bloody tears || ❝ our fate so darkly romantic, i will never leave your side. ❞

[shepherdtostars]

bloody tears

AU PLOTLINE

The land is wrought with terror
He roams the countryside...
A journey far from doner
Racing the setting sun this battle must be won CODE BY TESSISAMESS

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[shepherdtostars]

[ How would being apart from him ever be for her own good? Her magic can stop him if his nature ever escapes his careful guarded resolve. She knows, in her heart and soul, she cannot lose him now that they reunited. ]

Maybe it has nothing to do with deserving... and it just simply is. [ Lantaa affectionately nudges him once more. She cannot tell why it feels as if they have spent so many lives apart, or if they simply were unable to spend fulfilled lives together. Mayhap it only feels so very long because of the lives they have led now: secluded from others by choice, thinking it for the best for themselves. ]

I do understand. [ She gives a small nod to further demonstrate the fact. Her slender fingers brush along his skin in an attempt to comfort him. ] But, I know you will stop yourself. You said you would protect me... so I can't see why you would be unable to stop yourself. I... I trust you in this, as I trust you to help me speak when my mind won't allow me to.

[ The tips of her ears twitch as he falls against her. Anxiousness stabs her heart. He has lost more blood than she first thought. What she had given him must have only been enough to aid him in being alert and conscious. That fact would also lead her to believe he has not had enough to heal on his own. All the damage that has been repaired is of her own magic. He will need his wound tended to more then once he has eaten.

A new sense of resolve fills her to accompany the anxiousness. It will be different from granting the wishes of others or even healing him. She will need to make certain he feels cared for and safe, otherwise he may panic and fight against her.

Even then, she knows the nerves also come from the simple fact of how personal this is. He is her one and only, not a stranger she holds no connections with.

The hand still on the back of his head gently brushes his hair once more to soothe him. ]

Aymeric, my love, look at me. [ Her tone still attempts to lure him to her care; something that seems too tempting to be without, yet filled with love for him.

Lantaa makes certain she holds his attention, her lit eyes attempting to captivate his dim ones. Her fingers move once more so that only her thumb brushes along his bottom lip. The others settle under his chin to tilt his head up by a fraction as her tail begins to gently brush along his leg once more. She searches to find not only the knight, but the vampire, in his gaze. She means to snare the side of him that he hates and represses in hopes that he will realize on all lives she does this out of the love she has for him. Love that will hopefully have the repressed side desire her and trust her. ]

I need to know you will allow me to help, and not simply because I say. [ Lantaa carefully leans forward to brush her lips beside his mouth while her thumb still moves gently back and forth along his lower lip. She does not find herself the most inticing or eye turning person, but, all she need do is have his repressed instincts wish to have her. Then, she can direct him how to eat safely.

At least she hopes she comes off as seductive as she believes she is. Now, it is time to see if she has captured his whole attention. Her voice drops to an inticing whisper:, ]

Tell me truthfully, my love. Am I something you would want? Was my blood satisifying... something you would desire to have again?

[thewayforpeace]

[ As he feels himself fall against her, what little strength he had managed to gain fleeing from him once more, a sense of desperation surges inside him. There is more that I must say... More that I must tell her. It is difficult to form words when his head his spinning and his arms and legs feel as though they are made of lead, but he must make an attempt to respond to her.

From sheer force of will alone, he manages to form a few words, although it is not the answer he wished to give. ] Why do you trust me so? [ Why, when I cannot trust myself? He has given her no proof that he will do as he said, only his word, and what good are words if there are no actions behind them? Simply put, there has not been time for him to prove that he will do as he has promised, so it seems odd to him that she trusts him so readily. Perhaps it is not so odd considering their bond that has lasted over many lives, but in this life, he is someone to whom trust is easily given. ]

Lantaa. [ He internally curses himself and this sudden weakness that is keeping him from saying everything on his mind. All he can do is reach for her and try to grasp onto her hand as if that will keep him grounded as his senses try to run from him.

She gives an order for him to look at her, and despite his weakness and inability to move, the enticing tone in her voice stirs up strength from some hidden reserve and he manages to move his head slightly so that he is looking her in the eyes. Her touches on his lip and her tail brushing against his leg, and the way she continues brushing his hair, all form a spell of their own, and if not for the captivating tone in her voice, he might have let his eyes slide closed again and allow himself to drift off. He certainly feels weak enough to simply slide away into sleep, but it seem that his new (old) companion will not allow him to.

As her efforts continue, the ever-present battle inside him between his vampire side and his undamaged, unsullied side continues to rage, but the longer she talks and the more she touches him, giving him those brief but still meaningful brushes against his lips (a sensitive area, although he refuses to admit that), a different sort of haze falls over his eyes: not dim, and not overly bright either, but there is a hint of redness to it as he watches and listens to her. ]

I- [ A slight tension forms in his shoulders as the internal struggle continues. ] Please. [ It is the closest he will come to asking for her help, and even then, he does not use those exact words, merely that one word entreaty for her assistance.

A switch has seemingly been flipped, and the reticent man that refused to eat his fill even though he needed it has been replaced by another with no such reservations. ]

I want you... I want to taste you. [ If he were not driven by need and by the heady feeling brought on by her efforts to entice him, those words would make him recoil, but instead, he looks at her with desire and in a way, with love.

As if what some would call a bloodthirsty vampire is capable of loving another. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ She would not have him tax himself so much. They will have time to speak and get to know one another; for him to say all he wishes. The look of loving sympathy passes her face once more as she tries to offer him another reassuring smile.

Her expression softens at his question. ] You could have tried to strike me down when you awakened. Regardless of your current state of being? You are a Temple Knight. Wouldn't that mean that you should have ended my life knowing what I am? Instead, you asked me to join you. That is trust enough... besides what I feel for you.

