Allegiance to Prejudice

[Naadia Demici]

The rustling of the multicolored leaves covering the forest floor announced yet another change of season in the northern lands where winter started early and finished late. The amber hued eyes had witnessed this natural modus operandi for the twenty fifth time this year, the dislike of the metamorphosis the environment underwent only growing with time. Nature readied itself for hibernation and even despite the perennial revival the spring brought, Naadia always saddened to see flowers slowly wither after the harvest was done.

Thus she could not also understand the individuals who could inhabit such a frosty climate, let alone build a city in such a place. The mountains provided the much desired highground for Carrania, its tactical position being an object of pride for the House of Nalju. However, the temperatures and precipitation were not favorable for anything else but mining and manifacture, with little resource and time left for anything else. In Naadia’s eyes, Carrania was nothing else but a lair of ignorance, reigned by Lord Nalju via an iron fist, a place where only the law of the sword would be enforced. Despite all these rebukes she had about their constitution and way of life, she again found herself dwelling their lands in search of understanding. Yes, both Demici and Nalju houses inhabited the same planet, but they were as adverse as two societies get. The House of Demici, on the other hand, prided themselves in the arts and sciences, philosophy and mathematics, light agriculture and fine crafts. Indeed, in the southern regions, life was on the streets, in theaters and concerts, on exhibitions and public lectures. Saffia was a city of patrons and the place Nadia called home.

So why did the bronze skinned woman leave the shores of Allafa Ocean and her books, to roam the wilderness of the Jotun forest, the vast expanse of woodland reigned by the House of Nalju? Perchance to observe them and thus get to know them, to comprehend them and maybe begin to tolerate them? Or was it sheer curiosity fueled by her restless spirit? The truth was – it was little of both.

All of the moral perplexities aside, all mortal beings needed to eat, the rumble of the empty stomach making it impossible to even hear one’s own thoughts. Thus Naadia reached for her bow that hung from her back, next to the leather quiver bearing a handful of arrows and searched the fern covered perimeter looking of prey. The sudden whir in the shrubbery suggested that a rabbit could be near; a roast even Naadia could not complain about. Carefully pulling the string of the bow, she inserted an arrow and aimed where she supposed the rodent would be. The mere whoosh of arrow scared the rabbit away, as it raced out of the bushes and deeper into the forest, quickly meandering through the maze of treetrunks to rid itself of its predator. Naadia cursed inside herself in all eleven languages she was fluent in and having no other option but to follow it if she wanted lunch, the young woman sprinted, the brown cape with the emblem of the House of Demici flagging behind her. Her efforts would have been futile if the rabbit had not slipped and rolled on the floor, with Naadia using it to arch her bow once again and hit this time. For a scholar, she was indeed quite dexterous with the bow, much to the surprise of anybody who knew her; but she was all alone here, with nobody to judge her, thus she could indulge in the savagery she thought was reserved only for the House of Nalju. Pacing over to collect her kill, she smiled widely, bending to grab the rabbit by its hinder legs. Lifting it up in the air and inspecting it, she nodded to herself and strapped her prey to her belt.

‘’It is too bad I did not take a pot to turn you into stew. But you shall make fine lunch nevertheless.’’ the brunette said and then looked ahead, noticing a clearing, the sound of flowing water reaching her ears. The inquiring mind was set loose once again; feeling drawn by the sound of aquatic tumult and the underlying sound of splashing, Naadia headed forward in the softest of steps not to attract attention – after all, she was on enemy ground.

[Einar Gudleifer]

“We have something on our scanners.”
“Uh, roger, we have it too. It’s to small to be a vehicle.”
“Maybe Demici recon?”
“Possible, uh, we’ll send a few men to check it out. It’s too close to our communications array.”
“I’ve got it.”
“Alright, I’ll tell the rest of your unit.”
“I said I’ve got it.” The door to the Nalju battle room hissed shut with angry finality.

The cold months were setting in and everything, but the men of Nalju, was starting to make the seasonal preparations. Soon the snow would come and blow so hard it broke windows at times, but the soldiers of House Nalju were tough, mountain men; They could stand the cold that turned their beards to ice and split the skin. But for now the season threw damp, chilling, mist laden air at Carrania and her Count. It was the damp that Einar didn’t like. It chilled him for days at a time and no matter what he tried it clung to his bones with intent to harm. The armor helped a little at first but he knew by the time he got up to the mountain side communications array it would only serve as a portable sauna.

Serve, a bitter word in his mouth. The word set him in a foul humor which only worsened as the ride through the mountains on horseback allowed time to brood. What was the point of his armor if it didn’t do anything but make him sweat? The count had money, that’s what it all boiled down to. He was a good man, a strong leader, but he replaced his “soldiers” as they fell and spent even more money on making them look good. Einar was a soldier, one of the fighting men of House Nalju. He should have had his own house since he was, by blood, a- his thoughts shifted suddenly – And the Count’s son! He was a well tempered man. Funny, at times, and with a battling intellect but it was that feature that set him apart. He should have been a Demici the way he carried on about art.

After arriving at the array Einar spent the next few minutes eyeing the ground around the array for recent activity, there was none. The men on duty saluted him, their Master at Arms, but were otherwise cranky. Back onto his horse and back across the mountains to Carrania, though he allowed himself a detour. A small creek that spilled over from a hot spring a few hundred yards up the mountain side tumbled over a miniature slate cliff, creating a waterfall just over seven feet high, and into a warm wading pool. The armor was shed in favor of a dip into the pool. His hair, long and gold in color, he tried not to get wet and it fell forwards over his face as he stood under the waterfall. The hot water was a luxury as it slipped over his shoulders, down his smooth chest and back, crashing into the water below. That smooth skin was a side effect of why he was in House Nalju. A loud ironic laugh echoed in the forest around him as he tossed back his head in mirth; Two long white teeth flashing in the dappled sunlight. He would probably spend the rest of his life in the House. His original cause a lost one, and slim chance of ever continuing to peruse it like he had been instructed. As his eyes dragged downward from the sky he noticed a discoloration in the forest nearby, a third membrane flicked over his eyes and he took a step forward to try and get a better view of what was there. It was probably nothing, but then again…nothing didn’t move.

[Naadia Demici]

Slightly leaning behind a treetrunk, with neck extending to take a better look, the young woman accidentally tripped over and stumbled forwards, her boot landing on a pile of twigs that cracked instantly. The sound that was made could have easily been mistaken for a forest animal, but judging by the familiarity of the sight that had met her eyes, the person she was spying on was trained to know when they were being watched. The great distance between them ensured that little of his bare skin was to be seen, except for his golden hair that glimmered under the shower of sun rays pervading though the thick evergreen canopy that towered around the small clearing that hosted the waterfall and the wellspring. But one was evident - this man was obviously a member of the House of Nalju, if one would judge by the armor he had left on the shore and the tenacious steed that was left to pasture while waiting for it's master to take a bath.

Already short of breath, Naadia stepped back, adrenaline rushing through her body, but she failed to command her legs to run at first.
''By the gods... Run! If he catches you, he will deal with you in a way only a Nalju does!'' she muttered under her breath, pressing her lips together. If he was indeed a Nalju, she would stand no chance of escape, the speediness of her feet being no match to a versatile warrior on a horse. Nevertheless, the brunette grabbed her cloak and lifted it slightly upwards, only to allow herself to progress forward, darting though the bushes of fern that covered the damp forest floor. Naadia was far too stubborn to toss away the dead rabbit that flapped against her thigh as she ran, even if getting rid of it would give her considerate advantage. Thus she dashed through the maze of treetrunks that became more sparse with every further step she took, not even sparing a moment to see if she was followed.
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[Einar Gudleifer]

Maybe it was a large forest animal. They came far up the mountains sometimes to escape from predators, or look for a suitable burrow for the winter. It was hard to tell from where he was as the mist from the falling water was throwing the colors in his vision off. Einar couldn't tell what it was that was watching him but he did know it was watching. Regardless he thought his dip in the small pool had been long enough and he needed to get back to the city so he started taking long slow steps that hardly rippled the water around him. However when the telltale sound of snapping twigs reached his ears the easy gate turned into mad, driving, footfalls turning the water around him into a violent turmoil and froth. Something was running, and Einar instinctively wanted to run it down.

A flutter of fabric under the scattered beams of light raining down from the forest treetops lit on the unmistakable seal of Demici. The urge to chase switched to a more duty driven motive. As balanced, and even graceful, as the soldier was he stumbled while trying to hop into his pants; Knees crashing down onto the rocks in the soft sand below. A stifled grunt slipped through clenched teeth more over the fact he'd lost too much time to chase the enemy down of foot. A shrill whistle ripped through the air followed by "Halfrid!" The draft horse cantered over to it's rider and stopped only long enough for him to grab a handful of main in one fist and some straps of the saddle in the other. With two skips beside the accelerating horse Einar had picked up enough momentum to swing himself up into the saddle, then hunker down in his stirrups to gain the advantage of speed.

The flight of the enemy through the forest wasn't hard to follow since they had broken what appeared to be every twig and branch in their path trying to get away. This wasn't like the soldiers he had fought before. They were weak men, and soft wristed warriors but he had never known one to run so hard....they usually opted for an attempt at bravery and turned to fight. What ever the case was he could see the flapping cape with the rival House's crest bouncing along between a sprinkling of trees. He lifted in the saddle slightly as the horse continued to gain ground between them. Finally when he was only a few feet behind the trespasser the north man leaped out of his saddle, grinning inwardly as he watched his arms constrict, around the waist of his target.

[Naadia Demici]

Any sprinting that was to be done was futile when facing one from the House of Nalju, especially when mounted on the resistant equine specially bred for optimal speed and endurance on the demanding terrain of the North. Deep down Naadia was glad that she substituted her more formal court attire consisting of solemn dresses with simple blouse and loose pants that allowed for a more speedy getaway than the one if she chose to stick to her common everyday garments. Even with these mitigating circumstances taken into account, the brunette was no match to a skilled ranger who raced after her, closing distance between them in a dampened gallop that echoed though the evergreen woods.

As she heard the rattle of the riding equipage draw near, her heart started pounding wildly within her chest, depriving her even more of oxygen. A flux of thoughts scurried through her head, as she wondered of what will become of her if she was caught. And knowing the house of Nalju and their ways, nothing civilized was to be expected. Thus the young woman forced all the reserves of strenght into the muscles of her legs to gain velocity, but before she even got to compose herself, Naadia was knocked down, loosing ground under her feet. Falling forwards, she slumped onto the moss-covered forest floor, a loud grunt leaving her lips. In situations like these, more so when the foregoing tensions between the two Houses were taken into account, instinct and acting upon it was the best response. Naadia was no solider, but she was not going down without a fight.

Hence the future Countess let her hand slip to the dagger at her waist, drawing the short curved blade out and using the commotion of the situation to turn her body in her waist and face her attacker, the point of the dagger pressing against his neck. At that very moment, her own breathing stopped, the courage of acting upon her threats leaving her. Brown eyes glared with defiance, but the hand equipped with the dagger refused to leave its menacing position.

''Step back, Nalju. I am not afraid to use this.'' the woman uttered in the most determined voice she managed to produce at the moment. Only then did she notice the familiarity of the face of her assaulter; the long golden hair and the melancholic, yet rugged face was to be seen on a number of recent occasions which involved peace negotiations. The negotiations failed because of men like him, who failed to understand the voice of reason and Naadia assumed this man to be no different than the well established stereotype Saffian mothers used to scare their children when they misbehaved.

[Einar Gudleifer]

The soft forest floor absorbed most of the initial shock from the tackle. But there were some shocks the forest floor could not absorb, especially the recognition of the woman's face. Einar had known something was different from the second he'd pulled her down. She had been to light to even be on average with the youngest of soldiers. And then she twisted around in his grasp, lithe, and spry. He blinked initially confused at how the person he'd been chasing down turned into a woman.

Some dignified part of him felt bad for being so rough but that quickly withered as a knife was pricking the skin on his neck. Only then, as a single droplet of blood formed around the point of the dagger, did he really connect her face with her name. She was the daughter of Demici, and not just figuratively, she was actually the daughter of the rival count. Suddenly Einar's eyes grew slightly. If she didn't do anything stupid then when she was brought back to Carrania, she could potentially get him in a lot of trouble.

But she hadn't seemed like some pompous intellectual at the recent meetings. True he himself hadn't ever spoken to her, hardly even allowed himself to gaze out of the corner of one eye, but.....she just hadn't seemed like a high and mighty Demici. All names, politics, and house assumptions aside she still had a knife to his neck. Normally Einar would have done something seemingly stupid and extinguished the life beneath him for such a trick but if she hadn't split his skin in earnest then she was probably willing to talk, at least. His right hand slowly reached to very gently push the knife away. "And you are not hunting on your own lands. I won't assume your lost, so if you want things to get better...I'll need your name...and that toothpick back in it's place." Of course he knew her name, everyone did. She was an object of curiosity to most of the northern people since it was rare they set eyes on skin that wasn't bleached white with snow and cold. But he had to be sure it was her after all he couldn't believe the Count would let his precious daughter out of their realms for a frolic in the woods.

[Naadia Demici]

Brown eyes dilated upon seeing that the tip of her ornamented dagger had pricked through his skin, a small droplet of blood forming on his neck and trickling down the curved blade towards the brunette. Despite the fact that this man was obviously a Nalju, the centuries long rivalry between two houses representing an obstacle not easily transcended, she somehow felt sorry for hurting him. It was not in her nature to act in this way, but she had no other option then to draw her weapon upon him tackling her to the ground. There was a general lack of aggression that was to be commonly associated with the Nalju, a subtle acknowledgement of her innate, gender-induced weakness lingering within this man. This was as unforeseen as the mildness of his gesture that pushed the blade away from his neck, her hand exerting no resistance and simply following the knife itself to the point where it posed no further threat.

