Numinor's Greatest King--and Queen

Alexhandr cleared his throat and spoke, his face no longer gray. "Did not expect you tonight, Sarkoth. I wish for you to meet the lovely lady Lynia. She will be my guest for Jennu Itov. We were just discussing on how she was going to be measured by my tailor and be given a dress that would fit her celestial figure." He smiled as he made the compliment on how beautiful Lynia was. It was more than flattery because Alexhandr meant what he said.

"Yes, yes, quite angelic! What curves. What grace. And those eyes! A darker red than your own, Alex!" Sarkoth bowed courteously before the elf-gypsy and cackled. He elbowed Alexhandr in the ribs and made another jest. "Hahahehe! And you do not even get to see what is under those clothes of hers because of your frivolous religious convictions! Ooh, what you are missing! Hehehe! I still remember what is it is like, and that was almost over one thousand years ago! Bahaha!"

The king gave the skeletal comedian a stern glare, his face becoming a light gray once more. His left eye darted to see the expression on Lynia's face, then focused back onto Sarkoth. He was timid about it all. The notion of such things made the 1, 400 year old draconis monarch fluster greatly. How strange it was for someone as mature and wise to be taken aback by something as simple as love making! That is... if love making was at all simple to a Draconis.

"Ooh-hoo-hoo! Give me the glare why don't you? I'd return the gesture, but I have appeared to have lost mine eyes! Hahaha! Oh, where-oh-where could mine ocular sensors be? Ohh, that is right, you gauged them out in battle, ran me through with a blade, then promptly resurrected me to serve your purpose! Gah-ha-ha!"

Alexhandr sighed at Sarkoth's tease. It had given away something extremely personal. A bit of his history which he did not want others to know, especially Lynia. How would she react, knowing the devout and holy king Denthanor of Numinor could raise the dead? The king's face became sorrowful. He was expecting the elf-maiden to slap him and flee.

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Jakir gave a small smirk at her question. Knowing she was not from Numinor, or even Drakur, he explained himself kindly.
"Nay, Unknown Lady. I am a Draconis. We are descendants of the great Dragons. Feathers we have not, but scales. Beaks we have not, but snouts and maws with sharp, carnivorous teeth. We are omnivores though, largely thanks to the elves and humans introducing us to other sorts of food." Rosalyn could tell right off the bat that Jakir was missing something. No, he was missing many things. He spoke in a quiet, tender tone even though his voice was rough and deep. His gorgeous sapphire eyes looked sad and empty. Though frightening from a distance, up close the High General looked innocent and harmless.

"I can also tell you have doubts about coming with me. Fear not. I shall not force you. But, also know that we know nothing of you and that whatever history you have before no longer matters here. You are in Numinor. You have been given another chance by our Maker. Another life. Here, you can start anew and enjoy peace and order. None shall be a bother to you, my lady. I swear this to you upon mine honor." Jakir was so benign to the Newcomer, the Unknown Lady. Could people here in Numinor actually be this kind, or was it all just a ploy? It could be a filthy scheme... but his eyes...
 
As Alexhandr recovered a bit from Sarkoth's teasing words and introduced her, Lynia curtsyed and nodded slightly. She wanted to argue about the dress further now that he mentioned it, but she allowed the comment to pass and just gave him a mild glare that should tell him that she disagreed with his compliment, although she was now blushing faintly.


She looked back to Sarkoth and smiled as he complimented her further, having no chance to thank him for his kind words before he went on to further tease Alexhandr about his.. lack of a sex life. As tempted as she was to giggle along with Sarkoth, she found that she really couldn't. If Alexhandr was as innocent as Sarkoth was making him out to be, then she simply admired him all the more for standing so firmly in what he believed in. Few men that she had come to know as friends seemed to be the type to not indulge frequently, so it was a refreshing change. Of course, none of her friends were a Draconis before now, so perhaps that was what made the difference. She didn't see how he could possibly be inexperienced, though, considering how charming he was.


She glanced at Alexhandr and saw that he appeared to be blushing once more, which made her smile a bit. He really was adorable, almost to the point where he needed to be scolded about it. The thought nearly made her laugh aloud, but she restrained herself and just shook her head a little. Before she could interject about Sarkoth's teasing, he had gone on again to poke and prod at Alexhandr about getting glared at.


Resurrected? That was impossible, surely he must be joking. She tilted her head slightly and looked over at Alexhandr, but the expression on her face told her that Sarkoth had spoken nothing but the truth. That was something she had certainly never heard in the gossip around town. Apparently it was a secret.


"Well, you certainly don't seem to have much of a problem seeing anything," she pointed out to Sarkoth with a smile, letting the uneasy moment pass by. If Alexhandr was a necromancer, she didn't really mind. It was an ability she had heard of but never seen in practice, but it didn't scare her. The Elves had talked about such magicks but with uncertainty, not fear. She'd keep his secret and think no less of him for it. After all, she had her own secrets that she kept from everybody too.


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Rosalyn tilted her head a fraction and listened intently as he described himself and listed the differences between his race and a bird person. She had encountered dragons before, so it wasn't all that different. As he finished speaking for a moment, she just nodded a little, not knowing what to say. She wasn't going to apologize for her question, since she had been curious and wanted to know.


Once he started speaking again, her attention was brought back to him once more and she was silent as he informed her that she essentially had a clean slate here. It was an interesting thought, one that she didn't believe for a single instant. How lovely it would be to trust him and go to this 'castle' that he mentioned, all the while thinking that she had been given a chance at a new and better life? Yes, lovely, until he hand delivered her to her persuers all wrapped up tidy with a little bow on top. She could almost feel the tightening of the rope around her neck already, and she stepped back slightly, glancing up at him for barely a moment before looking back down.


"I appreciate the offer, but I think I would fare better on my own," she said politely, keeping her voice quiet and fighting the desire to bolt.
 
Sarkoth noticed Alexhandr's expression and put a skinless hand on his shoulder. "My good friend, this young lass is not about to go off fleeing because you delve in necromancy!" His tone was not mocking anymore, but sincere. "Besides, it is not as if you such magicks for evil purposes! Your heart is always in the right place." Then Sarkoth jabbed the king in the gut with a boney finger. "That is more than I can say, considering I no longer have a heart! Hahaha!" Alexhandr himself chuckled at the skeleton-man's joke, though his body language showed he was still worried.