[ She continues to watch his reactions, nodding once he has given her permission in so many words. He will not admit it plainly it seems, so what little ground he gives her will need to be enough. Her hand in his hair curls slightly as she presses her face to the side of his for a moment. ]

Don't hate me for this. [ A ridiculous fear to be certain, but, she cannot help but worry of it. What if, once he has eaten and come more to his senses, he pushes her away for enticing him into something he abhors? ] That's all that I ask.

[ Her tail lifts slightly with her eyes widening in surprise. A part of her did not exprct it to work--that he would fight against it with all of his might. Lantaa starts into the redness of his eyes. A small shock runs up her spine with an unexpected thrill attached to it. She does not know if it is because it is Aymeric looking at her so, or because his natural abilities of being a vampire have ensnared her as well. Her breath catches and she feels a certain anticipation rising in her. ]

The little you had a few days ago was good then? [ She nods, but leaves the statement open for him to comment more on if he wishes. Lantaa then presses a kiss to the side of his mouth, attempting to show she desires both sides of him as well.

Teasing a vampire in such a state is hardly a wise idea. So, she shifts to sit up regardless if he speaks more of it or not. Lantaa guides him to rest his head in her lap, shifting her head to the top to continue untangling the knots in his hair. The fingers at his mouth give one final pass over his lips before she rests her lower arm near his head. He will need to grasp and take her arm for himself, but she leaves the opening free for him to move and do as he wishes. ]

Once you've eaten, I'll see to the wound on your back. You can sleep all you'd like once I'm finished.

[thewayforpeace]

[ His only answer at first is to shake his head repeatedly as if rejecting her words concerning what he should have done as a Temple Knight. To take anyone's life is all but unforgivable to him, and although he knows he should not stand to let one such as her live, he also knows he would not be able to strike her down. ]

I could not have done it. Why should you not be allowed to live? [ He has just enough of his senses remaining to give voice to those questions. ] Why should I be allowed to live, when you face threats and danger every day? [ Or rather, he assumes that she would face danger on a daily basis if not for the fact that she had hidden herself inside her cave.

His body seems to react of its own accord, pressing slightly against hers as if desperately asking for continued closeness with her. Her touches and caresses are stirring up feelings that he assumed were long dead, and now that they have come to life, he only wants more.

How could he ever hate her when she is giving him things he never dreamed he could have?

With such a willing subject just inches away and offering herself to him, he finds he can hardly resist now that his darker instincts have been awoken. The part of him that hated himself for what is now an inextricable part of his life has been suppressed, and in its place is someone else: someone else with an appetite and a need for sustenance. But even then, he is not a mindless creature looking to eat and nothing more.

Instead of answering her question concerning his opinion regarding her taste, he offers her a small smile, and if she is looking closely enough, she might see a brief glimpse of pointed teeth. But he does not use them just yet; instead, he presses her lips against her arm once she has guided him so that he is resting in her lap. A vampire he may be, but he has not completely lost all measure of politeness, even for a creature who thrives on the blood of others.

His movements are slow, given the lingering weakness, but no less purposeful. He takes hold of her arm lightly with one hand and leans forward just a fraction, mouth open and teeth just barely bared. One pointed fang lightly pierces the skin on her arm, and with what might be seen as a surprising sort of gentleness, he presses his lips against the spot waiting for a droplet of blood to form. He needs to feed, but he has just enough presence of mind to not treat her roughly or carelessly. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ A watery smile forms on her face at his question. Why indeed. She wishes she knew why the red eye appeared in the sky; why the Knights attacked. Her childhood home was peaceful. They were healers. Yet, they were deemed unfit, and their home destoryed with she the only survivor as far as she knows. Her mother, father, and twin all gone... ]

You also face them every day in your war. [ A gentle nod is given in the direction of his back. ] Life here is not easy... and perhaps it has never been easy.

[ A faint blush takes to her face as he presses in return. No rejection is within her gaze, merely embarrassment and anticipation. What those might be for is something that has yet fully entered her mind. She is entirely focused on him and caring for him. The thought strikes her that she has yet to care for another in such a way. Someone who needs healing... and nurturing... not just simply wishes of their heart. A proper sort of care.

Lantaa feels her cheeks grow hot at his smirk and pointed teeth. Her heart beats loud in her eyes for a moment with anticipation in her gaze. She truly had not thought he would find her blood appetizing or even good. She is an accursed witch after all. Surely that would have something to do with tatse and desire for her. He is a vampire, and those urges and tendencies must be there even if he attempts to ignore it.

The gentleness surprises her as he takes his hand and plants a kiss where his teeth will break into. Lantaa did not think he would be careless or hurt her, but she cannot help but wonder if he treats her with care because of their bond. She hopes that even with his instincts guiding him, he remembers who she is. She hopes that he finds her desirable, her blood appetizing , and treats her with care because she is his other half.

Her arm tenses from the reflex of being bit, but she does not pull away or even show any pain or fear. Of course the bite hurts to some degree. It simply is not enough to make her wince or recoil. Not when she can tell he is attempting to be gentle and care for her despite his needing to feed. ]

Hmm.

[ She glances down at her arm and feels that perhaps it will not be enough. So, Lantaa flexes her arm in a way to encourage the blood to rise to the surface for him. All the while her other hand brushes the lengths of his locks before returning to the top of his head to continue the calming notion. ]

Thank you, for being gentle. [ She blushes at her next words, in which she means in a teasing manner. At least, she means to a degree. Her tail begins to sway from one side to the next happily. ] I hope that when you spoke of desiring me, it wasn't only to eat something you find appealing...

[ Her blush deepens on her face at her own words. Surely he would not desire her beyond companionship and potentially one to give him substance he needs. There is little to desire after all. A Miqo'te compared to a woman of Ishgard? There is no contest.