And only then did Naadia manage to attribute this face with a name, remembering the last negotiations that failed like any other before them. It was hard not to notice a man who’s posture and fair, long hair made him stand out in the dark-haired crowd of the Nalju warriors, especially as he was always quiet when his warmonger comrades boasted and discussed theatrically. This particular person had sparked interest within Naadia to the extent that she bothered enough to find out his name and his position, his calm, bemused look hiding something that could possibly shake her firm belief that Nalju were nothing more than a step further up the evolutionary ladder, just above savage beasts.

‘’Naadia Demici, the Royal House of Demici.’’ she spat out boldly, locking her eyes with his, trying to hide any residual fear she had. Her chest bloated as she struggled for air under his burly figure that had her pressed against the ground, wiggling somewhat under him to gain more space.
‘’And I did not know you are so fond of hunting, Einar Gudleifer. You did not seem like the type of man who needs to chase around.’’ Naadia commented and produced a sour smile, brushing the imaginary dust off her shoulder, a gesture pretty much directed at hiding her consternation with his rather civilized approach.

[Einar Gudleifer]

The gaze that had seemed as if it wanted to soften lost all pretenses as his full name was uttered not four inches from his face; Turning bitter and cold for half a minute. The Count would have told everyone his real name, just to prove how much control he had over Einar. So far his heritage was turning out to be more of a curse than anything else. After the moment of stone cold hatred passed, however, the man sighed a little and nodded to confirm her accusations of who he was, expression turning to a humor tinged acceptance as he did so.

"Hunting," He pulled his hand away from the dagger and placed a fist on the ground, next to Naadia's head while the other hand raked the hair back from it's cascade. "Is not something I do at all, since I have no real need to kill..." A glance at the dead rabbit, "Helpless forest animals. That is something better left to the mindless, and morally destitute." Einar's brown eyes left her's for a moment while he looked at the sky. Time was so short this part of the year. Even the naturally long Northern evenings were surprisingly short, he didn't like it. Carrania would be shutting her gates soon as well, their conversation was drawing to a close faster than he, secretly, wanted it to.

"I need to know why you were up this far. It's not like a doting father to let his little girl stray from his sight." The long haired man sat back on his haunches, giving the woman space enough to breathe comfortably, but still keep her grounded. "Or you could not tell me the truth, and we'll stay right here, you on the ground, and freeze when the cold starts to set in the next hour or so. I'd appreciate the former, it's drafty without the other half." A gesture at the missing upper body armor.

[Naadia Demici]

The subtlety of his humor made Naadia produce a kind-hearted chuckle and after finally being left with some personal space, she erected her upper body, supporting herself with her arms set back, her fingers shoveling through a pile of dried leaves. A glance towards the dead rodent that still lay strapped to her belt only widened her smile further, showing her appreciation of his conduct that was stunningly lenient for a ranger.

‘’But, my lord, all of us must eat. I am sure the Count would forgive one dead rabbit…’’ she voiced, diverting her look to gaze at the darkening sky. A chilly breeze brushed against her bronze cheeks that were unaccustomed to the harsh climate of the north, sending waves of icy displeasure down her spine. Somehow, she was ready to trade this damp forest for a few hours next to a warm hearth, even if it was back in Carrania. Thus she decided to speak truthfully, taking a giant leap in her own faith and actually trusting this man’s honorable intentions.
‘’I am a free woman, my lord. Hence I dwell any lands my heart desires, even if it is the forest of the Count of Nalju himself.’’ she stated boldly, a light smile curving her lips as her face grew more serious.

‘’I guess it is safe to assume that I am here to observe and thus learn, perchance this cognition obtained would further my understanding of your ways. So, I will not run. Like my…father does.’’ Naadia voiced, her sentence finishing off in a stutter that disclosed her own disagreement with the unified opinion the Demici had of Nalju.
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[Einar Gudleifer]

"Oh you don't know the Count. He's very protective of his rabbits." He doubted this kind of situation would classify as a prisoner of war scenario which meant that he didn't have to treat her with care. Nalju usually took care of their prisoners well enough that they could be returned secretly, usually, sometimes they could find one wounded enough that no one cared what happened in the end. But Einar couldn't bring himself to be his usual, heavy handed self. He felt that not being cordial and respectful here was like stepping on a baby chick.

All that aside she had earned enough of his admiration through truth that he had no right to act otherwise. "Running from a fight has it's place," The man rocked back on his heels and stood up, taking a second to peer down at the woman below him. "But not from us. We chase down what runs." He extended his hand to help her up, a faint nod accompanying it if she was hesitant. "Tell him as much if you see him again. Admitting defeat would result in more lives saved."

He snapped his fingers twice with his free hand the horse cantering over in turn. "It is too long of a ride to take you directly to your home. We will have to make Carrania before night fall. I just hope your free will hasn't cost your people more than they can afford."

[Naadia Demici]

''If I see my father again?'' the bronze skinned woman mused briefly upon accepting his hand and standing up, brushing bits of dirt and leaves from the rich fabric of the brown cloak that encompassed her, making herself look presentable in accordance with her noble heritage. Naadia knew not what possible fate the Nalju would install for her - would they simply decapitate her on account of killing one rabbit or perchance make her a slave to humiliate her father? The use of one simple word like if had shaken Naadia's faith in standing a fair trial or at least making it out of Carrania alive. Instead of trying to run now, despite the fact that she had a fair chance of making it at least to the edge of the forrest, Naadia decided to tag along and try to talk herself out of the mess she has gotten herself in the first place, the Count permitting.

''Then I suggest you hope your master achieves a fine price, for I am sure he will send a lofty prize your way for finding such a valuable piece of the Demici flock astray.'' she replied in a reciprocal manner, before hopping onto the horse first, leaning forwards to allow him to take his usual position in the saddle. It was much safer to sit in front of the rider than at the back, given the harsh terrain of the North and the steep path to Carrania paved with sharp stones, but Naadia was not too thrilled about the physical contact that will inevitably commence as a result of her current positioning on the horse. Usually, she would have voiced her disapproval, but for the time being, she just decided to keep her mouth shut for her own sake.

[Einar Gudleifer]

He was surprised that she didn't start blathering on about how she couldn't be the subject to whims, or that she couldn't be held responsible. It wasn't much of anything really, but given that she was of the opposing House, doing anything out of what was expected improved her standing with Einar. "We don't have the space for the amenities you're used to." Began the half naked man, skin turning red with cold, as he remained on the ground long enough to guide the horse back to his clothing and gear. "Cities grow vertically, and narrow at the peaks, no room for land speeders...separate housing, even lifts are scarce.

'The terrain is too changing for any kind of land craft besides the horse your sitting on." Now he swung himself up easily into the saddle, bending around the woman as much as he could without actually coming into contact with her while he reached for the reigns. "And our...lord..." He chewed and gnashed on the word before uttering it with barely restraint cynicism, "Doesn't see the point in providing armor if it's not going to stop blaster fire, so he provides half leather and half regular armor to better stop blades. They may look primitive, act...heavy handed, and spew vulgarities at peace meetings but it's rare that you'll encounter a savage you seem to humor them as."

He took the shortest trail back to the city at a steady canter, silently musing over what he'd just said. True he'd spent nearly all of his waking life with House Nalju, and was even thought of as one among most circles, he didn't feel like one. He felt like he was on the outside looking in at a shadow of himself. Somewhere deep down Einar knew he was not where he was supposed to be, that he still had more important things to do. Presently they slowed down as they passed a large jutting rock and he guided the horse onto an unbelievably narrow pass, several hundred feet above nothing. Einar had remained stiff in his saddle so he bumped into his charge as little as possible but when they started across the pass he slipped an arm high around her waist, loose and almost cradling. "It's not as bad as it seems, but two riders unbalance the horse on these kinds of roads."

Slowly three dark hills grew out of the dusk lit mountains, small flickering lights dotting them randomly, making the sight look like there had been a forest fire that was just now burning out. The hills the city was built on were large but the city it's self was mostly superficial. The only things built inside the mountains were shallow cellars, and the few emergency passages for evacuations. He grinned to himself as he wondered if Naadia knew about the cities layout or if it was her first time seeing it. "Still a few miles to cover, but they will have seen us by now and allow us time to get in the city before it's locked down."

[Naadia Demici]

The icy breeze that blew from the frozen mountaintops began to work its way through her flesh, permeating every layer of cloth that encompassed her body and reaching all the way to the bone, shaking the very foundations of her being. This must have been the famed frosty sensation of the North Naadia knew from epic poems and sonnets, that glorified the weathering climate which forged the Nalju into a crude, austere breed. Only barely listening to what Einar had to say, faintly nodding and allowing him to administer a preventive gesture that maximized her own security upon the steed they both rode, the bronze skinned woman absorbed every single segment of the majestic scenery around them.

The jagged peaks reflected the last of radiance, as the glimmering orb of the sun plummeted behind the horizon, leaving the crystal clear sky sprinkled with stars. Naadia let her eyes settle on the multitude of towers and turrets that grew out of the slopes of the mountain range, the base of each building carved into solid rock. The architecture of Carrania was indeed much different than that of Saffia; the lack of space resulted in vertical protrusion and a maze of bridges and paved pathways that connected different sections of the city, the sheer narrowness allowing progression on horseback solely. It was only now that Naadia understood why the Nalju resorted to horses for transport, rather than other less archaic forms of conveyance.

Finally, after emerging behind yet another meander on the scant path that lead to the heart of the city, Naadia's jaw dropped as she leaned back in awe, firmly pressing her back against Einar's chest. Dark brown eyes pasted to the castle of the Nalju, an edifice she only saw on pictures or read about in books. The Citadel (http://fc57.deviantart.com/fs39/f/2008/364/5/3/Glacier_Castle_by_DrawingNightmare.jpg) itself was to be found at the edge of the glacier, the walls acting as a dam that melted the ice that trickled down the fortification and into the abyss of the chasm underneath.
Slightly cocking her head to the side, then looking up at her escort, Naadia managed to smile faintly, still impressed by the grandeur of the home of the Nalju lords.

''The sanctuary of the wild fiend.'' she whispered, shifting her eyes back to the stone monument and propping even more backwards, finding such position much more convenient. After all, a thick layer of cloth from her cloak, coupled with leather lamina of his armor ensured that the underlying body contact was far from inappropriate. The steed started to advance faster, as if knowing that the gates of Carrania will close soon after sundown, bringing the two closer to the castle with every clump that echoed against the granite pathway.

[Einar Gudleifer]

A low chuckle rumbled in his upper chest, she was her own person as well. What he had been trying to say had floated through her head without so much as stopping to be noticed. Or maybe it had been snagged for her to use in any future decisions about her perceptions of his respective House. The more that she spoke and gave clues as to who she was, the more Einar wondered over her. His puzzlement wasn't anything physical, though the armor hadn't been enough to stop his notice of her proximity, but more about her....as a person. This time he wondered if she was anyone's fool or did she just attract them like moths to moonlight?

He tried to settle a begrudging frown back over his lips but her silly remark only minutes earlier still held it's sway over his smirk. As they passed the first sentry Einar called out to several men gawking at them from inside their guard house. "Get the Count on comms. Tell him I've found someone he'd like to talk with." He continued to let the horse ferry them along, unguided, through the city. The stables weren't right next to the Count's audience room, so it allowed him time to be selfish and remain alone with Naadia just that much longer. "Because of who you are I have to walk you to meet with the Count. He'll want to hold you here and force a treaty on your father. Just...be honest, tell him you are going home, and don't mention the rabbits." If he was joking it would have been hard to tell unless she was looking directly at him. The horse stopped, making it clear it was going to go no farther, eliciting a grunt from Einar. He leaned forward slightly, keeping his eyes straight ahead, and swung his right leg down off of the saddle; Reaching out to help his charge down after he had both feet removed from the stirrups. "Don't forget. If you back down Nalju will only follow you down, don't let them do that."

[Naadia Demici]

Accepting his help, Naadia dismounted the horse, somehow glad that her feet were back on solid ground once again. Readjusting her cloak to hide any underlying garments, she simply nodded to his notion, looking around for a moment. The scenery was exactly like she remembered it from when she was a child; the stone paved narrow streets, buildings towering over them and the magnificent castle that hosted the head of the Nalju. The establishment seemed much smaller now, as the brunette attributed this to the changed perspective; after all she was half a meter shorter when she last dwelt these lands, accompanying her mother on her visit to the late Countess of Nalju. Her memories of this place were dim, but she recollected the frosty scent of air, its dry texture that poked ones lungs and the large metallic doors that separated the House of Nalju from the commoners they reigned over.

''Quite the councilor you are, Einar Gudleifer. Unfortunately, I am blessed with common sense, unlike many here, thus your word, no matter how appreciated, is quite redundant.'' she said confidently, her reply sprayed with mischievous wit. Many eyes settled on Naadia's exotic appearance as they progressed towards the ornamented portal, her dark complexion attracting much attention, despite the concealing attire she wore.

''I see the stone hearts resist weathering. Not much has changed in the past twenty years; everything is how I remember it. Every rock in place, the same battle-scarred faces... Like time has indeed stopped in the domain of the Nalju.'' Naadia commented, stepping up a flight of wide stairs that lead to the entrance to the stone edifice that was also Einar's home. Turning her head towards the blond man, she staged a mild smile, folding her hands in front of herself.

''Despair not, warrior. Your prize draws near, the rattle of gold coins cures any damage that my tongue could possibly inflict to your ego. And buys you enough wine and women to forget you ever met me by the morning.'' she finished off, proudly standing as the large door slowly opened, revealing a long hallway with domed ceiling, supported by an array of stone columns, decorated heavily by draconic monsters stemming from folktales and myths, the Nalju superstition being one of the prime reasons Demici thought of them as savages.
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[Einar Gudleifer]

"My services are not rewarded in coin, or pleasure." Despite his best efforts the biting tone could not be kept back as he spoke. Part of him was insulted that she would lump him in with the Nalju but his better half knew that only a few were aware of his status. Einar had tried everything he knew in an effort to have himself recognized by his rightful heritage and when that had not worked he tried to become one of the people around him. That, too, failed as the Count could not bring himself to treat Einar as one of his beloved citizens. He had no other way to live than to be angry at fate, and the Count, and the Count's son, and his own duty in life.