The skeletal-warrior then walked right up to Lynia and put his face right beside her elven ear.
"To soothe and relax the king, you must use your tongue on any of these places: the neck, the chin, the cheek, and the forehead." He spoke quietly, almost inaudibly. "Do not lick him under the ear or on the lips. And never lick him on the chest unless the desire in your heart is great!" The entire time Sarkoth whispered the odd advice to Lynia, Alexhandr stared at them, arms crossed, a curious look upon his scaled face. "Also, if you wish to see the king blush, simply make a slightly crude or lecherous joke. Alexhandr is practically a saint you see, and though he has seen enough war and death to last him several lifetimes, he has never been one to delve into desires of the flesh. He is pure. Completely."

Alexhandr then stepped forward, his face bright again.
"All right, you two. I know not of what you speak to her Sarkoth, it is probably another crude joke! Part from her Sarkoth!" Sarkoth obeyed and stepped away from Lynia. There was something about him. If Sarkoth had eyes, he would have winked at Lynia, without a doubt. The king took Lynia's hands in his and kissed them both. "I pray you do not judge me for what I have done unto Sarkoth and for the magicks I at times practice. I have always sought to use them for good. I wish you would trust my words." He looked into her dark-red eyes with his lighter, ruby-red ones. There was a pleading look inside them.

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Jakir noticed how often she bowed her head and how she kept her voice low. There was a musical delight to her speech and it pleased him greatly, though he was disappointed when she refused his offer to help.
"As you wish, Unknown Lady. None here in Numinor shall harm you, I promise you that. No one here shall hunt you or treat you unfairly because of your race or religion or nationality. I pray that the Maker's blessed Watchers keep their eyes on you and help you remove whatever obstacles stand in your way."

The High General bowed to the waist to Rosalyn, though he kept his eyes forward, allowing her to meet his gaze even as she looked down low. Just a glance inside them would show her that Jakir meant her no ill will and that he meant every word that he said. "The eyes are the windows to the soul", many say. This is quite the case with the battle-scared, yet tender-hearted Draconis general.

He slowly stood back upwards, standing at attention as any soldier would do.
"May I at least escort you to the nearest inn that can accomodate you with a room and warm food for the time you stay here? If you would have me, I will even pay your rent for the first six months."
 
Smiling a bit and nodding her agreement with Sarkoth's reassuring words to Alexhandr, Lynia found herself laughing a bit as the skeleton joked about his own lack of a heart. As he moved close to her, she didn't flinch, but rather listened with interest. What he had to say was not in the least what she expected. Her curiosity got the best of her and she did not interrupt him, taking careful note of the advice she was receiving from an incredibly unlikely source. As Sarkoth warned not to lick in a few certain places, she began to question him, but then he went on to describe just how pure Alexhandr was. A virgin? Interesting..


"But why-" she began, falling silent as Alexhandr stepped forward and parted them. She smiled up at the king, shaking her head immediately as he gazed at her. "Why would I judge you for the type of magic you use? The intent matters, Alexhandr. If I judged you, I would be no better than the dozens who see me and judge me for what I am - a gypsy girl with no future but reading the cards for those wealthier than I am," she said softly, her deep red eyes full of calm acceptance for who he was.


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"Rosalyn.." she whispered, then realized her voice was too soft. Clearing her throat slightly, she shook her head a little. "My name is Rosalyn. Rosalyn Valiana-Carnesor," she said, her voice a little louder but still quiet by nearly any standards. Inwardly, she wondered why she even bothered to introduce herself. A compulsion so that he would stop addressing her as Unknown Lady, perhaps. Maybe it was just a reaction since he was acting kindly to her, even though she greatly suspected that he was doing so out of evil intentions.


As he offered to escort her to an inn, she was forced to hesitate yet again. To refuse would be both intelligent and a mistake. Would she be able to find an inn by herself? And if she did, there was no way she could approach the innkeeper, especially not having a single coin on her or services to offer in lieu of payment. Still, to accept would be more than she thought she was willing. She would have to walk with him and accept his generosity, if it were true. Having a stranger pay her way? It was.. odd.


"I.. I don't know.." she finally managed quietly, her gaze finally rising from the ground again. For a few moments, her brilliant blue eyes focused on his chest, but then she bowed her head again hastily and fell back a step instinctively. "I can't stay six months.." she added uncertainly, as if offering an excuse.
 
Alexhandr leaned forward and licked Lynia's right cheek slowly twice, his tongue slick, smooth, and warm. "Bless you, sweet Lynia for your open mind and sweet heart. I feared that you would shun me for what I have done, especially to Sarkoth. I do not hold evil in my heart. Hatred holds me only when I am faced with a sickening, twisted, immoral evil. Only Darkness is my enemy." The king was affectionate and extremely thankful for the elf-gypsy's kindness. He stepped back from her and smiled. "I shall return. I am going to see the tailor. Sarkoth, I pray you shall keep her company and spill no more secrets?" Alex gave Sarkoth a threatening look then left the room, heading back downstairs.

After a minute, Sarkoth cackled.
"Of course, my King," he said, long after Alex had left. "I would never spill secrets!" He slapped his knee and danced about giddily. "A bit more information you might like to know! If you caress or kiss or lick the Great King's stomach, he shall succumb to you entirely! Haha! The devout and pure Alexhandr Ro Denthanor, son of the saintly Alexhandr Ral Denthanor, will have no will power left. He will be yours for the taking! Which, by the way, is what you should do! I may be without mine eyes, but I have seen how you look upon him! Desire is there, my dear lady! The sweet and innocent king, whom be also a mighty warrior and splendid diplomat, is without a lover. Many a female has tried to court him, and have failed! But you... he has set his sights upon you and though he be too timid and conservative to admit it, wants you for himself!"

Sarkoth was spilling a lot of information to Lynia. But, for what purpose? Sarkoth was Alexhandr's friend, yes? What was his agenda?
"You will learn of how the complex Draconis work in time. A mighty, noble, religious, and honorable race, but also one that takes too bloodlust in battle, merciless killing of those immoral, and lecherous when with a mate. This week you shall hear and see many things out of the ordinary! Hehehehehe! Yes... very out of the ordinary! Some of it may even delight you!"

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"Your name fits you well, Lady Rosalyn. It is as pleasing to the tongue as you are unto the eyes. I am Jakir Aussir-Oth, High General of king Alexhandr Ro Denthanor, king of Numinor. I ensure you my intentions for my generosity are pure and well-intentioned. As a matter of fact, I shall leave my weaponry here." He took out his dagger and sword from his belt and hung them over the fence beside the tavern. "Pat my body down if you do not trust me. I am empty, save for the silver pieces in my pouch on my belt." He bowed his head and gave her a caring and worrisome look. "Please, my Lady. I will pay for however long you stay in Numinor. Something troubles you, I know this quite well. If you do not wish to divulge what bothers you to me, then so be it. But at least allow me to tend to you with monetary funds and a place to rest."
 