Still, she finds herself hoping he does desire her. She would kiss him then and there, and touch him, but she would have it when he is in control of himself. Not that he would wish to kiss her... ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ It is, of course, a fool's hope, but he remains unaware that her home and her family is gone. But the part of him that still retains a spark of humanity would offer to attempt finding her lost family, if there is any chance of doing so. He is all too aware that the world contains its share of tragedies, many of which have befallen those he knows and cares for, so perhaps her family are truly gone beyond recovery. But should they lose hope simply because there appears to be no chance?

He might not be brimming with hope himself, but he does wish better for others. ] Of course, but as a knight, I knew what I was walking into. Misfortune of some kind seems to have followed you, although I hardly know what that might be. [ Her demeanor and her hesitancy seem to point to something more than just being a scorned witch.

But it seems that he will have to unpack the mysteries that surround her another time when he is not still recovering and in need of replenishing his lost stores of blood.

He finds the business of needing to feed off of living beings utterly distasteful, but with his baser instincts in control right now, he has no such qualms to hold him back. Still, he finds that he cannot attack her as he would a rat or other creature, simply because he has too much respect and care for her to do so. He would say that he respects all life, whether human or animal, but for her, it goes beyond mere respect.

It may seem strange that love is what is driving him to act with such care, but at the same time, it does not seem strange at all. They have known each other over many lives and in many times and places, and he only wants to treat her as well as he can. If he must feed from her, he will not do so as a mindless monster.

He continues to drink from her, knowing that despite his efforts to be careful, remnants of her blood remain clinging to his lips and mouth. But where there would be revulsion at such a thing, there is only a want and desire to feel and taste her and pour the need he has for her into his every move.

While he continues to drink, his hands move to circle around her as best as they can, and one hand raises slightly to touch the ends of her hair. His fingers tighten lightly on the end of the locks, but he does not pull or twist them, simply letting his fingers rest there as he slowly but steadily drinks his fill.

Given their closeness, he would not be surprised if she felt the pulsating beat of his heart as he draws more of her blood into himself. But he is becoming aware that the time has come for him to cease, lest he take too much and cause her harm. He has not lost his senses as he feared, even though the taste of her blood all but causes his head to swim from the headiness of it all. With a quick, decisive motion, he withdraws his mouth from the hole his teeth made in her skin, and he gently presses his fingers against the spot as if hoping to stem any blood that may flow from the wound. ]

Shall I bandage your hurts now? [ He was careful to only make a small bite, not wanting to make the wound too deep, but nevertheless, it should not be left unattended.

Part of him wants to stand and stretch and revel in his restored strength from feeding, but he must care for her before himself, as he must express his gratitude somehow. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Lantaa glances to the side as if to hide the look of loneliness and pain that creep into the corners of her gaze. Misfortune certainly has followed her, and try as she might, the words of what has happened remain caged inside her. Perhaps the time is not right to tell him, despite how everything in her wishes to share the details of her life with him. Not much has happened in the years since that day, but, she imagines he wishes to know her in this life as he has in all lives.

A mere nod is given to his statement as her shoulders curl ever so slightly. She cannot help the thoughts that perhaps he may not look at her the same the moment she shares what she truly is with him. A witch is one thing, but if his people had wanted hers wiped from the star... then...

Her thoughts leave her own past to the present once his arm wraps around her. The tips of her ears give a surprised twitch and her tail begins to sway with his fingers at the ends of her hair. Her heart quickens, and perhaps he notices as he feeds. How long has it been since someone touched her hair?

A tingling sensation begins in her arm as he slowly stops feeding. The feeling certainly comes from the lack of blood in the area, but there is something more there. When his fingers brush at the site of the wound, a powerful shock runs up her spine that makes her shiver. A need to be touched fills her, leaves her dizzy, and almost as if she is once again floating.

Her head tips down and her eyes close with a gentle but happy smile on her face. Her tail sways back and forth faster, for it is not just the effects of his bite that leave her so pleased. A sense of fulfillment blossoms in her heart, for it is the only time in recent memory that she has been able to care and help another... and it would bring tears to her eyes if not for the overwhelming desire for him to touch her anywhere he pleases.

His question causes her head to tilt. Her fingers move in a circular pattern before coming to life in a green and white light. The whisps of light touch her arm and the hole he made is healed, leaving no trace of his feeding. The only signs of it might be the lack of blood she feels and the fact she wishes to fall against him and allow him to do as he would wish. ]

There is no need. I'm fine. [ Lantaa finally opens her eyes to look at his once more with a loving smile on her face.

However, her eyes have darkened as well, and she wonders if he feels the sudden desires and needs she does as well. Perhaps not. He has never fed from anything other than animals, so the effects could be most certainly lost to him. Even then, she sits relaxed and open for him to touch and kiss her as he might.

In fact, she finds herself wishing he might. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ Her sideways glance does not escape his notice, and that urge to save her, to protect her... to truly be her defender rises all the more. Why he feels this way, he does not know, but perhaps in another life, he failed to save her and that was how they were parted. All he knows is that he will not allow such a thing to happen in this life.

It is all too clear that she has been hurt badly by others, and if only he could find who those others were and take them to task for their actions. But in this moment, he cannot do that, and there is nothing to say that he could in any circumstance, regardless of his desire to. So he contents himself with continuing to stroke her hair, as he has also noticed how she has responded to the gesture. If he can give her even the smallest amount of comfort and care, then he will.

But even as he strokes her hair, a worried expression comes to his face as he continues to survey her, watching for any serious signs that she is not well following his feeding upon her. It is a necessary thing, of course, but that does not mean he should act without care.