Irritations were another thing that plagued him relentlessly. The people that lived in the north were hardy, but nothing else. Their faces were too bland, humor far too brutish, and the only notable past time anyone knew of was drinking. A stiff drink didn't go amiss even with Einar, but he didn't understand the need to put one's self in a drunken stupor every night. Nobody talked about anything other than house pride and sex. Talking about marksmanship, or swordsmanship, was something he liked to do but with the Nalju it was tedious because of their closed minds. Intelligent conversation was hard to find, though he didn't see any reason to elevate himself above crudeness and vulgarities while he was at it. He felt like he was constantly talking to children and it was irritating in the worst way. The only two people he could rely on to exercise his mind were the Count's son and daughter.....but even they didn't release part of his frustration. He knew he could do so much more, than any person around him, but it was an energy that always slipped away from his grasp.

The two of them had almost made i to the opposite end of the hall when a man, childish in the face but none the less as aged as Einar, strutted out of a side hallway. Einar let out an involuntary moan of dismay. It was the Count's son. He had a place in Einar's daily routine, reporting from one important person to the next, but little else. He was one of the few who knew what the master at arms was and used it as leverage, so he could get away with treating him like a second rate servant. Einar wasn't in the mood to deal with him, or share Naadia's company as the sniveling son of Nalju would want it. "What is this?" "Business...not yours, Balder." The other man was trying to act disgusted at Einar's role of escort, for some stupid reason. Einar didn't like the boy much. "Lord Balder, man." "And yet I've heard no one else call you such, not even the servant droids." "You are my father's man and you will do as I say as I am his son." "Your father owns my contract and my name, not you." Balder started to protest but a quick smile exposed the abnormally long canine teeth Einar possessed cut him short allowing time enough for a quick jibe. "Aren't you late for one of your mother's lessons? Dancing, today...isn't it? Don't enjoy your partner too much." Einar laughed softly as he pushed open the door to the Count's audience chambers for Naadia, and caught a glimpse of Balder turning red and then hurrying off.

[Naadia Demici]

The bronze skinned woman kept to herself as Einar exchanged words with the Count's son, allowing herself to recollect of her last time here, so many years ago. She did remember Balder as being a nuisance and a prick even then, when they were still children, throwing stones at both Astrid and her when they played in the courtyard. It was quite reasonable to assume that this particular pattern of behavior was to be retained in adulthood. Somehow, Naadia was relieved that the pompous dawdle had not recognized her, as this would have surely prolonged their encounter. To see the slimeball go about his business enticed a sigh of genuine remedy when Einar finally pushed the large wooden door open.

Not showing any visible reluctance, she stepped in, waiting for blond man to follow so that he can lead the way. Brown eyes looked straight ahead, noticing a massive wooden table at the end of an oblong chamber and a gray-haired man sitting in an armchair behind it. He was surrounded by other men as they apparently busily discussed something, a map spread out before them. It was no surprise to see the greedy Nalju drool over territory that was not rightfully theirs; the innate desire to conquest, a primal constituent of their warmonger nature could not perish easily. Peace - simply - was never an option.

The two paced along the woven rug that extended itself towards where the Count sat, the last rays of the sun illuminating the room through a tall, but narrow window. The brunette allowed herself to casually glance from side to side, her eyes instantly pasting to the walls where stuffed deer and bear heads were hung, together with horns of all sizes. To emphasize the warrior heritage the Nalju were so proud of, the collection of dead fauna was complemented with ancient weapons that were hung between the hunt mementos.

''By the gods... In Saffia, we hang art on walls.'' Naadia cerebrated to herself just before Einar stopped before the table, causing her to consequently stop just a step behind him. The Count looked up from the map and ahead, narrowing his eyes to inspect who had come to seek his audience. Apparently, being unable to tell people from afar, he lifted his monocle and pressed it to his good eye. As soon as he acquired cognition of whom exactly had Einar brought, he waved his hand and coughed, trying to clear his throat.

''Leave us...'' he uttered, his words leaving them three alone in a matter of moments. Grabbing his ornamented walking stick, the Count got up from his place and made his way around the table and towards Naadia to inspect her from close, his monocle still on his good eye. Evidently limping, he somehow managed to drag himself close enough to lean in and look directly into Naadia's face, his own facial expression being of both genuine surprise and perplexity.

''The crown of Demici has lost its finest jewel...'' he started off lowly ''and yet my finest warrior finds it and brings it intact. Not very Nalju-like, hm?''

The Count shifted his only healthy eye to Einar, raising both gray eyebrows, demanding an explanation.

[Einar Gudleifer]

"The Count knows I am not of the Nalju, I thought it would be better to return the Lady Naadia to her father unharmed and avoid loosing all hope of peace talks. My instincts took over for a time, it won't happen again." He'd forced himself to sound self punishing, trying to sound disgusted with his own actions. It was required of him all the time but Einar knew that it would be expected of him more now, in Naadia's presence, than ever before. If it worked or not he wouldn't know becuase he hadn't looked away while speaking, a rule he didn't know he was supposed to follow, though the look the Count gave him might have well sliced off his head.

Einar dipped his own head low, golden hair falling before his face and allowing him to snarl behind the curtain of blond silk. "Where did you find her?" Though Einar was a little taller than the Count he did not straighten up to his full height, and still kept his eyes averted from both the Count and Naadia. "She was north, several miles up the western mountain wall, by our communications post. She told me she was on her way to deliver a message to you, undisclosed to her, when she got separated from her guard detail." There was a pause while the Count waited for something expectantly. "I...I thought of tracking and killing the guard detail but we still would have been in the mountains if I had. Coming back and avoiding the possibility of total war seemed the right thing to do."

Heavy breathing made the cape laden shoulders of Count Nalju rise and fall in sharp shaking motions. Einar always seemed to overlook the Count's age but at that moment he wondered why he was so subordinate to a man that old. "I don't keep you to do what's right, Einar Gudleifer. You are here to do what I say as you are mine." And then he was reminded of why he was subordinate, in that infuriating cordial tone of voice. He was a slave, owned through skin and name....the Count knew his real name so he had to obey. There was a faint emphasis on the last word but it would have been overlooked if someone didn't have an idea the Nalju practiced slavery. A flick of a finger in the direction of the map left behind by the advisers. "Go. Study the map, memorize your task, and make any changes that would benefit me." Einar nodded, started to turn towards Naadia to say something but was cut off with a sharp "Now." Obedience had to be shown.

[Naadia Demici]

Naadia's lips parted with intention to utter some parting words; perhaps express her gratitude that she was delivered to Carannia safe and sound, a stark contrast to the Nalju way of dealing with enemy women. But before a single sound could be produced, Einar was sent away, her brown eyes following his every step that put space between them, the bronze skinned woman remaining to stand in front of the Count, shifting her gaze to the aged man. The Count noticed her attention somewhat occupied by Einar's sudden departure, consequently enticing an amiable cackle out of him, his gray-haired head shaking in discredit.

''I had no idea Demici had taste for the wildest of beasts. Although this one is quite tamed.'' the Count said in reference to his finest warrior and made his way to stand by the window, limping across the floor and supporting himself by his walking staff.

''He is different - this is clear as day. Sometimes... I wish Balder was more like him. Righteous, yet stiff. Forged for battle. Not dancing and the arts, like a girl. I thank the gods for blessing me with Astrid. If she was not here, there would be nobody to run the mines.'' he reflected on both of his children, talking to Naadia like an equal - her own father was the Count of Serenno, as was he.

''Einar and Astrid seem to get along nicely.'' he added, a smirk appearing on his weathered visage, his bleak eyes settled on the darkening sky.
That particular notion made Naadia quirk a dark brow due to the suggestive undertone of his statement, as it was unseen to have royalty meddle with commoners, let alone a subordinate who's sole purpose was to serve. This only made Naadia even more convinced in the lecherous nature of the Nalju.

''Return me to Saffia unharmed, my Lord, as a token of trust and genuine intent of peace.'' she spat out diplomatically, holding back not to comment any of his previous statements. The Count turned around and eyed her, his facial expression disclosing extensive cerebration that was taking place inside his skull.
''Hah! And let the Demici think I am weak and soft! Never!'' he almost shouted, swaying his hand sideways in ultimate dismissal of her idea. In his own mind, this would be a sign of lenience, one he could not allow, at least not with the current tension between the Houses.

''You must be worth something to your father...'' he started off, pressing a finger against his dry lips, his gaze falling to the table where the holoprojector was to be found ''Let's see how much.''
With that being said, the old man pressed a button which initiated a direct holovid link with the palace of Demici, in the heart of Saffia, some few thousand miles southwards. This particular connection was a private one, usually in use when two Counts wanted to discuss something important, without any disturbance, with not even Naadia having access to it. Soon enough, Naadia's father hailed from the other side -
''Greetings, Count of Nalju. What mischief have you installed upon us now?''
The old man chuckled, leaning in and smiling, crooked teeth showing.
''Naadia, the most worthy gem in your crown has found her way to our lair. And apparently, she wants back.''
''What? How? Do not harm her or I swear I will...'' Naadia's father replied, evidently excited over the fact that his only daughter wandered off into enemy territory.
''Relax, Alberto... No harm will come to her. But everything has its price.''
''Name it.'' Alberto stated determinedly, stern look on his face.
''The Book of Mythos. You know it belongs here.''

Naadia's eyes widened at the mention of The Book of Mythos, the largest collection of the most ancient of chants, stemming from the very foundations of Nalju, thousands of years ago. As well as having enormous historical worth, the book itself was of sentimental value to the Nalju, due to folklore contained inside. It had been taken to Saffia some three hundred years ago, when a thief sold the
compendium to the Demici. Instead of wealth and spice, the Count of Nalju had requested a book - highly unusual and alarming. As this was one of the most beloved tomes in the Saffia library, Alberto took a few moments to muse, unwilling to part with that particular piece of literature.

''Fine. You will have it after my daughter is back safely.''
''I will send her with an escort, who will make sure the deal is honored. First thing in the morning.'' the old man concluded, a self-satisfied grin on his face, his eyes flipping to Naadia when the hologram disappeared.
''Einar will accompany you and bring the book. You leave in the morning. Until then, you are my guest.'' he said, starting to make his way to the door, his breath intermittent.
''Dinner is in half an hour. I'm sure Balder and Astrid will be glad to see you again.'' the Count added, disappearing behind a drapery that secluded a hidden passage probably leading to one of his private quarters. When the Count left, Naadia looked around the audience room, once again noting the dead fauna on the walls.
''This place is not so bad afterall.'' she stated to herself, out loud, still perplexed with the Count demanding a book. If they were only savages who cared for the material, why would he trade her for a lexicon? Indeed, the brunette had much to learn of the Nalju and their ways.

[Astrid Nalju]

Days spent in the mines seemed endless, the dirt permeating through ones pores, encrusting on the skin, the dust from drilling rock weathering the complexion. The mines of Carannia were no place for a woman, but Astrid had no choice. With her brother being an egocentric, careless twit who cared about nothing but his own leisure plans, the daughter of Nalju, doting and responsible, had to attend to any matters her old, sick father could not do himself. All of the virtues that made a good statesman - the patience, the prudence, along with a sense of order and law were embodied in Astrid, instead of her brother, all of Nalju knowing that she had the substance to take command when her father would wither away finally.

This scenario, no matter how optimal, was not feasible due to the patriarchal tradition the Nalju cherished. It was customary for the son to take the throne, even if he was both such a prick and bon vivant as Balder and there was nothing Astrid could say or do to change the course of succession. Nevertheless, her spirit did not blight, as she assumed de facto command of the house of Nalju and everybody knew this.

Thus it was not a great strain to spend the entire day monitoring gem excavations, despite the exhaustion that overwhelmed her body when the working day was over. And as the sun was setting, Astrid Nalju returned to the castle for the night, to dine with her kindred and replenish her strenght in sleep. The usual salutation commenced as the woman strolled though the maze of corridors that lead to her quarters, her hand lifted in the air to shut the guards up before they even spoke.

''Save the formalities for somebody who cares.'' she spat out and smiled, pulling off the gloves that protected her hands from the frosty climate ''At ease, men. Better hurry to the kitchen, I can smell dinner even here.''
Her encouraging words were welcomed with many thanks, the rumble in the guard's stomachs propelling them in the general direction from which the scent of baked meat and potatoes was coming. Astrid knew that soldiers needed to be fed, as they would thus keep their alertness at night, during their watch. Her mild, but authoritative approach was something even her father envied her, as she always managed to get things done without commanding or even raising her tone of voice.

Upon being left alone, Astrid brushed her heavy dark cloak backwards to reveal simple workman's clothes underneath, an attire quite appropriate for the environment she spent most of her time as of late. For a brief moment, she glanced out of the window and down at the atrium, noticing a cloaked figure walk through the garden. Quirking a brow as a sign of genuine interest, the daughter of Nalju shifted her eyes to gaze down the corridor and noticed a familiar figure striding down the hall.

''Einar!'' she called out, a faint smile curving her lips.

[Einar Gudleifer]

Einar looked up, shoulders stiffening, as the Count asked for what had been presumed impossible to reclaim. That book had been a source of great debate for some time now, he knew the Count was nearly obsessed with it. Why he wasn't sure, nor did he have any ideas about what the reason was behind getting it back. Appreciation for accumulated lore and knowledge was one thing, but to give Naadia back for a mere book? As much as a part of him wanted to see Naadia returned home safely, Einar honestly wondered if he would have done the same in the Counts position but then he was not a real northerner so his perspective was skewed, tempered so by what beliefs he held to be true before he'd been packed up on those ships with the remaining survivors of his people.

