!"
Anya jumped up and looked around confused. She had no idea how to get out of the forest. "Dahaerik!" Anya screamed his name as loud as she could hoping he would come find her or something. What did he mean get out of the forest? she thought to herself.
Dahaerik caught sight of her as he sprinted through the shallows of the river, on his way passed he reached out, grabbing her as he threw her over his shoulder. "Forgive me for this" he said, dashing as swiftly as his legs would carry him while burdened by both Anya and Faelan. He took a glympse behind him as they exited the forest. Gently he set anya down on her feet when he was satisfied the half-demon's persuit had ended, as well as laying Faelan on the ground again.
Anya screamed as Dahaerik picked her up but she did not fight him. She hated he was carrying her but she allowed him to. When he sat her back down on the ground she qickly kissed him. She was so happy to see him back. She then quickly noticed Faelan wasn't moving, gasping she dropped to her knees next to Faelan and felt for a pulse.
"He's alright" Dahaerik said over panting breaths, "he took one hell of a beating."
Anya moved Falaens hair out of his face. She was scared for him but trusted Dahaerik, "What are we going to do?" She asked quietly. She just wanted to get this trip over with so they can get Falean out of the woods and away from so many of his enemies. She wanted to be back at the fort where she can lay in her warm bed and not worry about an arrow randomly hitting her.
Dahaerik looked at her. "I'm going to let you decide. Given the state of things it was probably abad idea for Faelan to travel this far east, perhaps it would be wise to head back." He said calmly, holding his gaze upon her.
Anya stared Dahaerik's eyes and nodded, "Then we must turn back now. Or..I will go on. On my own that is. I know Faelan will be disappointed if we do not finish what we started. Its not to much farther I think." She took the Drows hand in hers and watch for what he was thinking.
He closed his eyes, shaking his head. "I'm not about to let you go alone knowing something bad could happen. Remember the centaurs work for themselves and are extremely protective and on edge during these times" He said calmly. "We can both head back. Ill carry Faelan. You head back as quickly as you can to tell the other's Faelan is hurt so they can make their way to me"
She tightened her grip on his hand shaking her head alittle, "No. What if you are attacked again. It will be only you, I can't let you get hurt." Anya leaned in against Dahaerik laying her head on his chest,"We can use magic to send a message. Balthazar or something will be able to get it."
He pressed his hand lightly agaisn the back of her head as he brushed her hair. "I'll be fine. I'm not likely the be attacked agin, not unless those hunters haven't learned their lesson and come back for another beating" He said, eyes shimmering. "I'm not going to let you stay here if thse crooks come back again."
Anya shook her head and lifted to look at him. "So You want me to go on ahead?" She backed up but didn't not lose her eye contact with him.
He nodded "head back to the fort as quickly as you can, tell Balthazar or someone to come help me get Faelan back." he said. "I'll be waiting here."
Anya glared at Dahaerik, "I don't understand why I can't help." She turned and walked away. She was frustraded with how she was treated like she was weak. She didn't care to turn back and see Dahaerik's expression.
He sighed, "would you rather I go and you stay?" He asked, "if so say it now, I'm not trying to treat you like you are inferior to me. I just care aboiut you and its bad enough I'm gonna worry about you if I send you to get help"
Anya stopped to listen to him talk and shook her head without looking at him, "I will go. Just take care of him." She felt awful for what she has just done. But she hurried off down the road. She kept wishing that she could get there faster. Now she regreted not bring her horse. They always traveled together.
He sighed again, praying she'd be alright. Quietly he lit a fire, waiting for Anya to return.
Anya had no idea how long she had been running for, but she didn't stop unless to take a breaths and one nights sleep,but she didn't sleep long. She cut through the woods to cut down time and she could feel she was getting near the Fort. Only a little ways more. She pushed herself harder. Finally she could see the fort straight ahead. Her heart pounded hard against her body, her muscles cramping, but she kept running until she could feel her hands on the door. The stone felt so good against Anya's feet, much better than the dirty roads with sharp rocks or the twigs that laid on the ground.