So when he notes the smile spreading across her face, he eyes her with unveiled confusion. Did she so truly wish to help him that she has drawn fulfillment and pleasure from the act of him finally feeding? And of course it stands to reason that she can heal her own wounds, as she has healed his, but he finds himself surprised regardless. ]

You are full of surprises, I think. [ It is not merely the act of healing that surprises him, but rather, the love in her eyes that he sees once she looks at him once again. But he is full of surprises himself, and although it is surely going to make her protest, he pushes himself up into a sitting position and reaches for her, taking hold of both hands so that he might pull her onto his lap, if she allows him to.

If not, he will satisfy himself with kissing every part of her that he can reach, but having her so close would certainly make that an easier endeavor. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Soul searching may be required to learn why they have lost one another. Yet, even then, Lantaa almost does not wish to know. A theory that Master Matoya told her was that the memories of past lives fall alway as aether is washed anew in the aetheric sea, thus there ought to be no tangible way to feel what she does. Somehow, those feelings remain even after perhaps countless lives. The feeling that speak not only of deep unconditional love for him, but, that she has lost him more than once. Lives unfulfilled and left empty with his absence, or perhaps even her absence. The details may be found, but for now, Lantaa does not wish to dive deeper. All she wishes is to be with him. She prays that he will wish to be with her once her secrets are shared; that this life will not end up as a tally strike of yet another life unshaved.

Her tail continues to sway even as he gently brushes the ends of her hair. She smiles at the notion, feeling another thrill move through her body. Not anyone could touch her in such a manner to garner the same response. Only him.

Such a small act has made her quite happy. Her nature is not to be closed off and a distant woman who demands prices for her services. No, this is her nature. Caring for the ills and aches of another, seeing they are healthy, nurturing them. If taking care of his ailment is what he needs to be healed? She will more than gladly so it at nearly any cost. She does not intend to do anything that will separate them.

A protest does form in her mind once he moves to sit, but the words disappear the moment he touches her hands. The state caused by his bite seems to take hold then. Lantaa wordlessly follows his directions and moves to straddle his lap. Her arms raise to drape over his shoulders almost lazily. She needs him to touch her now. So much so that she presses herself to him and content sound escapes her.

She had not stepped into further caring for him without reading. Although, she will admit the naivity in believing that she could very beyond the effects of a bite. Endorphins run high, and thus passions can, all for the vampire to move easily in for their meal. A painless way to do it, she supposed, but experiencing it is very different. Aymeric may not even understand his own reactions to his instincts, but perhaps that is best for later as she lazily looks back into his gaze. The red glow makes another shiver run through her and her tail straighten before relaxing. Her breathing deepens once more.

She wants him to touch her, kiss her, know her like none other. He could run his hands over her body, her tail, undo her corset and loosen the dress. Not that her dress hides much with the exposed shoulder and part of her chest.

Lantaa tilts her head back to give him an alluring smile once more. Although her eyes do not glow. Instead they are dark with desire and anticipation. ]

You are as well, Ser Aymeri c. [ She gives him a smile that speaks further of her desires. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ While learning that information would explain why they act, think, and feel the way they do, there is a part of Aymeric that truly does not wish to know. They have had other lives together, but in this life, they have found each other and they are themselves, free to make their own decisions and choices (barring the interference of others), and some small part of Aymeric strongly desires that freedom, when much of his was taken against his will.

But if she wishes to pursue those mysteries, of course he will accompany her and learn of them alongside her.

He is glad that she is happy, that the action of caring for him and tending to him has brought her some measure of fulfillment. For himself, now that he has had his fill, he finds himself contented in a way that he has not experienced in quite some time. Naturally, his own passions and desires are running high as well, and he would not hesitate to make those known. But it seems that he is less interested in acting with intensity and romantic fervor and more interested in simply touching her and becoming more acquainted with her that way. ]

Then, Lantaa, it seems that now is a good time to begin to get to know each other. [ He moves his hands then so that they are positioned on either side of her hips. He could move them up or down, depending upon his whims, but he decides to allow them to travel upwards, skimming against her hips and over her sides, taking in the feel of her and watching to see how she might react to his exploring touches. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Enough of who they are must have been present in all their lives for them to recongize each other again and again. That, at the core, is what she would wish to know. Just as he feels, she finds little that must be attractive of her in this life. However, it seems that he is attracted to her in this life as well. Even if a part of her wonders how he could be attracted to a Miqo'te who is far shorter than he is.

Her ears fall to a lazy state as she settles in his hold. The look remains in her gaze, despite the relaxed state the rest of her body has settled into for now. Her tail continues to sway, but slower, as the feeling once more settles into the odd floating sensation.

Until he moves his hands from her hips and over her sides.

A shiver over takes her as a soft sound of approval unintentionally leaves her. The tip of her tail flicks as well. She feels as if everywhere he touches has a trail of electricity that runs through her. She shifts her hips slightly in his lap to express her approval. ]

...what would you wish to know? [ Lantaa forces herself to speak the words. Falling quiet and allowing herself to stammer now will not benefit either of them. He could compell her to speak again, but, he trusted her to bring out his instincts. It would be unfair for her to not return the favor by speaking on her own.

She nods lazily as if it might show him she will do her best to answer any questions he might have.

I'll do what I can to give you anything you seek.

Oh, what to tell him? Perhaps how she had lived with Master Matoya and the elder student. There is also her familiar to explain. As surely one does not see a blue bird appear and disappear often. Perhaps the sorts of wishes she has granted--Estinie's included. The matter of how long she has been in the cave on her own comes to mind. Her favorite foods? At the moment there seems there could be endless possibilities of what she might tell him of her person. So many, many things... ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ For someone who has not known or experienced the kind of love and care that she offers, he is eager to take as much or as little as she chooses to give him, but beyond that, in his eyes, she is the most attractive person that he has ever laid eyes on. Perhaps he never could have predicted that events would take this turn, but he finds himself thinking that if she were standing in a crowd, his eyes would travel to her every time.