A salute as the Count left, and a furtive gaze at Naadia when he was gone. "Well, I suppose you'll be rid of us by tomorrow." He fumbled for a few seconds as he tried to say something about the Count's crass talk but he stopped short every time, she had shown she could take care of herself without resorting to threats or violence; it made the very corners of his lips twitch in a smile thinking about it. "The hardest part is over, the worst is probably moping at the dinner table already. Balder is insufferable around women even half removed from his blood." He started out of the room, waiting until she followed him before continuing to casually take them down the longer halls to the feast.

Somehow he was enjoying the time alone with her even though he couldn't think of much to say. There was the stray thought of complementing her on her dress, or her diplomacy but he assumed she received those all day long and decided against joining the masses in such feeble small talk. As his name was called out he automatically pointed out the way to the dinning area for Naadia before looking to who it was that needed him. When he did see Astrid he didn't smile, but let out a faint sigh of relief, stress and tension easing off his shoulders. "Astrid." He made his way towards her, finally allowing a small grin to appear. "More time in the mines? If the Count didn't have you...he even said as much in his audience with Lady Naadia." He tried to answer any questions she might have before she took them by force, though he didn't mind that much since she was the one person he could half way confide in. "I found her hunting in the mountains. We just did get back not too long ago, and your father already agreed to exchange her for the Book of Mythos. She's to eat and stay the night." He looked at her slightly questioning himself, for more than one reason.

[Astrid Nalju]

Blue irises widened when the blond man mentioned Naadia, immediately offering information of how she found herself in these northern lands. Astrid shook her head in disbelief and took a step back, not really noticing Einar's slight, yet present change in attitude. What particularly sparked her interest was the fact that her own father agreed to exchange Naadia for a book, when he could have made a much better bargain; perhaps a piece of territory the Demici disputed or a part of their vast accumulated wealth. The Count of Nalju held such great bargaining power in his hands and all he wanted was an old, shabby book! The daughter of Nalju could not believe her own ears, but Astrid was in no position to question her father's decision. She was out of place as it is.

''Our existence depends on those mines and you know it, Einar. I do what I must.'' she stated somewhat coldly, brushing the dust off her shoulders. Eagerness to get under the showers and wash the dirt off ensured that her encounter with Einar would be rather brief.
''But it seems like one needs not to shovel through piles of rock to find a true gem... Tell me, how do we know her father will honor the deal? What guarantee do we have that he will indeed give us...the book?'' the blond woman inquired, unsure if a Demici could be ever trusted. Naadia, on the other hand, was a whole different matter, as the two were childhood friends. For the sake of old times, Astrid wanted to converse with their visitor from Saffia, perchance to find out what has driven her all the way to the Nalju glacier.

[Einar Gudleifer]

There was a frustrated huff and a mumbled response. "I'm going to take her back to Saffia in the morning. I'll be there to make sure everyone keeps their promises." It was clear from his tone of voice that there would be no force that could make him happy about his trip to Demici territory. He didn't think he could get along with any normal Demici, ever. Maybe if they were more like Naadia then perhaps he could be swayed into believing differently but that was a slim possibility. "Besides, returning Naadia first is good will enough. If the book isn't returned I'm sure it'd be a good excuse for all out war."

Even the prospect of open hostilities seemed a preferable punishment, to making a trip to Saffia. The Count had to be enjoying the order of making Einar endure the aristocrats far too much. He dipped his head a little, aware of her title still, and turned to leave. "We'll see you at the table." Einar continued on his way to the dinning area, ducking into a linen closet long enough to strip off the armor from his waist up and use a spare towel to wipe the grime off his face and sweat from his arms. As he exited the closet, tugging a simple lace up cotton shirt over his head the sounds of a filling eating hall drifted down the corridor.

It was more than the usual turn out for the evening meal. Besides the royal family, advisers, accountants, various commanders and militant men, along with random people of importance had turned up but seated themselves at the farther end of the table. Einar took the opportunity to sit relatively close to the Demici woman, he didn't have the status to sit next to her. "Roll your tongue up and keep your teeth together Balder. You'll run out of drool and have to drink it all down and start over otherwise." He was disgusted with the way the Count's son was ogling their guest and couldn't resist a jibe. He waited as the food was finally brought out and set down on the table, waiting until the rest of the royal family had tasted theirs before helping himself. Such acts of domestication seemed to make the Count happy and keep him off Einar's back. He passed a platter of sweet glazed rabbit to Naadia with what might have been a wink.

[Naadia Demici]

For the sake of her childhood friendship with Astrid, Naadia refrained from commenting anything Balder spat out under influence of liters of wine. Genuinely embarrassed with his open flirtation, the bronze skinned woman produced a sour smile here and there, mostly turning her attention to Astrid who seemed to be interested in how things were southwards. Indeed, it had been fifteen years that the two women did not see each other, in the meantime each of them taking their own paths, setting their own priorities. Despite this, they could still find common language and converse like two mature individuals, free from the burden of opposing Houses imposed at them at birth.

The sole thing that managed to shut Balder up was his sister's stern look that was directed at him at regular intervals, keeping his lecherous pursuance at bay. From time to time, Naadia's brown gaze met Einar's from across the table, where the blond man sat with heads of guards and other common folk. Shyly looking away every time his eyes set on her, the brunette caught his visage with the corner of her eye every time he would look away. It was a subtle game the two played, completely unnoticed by both the Count and Balder. Astrid, on the other hand, completely devoted her attention to Naadia, exchanging smiles and chuckles in a fashion that could be regarded overfriendly. However, nobody really cared due to gallons of sweet scented wine and abundance of delicious food that taunted the senses.

It surprised Naadia to see the dining pass in such a civilized tone, with the entire court of Nalju leaving her to retrieve into her quarters afterward for a night's rest. The servants lead the daughter of Demici to the master bedroom located upstairs, the finest lodge in the Nalju residence, its ornamentation as luxurious as the chambers the Count slept in. Upon entering the spacious room, brown eyes fell on a large, fur covered bed and a stone hearth in which pinewood combusted. The wooden carvings on the furniture were mainly enriched with imagery from legends and folktales, stemming from the Nalju heritage that was deeply rooted in superstition and belief in the supernatural.

Naadia left her heavy cloak on the bed and removed excess clothes to remain in her simple white underdress that still covered a great deal of her flesh and took a seat in front of a large mirror. She began to unwrap her braided hair, glancing at her own vibrant reflection in the ancient mirror, her hand slipping down to reach for a jewel-encrusted comb. Soon enough, versatile strokes combed her waist long black hair, untangling the tiniest of knots to restore its silky texture. Naadia absentmindedly hummed a somber tune when she heard a knock on the door; assuming it was Astrid, the brunette did not even bother to divert her look away from the mirror.

''It's open, come in.'' she instructed, having no idea that at this very moment, Astrid was still downstairs, scolding her brother for making a complete fool out of himself in front of the bronze skinned woman.
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[Einar Gudleifer]

The Count's word was absolute and no one questioned it, most of the time. This night, with the daughter of the enemy willingly walking into their lands, was too precious for some to pass up. He'd assumed she would be standing away from the dead animals and furs that she seemed to be appalled by, not much escaped his attention even when he wasn't looking for subtleties, Naadia's gaze at the game trophy decorated halls was not lost either. He'd almost laughed at first but part of him realized how barbaric it must have looked and the tables would turn on him soon enough.

Einar had to dip his head slightly as he passed through the doorway and wouldn't have noticed Naadia if his hair had slipped forward again, but as it was he had it pulled back in a loose ponytail; like usual after an hour or so of scrubbing the grime from his skin in the shower. The stark contrast of long black hair over lapping a white under layer was what caught his attention and made him turn to get a better look. Einar jolted to a stop, stuttering a little. "I came..." He looked away realizing he shouldn't have stopped there. "The guards...outside," He cleared his throat and looked back into reflection on the mirror.

From his few feet away it was difficult to look at her and not take in all he could see, just becuase of the distance. Dark lines on her wrist caught his attention for a few seconds until he realized they were tattoos but of what he was unsure. That had been unexpected...especially with her dress, but now he knew it's real purpose for covering up so much of her skin. Eyes drifted back to her's in the mirror knowing his judgments about her had been all wrong. "A guard detail has been posted in the hall. It's better that the take the time and effort to do what they can to prove good intentions to your father. I know what you must think of them."

She didn't actually need his help for much which was something he wasn't sure how to deal with. Even the tougher Nalju women needed some form of protection, but she....she could manage just fine with her wit alone. He moved to the windows in the room and looking down on the city as he'd never been allowed into the room before. There was frost on the windows. Einar sinched up the laces on his shirt to stop the cold draft from creeping down his chest. "It's going to be cold tonight, even with the climate control." He turned around, stopping out of courtesy, to see if she needed anything else before he could leave. "I'd pull out another fur."

[Naadia Demici]

Einar was not certainly the person she expected, but her bewilderment with his entrance was promptly covered by a diplomatic smile that curved her chocolate lips. Despite her general opinion of Nalju men, their filthy habits and concupiscent intentions, she would have opted for Einar to stay and fend her from the guards outside. Refraining from such a plea, as it would surely bear consequences later, with the walls having ears and eyes, the brunette barely glanced over her shoulder, the brush still seeping through the silken strands of her ebony hair. Wordlessly agreeing with his statement of the obvious, the daughter of Demici gazed briefly into the fireplace, the sole source of light and warmth in the chamber. An additional covering would be welcome as the flames would extinguish during the night, when logs would finally combust, leaving a cold hearth filled with charred soot.

The idea of him remaining in her quarters, comfortably seated in the armchair positioned by the monumental fireplace and tossing firewood into the hearth to keep the flames alive was as much appealing as it was selfish; Einar needed his rest, with Naadia having no right to deprive him of sleep. In the worst case, if any of the guards tried their luck, she was no incompetent damsel. The Demici too were passionate swordsmen, just that their display was more of an art than anything else, but none the less efficient. Naadia knew where to prick to induce pain, despite her regal, noble composure. Being civilized did not, by default, imply being weak. Her method was profound, when she would be given cause.

''Thank you.'' she uttered under her breath, nibbling on the inside of her lip as she peered over her shoulder to see him place another soft leather quill upon her bed. Once again restoring her gaze to the mirror, the silver brush now left on the cupboard, the bronze skinned woman straightened herself out, establishing eye contact through the reflection in the mirror, her lips parting to speak.

''Good night, Einar Gudleifer.''

It was only when he left her quarters that she allowed herself to rise from her seat, taking a few steps towards the window to behold the nightly Carannia that plummeted into deep slumber, the lights in narrow turrets extinguishing one by one, leaving the mountainous landscape illuminated by nothing more than unadorned moonlight. It was hard to believe that such a serene, reconciled place was dwelt by a warmonger kind; but even the most belligerent individuals needed their recess. Hurrying into bed before the entire room started to frost, Naadia continued to question the foundations of her belief in a genuine attempt to comprehend, the maze of her own cerebration consequently lulling her into deep sleep.

[Astrid Nalju]

''Can't you control yourself, Balder? You embarrassed me in front of Naadia.'' the blond woman stated, pushing her index finger into the shoulder of her brother. Subsequently, Balder turned away from Astrid and seated himself into a lofty chair behind the large wooden table that dominated the Count's study room. Cupping his glass with his palm to warm the cognac inside it, the curly haired man smirked, pasting his lips to the glass to take one plentiful sip of the dark brown beverage before he mustered a reply.

''It is funny you speak of control, my dear sister...'' she started off, struggling to speak over his alcohol induced haze ''...I've seen how you look at her. Whom are you trying to fool? We both stem from the same nest, Astrid. And bear the same passion in our chest. The sole difference is that I do not hide my nature and act as some saint, like you do. But then, I understand you. You are a woman - and once your flower is plucked, you are worth less than the sum of your parts.'' he stated chauvinistically, a cackle and another smirk following. Balder licked excess cognac off his lips and flicked his gaze to the shelves stuffed with books, some of them ancient, their casings sordid and worn. He opted to change the subject, but he knew his sister would not be without a scanting reply.

''What would you know of plucking flowers, Balder? Everything you ever plucked was weed.'' The reply came, in quite the anticipated tone. The son of Nalju had an argument stashed that would shut her up, deciding to use it when she referred to his frequent late excursions to maid's common quarters. Indeed, at this point, Naadia was a hypocrite.

''And what would you know of being plucked? As you were only plucked by a chamois who needed something to chew on.'' he retorted venomously and took another large gulp of his drink, almost finishing it. Naadia rolled her eyes, knowing what he implied, but she did not let his insult provoke her further. Denial was the key of keeping the obvious at bay.
''I don't know what you are talking about.'' she replied with both eyebrows raised, her facial expression that of genuine ignorance.

''Mmmmmh....'' Balder mumbled in self-satisfaction, dismissing any further discussion of the subject, returning the focus of their verbal exchange to their guest - ''I can't believe he traded her for a book. Actually... I can. That sly fox, our father. He showed Alberto that we value a book as much as he values his daughter. The lowest of kicks... Perhaps the Demici will not think of us as savages any more...'' he trailed off, his gaze growing distant and gloomy as his salacious thoughts drifted to Naadia.

''Not while you are around.'' Astrid added, turning on her heel to exit the study, leaving her brother to his perverted hobbies. Strolling down the corridor and up two flights of stairs, the blonde hurried to her room to change. She passed by Naadia's room and pressed her ear against the door. There was just the barely audible sound of steady breathing.

''She must be sleeping...'' Astrid uttered to herself and smiled, finally proceeding to her own quarters. It was only after she made sure that everybody was fast asleep that she set herself enroute to Einar's quarters, exiting through the window of her room, adroitly making her way across rooftops and narrow balconies to descent into the lower levels where his room was. The two were in agreement to always leave his window unlocked, if the daughter of Nalju ever wanted to pay him a late visit. Like some thief, Astrid landed to sit on the extruded windowsill. Her hand extended to push the glass inwards carefully, paying attention to create as little commotion as possible.