Dianass looked up, seeing anya as she pushed through the heavey wooden doors, pale and exhausted from running in the cold. His eyes shone with concern as he rushed to her, trying to hold her up as he pushed her towards the chairs by the fire. "what happened?" he said, shock and alarm in his tone.
Dahaerik sighed softly, sitting staring at the flames of the camp fire. Suddenly the bushes russled behind him as he jumped to his feet, reaching for his longsword.
Anya walked from behind the branches looking tried and weak, she was holding her horses riens. "Dahaerik, how is Faelan? We best hurry back I don't trust the forest right now." Anya was shivering from the cold night she could not wait to go back to the fort and fall into her warm bed were a fire would be waiting for her.
Dahaerik sighed with relief, setting his blade his blade down beside him again. "As best I can tell, he seems to be fine, his situation is no worse than before. Did you get my father?" He said in reply.
Dianass dismounted behind Anya. "I'm here" he said quietly.
Anya leaned her head against her horses head and watch the men help Faelan. She couldn't help watching Dahaerik, which put a small smile on her face, "Can I help?" she asked quietly trying to take her eyes off Dahaerik.
Dahaerik stood, his eyes fixxing upon anya, gently he placed a hand upon her forehead, brushing it with his gentle thumb as he smiled softly. "I think its high time you got some rest. You ran all the way to the fort" He said to her, his tone melodic and peaceful.
Dianass examined Faelan, his ungloved hand resting on his friend's forehead checking his temperature. "He seems to be ok. He'll pull through as he always does" He said, eyeing off his son.
Anya smiled back softly letting his words and touch warm her abit,"You need your rest also." Slowly she climbed onto her horse's back and waited for them to return to be ready to the fort where she could finally rest her weary head.
"Not quite as badly as you do, we of the drow are used to days without sleep, you just rest" Dahaerik said, gently brushing her hair with his hand.
Dianass removed a stretcher from his horse's side, ordering two of the men that had followed anya and him from the fort, to roll Faelan onto the stretcher. "its going to be a long and slow trip. I'd suggest you sleep, Anya"
Anya sighed and climbed onto her horses back.She began heading back to the Fort turning to look at the others time to time. She was tired but she knew she would be back soon. Yawning she stuck her hand out touching the leaves covered in dew. The cold water dripping down her wrist as she rode woke her alittle.
Dahaerik walked out in front, guiding Anya's horse by its reigns, softly humming to himself. His white hair was tied back with a black ribbon, a little damp from the dew.
Dianass sat quietly on his horse's back, slowly creeping up beside Anya. "He seems to care a lot for you" He said to her quietly.
Anya stared down at Dahaerik then looked up at Dianass smiling. She nodded,"He does, and I care so much for him." She turned and looked away from Dianass blushing slightly. She couldn't believe she was saying all of this to his father."Dianass..is there a way to grow my wings back, after they have been cut off?" She frowned alittle afraid of his reply.
The older drow gave a slightly skeptical look, and attempted a reassuring smile. "I can't say I know for sure, that would be a lie on my part...there could be a possibillity" he said, keeping his tone low. "Why's that? you planning to fly away on my son?" he chuckled softly.
Anya turned to the older drow with shocked eyes,"Oh no.Never." She laughed alittle shaking her head,"Well I guess I just miss them. Since I lost them I found I was also weaker. I don't know. I really do love your son.I would never mean to hurt him." Her blush grew darker. She stared at the back of Dahaeriks head hoping he couldn't hear anything she said.
Dahaerik just smiled to himself, keeping his head turned away from Anya, making sure she couldn't tell he could hear her.
Dianass laughed. "I know you do. I think he can hear us, lower your voice a little more" he said softly. "He's trying to teach you how to fight from what I understand, he also says you're a good student"
Anya didn't think she could turn anymore red. Her once pale cheeks were not the colour of cheeries,"Oh yes he is. I am not sure if I am all that great of a student. Rather clumsly."She gave a slight laugh, feeling oddly shy.