But all he wishes to do in this moment is feel her: feel every curve of her body, feel the way she responds to his touches, and even feel the way her heart beats and the blood pulses in her veins. He has to admit that he may well be imagining that he can feel those movements, but when he touches her, he feels small explosions beneath his fingers and the desire he has for her only grows by the minute.

What he wishes to know is how every inch of her feels and where she likes to be touched. But since it might not be to her liking to have his hands traveling wherever they wish, he decides that he had best redirect his thoughts to learning more of her as a person, learning of her likes and dislikes and how he might please her. ]

Tell me something that makes you happy.

[shepherdtostars]

[ Lantaa intends to give him as much love as she is able: as much as he needs. Despite the perception of others as to what the Witch of the Wilds must be like? Lantaa is a woman who only wishes to see that others are cared for. The nature of what she is certainly is a part of it, but, she finds she truly does love to see others have what it is they need in their lives.

Oh, but, she does enjoy his touch. She wishes that he would know her like none other will. While such things may be heightened by the feeling given to her by his bite? The yearning for him comes from deep in her heart and soul, just as her love for him does. Her head tilts to the side with his fingers moving the fabric at her skin and her breathing deepens.

What makes her happy? This. Him. ]

Caring for others... [ Her eyes half open with a teasing smile. ] You.

[ He may not appreciate or even enjoy what she is to do. Although, the only way to know is to try. Lantaa shifts her weight on his hips ever so slightly. She places hers directly over his, pressing herself to him. The motion is the only way she can think to encourage him touching her more. Of course, he might decide enough is enough and remove her. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ But what of her needs? What of her wants and desires? His own clamor to be fulfilled, but after so long of diminishing himself and putting himself last, if only in his mind, it seems only right that he do what he can to meet her every need and want. Never mind that it seems as though he has already begun to do so. There is always more that can be done.

His hands continue their exploration, as he has not had the chance to feel another in such a way in a very long time. And then a desire to be touched in return arises, but he does his best to push that aside. He is a distasteful creature from his own perspective, and although she has not shied away from him, there is a part of him that still expects her to react with revulsion. ]

Well, I certainly do not require care like this- [ He gestures in the direction of the wound on his back. ] On a daily basis. But I could grow accustomed to having another around that I could care for. Although- I imagine I am not quite so skilled in the art of caring for another as you are. [ Given his relative isolation from others, that is. ]

L- [ He begins to say something, perhaps to ask how he might care for her and see that her needs are met, but then she positions herself in such a way that their hips are touching. What is more, she has shifted her weight and has begun to press herself against him. That surge of desire sweeps over him again, and he finds his hands tightening just slightly around her as if he needs the physical contact to ground him, or else he might be swept away.

Instinctively, he moves his own hips to meet hers so that they are truly pressed against each other. If there was any doubt that he liked this, well, it ought to have been dispelled. ]

Show me how to care for you, Lantaa. [ There is a certain sensual tone in his voice as he tests the waters by slowly rubbing his hips against hers, creating just the slightest bit of friction between them. ] Do you like to be touched like this?

[shepherdtostars]

[ Lantaa finds her needs and wants are very small and perhaps insignificant. A true home to call her own, someone to share her life with, and to no longer be afraid of being who and what she truly is. They are such basic things that anything else seems to be a gift or something precious. Touching her and even speaking to her the way he is? They are things she never thought was possible for her. Who would wish to love and care for her?

And, how is he anymore distasteful than she? He is still a Temple Knight, and to some degree accepted in his home. People came to her home to erase them from existence--just as the white mages they decended from. In her mind, she is truly unwanted by all in the world. Mayhap some relic or some cursed being that has no place. ]

You may be more skilled than me. I... I have not been able to care for any in a very long time. [ Her voice drops to an unexpected whisper. A habit, it seems, when she must say something that normally dhe may not be able to. ] Granting wishes and caring for someone... they aren't the same thing.

[ A sound akin to a squeak leaves her as his hands tighten at her sides. Then, he moves, and she feels as if the world has come to a stop. The logical side of her mind knows that the sudden sensual desire is brought on by sharing her blood, but her body seems to care little as to the why or how. Her heart is quick to agree, while the yearning from her soul seems to affirm that their behavior is quite normal. They have shared one another and been with one another countless times. How should this life different?

Yet, the logical side still protests at how any of this has come around. Perhaps everything is illogical because they exist outside the norm. There should be no standard to hold herself to if the world would rather her not exist. The opinion that does matter belongs to the man with his arms around her.

Everything swirls in her mind, round and round, thoughts compiling onto one another. Then, they stop. His tone catches her whole attention as his movements cause her whole person to shiver under his touch. Her heart beats faster as her eyes seem to glaze over slightly. No doubt it will set his darker instincs off.

A small moan leaves her at her first attempt to answer him. Then, she swallows the emotions in her throat to speak. ] Yes, I...

[ Her head leans forward to rest against his neck as she shivers. Another pleased deep moan comes from her as his hips continue to move. Hadn't she believed that she would wish him good-bye whe he had awoken...? Now they are... ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ He would say he, himself, is the insignificant one here. He barely knows her story in this lifetime and understands even less why she is so fearful, but it seems to him that all she needs to do is start over and make a new kind of life for herself that is free of everything that is seemingly holding her back. He does not know that she is a white mage, only that she is a witch, but he still feels compelled to do anything that is in his power to help her. The trajectory of his own life seems to have stagnated, at least in his opinion, so why not expend his energies attempting to assist another?