''Psssssssst....'' she hissed through her teeth, leaning over to hop into his quarters, her feet producing the softest of thuds against the shabby wooden floor.

[Einar Gudleifer]

"And if I said I was sleeping?" His voice reverberated through the dimly lit room and out of the open window into the night. It would have been hard to tell if he was serious or simply having a bit of fun, as was the usual case with Einar, until he tapped the light fixture above the ornately carved headboard of his bed. He had switched the normal light out in favor of a faint red one, but the miniature smirk on his face was revealed all the same. The red light allowed him to do what he wanted at night without giving it away that he was up and about, if someone was to pass by his door and look at the crack between the floor and door frame; and it became especially useful on nights such as the present one.

He sat up in the worn bed, plain, stiff sheets slipping off his chest to stand ridged for a few seconds and then falling over. Why Astrid insisted on coming down to his level he never understood. The standards of living down this low were barely enough to be considered comfortable, as it was he had to carve the headboard's star strewn scenery himself. Though her arrival wasn't unwelcome on cold nights, it had simply become something of a routine. Tonight he'd expected her to pester Naadia until either forced from the room or was simply allowed to remain.

Casually he gathered the sheet up in one had, holding it around his waist, and stood up out of the bed to walk over and closed the window. The outstretched arm remained where it was acting like a brace so he could lean forward to kiss her neck. The short trimmed hairs of his mustache brushed against the soft skin on her clavicle first but soon the tiny prickling was replaced with his soft, yet weathered, lips. Cold biting air of wintering nights had been shut out but a draft managed to work it's way into the room sending little cold bumps across his bare skin. Being cold always made him lonely. The hand holding the sheet crumpled the small handful of material and turned it in on it's self so Einar could place that hand on her hip; the temporary snag of bunched cloth wouldn't hold up for long.

[Astrid Nalju]

''Then I would wake you up...'' a decrepit whisper left Astrid's lips when his lips grazed the skin on her neck, planting wet kisses where he knew she would respond. The blonde extended her left hand outwards, placing her palm on the back of his neck, then pushed him closer, her own chest slamming into his. Her balmy breath brushed against his cheeks, as she flexed her body like a snake, squirming to adhere. Her other hand wandered off to unclip the brooch that held her heavy cloak on her shoulders, the heavy drapery of fabric consequently slipping of to reveal only a simple, loosely cut white chemise, its firm linen texture concealing any curvature of flesh.

The nightgown was spartan and androgynous as any other clothes Astrid wore, anything that lay under remaining a mystery to all Nalju men. Only Einar knew of how her skin glimmered under the moonlight, how her dainty bosom felt warm to touch in the long, frosty nights of the everlasting winter. But he was not a Nalju, rather a beast tamed by its tight leash on which the Count held him. It was quite unexplainable how the daughter of Nalju was so magically drawn to the fair haired loner, their intimate acquaintance originating from their late teens. From the first time they laid together, back in the stables where the Count held his finest steeds, they possessed each other in a way that could was hardly sentimental. Instead, their bond polarized; when the sun was high in the sky, the two were allies - trust, friendship and belligerent loyalty entailed. As soon as the yellow orb plummeted behind the mountainous horizon, the two transformed into lovers with no strings attached. Anything else was both forbidden and impossible.

Astrid slipped out of the chemise before finally placing her mouth over his, her soft lips enveloping his lower one in a sappy suckle, her hand reaching down to rid him of the sheet he so needlessly wrapped himself in. The cloth revealed what Astrid had already seen a fair number of times, under the dim light of the oil lamp - their excursions to the carnal lasted for quite some time, giving both room to explore and learn what made blood of the other boil. So the blond broke the kiss before it gained any lascivious momentum and moved her lips onto his neck, her tongue flicking over his earlobe to continue trailing downwards, as she slowly pushed him backwards towards his bed. She pressed her body against his until Einar allowed himself to lay back on the narrow mattress, with Astrid following him, her lips skimming over his collarbone and chest on a pathway that was designed to drive him mad. It was when he could feel her hair on his abdomen that the daughter of Nalju looked up, biting her lower lip, eager to see the expression on his face before they forgot all differences in birthright.


And then they were one, once again.


***

It was just before dawn that the daughter of Nalju returned to her quarters in the same way she left; sleep was not high on the priority list when nights grew excessively cold. It was only a few hours before she would have to return to the mines, to her everyday routine where she had to be a Nalju that her brother was not.

[Naadia Demici]

It was not until the first rays of dawn touched Naadia's eyelids that the bronze-skinned woman opened her eyes, the coy light permeating through the large window, illuminating the bed she slept in. Rejuvenated and refreshed, she erected herself in bed and rubbed her eyes, letting out a small yawn, then looked around for any sign of intrusion to her room at night. Surprisingly, everything was how she left it before she went to sleep, not a thing was touched, her robes still laying on the chair in front of the now extinguished fire. Inhaling deeply, the daughter of Demici hopped off the bed to dress herself, doing so in the shortest time possible due to the cold that reigned the chamber in absence of any source of heat. Upon getting herself fully clothed, Naadia arranged her long ebony hair into a ponytail at the back of her head and gazed at herself once again in the mirror. A smile crept up on her face, her dark eyes glimmering under the influx of luminance of the rising sun.

''Maybe they are not so bad afterall...'' she whispered to herself, turning on her heel to head for the door. Soon, she found herself in the corridors of the Nalju residence and roamed them for any sign of the members of the Nalju family. Instead of stumbling upon them, she came across one of the advisors that directed her downwards to the docking bay where her escort awaited.
Hurrying in genuine eagerness to return home, Naadia rushed to the docking bay, only to find a familiar figure already waiting for her. Slowing her pace, the brunette approached him and the solar sailer that was to be their transport, an amiable smile curving her fleshy lips.

''Good morning, Einar Guldleifer. Did you sleep well?'' she inquired politely, offering a slight bow, her cloak flagging behind as cold wind gushed inside through the opening and extrusion that served as a small landing ramp.
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[Einar Gudleifer]

Mornings in the castle were cold, all around, or at least during the hours that Einar got up for the day. In total he could count the number of hours he'd gotten to sleep with just one hand but he could operate on the minimal hours just fine so it wasn't that much of a loss. The worst part was securing food in the morning since no one really sat down to eat, and it was a first come bigger platter arrangement. Today was no exception as all he managed to procure was a few bits of fruit and even that was cut short when he was summoned to the hangar bay.

The solar sailor had never been his favorite means of transport mostly becuase it didn't give him room enough to carry any form of weapon. To add to his discomfort one of the stewards gave him a dignified house of Nalju shirt and removed all but his bracers and shoulder armor; something about the Count wanting to quell suspicions. Any grumbling was also cut short with the arrival of Naadia, more specifically cut short with her bow however small it was. It was unexpected and Einar was unsure if he liked it or not. "I could have tolerated a bit more rest, but it wasn't bad."

He smiled coyly aware of his dual meaning. It was probably going to be the only time he thought about Astrid for the entire day, or until he met with her next, but it was a casual pleasure. She'd left him no energy at all and that was only becuase she had gotten to the deed first. Though looking back at it from his current position Einar wondered if he would have felt better refusing until Naadia had been returned to her home. He was sure he would have felt just as good if he had done just that. A hand offered it's self to help her into the bench seat, where he followed and took his place at the controls. "So what awaits you at your home? A welcome back parade, or celebration, a public protest of my presence?" He chuckled to himself at the thought. "Maybe they will try to disgrace me in some hair brained artistic venture. I suppose so, or the the Count wouldn't have had me disarmed."

[Naadia Demici]

Crossing her legs over under her cloak, the bronze skinned woman leaned back in her seat, looking straight ahead not to spare another glance at her rugged escort. Naadia was not too thrilled about being taken back home like a child that was found wandering astray, let alone being exchanged for one of the most valuable tomes in their library. The price was high, but the Count of Demici valued his daughter above all scripts that bore knowledge of the world, his fatherly love overstepping the boundaries of rational far more often than it was appropriate. Perhaps it was the absence of Naadia's mother who lived in a sanctuary back on her home planet of Tholoth that made Alberto so sensitive about his only daughter.

The daughter of Demici often found this concern crippling, hence making her also more prone to excursions like these, that ended without any harm, mostly due to the polite, mild ways of the man that now steered the vessel she found herself in. A knot in her stomach formed when the sailer lifted off the ground and accelerated out of docking bay, soaring into the sky. Einar seemed to be as versatile with a craft as he was with a horse - another instance that sparked Naadia's interest, another fragment she could incorporate in her musings.

''I see no reason for you to fear, Einar Gudleifer. Your manners are far more civilized than those of Balder, but he is the true son of Nalju. Persist in your valiant conduct and I am sure you will feel like home in Saffia...'' she encouraged him with a light nod, shifting her eyes to the massive clouds that dominated the viewport.

''What awaits for me? My studies, a doting father... nothing more than that. I hardly think a celebration committee would be organized, as I am brought home to be exchanged for an artifact that is considered national treasure. Perhaps, lamentation masses would be thus more appropriate.'' the brunette discoursed and sighed meekly, remembering of what he was to take back to Carannia. Given her own refined ways and the finesse to which her persona was crafted, many men would say that it was a fair deal. Naadia, on the other hand, did not expect Einar to understand what the book itself meant, as she assumed that his upbringing was more....rural.
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[Einar Gudleifer]

The man pursed his lips white until he could think of a civil way to put his thoughts to words. He prided himself on keeping a calm mannerism when he was well aware that he could put down any man that stood before him. It all went back to his heritage, for what it was worth these days. Though dwelling on what could not be changed was somehow self satisfying he wasn't by himself and had no stature to warrant such self absorbed arrogance. "Even the Count finds his property less civilized than his people during those bearish moments they are famous for." He paused for a minute realizing that he might have sounded a little more aggressive than he had intended. "Your opinion of me is higher than what I am used to dealing with, and thank you for your kindness."

The trip to Saffia wouldn't be very long and he probably could have relied on the sailor's small engines to get them to the other city but Einar piloted the ship into the uppermost layer of the stratosphere where it was hard to tell if they were in space or still inside the planet's sky, finally letting the sails free to catch what solar wind there was. He was slow to guide the craft to it's destination partially becuase of the unguarded time with Naadia and becuase he enjoyed the way the blue sky faded into the black of space. "I've never seen this book...it has a record of history? It must have been written without bias I suppose? All history is flawed and anything recorded can be made to fit the will of any person. A book like that would be worth much but not as much as you I think."

There was a moment of blissful ignorance in which Eniar thought himself quite wise in his choice of words. Only a moment. The last few words he had spoken bounced back into his mind slowly turning his ears and what visible skin of his cheeks there was a slight shade of red. The man cleared his throat and shoved at one of the control levers that retracted the sails, and turned the ship back down towards the planet. "It's still just a book either way. It's simple minded to fight over a book. It's simple minded to fight over anything that small. There are bigger things, and more people, that could use the resources the Nalju and the Demici hord." A tiny nod indicated the partially cloud covered planet beneath them.

[Naadia Demici]

''The Book of Mythos...'' the brunette murmured softly under her breath, dark eyes settling on the cloudy horizon ahead as she erected herself from her seat, only to slowly traverse the short distance that separated her and Einar. Asking her to comment on such a piece of fine, native art probably bore more meaning than he could have ever imagined, as she studied the content of the book deeply, spending her studious years immersing herself in cerebration over it. Thus Naadia found it appropriate to familiarize this man with its content, imagining that his rustic upbringing left him oblivious to the arts. Nevertheless, it was the least she could do for him, endeavor to educate him for he had displayed such kindness untypical of the flock he flew with.

''All of the carvings in the castle the Nalju live in, all the imagery...it was taken directly from the Book of Mythos. I am afraid this book has little to do with history itself - it is merely a collection of folk tales as ancient as the stones of the Carannia Fort. Hence their value would be subjective; to the Demici, it is a work of art, despite its primitive wording and awkward verbal construction. We value it for the parables it narrates, while the Nalju value it for the values it promotes. Courage, strenght, persistence. It represents what the Nalju are. But the valuation slowly faded as the book was no longer in Carannia, the verdant tales slowly fading in the minds of the Nalju...'' she explained, evidently dispirited, subverting her gaze to the floor. A further few steps were made to bring her to stand behind Einar, her hand gently placed on his shoulder for the briefest of moments, while her other one motioned to the copilot seat.

''You don't mind if I sit here? I feel like cargo back there...'' the daughter of Demici asserted, managing a small, congenial smile. Upon receiving affirmation, Naadia seated herself and folded her hands on her thighs, glancing sideways to catch Einar with the corner of her eyes.

''We are not fighting over a book, Einar Gudleifer.'' she stated, then took a small pause to inhale and hold her breath, giving herself some time for her thought to cohere into sentences.
''We are fighting for freedom. It's just that the Nalju and the Demici don't see freedom in the same way. There is no right and wrong, it is merely a difference in opinion. This is what I am trying to say all the time...'' Naadia trailed off, dropping her gaze to the floor, her teeth grinding against her lower lip inwardly.
''...but nobody listens. No matter how hard I scream.''

Her lexical lamentation was interrupted by an array of towers that penetrated the thick strata of clouds dissipating on the horizon, as the vessel traveled southwards, to the equator, towards Saffia. Soon enough, all of the overcloud dissolved to leave clear, sun-bathed skies, to reveal an estuary surrounded by a regularly woven patchwork of streets that extended as far as the eye can see. Beyond the bright sandy beaches, an emerald colored ocean spanned, shallow and transparent, disclosing colorful reefs and waters abundant in life. Spacious palaces and monumental edifices serving as libraries, theaters and universities dominated the landscape, reminding how much Demici cherished knowledge, culture and crafts.
''Saffia... Home.'' Naadia managed, repeatedly awed to see the city from above, her eyes shifting to the blond man, curious to see his reaction.
''Land in the palace garden...'' she pointed out, her voice void of any commanding undertone - ''We are expected.''
Indeed, an entire welcoming committee eagerly awaited the return of the most valid part of the Demici flock that went astray, ironically being brought back by the wolf himself.
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[Einar Gudleifer]

He nearly groaned aloud, the last thing he needed was to try and find the words to make himself friendly enough for their tastes. Naadia was nothing to judge the Demeci by, he knew she was the acceptation, everyone else in this sun bleached town was still to be considered an enemy of the Count; he had his orders. The city was something else he had expected to be equally dismal and the heat proved his initial thoughts true. Even before they were close to landing he could feel the oppressive temperature creeping into the small sailor. But the more he descended on the city the more his eyes picked up. It was strong and time tested against all the planet had to throw at it, more than he had thought to find. Maybe their ancestors knew something of how to build proper structures and fortification but for now, this generation seemed to hide behind intelligence more than anything else.