This time when Alexhandr licked her, Lynia did not find it odd. In fact, it was almost comforting now that she realized why he did it. She smiled up at him and shook her head, definitely not about to shun him for something like that. Turning him away for delving into a questionable area of magic may have seemed the right thing to do for some, but she had absolutely no doubts that his heart was in the right place. He was no evil, and she knew that. As he excused himself, she was going to protest, but he was already gone.


In an instant her attention was on Sarkoth, since she had a sneaking suspicion he had no intentions of listening to Alexhandr. She was correct. He was spilling out information nearly faster than she had time to comprehend. A faint blush touched the apples of her cheeks as he spoke about the desire in her eyes, though she thought that her inner desires were more relationship-oriented than lust-driven. Still, she couldn't deny how attractive he was.. No, she shouldn't think those things. He was a virgin by choice, right? Yet Sarkoth was also saying that Alexhandr wanted her as well, but how could he know that.


"Why are you telling me all of this?" she asked, curious. She was grateful for the information - if it proved accurate, that is. The cheek licking seemed so, but what of the rest? She may have to test it later just to see, she decided. As he went on to speak about the week, she nodded, curiosity picking up more. "Just what is this week for? I thought it was merely a festival but both you and Jakir earlier make me think it's something.. else?" she queried, tilting her head slightly.


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His compliments to both her name and her appearance were as unexpected as arriving in this realm had been. She froze, a pale pink tinging her white cheeks. In moments she was fidgeting anxiously, unsure how to even respond to something like that. Nobody had ever called her attractive, not since she was a very small child and her father told her what a 'little beauty' she was. Other than that, men were a lot more.. crude.. with their comments about her. This man, Jakir Aussir-Oth, was actually.. Polite? It startled her, to the point where she wasn't sure if she was even awake or dreaming anymore.


Hauling herself from her thoughts, she flinched slightly at the sound of the belt hitting the wood of the fence since she had barely taken in what he was saying as he mentioned leaving his weapons behind. She hesitated as he offered to let him pat her down. A trap, he could easily capture her or stab her if she got so close to him. Not that she would anyway, since such contact would be severely awkward even if she wasn't terrified out of her mind of being killed any second.


"I will follow you to an inn," she finally said slowly, knowing that to say otherwise would be ridiculous in the worst sense. "But know that I am armed and won't hesitate to fight if you're a liar," she added, making her voice as firm as she was able, though that honestly wasn't very threatening. She needed to feel as though she had a faint sense of control, even if it was false. Armed she was, but could she handle a high general of any sort? Likely not, no.
 
Sarkoth laughed maniacally and stepped back from her, his arms spread open. "Why am I telling you this? Because that damned Draconis is too full of purity and light to take what he knows is his! You are his true-mate! You are his true love! It is the Maker's will, yet he is too full of grace to speak it to you. A Draconis has one mate in their entire life. Their mates are pre-chosen by the Creator. They have no choice who they fall in love with. Alexhandr is not blunt enough! And since he refuses to budge from his position, I have but no choice to go around him! He wants to take ages for this to happen! He has waited 1, 400 years! I think that is long enough!" He put his arms back down to his side and chuckled. "It is up to you to make the move. If you wish to be as patient as he is, then so be it, but I have a feeling you do not share that trait with the king. Make the advance! He is yours, Lynia! You have a king at your very disposal! He will do anything you ask!"

Sarkoth took a seat on the couch and put his hands behind his helmeted skull.
"As for this week, it is the week of Great Love. This is the week that all Draconis seek to reconcile and make friends with enemies. This is the week that many Draconis find their true mates. And this is the week that many Draconis choose to breed. Hahahaha! Some are taken by so strong a lust they make love in public! That is how great a Draconis's lust is for his mate!" The undead-warrior was enjoying himself, spilling forth information that would probably have Alexhandr fleeing with his hands over his blushing face.

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Jakir smiled at Rosalyn and very gingerly took her hands in his.
"My lady, I know that you cannot see. I will tell no one and I will treat you as if you were not in public. You do not need to hide such things from me. Do you feel my hands? Do you hear my voice? There is nothing in me but integrity and honor right now. I mean you nothing but good." He let her hands go and took a step back. "If you do trust me, then take my hands in yours of your own volition and I shall lead you to an inn. Or, if you do desire, I can lead you to the castle. But I cannot sleep well at night if I let you go about in a city you know nothing of with your condition. Nor can I do so knowing that someone is after you. What sort of person would I be if I allowed harm to befall you when I could put a stop to it?"
 
Lynia sat on the edge of the bed as Sarkoth stepped away from her, listening as he spoke in response to her question. Honestly she had no idea what she expected as an answer, but whatever it was, it most certainly was not that Alexhandr was in love with her. They had met mere hours ago, how was it even possible that the king would feel that strong of a tie already? The way Sarkoth described it made her feel uncertain. Pre-chosen? They had no choice? So it was quite possible that Alexhandr didn't even like her as a person, but had fallen in love with her because his god willed it. Right? That seemed off, somehow. Still, she couldn't deny that her heart thrilled at the idea of what she was being told. Alexhandr loved her already. Sarkoth had no reason to fib about such a thing.


"Mine?" she managed, watching the skeleton take a seat. He was.. hers? Before she could really wrap her mind around that, he was speaking of the week. Her attention focused on him once more and she found a blush touching her cheeks as he spoke of making love in public. He couldn't be serious! In public?! She was stunned, especially when she was forced to wonder if all Draconis were as reserved as Alexhandr. If they were, the thought of any of them even doing more than a tiny lick in public seemed horridly out of place.


"I'm not even sure what to think or say anymore. I just met Alexhandr today! This is all impossible!" she finally said, standing up once more and shaking her head in disbelief.


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Rosalyn stepped back with a startled flinch as his hands touched hers, immediately drawing forth the dagger that she had nearly pulled out earlier when he bumped into her. She made no move to strike him with it, but she held the weapon tightly and tried to stop her body from quivering so much. As he spoke, she was even more surprised, because normally nobody realized her.. problem. She frowned and cast her gaze downward, feeling anxious. If he knew that she was blind, then he could easily fight her to her disadvantage.