He is a Temple Knight, yes, but how far is that going to take him? What sort of life could one such as he have? Perhaps if he escorted her to another realm, or another city, even a village far from this place, she might be able to reinvent herself and begin anew in a place where none knows who she is or where she has come from. Perhaps that is what he should set his sights on for the time being. ]

I highly doubt that. I have not had much in the way of company and even less opportunity to care for another, except for other knights. And they hardly need care, unless they find themselves in danger. But that is the lot of a soldier and thus hardly unique. [ In his eyes, she is the unique one, something to be treasured and cared for, and that is, in part, what makes him so adamant about doing what he can for her. ]

I would wager that you with your granting wishes have been of far greater use than I, a mere rank and file soldier.

[ His own thoughts are spinning, and he can barely make sense of them, but in the midst of it all, one thought is clearer than the rest, and he realizes that he must tell it to her now before he loses his nerve. ]

Lantaa, I- [ He hesitates just briefly, but when he speaks again, it seems as though it is more than just Aymeric de Borel speaking, but the voices of all his past lives speaking with him, to say the one thing that perhaps some of them did not have the chance to. ] I believe that I... [ This is sheer foolishness, and yet he feels compelled in a different way to say what is on the tip of his tongue. ]

I care about you... [ No, that was not all he wished to say. He knows he must say it now or he may never voice these words. ] I love you.

[ They feel so very foreign to him, but he knows them to be true, just as he knows that he wishes to kiss her fully on the mouth. And since he is already following his instincts and his heart, he decides to take that step and do that very thing. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Would it truly be that easy? Could they simply run away to some remote village, shed what they are, and live a life together? A part of her would rejoice at the idea--for that is all she truly wishes for. A quiet life they can share together with perhaps a family one day. Surely they had a family once...

Lantaa finds there is so much she wishes to tell him. Things that she has never told anyone; things she wishes to bring herself to say but seem firmly locked away. If he asked, with or without compelling her, then she might be able to tell him. She also wishes to know him as well. What things make him smile and laugh? Does he ha e a place to hide he would share with her? There are so many things she wishes to simply know.

However, her train of thought stops as he begins to speak. Her gaze locks to his as her breathing quickens again in anticipation with her tail swaying just a bit faster. Her reaction changes as how he begins to speak does. Lantaa pulls her head from his neck to hold his gaze face to face.

I love you.

Something within her seems to almost slide into place. Her eyes widen once more and her tail stills. There is no disbelief or dismisall in her expression--merely longing. Despite not yet knowing him in this life? She feels a relief wash over her.

I thought I would never hear those words from you again.

Her hands move once more to his face, then up into his hair as he kisses her fully. Lantaa makes a gentle sound--almost a mewl--as her lips press to his. The hunger, the need, and the desire still course through her body, causing her hips to press down onto him again. Lantaa tilts her head slightly, moving to learn how his body and lips move and feek in this life. Despite all differences, the kiss feels familiar. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ There is a part of him that longs for a simpler kind of life. Even though he has been raised among those who are quite well-to-do, or at least equipped with the means to live comfortably, there are times when he admits that he tires of the political intrigues and the near constant grappling for power and position. To be an ordinary man, even a village man is something he cannot imagine, but it seems quite attractive to him regardless.

And if she has so much that she wishes to tell him, the same is true for him. He has not had many companions, and naturally Estinien cannot always be there. Nor does his friend have much patience for longwinded conversation. Not that Aymeric would ask him to, but there are times when he wishes he had another that he could speak with.

And no sooner do those words leave him then he wonders if perhaps saying them now was far too premature. That they have known each other across many different lives seems clear enough, but in this one, they have only just begun and yet here he is making declarations of love. But it does not feel wrong to do so, and even if he could call the words back, he knows that he would not.

He does love her, and he wants to protect her, but above all of that, he wishes to have a life alongside her. For now, the only thing on his mind is kissing her and showing her all the love that he can through his actions. His hands also move so that they are touching her hair, being careful not to tug or pull, but simply touching the strands with care.

Have they done this before? It seems so familiar to him, but the memory of it seems so far away. Perhaps they have not been together like this in a long time, longer than either of them can understand. If that is the case, then it seems as though they both have much catching up to do. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ While on the other hand, Lantaa cannot begin to imagine what it must be like to be a lord or lady in a city whose spires reach into the heavens. Perhaps she will learn. All she truly knows is how to live away from the sight of others, study, and do acts of kindness away from the public's eye. Those that come to her seek some sort of personal gain. Even Estinien had come to her, now twice, with an intention of his own gain. Power to kill Nidhogg, and to save his best friend.

How could the words be premature? She was the one that had first mentioned the word, even if it was in the context of term of endearment. She had been the one to recognize the immediate magnetism towards him. Although, she had also been the one convinced they could not be together. Now the thought lingers if it was truly due to circumstances in their current life, or a sentiment firmly in her soul because of how many lives it had been.

As soon as his fingers move into her hair, Lantaa moves as well. This time she leans backwards, gently guiding him to join her. She lays on her back with him above her, fingers moving through his hair and once again gently massaging his scalp. Her heart still thunders and her body still wishes to move, but, Lantaa forces herself to be composed. He does not want to seem to pursue such a move at the moment. Therefore, she will not. If all he wishes is to be physically close and affectionate? Then, that is what she will do.

His wound still needs tending to.

She then seemingly melts in his hold and into the bed below them. Her head tilts into where his fingers play with her hair and a contented sound leaves her. Lantaa gently nudges his cheek once more. ]

I love you. [ Whispering, or tones within that range, seem the be the easiest for her to speak the things close to her heart. Anything louder and her own fears and trauma seem to wish to grab on them. A shaky inhale is done before she swallows the emotions in her throat in an attempt to push herself to say as she wishes. ] You may not have always been what you are... a-and I wasn't a-always a witch. I'm--I'm not even a-a real witch. Not by what they think... just a caretaker u-until the real Master Matoya returns...