"You come to Carrania and I get food and new orders. I come to your home and you get your own welcome home committee. That.." He paused to smoothly glide the sailor into the courtyard despite all the boyish urges to buzz this Count's head and make a rather aggressive scene. "Is one thing I might be willing to admit about your clansmen, they are less....punitive." Once more it would have been impossible to tell whether he was having a bit of fun or if he was serious save for the small amused twitch at the corner of his lips. If the situation were not so tense for him Einar doubted that he'd have made such a gesture but the small jibe alleviated some of the stress, most of which was coming from not even being able to find a hydrospanner to tuck into his waist belt in a vain attempt at arming himself.

He pressed the button that would lower the four step ramp to the ground slowly. "You've confused your words though, Naadia. You are fighting for free will, something much different than freedom." He offered a tiny nod and an attempt at a comforting smile but he'd never tried a thing like that before so it looked more like a grimace than anything. Slipping past her Einar stepped out of the ship first squinting horribly as the bright sun and, what felt like blistering heat to him, ran into his body like a wall. The tall long haired man made it down the steps without a problem and then stepped to the side, waiting for Naadia to take the lead next. He scanned the expectant faces before him trying to find the Count, and Naadia's father, but most of the men that age all looked like fathers and had much of the same dress. He was going to stick out like bones in a compound fracture no matter where he went in this city, that much was obvious.

[Naadia Demici]

''My first act of free will shall be to believe in free will.'' the bronze skinned woman recited in response, evidently quoting a man much wiser than herself, as the two traversed the distance across the stone paved courtyard towards the elderly welcoming committee in the shades of the arcane oaks that dominated the gardens. The looks on their weathered faces disclosed that the return of the daughter of Demici was eagerly expected, as the pack rejoiced to see its most valuable asset toddle back into the safety of the herd. Soon enough, the heat of the afternoon sun dissipated, shielded by the lushness of the wide canopy that domed over the place where the wisemen congregated. Everything that remained was a lightly cooling breeze that blew over Naadia's hair, peeling off the scent of waterlilies that lingered on her neck, carrying it backwards to brush against Einar's senses.

''Naadia, my child!'' a baritone voice called out, belonging to Alberto Demici who emerged out of the crowd to greet his only daughter. He was not a particularly tall man, sporting a long, curved mustache and a balding head sprinkled with a few gray hairs, clad in a long dark brown cloak bearing the Demici crest. His hands were placed on Naadia's upon reaching her, light kisses placed on both of her cheeks. The way Alberto looked at her, the way he gestured, smiled, the way his dark eyes glowed - it all made it apparent that Naadia was still a child for him, a little girl who needed taking care of. Nevertheless, no matter how much the Count of Demici wanted to guide her through life, the young woman resisted and opposed, resulting in situations like the one back at Carannia.

''You return to us unharmed, untouched by the wrath of Nalju. By the gods, we are lucky.'' he started off, his eyes on his daughter solely. Naadia felt compelled to tell him to drop the drama, but being her empathic, overly caring self, she refrained from saying anything that could insult her father. After all, she loved him dearly, despite his...prejudice. Even as he made efforts to indoctrinate her too over the course of years, but now...she had cognition of the other side of the coin. Nothing was black and white, merely shades of gray.
''It is good to be home, father...'' she started off politely, eyes shifting towards Einar, her face plastering with humble meekness ''We have to express our gratitude to this man...''
Her hand extended outwards towards the long haired man, elegantly motioning to note his importance in this entire matter ''Einar Gudleifer had showed me kindness and respect that could easily match, if not outdo, the one administered within the house of Demici. It is to him solely that I owe my safe return. He is also here to see that the deal is honored...'' she trailed off, gaze repositioned on Alberto.

''Then I thank you, Einar Gudleifer, for this... The house of Demici is your house, feel like at home.'' the aging man bellowed politely, his eyes judgmentally resting on Einar. There was still distrust that loitered in Alberto's dark orbs, no matter how much he tried to conceal it. Naadia caught her father's inquiring gaze and figured that her savior would feel oppressed by all this amount of inquiring attention. To spare him of any further interrogation and inspection, the daughter of Demici let her face display mild fatigue that was acted out cunningly, knowing how weak her father was to indulging his daughter's wishes.
''Father, I am tired. I would like to retrieve to my quarters until dinner.'' she said with a deep sigh, purshing her lips in false toil.
''Very well, child.'' Alberto said, eying Einar, his unpleasant look softening. Upon noting that she was indeed dismissed, the brunette subtly beckoned for Einar to follow her. Before Alberto even got a chance to react, she forestalled any objections the Count could possibly think of.
''I think it is the safest if Einar remained with me.'' she advised in a slightly commanding tone, already making quick steps down the hallway of the majestic palace that lead to the wing that was her own solely. As the two made their way around the first corner, Naadia allowed herself to smile widely, white teeth showing.
''You can thank me later.'' she said, stopping briefly for the blond man to catch up so that they could walk side by side, as equals that they were.

[Einar Gudleifer]

There wasn't much he could have said that would have amounted to anything at all in the eyes of the people that stared at him so he relegated his eyes to the architecture. He was use to inspections, scrutinizing, and demeaning mannerisms...especially from the Count; but he wasn't supposed to think like that. Eyes started to fully absorb the sights around him after he'd shut away his assumptions of both houses. Everything was so bright, and open, not like Carrania where some walls were wider than the rooms. Things at his home city were built so tough they hit back, or so the saying went. He could only imagine how sprawling the city must seem on foot since it didn't seem to have a defiant end from the air, though it started to thin out in population in areas.

When the spotlight was thrown in his direction all he offered was one of the shortest, most curt, nods of his life. He hadn't even been in the city an hour and the tension he felt was knotting the muscles along his spine and shoulders. He had nothing to fall back on for security in this place, nothing except what little aid Naadia might offer. Nothing was expected of her and more than half hoping he could just get the bloody book and be done with the place. However he had to say something when the Count addressed him directly, what that would be would solidify only as he spoke. "Your hospitality is a welcome surprise, and only with such permission would I enjoy it."

Einar's insides crawled as he placed himself on a lower level than the Count. All titles and lineage aside he was still just a man, the same as Einar, they both bled the same, he should not be made to take any station he didn't want. But impressions had their uses and sliver words often made the best ones if any scrap of peace was needed. Finally Naadia made an exit for both of them which he took without question though he did spare a few seconds to look at her father directly, eyelids blinking sideways just once. He rounded the corner, right on her heels, and whispering a relieved response. "Thank you later. Even Astrid would have left me standing there." Nothing more was noticed about the things around him until Naadia moved to open a door at which point he slowed down to stare at the grandiose hallway and it's many pillars. "The more I see the less I think these two Houses can be compared. The only thing they have in common are the credits to fuel their disputes over property lines." He paused to take in the hallway once more as he ambled into the room behind Naadia. "It's a complete contrast of everything in the mountains..."

[Naadia Demici]

''Aye, it is. These plains have never seen frost, most people living in this parts have never witnessed the white of snow. Apart from hearing of it from horror bedtime stories of the Nalju and their inhospitable realm.'' she briefly commented as her hands pressed inwards to open a large wooden door that lead to a spacious chamber that were her quarters. The cavernous room had no windows, merely large dome-like openings on the far wall through which light cascaded to illuminate a fine abstract mosaic that covered the entirety of the floor. On the left, a grandiose bed was to be found, covered with the finest silken linen woven with golden strings that shimmered in contrast to the alabaster silken cloth. Directly opposite of it there was a broad wooden table made out of Wroshyr timber together with a complimentary chair, while an array of bookshelves spanned across the entire wall, filled with tomes both shabby and new. The right side of the table had a dent in the shape of a forearm, extending all the way to the place where a writing quill and an ampule of tint loitered, together with a bundle of scrolls and scraps of parchment written in some obscure, archaic script.

Even Naadia's quarters looked like a library, clearly showing the young woman hardly parted with her books even when she went to rest, her minute paradise where she would lock herself in when the pressure of the court become too much to bear. As many were not allowed to enter her quarters, Einar was only the fourth person to see it, but the brunette found it redundant to mention this; if he was sensitive and perceptive enough, he would easily grasp the incontestable intimacy behind this.

''You see...'' she started off, readying herself to share some opinion as she walked towards the servant that patiently waited by the bed ''I believe none of us could be ever compared. We are all unique, all equally worthy. We should remember people by their deeds, not birthright. But you probably think all this nonsense, given my royal origin. The truth is - I am not of blue blood. My mother...is a commoner.''

There was a slight pause, enough to let her words sink in with the blond haired man, before the daughter of Demici leaned in to whisper something into the servant's ear in some elusive sounding language, the old woman scampering off immediately, leaving the two alone. Giving Einar a brief smile, Naadia turned away and made her way behind a white screen on the side of her bed, ducking behind the blind to change. The climate in Saffia dictated lighter clothes as even evenings and nights were hot during this time of the year, the only refreshment being the eventual breeze that would blow from over the ocean.

''Perhaps it is because of my origin that I have a little more sense for the Nalju. But I know you are not one of them. I asked and found out...nevermind. I don't want to meddle in your business... My father is right - my curiosity will cost me my head one of these days...'' she trailed off, slipping out of her heavy cloak and dress, remaining to stand only in her light undergarments, frozen in place for a second. Footsteps of the servant that entered the room once again assured her that her command was fulfilled, the elderly woman leaving a white silken sleeveless tunic embroidered with silver strings spread out over the chair. As soon as the raiment was delivered, she made herself scarce again, the clicking sound of the doors closing signaling Naadia it was safe to speak again.

''Even the wolf sheds his fur when more brighter days come, for he needs not its protection in the realm of the sun.'' she uttered metaphorically, swallowing her saliva and biting her lower lip inwardly, eagerly waiting to hear if he would pick the tunic up before clothing herself again.

[Einar Gudleifer]

The wealth of written intellect the Demici possessed was not lost on the northern raised man, not in the least. The pursuit of knowledge had been a goal instilled in him as a child, before he was sold into slavery so many years ago. However his less than mediocre clothing, room, and food had made him endeavor for a more practical approach. It was swiftly learned that if he obeyed orders, volunteered for even more work, and devoted himself to things he could do with his hands he was promoted faster. Only in the last handful of years had he climbed above a simple enlisted man to his current post and that had been becuase he was learned enough to understand strategy. No Einar did not discredit their passions, he just thought that the freedom to learn anything before they could even walk was...weak. All that would come from the Demici were diplomats and politicians.

"Take away anyone's title and they feel the same emotions, and bleed just the same as you or I. But we can not advance without conflict so we fight over intangible ideals, titles, and land to carve up like a steak. And yet we all keep dying like fools." His last words were spoken just as the maid reentered the room, though he could only hear her, face turned up at the many books to hide the slight tint of rose red on his nose and cheek bones. He doubted he would have still been alive if Naadia hadn't taken him into her room personally, but he felt like he was slightly invading all the same. Her mention about a wolf in the sun put a curious quirk in his brow and he turned to give her a small humorous smile but her absence and the familiar shadow behind the curtain made him falter in any kind of reply. A hand reached out and picked up the lighter clothing.

"That woman, the maid, probably has more to school me on than I care to admit. Your lineage means as much as what ever you think you found out about mine, it does not place us any higher or lower than the other unless you believe it does." With a little sigh he realized he probably had little choice in the matter of changing shirts and put the garment back so he could take the horridly hot one off. The silken shirt was slipped on hurriedly mostly becuase he was chary of doing anything in front of anyone that was above him in rank or title. Just becuase he believed one thing didn't mean he was used to practicing it. Einar pulled at the lacing in his old shirt, using it to tie his hair back in a loose ponytail, sighing exasperatedly and turning back to the books on the wall. "All I ask is that you stop putting me on a pedestal I don't belong on. I'm already uncomfortable enough speaking out of turn, and like there are no barriers between us."

[Naadia Demici]

''As far as I am concerned, there are no barriers between us, Einar Gudleifer. Thus you are the one to decide how you will address me.'' Naadia replied, stepping out from behind the curtain, eyes scanning the room in search of the fair haired warrior. His words still echoed in her cranium, carving themselves in her memory, ensuring that she would muse over them for long nights to come. His genuine humbleness and respect he had shown her, his almost unbelievable level of tolerance and sensibility - all these guaranteed that the scholarly woman would cerebrate about him long after he would head back to Carannia and leave only the subtle scent of his sweat on the silken cloth he wore.

One side of Naadia's mouth curbed upwards to see Einar accept her small token of gratitude, the finesse of the robe surprisingly suiting him. Without saying anything else, she approached him from the back, hand extending towards his forearm, her fingers brushing lightly against his skin to divert his attention away from the books.

''Let us go now. The library closes in only half an hour. Even the scholars have to sleep.'' the brunette stated, taking one step back not to invade his personal space further. Her white dress followed accordingly, the swaying of the silken folds harmonizing with the movement of her bare feet. For a few moments, wallowing in expectancy, the daughter of Demici stood in her alabaster attire that enveloped her body in a web-like semitransparent halo of cloth, small portions of her tanned skin showing, enough to subtly tease the minds of those who allowed themselves to imagine. Void of any bewitching intent, Naadia's dark orbs widened in anticipation, lips slightly parting to allow her to exhale. Something slowly boiled inside her, a sensation never experienced before, that resembled that of reading a brand new, exciting book. It was probably the first time in Naadia's life that she was excited over an actual person, not a piece of literature.