She didn't trust him. Not at all. There wasn't even a question in her mind about that. She refused to step forth and take his hands, and she remained completely silent until he fell silent. After a few long minutes, she gathered her wits as best as she could and shook her head slightly.


"I do not have a 'condition'," she began, an emotion other than fear filling her voice for the first time since the converstaion began. "I do not trust you and I d-" she started to go on, but she stepped back again as she was speaking and tripped over a rock that she hadn't realized was there. She tumbled over backward with a tiny squeak and simply sat there with a sigh. Well, now she probably looked pretty silly.
 
"Oh, yes," said Sarkoth in a tone that hinted that he was having a hard time containing his laughter. "He is yours. Run that tongue of yours along his lips, then his chest, then see how 'reserved' our good king is." Sarkoth turned his head to see Lynia's cheeks turn a bright red. "Expect to see some love making in public," he teased. "Why, if you lick Alexhandr's stomach several times, you may even be one of the couples out there doing it! Hehehahahaha!" The skeleton was enjoying himself immensely. Alexhandr was not the only one that Sarkoth poked fun at. Anyone and everyone was a target of Sarkoth's jeers and jests.

As soon as Lynia finished stating how it all was impossible, Alexhandr stepped inside the room with an elderly, brown-haired, green-eyed wood elf female.
"What is all impossible?" asked Alexhandr, a curious smile on his face. "Lynia, this is my tailor. Her name is Zyana and she is here to take all of your measurements!"

Tara bowed lightly to Lynia and smiled.
"You are quite the beautiful girl, Lynia!" She said, her voice worn with age but very pleasant and heartening. "It appears our king wishes for me to make a dress for you, and a dress I shall make! The most wonderful dress I have ever created shall adorn you! But before that..." Zyana turned to Alexhandr and poked him in the chest. "What is that on your shirt?" she asked in a scornful tone.

"What?" asked the king, who then immediately looked down at his red-silk shirt. There were orange clay spots in several places. "Oh, I was out with Jakir and we--" he began, only to be cut off by the aged tailor. "And you got that beautiful shirt dirty! Ai-ai! Boys! Take it off!"

Alexhandr's jaw dropped.
"T-take it off?"

"Yes!"
Zyana said sternly.

"But... right now?"

"Yes, right now! You take it off or I will take it off myself! You are the king, I will not have you running amok with clay all over you! You and the High General both cannot seem to keep anything clean for longer than an hour!"

Alexhandr blushed and looked down. The mighty king was acting like a young child being scolded by his grandmother! He slowly unbuttoned his shirt, not willing to look at Sarkoth or Lynia. He shrugged out of it and handed it to Zyana, who then promptly snatched it and folded it on the bed. The king's chest and shoulders were broad and toned. His arms were not massive, but they were muscled and strong. A few scars were visible on his arms and chest. The sunlight that entered the room hit Alex's clean obisdian scales, giving him a bright and almost-unnatural beauty. Alexhandr Ro Denthanor definitely took care of himself, that was for sure. Thank the Maker he did not go about shirtless, or heaven knows how many females would pounce upon him!

Sarkoth, meanwhile, cackled like a fool at Alexhandr's expense.

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The High General did not flinch or move when Rosalyn drew her dagger out. He expected her reaction to be something like this.
"You do have a condition," Jakir said to her in a voice that was full of care and concern. "Watch out!" he cried, though was too late with his warning.

He knelt down right in front of Rosalyn and shook his head.
"All right. You do not trust me. But you cannot walk this city alone since you know nothing of it. You must make a choice. Do you continue to go about this late at night, alone and looking frivolous as you bump into others and fall, or do you take a risk with me? Choose, beautiful Rosalyn."
 
As Sarkoth went on to tell Lynia exactly what to do to.. erm.. test Alexhandr's limits, she wondered if he realized just how awful her curiosity was. She would be nearly forced to try it now just to see what happened! Before she could respond to his teasing of licking Alex's stomach, the very subject of their conversation walked in. She blinked and fought back the urge to blush deeply, managing to give him a smile.


"Oh, nothing.." she dismissed hastily, inwardly cursing Sarkoth since he probably thought this was all hilarious. She resisted an urge to glare at the skeleton, her focus on the Elf that she was being introduced to.


"A pleasure to meet you," she said with a smile, bowing back with her hand folded in a sign of respect. As she straightened, she shook her head with a defeated sigh. The woman was much too excited by the prospect of making the dress - now she couldn't rightly argue with it and say that she really honestly didn't need such a garment. Figures.


She was going to say something along the lines of being delighted to see whatever creation Zyana made, but then the woman had turned to Alexhandr and was scolding him like a child. Lynia blinked and had to clasp a hand over her lips to hold in a laugh as the tailor demanded that he take it off. She accidentally let a small snicker escape as Zyana continued to chide the king about 'running amok' and pointed out that Jakir apparently had the same issue with keeping his appearance tidy.


As Alexhandr gave in and started unbuttoning his shirt, she was torn about whether or not she should turn away to give him a bit of privacy. Before she could come to a decision, the shirt was gone and her crimson eyes were left roaming over his exposed figure. She took in the defined muscles and glittering scales, her jaw dropping slightly. Thankfully she managed to recover after a few moments and turned her gaze to Sarkoth, finally giving him the glare he deserved though his laughter told her that he either didn't notice or didn't care. Oh, what was she getting herself into?


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As he approached her, she curled her legs in front of her and absently prodded her ankle that had twisted a bit at her fall. Not too strained to walk on, which was good. The fact that he was close to her was a detail that she didn't overlook, but her position made it rather hard to scramble away. Instead of backing up, she simply held her dagger tighter and listened as he spoke of having a choice. Of course she had a choice. The problem was that he made it sound like the choice she wanted was one that didn't make much sense.


"I'll.. go with you," she finally said after several minutes of silence that had been filled with her internally debating and forcing the blush caused by his words to fade. She really wasn't comfortable with either choice, but at least he would probably leave as soon as she was in the inn. Then she'd never have to see him again, right? That was a good thing. Spending too much time with anybody wasn't a good idea. That's what she told herself, anyway.
 
Sarkoth was enjoying himself immensely. The reactions of Alexhandr and Lynia were hilarious to him. Zyana showed no signs of being amused, nor did she appear at all surprised at Sarkoth. Evidently they had met in the past.