[ Lantaa can still remember the day Master Matoya and the other Miqo'te left. The real Matoya seemed adamant that the younger Miqo'te leave the cave and have a life and adventures of her own. She even gave Lantaa instructions on how to seal and hide the cave away until the day came that she would return. However, until now, Lantaa had not had a reason to leave. She imagines that the older woman who raised her will be nothing but joyful for the decision... while making comments that might give another impression.

Her hands begin to shake, but regardless, she pushes through to do as she wishes. One hand continues to massage the back of his head while the other pulls away. It takes another moment for her to work up the courage to do as she wishes. He may have further questions or may not even truly understand what she is about to show him. The soul she loves more than any other may be Aymeric, a Temple Knight, but surely he would not be blinded by such things.

Surely...

Lantaa turns her hand so that her palm faces upwards. A flourish of white and green light sprouts almost like a flower before revealing a small glittering opal. At the center of the jewel rests the insignia that she imagines Temple Knights would see as an enemy. Her mind rebels at sharing the words she wishes to, and thus, showing him is all she has left. The very crystal passed from one white mage to another containing centuries of knowledge and wisdom within it. Perhaps the last one in existence, as she must be the last of those who once called Madain Sari home.

Despite the courage she found moments before, Lantaa feels herself sinking further into the bed as if to protect herself from a blow. A small frown rests on her face with eyes wide and her whole body shaking. He could certainly take her life in that moment and fulfill his duty as a knight. Every other possibility seems blocked from her thoughts and emotions. Her soul and heart attempt to pierce the wall of numbing fear that seems to have taken her, but, nothing else seems to be able to process. Her ears fold to her head as her tail curls beside them. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ If she wished to learn, he would do his best to show her how, but there still remains a part of him that feels as though he is still learning how to fit into the society in which he lives. Even without the added complication of who he is, he cannot help but look at those lofty lords and ladies and wonder if he will ever be like them, or if he even wants to be like them. Ishgard is still his home, of course, but there are moments in which he feels like an outsider in his own city. But he gets along as well as he can, and so he considers that enough for the moment.

Perhaps if she remains with him, they can learn how to live in such a world together.

He truly does not believe the words to be premature, but he can imagine the voices of the naysayers who would tell him he is acting rashly and without thinking. But what need is there for thinking when a voice seemingly from the past is telling him this is the path he should be on, that these are the steps he should take?

As for what he wishes, he would give her gentle expressions of the love he feels for her and do his best to excite and arouse her with his actions. Perhaps he has decided to alternate both things, and at the moment is choosing to go for the former option, intending to switch to the latter simply to keep things exciting for both of them.

For now, he is content to position himself so that he is still above her, but resting on his side so that his hands remain free to touch her hair as they please. His head tilts to one side as she begins speaking, and he momentarily quiets as if sensing that what she is about to tell him is important but not easy for her to speak of. ]

You are not a real witch? [ He has had his suspicions, naturally, but they were just that: suspicions. ] I sense that what you are about to tell me is difficult for you to relate to anyone, as I imagine you have not done so before, for your own reasons. But if you entrust this to me, I will not betray that trust, I assure you.

[ He feels bonded to her already, and not only because he has tasted her blood. They belong together, and because of that, he knows that he wishes to keep her secrets and his silence, if she asks him to.

But then he catches sight of her hand moving as she turns her palm over as if she intends to show him something. The moment he glimpses it is the same one in which he realizes the meaning of it, and his eyes widen with surprise. He suspected that there was more to her than what she had shared with him, but this confirms his suspicion, even if he could not have expected she was a white mage.

This revelation further confirms for him that both of them are somewhat outsiders, although she certainly faces more threats and danger than he does. He is still somewhat accepted although not necessarily welcome. Now he knows why she was, and still is, so afraid. When she sinks further into the bed, he follows after her, closing what little distance remains between them, and although he could do any number of things in this moment, he chooses to simply press a kiss to the side of her face while his hands move to gently take hold of her again.

He resolves in that moment to ensure that so long as he is nearby, she will have nothing to fear from anyone who might seek to do her harm. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ She is to accompany him to his home, thus, she will need to learn how to meld into his society. While she may not fit perfectly, she still must attempt it. Perhaps Miqo'te are rare in his home, and she may even very will draw more attention because of it. The one thing she does know is that she does not want him to leave her behind again.

Again?

Whichever he chooses to do, Lantaa has decided to follow his lead. A part of her will do anything and everything he asks if it means he will keep her at his side. Of course, he ha already said and promised to do so, but there is a sense of desperation in her. Especially as her nerves and fear grow at how he might react to what she is. ]

N-no. I know... I know some things, b-but my talents aren't in the arcane...

[ His eyes widen and her ears press entirely to her head. Surely he will come to the realization that he cannot let her live. The knights and voidsent came for her and her people. How can he accept her, even as his bonded one, when everything in his culture must wish her dead? Fear grips her and takes over her senses to the point that as he rests beside her, then leans in, her hand shakes uncontrollably.

She nearly flinches as he leans in close, but instead freezes the moment he kisses her. Her gaze snaps to his still red eyes once he wraps his arms around her. A moment passes before her eyes widen in the realization he will still protect her, even after knowing who and what she is. Lantaa moves to speak--to say anything--but all that comes from her is a gentle cry. She turns into him, hiding her face in his bare neck, unable to stop the tears that begin.

Relief is not a word that is strong enough to encapsulate what she feels in this moment. Crying seems to be all that she can do, as if she is releasing years of fears and anxiety to the one soul that would hear and understand. Lantaa curls against his body perfectly, one hand holding her soul crystal, while the other rests on his chest once more. Fingers return to gently brushing along his skin and she nudges her nose against his neck. ]

Aymeric...