[Einar Gudleifer]

Once last glance was stolen at the wall of books, a slight nod, then Einar turned around ready to follow where he was to be taken. However being ready to go somewhere wasn't the same as being ready to take in how Naadia looked. Even in summer people wore long sleeves in the mountains, the color of skin admittedly, but it wasn't the same. The man really tried not to stare but it was impossible so stare he did gaze drifting up and down the dress but always pausing at her face.

He wasn't a crude man so that perverted smile expected of the Nalju wasn't present in Einar. Part of him was curious enough to want to study her and trace the lines of ink on her skin until it had been burned into his memory. The rest of him was mixed with apprehension and intimidation. It was true, he couldn't deny it, she intimidated him but a lot of people intimidated Einar surprisingly; she was different in that he didn't immediately step forward and bare his teeth.

Time seemed to drag and what was actually a minute flat felt like a shamefully long pause. He blinked. "I suppose holding their over inflated egos over their shoulders would be tiring..." Another awkward pause crept over him until he forced his feet to move, opening the door for the foreign woman and waiting for her in the hall. The hall, it wasn't even a room. Rooms didn't have seventy thousand windows. There had to be more windows than wall space in the Demici palace and he'd only followed Naadia past a handful before he slowed to a stop. Wanderlust was sinking into his skin, he wanted to see what the Demici thought was worth fighting for and what the Nalju thought was worth killing them over. "Half an hour..." A glance was spared from the view outside the window to make sure his guide wasn't still bustling along. "That's not a lot of time, and once I have the book I'm ordered to leave immediately...it can wait...until tomorrow. You got the chance to romp around in my forest, now it's my turn." He jerked his head sideways to indicate what was beyond the walls and tried not to grin too much.

[Naadia Demici]

As the two traversed through what seemed to be an endless hallway bathed in radiance of the afternoon sunlight, Naadia merely chuckled, tilting her head backwards in general amusement.

''Saffia holds many secrets, Einar Gudleifer. As you will witness yourself, our city functions quite differently from what you were used to. We are the capital of arts and crafts; but like the Nalju, we care much about our heritage. And the heritage of others. Thus you will find the book very well preserved. And that will please your Master, I am sure...'' the bronze skinned woman trailed off, shifting her gaze ahead as they approached a colossal bronze door engraved in floral ornaments. Carefully assembling the material of her dress to cover up as much of her body artwork that was partially exposed through the semintransparent fabric, the daughter of Demici shielded her own heritage from prying eyes of the public, as well as from her companion for the evening. It was an act of pudency, mostly induced by her inaptitude to stir intergender communication via anything else but verbal argument; in other words, Naadia Demici was taught to denounce corporal and embrace the mental and the spiritual, leaving her deprived of any skills of seduction that every lady of the court would have mastered to some extent. More of a hermit by choice than anything else, Einar's discreet glance made her insides wobble as she withdrew like a timid forest creature.

However, she remained solid in her rhetoric.
''The archive is nearby, so I suggest we go on foot. It would give you the chance to see some of our celebrations, as the harvest festivities are approaching its climax at the end of this week. We commend the sun and its beneficial influence on every aspect of our lives. As a man of the north, living in a place with little sunshine, I am sure you could use a little warmth yourself... So, as you have shown me hospitality and treated me as an equal... Please let me return the favor...'' the brunette discoursed, motioning her left hand outwards towards a pair of servants in a signal only known to Demici, then glanced back at Einar, allowing herself to produce a dainty smile.

''When these doors open...'' she started off, looking away from the blond man towards the door that started to open inwardly with a loud creak, revealing the main street that thicked with people, all of them dressed in white with golden embroidery, carrying ears of wheat in small bundles. The oriental architecture of Saffia with its arches and turrets, ornamented columns and marble statues, was accented with floral decorations hanging down from buildings, indicating that harvest festivities were indeed important for the Demici people.
''...you are a free man.'' Naadia finished off and stepped outside onto the plateau in front of the Demici palace, only to turn in her spot and gaze back at the warrior of Nalju, extending her right hand towards him, wanting to guide him through her world. A large portion of her hoped he would be bold enough to take her hand so that they may be Einar and Naadia before anything else.
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[Einar Gudleifer]

He smiled to himself inwardly but remained attentive to what Naadia was saying all the same. They had doors just as wooden in Carrania, bigger even.
Einar had even helped build a replacement for one...but his thoughts stopped at that moment as the doors opened up to the street beyond. Dumbstruck wasn't even close to describing how Einar felt. The number of people before him wouldn't even fit into the largest room in his home city. The Nalju had a vast number of clansmen and families under it's banner but they were never seen together. Countless bars, pubs, cantinas, and home kitchens housed their numbers at night and during the day everyone scattered for work. Truthfully many didn't want to gather enmass.

Suddenly it was all very apparent to Einar that the people of the north, and Naadia's people, were incomparable. There was no way the houses could be put next to each other. Everything about them was different. The climate, weather, people, mentality...it was all so alien to Einar and he knew he hadn't even set foot outside of the palace. Then she threw that word at him, for a split second he glowered automatically assuming it was a taunt. Freedom. It was unobtainable. But...here this woman was offering him the very definition of it just beyond a simple doorway.

The blond man stared at the crowds, then Naadia. How could they give something like that away so easily? Learned as he was Einar couldn't help but feel that if he tried to reach for his dream that it would slip away, and it was better to just look. A hesitant step forward and...it didn't vanish. Soon he was next to Naadia and then past her. Someone had finally opened the proverbial gate and there was no way he wasn't going to bolt. He wasn't sure what to do with his gift now that he had it, but the hesitation didn't stop him from smiling and letting out a little chuckle. His hand shot out of the crowd and latched onto Naadia's with surprising grace and delicacy for a man of his type and job. "Where is the archive?"

[Naadia Demici]

''Just follow me...'' Naadia voiced tacitly, taking a few bold steps forward as she let her hand wrap around his, assuring he would convoy behind her. Her palm gently pressed against his remarkably supple skin to leave the daughter of Demici perplexed; how did a man of his status and designation ever end up having hands as delicate as a musician, complexion as smooth and velvety as a nobleman? The extent of the finesse almost felt unnatural and unhuman, bearing marks of divinity and exhaltedness; despite the minimality of the physical contact involved, the brunette found herself enchanted, heart throbbing in her throat like a wardrum. Not being in the condition to speak without revealing some inner turmoil, Naadia remained quiet when she led her companion down a flight of stairs that separated the palace from the common folk and right into the busiest street of Saffia.

Meandering slowly through a river of people, she glanced back at Einar in regular intervals, her facial features bearing a mysterious smile. Deep down the young woman was joyious to see him absorb every fragment of the place she called home, immersing him into her world, making him an integral part. Naadia had witnessed far too many festivities in her lifetime, but any person who would see performing acrobats that played with fire and juggled knives, small plays staged in atriums that almost every house in Saffia had would be astonished how alive a place could be. There was an inherent sense of unity and harmony that pervaded the entirety of Saffia; despite Einar's fair features that indicated his northern heritage, there was no sign of discrimination or resentment to his belonging to the opposite clan. The two completely amalgamated with the sentient in the promenade.

Only a few wordless minutes had passed when they reached the verdant builing of the Demici Archives, a thousand florid colums supporting an arched porch that served as the main enterance. As they traversed up another flight of stairs, an elderly scolar approached out of the cool darkness of the depository's halls, entailing a deep bow. Naadia quickly withdrew her hand in reflex, her mesmerization interrupted by the formal presence of Dirke Valenquiss, the head librarian.
''Lady Demici, everything is ready. The books awaits in the Ocean Hall.'' the man said , a kind smile stretching his lips under his long mustache.
''Thank you, prof.Valenquiss. We won't be long. I know you must be eager to join the festivities.'' the brunette retorted in an equally polite tone, then watched the scolar disappear down the hallway in pretty much the same elusive way he appeared, leaving her startled.

Her hand was restored on Einar's once their host was out of sight,despite the fact that there was no real need for it. The halls were empty.
''I am sorry about that.'' she started off in a voice a little louder than a whisper - ''Don't think I am ashamed of you. It's just that, like in any court, rumours die hard once they are initiated. I am sure you are quite familiar with that particular notion...''

[Einar Gudleifer]

*Double post, removing one*

[Einar Gudleifer]

The archive was a big, grand, building on an epic scale. Typical Demici flair. It would be easy to find again, as more than half the roads in the city seemed to lead to it. And even at this late hour people came and went like little colony bugs feeding on letters and words instead of anything edible. Einar did see education, through books and other means, as very important to any civilization but the amount of logged and categorized information that laid within the archive was....excessive. There was no need for anyone to read an article, or datapad, that went into detail on how to write a book about writing a book; as he was sure there was something akin to that held in the archive.

He was also able to ignore the creeping scholar only becuase of how Naadia had snatched her hand away from him. At first he hadn't been quite aware of her touch but the removal of it was sudden and gaping. Instead of feeling irritation or aggression like he was used to Einar felt ashamed, and dirty. They, the Demici, were so regal...so proper...how could the grimy and gritty people he served be considered equals now? Despite what she had said and promised he was still less than.

It didn't matter. He had come expecting to have the book shoved into his arms and forced back onto the sailor at gun point several hours ago. One small blemish was not going to ruin his temporary amnesty. Finding the book wouldn't be hard since everyone seemed to know exactly where it was at all times. Einar tightened his grip on his company's hand as he started walking back out of the building. The number of silent minutes that had filled the gap of time between leaving the palace and arriving at the monumental library was almost quadrupled as Einar turned corner after corner. When he stopped he had gotten himself sufficiently lost. True he knew the path back to the archives as knowing where one was at all times had been drilled into him as a necessity by the Nalju, but everything was so forigen he couldn't help feel lost. He glanced around.

Small kiosks, shops, peddlers still hawking their goods, all cramped in a middle sized ally with brightly colored tapestries hanging above them creating shady canopies, though the time of day to stay out of the heat had come and gone. Some spoke different languages, many spoke the same as Einar. That was somehow unexpected as he'd assumed the people around him were more....different. A finger twitched and reminded him that he was still holding Naadia's hand. Einar turned to look at her, not sure what he was feeling and there fore giving nothing away on his face. "I'm used to eating once every few hours, and it's been some time since you had anything substantial. If we could find something to eat while we walked, that would be preferable..." He trailed off, ears picking up a vaguely familiar sound even among all of the hustle and bustle "Since I haven't seen the open ocean in years."

[Naadia Demici]

His sudden initiative had left Naadia pleasantly surprised; it also made her rethink her insisting of visiting the archives. Surely, she was overly thrilled with the largest collection of books in this part of the known universe, but she also allowed others to pursue interests that were different than hers, without questioning their validity. Hunger was a perfectly good reason to take a complete detour away from the repository, as she let the blond man guide her through a maze of streets, leaving the impression he knew not where he was going. A light chuckle escaped her chocolate coloured lips when Einar finally stopped, turning to her for directions. Dark brown eyes glistened under the light of the torches that illuminated busy streets of Saffia, a few people still rushing to numerous sites where the festivities would be celebrated.

''Wait.... In this direction...'' the brunette barely managed, leading him through one especially narrow ally, her finger faintly caressing the outstretched flesh that connected his thumb and index finger. The gesture was half reflexive as it was half intended, mostly aimed to calm him down in his wandering spree. At that moment, Naadia looked away, in a genuine attempt to hide the spark in her eye, a definite sign of her growing affection for the northener that, like a youthful cub, followed his mistress to an outing bathed in last rays of the sun. As they emerged onto a plateau that overlooked the vast body of water, oil like surface spanning as far as the eye can see, the brunette dared to look back, her pulpy lips parting to stretch into a kind smile, white teeth showing.

''The ocean. Just as you wanted.'' she stated, briefly glancing to the horizon. The view was truly majestic, the subtropical landscape framing a long sandy beach that extended to both sides under the stone pier they were standing, dainty waves clashing against stone pillars to produce a relaxing ruffle. Quite conveniently, the pier itself was the location of Naadia's favourite restaurant - The Nocturnus, a place she went when dishes of the court bored her taste buds.
''Allow me to buy you dinner, Einar Gudleifer. After all, you are the reason I have returned to Saffia safe and sound. It is the least I can do...'' she offered, motioning towards a set of chairs and a table that overlooked the sunset.

Her gaze was enchanting as it was inviting; she cocked her head to the side, then offered a small playful wink in something that was just a step away from flirting.
Her attempt was clumsy, but nevertheless truthful; there was a growing sensation in her belly that propelled her to make moves or say sentences that would prolong his stay here indefinitely. Counting every second they were together, she stashed the reminiscences away, absorbing every moment in his vicinity, learning the way he was.

[Einar Gudleifer]

She was intelligent and far more so than he would ever hope to be and it was her greatest strength. Given the resources he was sure she could orchestrate the galactic council like a well practiced musician; A powerful person to have on one's side. But she was more than just a title and presence. She was making his stomach spasm in delightfully ticklish fits. Maybe eating just then wasn't a great idea. He was doubly sure he'd made the right decision when she winked at him and his face flashed hot.

Until that point he'd only allowed himself to glance down and study small portions of her face but he genuinely stared at her for a long minute, not sure what to make of her. Sometimes she acted as noble born as her title suggested and others it seemed she almost tripped over herself as she went out of her way to be a normal person. He'd never seen the throne either status or in much of a burden; leading and controlling people wasn't hard at all. New thoughts and ideas swirled around in his head, hardly able to conceive one before another struck him. Einar knew he was not closed minded but after spending a few hours with Naadia he was entertaining so many more, sometimes foreign, thoughts.