Zyana rummaged through Alexhandr's wardrobe and shook her head.
"Heavens help me. All of these are out of style! I have not been paying attention to your attire as of late! Shame on me!" Alexhandr stood there sheepishly nodding his head, agreeing with her even though he had no clue as to what was "in style". He was flustered beyond all belief. 'Please, Maker, do not have her tell me something is wrong with my lower garements as well! I can--' he began to think, though his own thoughts were cut off by Zyana.

"Off with the pants as well! They are torn!" she ordered him.

"You surely jest!" retorted Alexhandr in a childish tone.

"No, I do not! Why are you so embarrassed? It is not as if we do not know what you have and do not have! Besides, you have under garments on below them!"

"Well, yes, but do you not think--"

"I think you need to hurry up so that I may tend to Lady Lynia, that is what I think!"

With a defeated draconic "coo", Alexhandr begrudgingly slipped off his trousers. Standing there without a shirt or pants, the only thing upon him a brown-linen loincloth. The king's lower body was just as pleasant to look upon as his upper, and the fact that a simple loincloth covered his most sensitive (and pleasing) areas with only the bare minimum made it that more appealing to the curious and sweet elven gypsy in his company. His fingers twitched and he nervously lifted his head to meet Lynia's gaze, but only for a moment. He mouthed the words
"Help me!" to her before looking down.

Why was the mighty king being so submissive to a common tailor? She was not his mother, that much was a fact! Sarkoth, meanwhile, was having the greatest time of his undead life. The skeleton leaned over towards Lynia and spoke softly into her pointy elven ear.
"Quite the looker, is he not? Did you know that all Draconis are naturally perfect lovers? They know exactly what to do; even the ones who have never have so much as seen a bare breast in their life. And to think, he has all his desire and love for you and you alone..."

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"Good, good," said Jakir in a tone full of warmth. He took her hands in his and lifted her up slowly. "Do you wish to head to a tavern or to the castle? The choice is yours, Rosalyn Vorel." He complimented her in draconic. Though Rosalyn knew nothing of what it meant, the word itself sounded quite pleasing.

People passed by the odd couple and gave the High General curious looks. Not only was the General smiling, he was holding hands with a female. Was he drunk? Under a spell? Had he finally broke down, his mind having forced away his terrible past?

 
After taking a few moments to calm herself, Lynia glanced over at Zyana and watched her rummaging around through Alexhandr's clothes. The older woman's reaction made her smile, and she accidentally looked back over at Alexhandr as he nodded. She was once again staring more than she should, but thankfully the tailor broke her gaze. Most unfortunately, the way she did it was by making even Lynia blush a little. She really didn't think that Alexhandr would take his pants off with all of them in there, but her attention was caught on Zyana's comment about tending to her after. Surely that didn't mean that she was next to be stripped and measured! She was actually starting to worry about it now.


She couldn't help but watch Alexhandr as he slipped out of his trousers and gave her a pleading look. Holding back a slight laugh at his expression, her eyes slid down his body the second that he looked away from her again. She didn't look at Sarkoth as he spoke to her, but she was taking in everything that he was saying to her. It was most unfair, that he would tease her so with such words.


For a moment she did nothing, but then she realized something. Alexhandr had asked for help, whether joking or not, and he seemed deeply anxious and uncomfortable with the entire situation. She recalled what Sarkoth had told her earlier about the licking certain places being soothing and comforting. It was obviously true since Alexhandr had licked her cheeks earlier. Wouldn't that be a good idea, since he so obviously needed comfort right now?


She stepped over to the king, carefully moving around Zyana. Giving him a sweet, reassuring smile, she laid one hand on his arm and leaned up to gently lick his cheek.


-----------------------------------


Leaving her hands in his just long enough to stand, Rosalyn took her slender hands back and slowly put her dagger away. No point in threatening him since she had agreed to travel with him. She wasn't sure which option she wanted, but then she realized that staying as far away from anybody with power as possible was likely the better choice. No need running into some sort of royalty and having them realize that she was taking refuge from those that claimed she was a criminal.


"Tavern," she said after a few moments, though curious about the word he had used. Vorel? That wasn't her name. The way he said it made her think it meant something else, and at first she wasn't sure if she dared ask. Finally curiosity got the best of her and she raised her gaze to focus just to the side of his head. "What does Vorel mean?" she asked quietly, uncertain if she were permitted to ask questions or not.
 
Alexhandr watched Lynia walk to him and he flinched back instinctively. He did not want to appear rude, but his current state left him nervous and timid. When her hand touched his arm the king relaxed, though his eyes were wide and his breathing was heavy as her face was near his. It would not be so bad if he had clothes on, but the lack of garments upon him made his conservative and reserved nature show through greatly. As Lynia's tongue licked up Alex's cheek, he let out an involuntary "coo" sound. While he had shown such affection to her, it was unexpected for Lynia to approach Alexhandr with such care.

Sarkoth and Zyana both looked at one another and headed out of the room without a single word spoken. They walked back downstairs and went to do other things, leaving the elf and the draconis alone.

The king opened his scaled maw to speak, but words hung in the back of his throat. He wanted to flee and put clothes on, but desire made purity secondary. Alexhandr lifted his right hand and caressed Lynia's smooth, warm cheeks with his fingertips. He pulled her body closer to his with his left arm and murred. A draconis's murr was a sound of delight and happiness; a sweet and adorable sound. After a long moment of silence and caressing, Alex rubbed his snout against Lynia's nose and trailed the tip of his tongue along her lips. His heart pounded violently in his chest due to the internal conflict within him and from the non-characteristic actions that he was committing.

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"Tavern it is, good lady Rosalyn. I trust you can follow me without handholding? Or do you desire to hold my hands as we walk?"
Jakir made a playful tease for the first time in several hundred years. Peculiar. He turned around and headed eastward at a casual pace. He was not sure of how Rosalyn planned to follow him, but he made sure that she caught up with him. Never allowing her to be more than a few steps behind him, Jakir showed himself to be both protective and caring of Rosalyn.

"Vorel means beautiful," he replied kindly. "If you have any questions about anything, please, feel free to ask." After ten minutes of walking, they arrived at a room-and-board inn called The Red Twilight.
 
Lynia couldn't help but smile when Alexhandr cooed at her lick. She didn't even notice that Sarkoth and Zyana had left the two of them alone - as far as she was concerned, they had been alone the whole time. Her mind was entirely focused on the man standing before her, and his touch on her cheeks made her smile softly up at him. She moved closer with no resistance at all as he pulled her, amusement dancing in her eyes as he made an odd sound at her. It sort of reminded her of the purr of a very contented cat, yet it was different. She had a feeling it held the same meaning, due to his expression and how he was holding her so close against him.