"Oh she is" Dahaerik called back to his father, alerting him that he could in fact hear them, "she's just being moddest"
Dianass jumped slightly. "Wow his hearing must be better than mine..." he muttered to himself. "I heard that" came the response. Dianass jumped again. "my ears must be going frail in my old age..." he said rolling his eyes.
Anya giggle and shook her head quietly. She smiled brightly then turned back to Dianass,"How long until we reach the Fort?" She could almost feel the warmth of the fort around her. Shivering alittle she gripped the saddle to prevent her from falling.
"Not long now, we're almost there" he said in response, Dahaerik turned his head and called back "only with my guidance, your hearing isn't the only thing going frail, father" he said jokingly, Dianass almost falling off his saddle in shock of those words. "well I never..." the older drow muttered.
Anya nodded and sighed contently, smiling at the two men. She thought of the warmth of Dahaeriks arms, and Talf's smile. She missed both of the feelings she got from them. Talf was the last of her family and she never felt more happier to have him.
Dahaerik turned, letting the horse trot passed him as he climbed up its side behind Anya, wrapping his arms aroudn her gently.
Anya smiled and took the Drows hand. He heart fluttered and she could feel the butterflies in her stomache, there wings brushing against her skin.She no longer felt cold but now she couldn't help but wonder if Dahaerik could read her mind.
He said nothing, just held her tightly in his loving arms, the warmth of his body heating hers, leaning himself in on her, his chest melding with her back.
She melted into him also. She could hear her heart beat and her stomache remained full of butterflies. She looked over to his father wondering what he thought of this. Did he think his son was foolish falling for a girl like her? Did he think it would distract him. She stomache clenched alittle but she ignored it. She loved the smell of the drow and the mixture of the woods, it was soothing.
Dianass just smiled and trotted onwards allowing his son time with Anya. Dahaerik simply sank into her, holding her tightly, ensuring that she remained warm.
Anya allowed her nervous thoughts slip away when she saw the lights of the fort ahead of her. She was home and she was happy. Though she hated the thought that she would have to leave Dahaerik's arms and the sents she loved. Her head felt dizzy with all of the smells and comfort, but a good dizzy. Before she could think twice about it she was turning her head and kissing Dahaerik gently on the cheek. Her heart fluttered and she knew it would be alright.
Dahaerik simply turned his head, connecting his lips with hers as she kissed him. Quietly he squeezed her tightly, breaking the kiss and nuzzling her cheek with his. Gently his fingers stroked her abdomin, flexxing and relaxing as they rubbed the skin beneath her shirt.
Anya nuzzled Dahaeriks neck leaving a soft kiss on it.She closed her eyes, her eyelashes brushing his skin and placed her hand softly over his and smiled.
Dahaerik's hands could feel the heat radiated from her skin, his now covered eyes closing as his hands trailed up just a little, stroking gently beneath her breasts with his gentle finger-tips. In the saddle behin her Anya could feel the drow moving in closer to her, pulling himself in as close and tightly as possible as his hands moved down again, tracing her tummy.
Anya welcomed the closeness of the drow and shivered under his touch. The horse was nearly at the fort and now she was willing it away. She didn't want to leave his arms. Keeping her hand on the drows still, she let go of the rein and placed her hand on Dahaerik's leg sighing happily.
Silently he moved his legs, his thighs tingling at her touch, heart racing at how close he was to her. His hands continues their motions, cirling her tummy, brushing against her breasts gently as his lips touched the back of her ear. His hands trailed back down again this time finding their way up her shirt enabling him to better caress her skin.
Anya laughed softly against Dahaerik's neck planting another soft kiss on it before saying quietly,"We shouldn't be doing this. Your father is just ahead of us." She smiled.
The drow only smiled, sitting himself upright, massaging her lower back with his hands. "I'm not ashamed to show my father my affections for you" he said, grinning slyly.
Anya blushed and smiled alittle,"Its not that I am ashamed of us. Its just..oh I don't know." She laughed softly and turned to look at Dianass.
back to Faelan's rebellion...
continue to Back at the fort
Stumble!