[thewayforpeace]

[ He is resolved to do all that he can to keep her safe and to assist her in adjusting to this new life, if she still remains agreeable to it. He realizes that it is asking a lot of her, to leave everything that she knows to follow him, but he also does not wish to leave her behind for any reason. ]

Now I see... Lantaa. [ She belongs to a group of people that Ishgard's knights sought to kill. Is that why she has been alone in a cave for so long? Or rather, he assumes that it has been some time. Perhaps she is the only survivor of the attacks on white mages. And if that is the case, then he imagines she of all people has even more reason to despise him. Not only is he a voidsent, but he is also an Ishgardian, and a knight, no less. Surely there is as much of her people's blood on his hands as anyone else's.

Even so, she still does not pull away, still seeming to welcome his touch and his hold. Well, if that is the case, as long as she will have him, he means to offer what love and protection he can. To do otherwise is unimaginable.

One hand moves to meet with hers, the one still holding onto the soul crystal, and with some hesitation, he reaches out to touch it carefully. Of course, he has no right, as the crystal is hers, and he imagines it is quite the precious object that should not be touched by anyone, let alone one such as him. But he finds himself drawn to it just as he is drawn to her. ]

What a pair the two of us make. You, a white mage, and myself, a reluctant voidsent. [ And yet it all feels as though they were meant to find each other somehow. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ All she knows? Lantaa hardly knows much. She knows a cave thay her master had bid her to leave. She knows a home that had been destroyed years ago and left no survivors but her. She knows the loneliness that drives people to do as they have, for it was those same emotions that allowed her to meet the bird she took as a familiar.

A familiar she needs to properly introduce to him.

She curls further into his arms with her eyes never leaving their joined hands. A gentle inhale is taken in when his hand curls around hers and gently reaches out to touch the stone. All he does is brisk his fingertips across the surface. She thought he might be drawn to it to destroy it, as a vampire is a voidsent, yet instead he seems to have his interests piqued by it. She glances up at him through her bangs before cutting her fingers around his and the stone. Perhaps his draw to it is a mixture of his changed nature and because she is the one wielding it. ]

I-if they find me... they will kill me... like the others... [ Lantaa tilts her head to nudge his neck with her nose. ] D-do you still want me to go with you?

[ She pauses to give a gentle laugh. ] What a pair. But, you are mine, my pair.

[ Lantaa feels her eyes drift halfway shut once more. Perhaps the euphoria from his feeding still courses through her, or perhaps she merely feels content and secure for the first time in years. Whatever the reason, Lantaa finds herself pressing her lips to where his jaw and neck meet. Then, she trails kisses down as much of his neck as she can touch. Her lips brush gently along his skin until they find a pair of scars.

Eyebrkws knit together and her head tilts as she pulls back long enough to inspect what they are. Two marks a certain width apart. Her ears twitch as she realizes this is where he had been bit: the mark that changed his life forever. They rest closer to the front, meaning his attacker had come at him directly. Therefore, while a surprise, it means he most likely knows who his assialiant was.

Lips turn into a frown for only a brief momeny as her mind, heart and soul all decide on one course of action. Lantaa gently presses her lips to his scars, glancing up to see his reaction. If he approves, then she continues to gently kiss the area and scars. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ The part of him that is reckless and wants to act quickly seems to be at odds with his more cautious side. That side of him cautions him about asking for too much too soon, but there is no pretending that he does not wish to know all that she is willing to share with him, and that includes meeting her familiar.

But she has shared perhaps the biggest secret of all, her identity as a white mage, and he feels honored that she would divulge that to him. Now that he knows it, he intends to protect the secret and her with his life, if needed. ]

They will not, because I will not allow it. [ If not for the fact that he does not wish to separate himself from her nor break apart their hands that are still joined together, he would stand up to further emphasize his point. ] I wish for you to come with me, and I will do all that I can to prevent anyone from finding you.

[ But then he smiles, and there is a warmth to it, and perhaps even a hint of mirth behind his still reddened eyes. ] I rather like being called your pair.

[ She begins to kiss him, trailing kisses from his jaw down to his neck, and as before, he finds himself going slack with pleasure. And when her kisses lead her to the twin bite marks on his neck, he all but sags against her in response to her touches on that most sensitive area.

His pupils seem to dilate and he involuntarily leans against her while his hold on her briefly tightens, again reacting with unbridled pleasure brought on by her kisses. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Her weight sinks against him for the briefest of moments once he makes his declaration. Gods, she wishes to believe it with her entire being. The statement is quite grand to promise. So many various things could stop them, or even make it impossible for him to keep his promise. However, for the first time in perhaps a few life times? She decides to hope that he will be able to. That perhaps this time they can keep anything from pulling them apart. ]

I want to. [ Her voice is still hushed, even if she sounds far more confident in it now than she had before. ] I want to go with you.

[ Another nudge is given. ] Then, that is what you'll be. My pair.

[ While there is a tone of ownership? Lantaa finds herself not caring much of all. Miqo'te tribes have nuhns and mates, and she is certain that his darker instincts attached to an idea of claiming and ownership already. Her clan was lost long ago, but, perhaps he would have her join his family. Perhaps not by marriage or anything formal. Surely, as a knight, he would be expected to marry a noble woman...

Even if her heart sinks at the idea of him marrying another.

Yet, is it not rather soon to think of marriage?

A mental note is made of the area he seems to find pleasurable and comfortable with her kissing before making her way back up his neck with kisses. He leans into her and a sound of her own pleasure is made in return. She moves from small gentle kisses to open mouth ones and presses once more to him. Her tail raises and drops to the mattress as she feels her own arousal building by simply being against him and the lingering euphoria from his feeding. They may prove to be a dangerous pair in the terms of unrestricted passions.

If he ever takes the moment to tilt her head up to his, he will see her two-toned eyes seem to have taken and under color of redness to them. He has not turned her by any means. Instead, it is more akin to her own instincts reacting to his. Almost as if hers are reaching out to him to be claimed as his... in whichever way he would make that declaration. ]

A-and I'm your pair.