Again he was reminded of their physical connection when he took a step towards the beach and his hand tugged in hers. He was going to miss that when he left. It somehow made it seem as if he could understand her better, and understanding alleviated part of the unease and energetic shivers she caused in him. Part of him didn't like the enigma that surrounded Naadia, it was much easier to carry out orders. He knew that was the part of him comforted by the security of his slavery, the part he didn't like, the part he didn't listen to. Einar resettled his grip on Naadia's hand and gave it another small tug, nodding towards the white foam tipped waves crashing on the beach. "If they are open now, then they will be open when we come back. Tell me about what you will do once I return to the north. The peace talks have all but failed and I can't help thinking you are the only reason your father keeps trying. It's useless to ask the Nalju to see things any way but their own, Naadia."

[Naadia Demici]

The ebony haired woman barely managed to suppress the bewilderment his gesture instigated within her; just when she had hoped they would dine together in peace, Einar abruptly changed the plans in a way she could never complain. Her lips slightly parted as he reinstalled his hand on hers, with Naadia gladly accepting and using their physical connection as an excuse to position herself closer to him.

As the two descended onto an endless sandy beach, wet sand permeated through the rifts on her sandals, fine crystalline particles brushing against her skin. The tumult of the moving waters brought a scent of freshness indigenous to the oceanic shore, dispersing minute salty droplets into a hazy suspension that glimmered in the fading sunlight.

''I will never stop trying, Einar. I yearn to see our two houses establish peace... These tensions wear us all out. I am sure both my father and your master are tired. It is my mission, as future Countess, to ensure all of Serenno is unified. I do not intend to change the Nalju, but merely allow them to partake in decisions concerning the entire planet. A partnership, not domination. I never had aspirations towards anything the Nalju owned.'' she discoursed as they strolled down the beach, her gaze distant, pasted to the horizon.

''At least, not until now.'' Naadia added in a lower, barely audible tone, shrinking inwardly in a genuine display of shyness. The corners of her mouth curved upwards in the faintest of smiles, her bronze cheeks accommodating a subtle surge of blood. Gathering courage from the depth of her gut, the daughter of Demici re-emerged instead of locking up thoughts and feelings inside her head.

''I'd rather not think of the moment when you leave until it comes. I assure you, you would be greatly missed. It seems to me you are the closest I have to a friend, Einar Gudleifer. It is a luxury I was never able to afford, until now. Perhaps you should write to me. So that I am not so easily forgotten...'' she trailed off, the civil tone in which she spoke augmented by an uncanny lustre in her dark orbs.

[Einar Gudleifer]

"I strongly doubt simple writing will make the absence of the person who liberated me, even for a night, any more tolerable." Instantly he looked to Naadia with a slightly shocked expression on his face and then averted his eyes upward, and scratched the tip of his nose with his free hand.

Einar hadn't expected to blurt out what was on the forefront of his mind. It had seemingly happened while his brain had walked away for a few seconds and he wasn't able to stop the foolishness he was speaking. He gazed over to the water line and tried to calm down the thoughts buzzing around in his head. "I don't think you give yourself enough credit Naadia. You will not be forgotten so easily as this.

With the current tension between the houses, and given the choice, I don't know if I'd be willing to try and stop them; But simply clean up after their fighting and establish a planet wide government while they were weak. You make me want to conduct myself as more than a fighting man."

He stopped to look at the darker woman's hand holding his. Fine grains of sand and salt had caught on her skin and made it sparkle as the sun's last rays flashed across the sky. Once ore he was reminded of how foreign she, and her world, were to him but made it seem oddly comforting at the same time. "The future is agreeably depressing, and the present is tense. So can I ask about your life growing up here? And..." he looked up from her hand to her eyes, hopeful she would answer his question, "And what you said you found out about mine?"

[Naadia Demici]

''My life was spent amidst books, Einar Gudleifer. But there were times...times long gone, when I walked these shores as a child and collected seashells. My step-brothers made castles in the sand. All seemed to harmonious and simple... But much has changed since then. Tension rose between the Houses once again and blood was shed... It was when my people started dying that I had to lift my head up from the books...and attempt to change something.'' the bronze skinned woman finished off in a wistful tone, her gaze falling to the wet sand of the oceanic shore where small seashells lay scattered.

A warm breeze blew from the billow, making the silken fabric of her dress waver behind her like a white halo. Her fingertips gently caressed the region between his thumb and index finger in an absent minded manner; the daughter of Demici was not aware of the subtle gesture she had displayed towards the fair-haired Northener. But his skin felt as smooth as that of an infant - it was hard to believe that a man of his occupation had such tender complexion. She then remembered what she had learned about him for a handful of credits. Without uttering another word, she stepped towards the shallow waters of the shoal and walked into the sea, her eyes beckoning him to follow when she pulled him along. Standing in water reaching half way up to her calves, waves splashing against her dress, Naadia crouched to scoop up some fresh water off the tip of a wave and held it in her palm. She then approached him to stand half a foot away from him, seriously invading his personal space in doing so. Her hand was brought about close to his face and soon enough, cool droplets trickled down his forehead and cheeks - a welcomed refreshment in such a heated evening.

''I know you are not from this place, Einar. And I know you are not human. Your race heals quickly and thus has such flawless complexion...'' the brunette trailed off, letting her palm cup his cheek, smearing remaining moistness into his skin, against his beard.
''...and this is also why you will probably outlive me. Your kind are warriors, yet civilized and merciful. Honor, valor, pride. And also...I know there is more royal blood in you than there is in me.'' she concluded, unsure if he was familiar with that particular piece of information. Perhaps it was kept hidden from him, not to endanger his sense of servitude. But Naadia deemed he deserved to know of his roots and his heritage - one needed to know from where one stemmed so that one may know where one was going.

[Einar Gudleifer]

The ebony woman in front of him had never lied before, had never tried to trick him, and had given him much more than he had ever hoped for on the trip outside of Carrania. But this news of Royal Blood was new to him. He had known from a young age that he wasn't human, ever since he'd been whipped with a metal chord and never suffered a scar, though what he was still remained a partial mystery to him. All he knew was that there weren't many of his kind left in the galaxy and those that were were presumed lost in space.

"You know my thoughts about titles." The sea water trickling down his face and onto his chest with it's thin layer of sweat sent shivers down his arms and chilled his body to the bone. "If what you say is true I have the chance to practice my ideals, I can not let that slip away from me. So I would ask that," a hand was lifted and gently placed just above her shoulder, closer to her neck line, "you...keep this a secret from everyone else. People will know me for who I am and my actions not by what is in front of my name."

Fingers trailed up her arm hardly grazing across her skin and then settling around her darker ones. Einar held her hand against his face where it was, unguarded and dealing with a new sensation he wanted to memorize the feeling it gave him. Until that moment he'd never realized that he hadn't felt safe, always solitary, and never at peace. It was a feeling he didn't want to let go. The blond man slid her hand across his face until her fingertips were over his lips. "My time here has been....a gift." He wanted to say more about how much she had done for him he hadn't expected and how he'd always be indebted to her for it, but couldn't find any words to express his feelings. The man quietly let her hand down but not letting go and alternated between gazing at her and the ocean. "This war has to stop, or you won't have time to read your books..."

[Naadia Demici]

When her fingertips ran over his lips, shivers spread down her back, sensational vines wrapping around her spine to induce a foreign, yet exhilarating feeling with her gut. The flesh of his lips was flawless, as if completely unaffected by the harsh climate of his place of residence, everlasting cold doing little to scorch the balmy texture. Briefly squirming like a twig in the wind, Naadia canted her head to the side and absorbed every word the fair-haired man uttered. She felt her heart throb in her chest, ascending to pound in her throat, virtually leaving her breathless.

''My books...'' she managed, speaking under her breath until comprehending herself, once again acquiring coherence of her wandering thoughts. Savouring his vicinity, Naadia took one step closer that brought her torso close enough to his chest to feel his body heat irradiating his immediate surroundings. It was a bold move for a woman who grew up isolated from the delectable art of courting, but she was not completely unfamiliar with the mannerism of body language. It took a great deal of resolute and audacity to approach a man in this way, but the Countess did not hesitate.

''My books can wait. There will be no progress without peace. No prosperity without a truce. I have spent enough time in libraries, Einar. I must learn how to reign. But not by iron fist or sword, but with geniality and prudence...'' she trailed off, closing her eyes when a feeble breeze brushed past by them, wavering white fabric away to reveal portions of tattoos that adorned her shoulders and collar bone.

''But you know this... I have heard the blood of kings runs through your veins and a prophecy that speaks of a ruler-less nation who eagerly wait the return of their heir. But fear not, I shall never speak of this to anyone... your secret is safe with me. The truth is... from the very first moment I saw you, I knew you were exalted from the shackles that were placed upon you. The truth is... I traversed to Carannia in hope to see you, to learn more of you. And there you were, clairvoyant under a waterfall. And a part of me... made me step onto that twig.'' she finalized, inhaling deeply to prevent herself from suffocating in her long-winded monologue. With eyelids still shut, Naadia brought her face parallel to his, beard brushing against her cheek.

''My time with you has been...freedom.'' the Countess whispered, skies fading into nightly hues as the sun disappeared behind the watery horizon, leaving Saffia shrouded in a dissolving mist of yet another evening. The reverberant hum of festivities diffused though the air, perfectly augmented by ruffling of the waves that bewailed their feet. Time seemed to stop, captivating the two in a crescendo where only one ingredient separated it from perfection, with the Countess leaving it to Einar to decide whether he would add it or not. Indeed, true freedom was the freedom of choice.

[Einar Gudleifer]

It was so soft it was possible that it could have very well been a breeze, or might not have been anything more than wishful thinking. The only telltale sign that anything had happened at all was the way he ever so slightly licked his bottom lip. 'I think we should go before we're caught and I have my head removed from it's set of shoulders.' But he didn't say it even though it was the only understandable thought in his head; he simply pulled his head away several inches. Every other piece of information was still in it's root form. Soft, warm, faint taste, clean clothes, moist.

He stood taller than her and was intimidating to be around but at that moment the blond man from the hard north looked down at his feet, afraid of a rebuke. In no way was what he had just done proper for either of them. And if, somehow, the feud between the two great houses could be overlooked he wasn't even close to being acceptable for her family. The barely there kiss was wrong in many ways but....

Einar started to lean in again only to quickly stop, silently searching Naadia's face for any signal that he should stop, the faintest shake of her head. Slowly he leaned in until his lips touched hers for a second. Again he pulled away but only a fraction of an inch, more to close his eyes and engrave the moment into his memory. Another kiss, longer and unafraid of letting the racing excitement from the sensual moment drive his actions. However wrong the appearences and social complications might be....she was simply....right.

His right arm curled around her waist, the right arm mirroring it only a few inches higher but holding her to him with a gentle security. He needed to say something, apologize for not asking, tell her he would leave her alone if she wanted, express just how amazing she was. He broke away for one whole second in which he had time to look at her face again, but that was enough to doom him to press his lips to her's just once more; stoubornly locking his with her's in an attempt to stall time and keep their moment alive for a while longer.

[Naadia Demici]

A myriad of quivers overwhelmed her entire being when his lips met her's; his beard and moustache in stark contrast with the silken texture of his lips. As flesh intertwined in a full-fledged kiss, her hands wandered around his waist to grab the linen cloth of his tunic and pull him closer, until her own lush bust firmly rested against Einar's sculpted chest. With fingers buried in fabric in an instinctive spasm, Naadia's breath deepened as she ravenously returned the kiss, no reluctance or regret loitering within her. Just as she allowed herself to catch some air by briefly nudging her head backwards, a warm breeze blew over the two of them, carrying a few blond strands of hair across the Firrereo's face. With barely an inch separating their faces, the bronze skinned woman managed to find words to speak again.

''Don't leave...'' she whispered into the wind, left hand releasing grip and lifted to cup his cheek, thumb idly brushing against his stubble. The daughter of Demici was aware the Northener needed to return to Carrania, like the wolf needed to return to its den at the break of winter; it was inevitable and natural. Nevertheless, she pleaded him with her dark brown orbs, begging him to stay for a while longer in hope just to be once again kissed or touched.

''Do not leave until you have tasted heaven.'' Naadia said, leaning in to imprint yet another feeble kiss, her balmy breath grazing his visage. A wave splashed against their bodies, uninvited yet welcomed. Wetted textile adhered against skin, delineating curves and disclosing flesh that was hidden before. The Countess took a few steps back, providing Einar with the opportunity of indulging in the creases of pure, immaculate femininity wrapped in lint, droplets of water glimmering under the last light of the day.

Wordlessly, she turned and ran through the shallow waters, through the sandy shoal; free as ever, her long ebony hair fluttering behind her in a dark cascade, Naadia dashed towards an abandoned ruin some half a mile down the shore. Only when she reached the desolated edifice did she turn to see if he was following, short of breath and completely soaked.

[Einar Gudleifer]

He was on her like a fox after a spring hare for a mere split second instincts and lessons beaten into him took over. He couldn't let a Demici get away, couldn't. She might go tell someone and then he would be....far less vertical in stature. But as cool ocean water cracked around his shins, droplets and blue strings of pearl broke over his face it brought him back to his senses. She wasn't going to bring harm to him, as strange a thought as that was.

This Demici had removed the status of his adopted name, rank, and vassalage; freed him. Naadia had given him the time of day which was more than even the Nalju soldiers he gave orders to bestowed on him. She had payed attention if only for a brief time but that was enough to earn alligence without prejudice. Naadia would have what she wanted. In short order he fell into a steady lope behind her quietly letting the excited tingling build up.

He started stopping before she did, feet digging deeper into the sand to slow his momentum, still he passed infront of her and took a spare moment to eye the ruins for any persons. Seeing none his lips automatically found hers, forehead settling onto hers. "These moments are yours Naadia, you have already given me more than I can repay." Uncharacteristicly smooth fingers snaked between her's and he gave the smallest of tugs towards the depths of the building's reminents, a flickering smile trying to communicate that she didn't have to do anything but what she did ask for would be hers.