She scrunched up her nose slightly as he rubbed his snout against it, a soft laugh parting her lips for a moment. It was just such an affectionate gesture, even if it reminded her of being a child once more and doing the same thing to her brother. This was somehow more intimate than a close embrace, and it relaxed her entirely. She looked up and was surprised by the feeling of his tongue dancing across her lips. In an instant, her pulse was flying and she paused, thinking back to what Sarkoth had told her.


After that faint pause for thought, she gently licked his lips back, then turned slightly and licked a slow trail from just below his right ear, to just behind it. Moving back to where she had been before, she looked up at him, again curious to see how he would react to such a thing.


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Hearing the faint teasing tone in Jakir's voice, Rosalyn frowned and put her hands on her hips. Holding hands indeed. She wanted to scold him for mocking her so, but she did understand that he was playfully teasing and not trying to poke fun. Still, she had never been really able to joke with others about her disability because she had always kept it a secret. Sometimes she would make fun of herself about it when she ran into things or forgot where she placed something, but that was always when she was alone. It was odd to get used to having somebody else to talk to, she decided, dropping her hands and trailing after him easily.


She was able to locate him with every step that he took, remaining about two steps behind him and matching his speed. Her eyes were focused nowhere in particular, casting all around as if she were looking about. In truth she was listening, to more than just him. If somebody was going to sneak up on them, she wanted to know about it. She focused on Jakir as he explained what Vorel meant, a faint blush yet again touching her pale cheeks. How odd that he kept saying things like that. The only - to her - reasonable explanation was that he planned something very evil indeed and was only telling her such things to get her to relax and make the end result that much more cruel. Yes, that must be it.


"I have no questions," she murmured softly, falling silent immediately afterward and following him without another word to the inn.
 
Alex's draconic nature was consuming him. Here she was, in his arms. A large smile spread across his face as Lynia laughed her soft, beautiful laugh. The situation was immensely wonderful to Alexhandr, if a bit awkward. He had not been unclothed around anyone but his parents (who are deceased), his tailor (who treats him as if he were her grandson), and his soldiers and Jakir during wartime. Alexhandr prided himself on being an absolute gentleman. To him, the only instance where a male should be unclothed around a female is when they are mated. 'She surely does not love me,' he thought. 'But, I love her. I must. I do so happily.'

He shuddered and let a quiet moan escape him as Lynia's tongue gradually trailed under his ear. Such a place was very sensitive on all Draconis. It was a "teasing spot", and Draconis did not share their weak points on their body to anyone but very close friends. How did Lynia know to lick him there? Or was it just a coincidence? After a moment of thought, it hit him.
'Sarkoth! Damn him! Maker knows what secrets he has spilled! It is not his place! That blasted bag of bones is nosy!' Alex then laughed on the inside. 'Hah. Nosy. Yet he lacks a nose!'

He snapped back into his serious mood and fought himself for a long, odd minute. He knew it should not progress further, but he wanted it to. Hesitantly, he pressed his lips onto Lynia's and kissed her with a fiery passion, but stopped after a good thirty seconds, pulling his head away forcefully. It took every bit of willpower for him to do so.
"N-no," he began, stuttering. "You do not love me. I cannot let my nature take control. Morality comes first. I must do... the right thing." Alex looked at Lynia solemnly. He felt as if he was disappointing her greatly. But, now he knew that she desired him. 'She surely does not desire me as I do her. No non-draconis falls in love so quickly. Oh, blessed Maker, this curse upon my race is quite the burden!'

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Jakir was quite pleased that Rosalyn was able to keep up. He was sure, however, that Rosalyn had many questions.
'She is simply too afraid of me,' the High General thought to himself. 'I blame her not. Most folk are frightened of me, though that is because they have heard stories and the gossip. Lady Rosalyn has suffered, that much is clear. Her fears stem from what is most likely abuse. I am not good at comfort by any means, so it shall take a holy miracle to soothe her.'

The General opened the door to the inn and held it for Rosalyn. After she stepped inside, he followed her and walked up to the tavern-keep. Reaching into his coin-purse, he removed ten gold pieces and placed them on the counter.
"These gold pieces shall pay for Lady Rosalyn, the young lass behind me. She is to be given warm and fresh food, as well as new clothes, hot bathwater, and fresh drinking water every new day she is here. This shall pay for quite awhile. As long as she is here, you are to give her these things. Do not disturb her and let none in her room. Knock on the door and leave her food, water, and clothing outside. Ensure the tin bathtub within her quarters always has access to hot water. Do not fail me, inn-keep."

The inn-keeper stared at the gold with wide eyes, then snatched it up greedily and shoved it into his pocket.
"Yes, of course, High General! It shall be done! Bless you! Bless you! None shall bother her!" Jakir nodded and grunted in affirmation and turned to Rosalyn.

"There. All has been provided for you. One question remains. Do you wish for me to remain at your side so that you may learn of Numinor and her people, or do you wish me to begone and leave you alone? Know that I worry for you. Numinorians are not criminally inclined folk at all, but you know no streets or landmarks. You would wander about aimlessly for many days, and I do not wish for you to do so."

 
Lynia couldn't deny that the sound of Alexhandr's soft moan that she managed to cause from a simple lick was incredible. It was like a signal to her that her actions were causing him more pleasure than she even realized. As she was looking up at him, she did note the hesitation in his expression as he seemed to be thinking long and hard about what he wanted to do. Just as she was going to tell him that she had just been curious and he needn't feel obliged to do or say anything in the least, his lips met hers again. She kissed him back deeply, her hand resting against his bare chest gently as she felt her thoughts scattering to leave her mind blank apart from the sensations of his lips on hers.


When he pulled away, she opened her eyes and looked up at him in blank confusion, not understanding at first since she hadn't even advanced the kiss or anything yet. She felt immediate guilt when he stuttered, but then he said that she didn't love him.


"Y-" she began, instantly stopping herself. She had just been about to argue with him and say that he was wrong. Why would she say that? Why would she even think about it? She gazed at him for a moment, then turned away just to gather her scrambled thoughts into some semblance of logic. He was right, she didn't love him. It was a curious form of lust caused by watching him strip and what Sarkoth had told her, combined with his beautiful personality and everything else. That's all. Sure.


"You're right, we should control ourselves," she finally said quietly, looking back up at him with a half smile as she struggled to stop arguing with herself.


-----------------------------------------


Tilting her head a tiny fraction as they approached the building, Rosalyn took note of how the sound shifted. Most people who could see never really listened. The sound of footsteps changed the closer one got to an obstacle, especially a building that could bounce sound back. She heard the click and faint whoosh that signaled a door opening, her steps pausing a moment until she realized that Jakir was actually holding it open for her. Strange that he would do such a thing, but she didn't argue as she walked in and stood slightly off to the side so that he could do whatever it was that he intended. If he was going to hand her off to her pursuers, now was going to be the time. For that reason alone, her entire body was tense and she was very still.


She listened as Jakir walked in, the faint taps of metal on wood telling her that he was counting out coin. Her attention caught on his voice, and she was startled when he introduced her as a Lady. Wasn't that a noble term? Perhaps it didn't mean the same thing here as she was used to, she reminded herself. The things that Jakir was demanding were things that she hadn't had on a regular basis in years. It was better than she even bothered to treat herself. When was the last time she had a hot bath instead of dipping into an icy tub or a natural spring that had a thin layer of ice on it? She honestly couldn't remember.


There were more unexpected things than the items he was demanding. It was the details that she hadn't thought of herself, much less expected him to pick up on. The requests to leave things outside the door instead of walking in after a knock, which would probably startle her enough to kill the poor man. The other thing that she appreciated was the request to not let anybody in her room. It was a kindness that she had no idea how to even respond to. Thankfully she didn't really have to, because Jakir had turned back to her and was asking if she wished for him to stay.


"Stay," she said, before she really realized that the word had slipped from her lips. It was quiet, but still clear and there was no way to take it back. After a moment, she noticed that she didn't want to take it back. "Please," she added as an afterthought.
 
Alexhandr looked into Lynia's eyes again and inhaled slowly. He had just told her that they needed to stop, but every natural part of him demanded he stop with his chivalry and morality and take what is his. The king's body became hot (Draconis do not sweat, but their bodies become quite heated) as he struggled internally. 'Kiss her, you fool! Take her!' part of him yelled. 'No, you lecherous fiend! Patience! Temperance! Steel your will and your mind!' the other scolded.

Finally, the Draconis could take no more. In a split, sudden second, Alex roughly pushed his lips onto Lynia's and kissed her with all the desire within him.
'Why should I stop?' he reasoned within himself. 'She is my true mate, whether we be married yet or not!' His wings unfurled outward, spanning a good eight feet across. He then furled them around the elf-gypsy and pressed her even closer against him. His tongue slipped between Lynia's inviting lips and entered her mouth, exploring every corner inside. Alexhandr Ro Denthanor, the conservative and religious king of Numinor, was surrendering to his natural wants. He despised himself for it, but the Draconis were not known for strong will after they found their mates.

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Jakir's soft sapphire eyes became wide in surprise as Rosalyn told him to stay. He opened his mouth to say something, but was rendered speechless after the girl said please to him. Her attitude had suddenly changed, and he wondered why. Was his generosity helping soothe her? Was she beginning to trust him?
'No matter,' he thought. 'She wishes for me to stay, so I shall. Perhaps I can settle her since I will have no issue keeping her safe.'

The High General took the key to Rosalyn's room from the inn-keep and began to head up the stairs.
"Come, Lady Rosalyn. We must get you to your quarters for the night where you can have a hot bath and warm food and drink. I shall of course stand outside the room whilst you bathe, for it is not proper of me to remain in the room as you do so." His tone was kind, but also matter-of-fact. It was evident to Rosalyn that Jakir held strong chivalric ideals and was not about to part from them.

After walking up two flights of wooden stairs and walking to the end of the hall, the General was in front of Rosalyn's room. He unlocked her door and held it open for her, just as he did earlier.
"You have a balcony, a soft bed with freshly cleaned sheets and pillow. New clothes shall be delivered within the next two hours or so and supper meal a half hour afterwards. That is, if you wish to eat here. Today my king is having a grand feast in the castle and I would be glad to take you as my guest. There shall be dancing, comedy, and singing as well."
 
Lynia had thought that after she agreed with him about holding off and controlling themselves, that he would want to call Zyana back in to get fitted and whatnot, or perhaps pick out an outfit for him that she could stand to see him in since the tailor apparently didn't like any of his clothing now. What she wasn't expecting in the least was the rapid change of mind that Alexhandr had a scarce few minutes after she had spoken to him.


She looked up just in time to meet his lips against hers in a rough, passion-filled kiss that dizzied her from the mere intensity. A soft moan of pleasure escaped her throat before she could stop it, lasting only moments before she was kissing him back with a fiery craving that she was shocked to feel. She didn't see his wings since she had long since closed her eyes, but she felt then as he pulled her body close against his. Sliding her arms around him tightly, she parted her lips for his tongue and gasped as he explored her, her own tongue caressing his and dipping into his mouth as well.


After about a minute of that, she pulled away and caught her breath for a few seconds. She had intended on telling him that they should stop this and that he had been right about controlling themselves. That was her intent.. Until she realized that their height difference put her at the perfect height to test another little detail that Sarkoth had let slip. Unless the desire in your heart is great..


Without another thought or pause, she licked a slow trail up his chest, then looked up at him with flushed cheeks and wild desire dancing in her eyes.


-----------------------------------


Rosalyn truly expected Jakir to argue for some reason even though he had given her the choice of him staying or not. Deep down she still expected him to leave even after she asked him to stay. So, when she heard him going up the stairs and speaking to her as though it had been no question whether he was going to stay or not, she was thoroughly stunned.


She quickly followed him up the stairs, her slender fingers trailing along the stair railing up both flights as she counted the steps in the back of her mind. After they had arrived at the top and were moving down the hallway, what he had said actually sunk in. He had offered - no, not offered. It was more of assumed. He had assumed that he would leave for her to bathe as though it was what anybody would do. The last time anybody was around her while she bathed, they had assumed that staying in the room to stare was acceptable since she couldn't see them do it. That memory still bothered her, but she pushed it away and simply followed Jakir into the room.


Staying silent as Jakir spoke again, she considered what he said, trying to wrap her mind around everything. He was simply giving this all to her as if a gift, but that couldn't be the case. There had to be something he expected in return, but what? He hadn't made any sort of advances on her and hadn't even mentioned repayment. Whatever it was, she didn't know yet.


"I can't dance," she commented absently, since that was the first thing that came to mind when he mentioned it. She had no idea how else to respond to being invited along as a guest to a feast. The proposal screamed 'trap!' to her, and she simply couldn't ignore that. She unfastened her shawl and set it on the bed, then walked in measured steps around the room, getting a feel for it.
 
Alexhandr groaned in delight at the sound of her moans. It was an alluring, enticing sound that he would have no trouble listening to repeatedly. He was surprised when her tongue slipped into his wide, draconic maw. The fact she returned such a gesture gave more fuel to the fire inside him. Every thought in his head now revolved around Lynia. Nothing else mattered to him now. Not Jakir, not Sarkoth, not Zyana, not Numinor, not his deity.

The king's breathing was heavy after the kiss. Though by nature an excellent lover, he was new to it all. Lynia was Alexhandr's first kiss, and if he had his way, his first and only. He tilted his head to the side as Lynia appeared to be in thought for a few moments. Then he felt her tongue upon his chest. His eyes immediately opened wide and his body froze. To lick a Draconis's chest was to say,
"Take me." A Draconis takes such an invitation by his mate seriously, and acts upon it with haste. The chest was also a sensitive spot upon all Draconis and gave rise to many lecherous thoughts once licked.

His embrace upon Lynia became tighter by instinct. Then, out of nowhere, Alexhandr spun Lynia around and pushed her down onto the bed gently. He then crawled atop her, his broad chest above hers and his snout touching the tip of her nose. He was not sure if Lynia knew precisely what licking the chest means to a Draconis, or if Sarkoth spared her certain details. All he knew is that if Lynia ran her tongue upon his stomach, he would no longer have any willpower whatsoever. He desired Lynia to love him before he did such a thing, but because the elf-gypsy was his true-mate, he would not be able to resist such temptation if pushed too far. Fear and desire fought against one another in his mind.

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Jakir smiled at her as she gave the "I can't dance," excuse. "Have no fear, mi'lady Rosalyn. I cannot dance all that well myself. We could learn together. Though you do not have to dance at all there, or dance with only myself. You have complete free will and choice."

"Of course,"
said Jakir in a soothing tone, "You probably think that I desire you as a slave or as a lecherous plaything or to hand you over to... whatever may be hunting you. If you have no trust for me, then we do not have to go to the feast, and I will inform King Alexhandr that I cannot attend, and shall stay with you this night." The High General was willing to decline the invitation from his king--his best friend no less--in order to stay with Rosalyn, whom he had just met.

He stepped into the side room where the tin tub rest against the wooden wall and turned on the water until it reached a warm temperature. Steam rose from the tub as he let it fill to about three fourths of the way. He then smiled to Rosalyn and bowed before her, even though she could not see.
"Your bath is ready, Lady Rosalyn. There is a towel hanging up beside the tub after you are done, as well as fresh clothes. They are not going to be the ones you receive later, but they will do for now." The General then stepped toward the door and put his hand on the latch to unlock it, then turned his head back to Rosalyn. "Do you require anything else before I step outside and allow you to bathe, Lady Rosalyn?"
 
Lynia, at first, was worried that she had overstepped her bounds in some way because of how he seemed to freeze up and just stared at her. She was going to apologize, but then she had spun and landed on her back on the bed. Blinking in surprise, she watched Alexhandr crawl over her, being forcefully reminded that he wasn't exactly.. clothed. She gazed up as him as his nose touched hers, somehow incredibly amused by that tiny contact. It made her smile up at him, and she wondered if she should lick his chest again just to see what happened if she did it twice.


She flicked her tongue against his lips as her hand slid down to caress the heated skin of his stomach. A moment ago she had recalled what Sarkoth said about Alexhandr's belly, and since she was testing everything else out, she decided to sate her curiosity on this one as well. If he was really as easy to control as this..


That was when her thoughts came to a screeching halt. Control him? Was that what she wanted? To control the king of Numinor to do her bidding? He had already said that she didn't love him, and Sarkoth had said he was hers. A plaything to be toyed with, was that what this was to her?


Part of her screamed out in denial, saying that it wasn't like that. A deep, dark part of her began whispering that Purn had been right and this was one of the few things she was good at. She was tugging Alexhandr's heartstrings without even trying, getting a royal puppet in return. The thought made her feel sick. She slid up slightly and sat up, gently easing him off of her as her face paled and she realized that she had to get out of here before things got worse. She didn't want to hurt him, she lo-.. No, no she didn't. She shook her head and slid off the bed, quickly standing.


"I'm s-sorry, Alexhandr.." she stuttered softly, glancing at him for just a moment before backing toward the door. It wasn't like he could follow her out of this room anyway - he was basically naked! She started to say something else, but gave up and simply fled.


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Rosalyn said nothing as Jakir spoke of his own inability to dance, thinking it nothing but a ploy until his words continued to say that he had no issues with not going to this feast thing at all. She was confused by that and quickly decided to think on it more in a few moments as she listened to the rush of water filling the tub. It was almost disorientingly loud, but she simply remained perfectly still until the water stopped.


She was uncertain what to say when he announced that her bath was ready, since he was being almost absurdly kind to her. It was like he was being overly obvious about his intentions to stab her in the back later. His final question made her shake her head in silence, and she didn't budge a single inch until she heard him leave and the click of the door.


After a few moments, she walked over to the tub and tested the water. Oh, the warmth made her want to melt! Soon she had undressed and set aside her soiled clothing, then eased her slender, battered body into the tub. It was like instant paradise, and she closed her eyes as she leaned back. For several minutes she just stayed still, enjoying the fact that she had hot water instead of cold for once. Her mind cast about as her muscles relaxed, snagging on Jakir. He had invited her to a feast, which had obviously been a trap.. Yet he said he was fine with not going, which kind of made her question whether it had actually been a trap to begin with. Or, perhaps he suspected she'd decline and her pursuers were meeting him here and it'd be better to go.


That line of thought drove her to mental dizzy circles and she took a deep breath, sinking down under the water for a few minutes before sliding back up and hunting around for the soap. Once she found it, she took extreme care with getting herself completely, obsessively clean. It was simply amazing to be able to do so, so she took advantage. Once she was one hundred percent clean, she climbed out of the tub and drained it, about an hour after she had gotten in. Normally she took a few minutes, and she hadn't really realized how long she laid there like a lazy bum.


She toweled herself dry and wrapped the damp cloth around her slender body, pulling her hair back from her face in a low ponytail that was carefully planned to hide the tops of her ears from sight. Once that was in place, she dropped the towel and pulled on the clothes left for her, relieved to feel that they fit perfectly. She folded the towel as well as her dirty clothes and set them all aside, then wandered back out to the main room and hesitated. After a few moments of listening, she went to the door and opened it.


"I want to stay here.."