Chances

[Max452]

Dastan rode silently into Uru'baen, his horse neighing as they stopped within the courtyard. Dastan glanced behind him, to Allecia. He had gotten to know her throughout their recent travels. She had an interesting life, for one who seemed immortal and youthful. He, of course, shared stories about himself. He wondered absently if she ever judged him for serving the Empire, rather than the Varden. Most people did. Once a traitor, always a traitor. Were some things he heard. Mere whispers, perhaps, but it still hurt Dastan. All he ever wanted was peace and he believed that the Empire provided those chances.

His eyes again, glanced at Allecia. She was indeed a beautiful woman. After their travels, Dastan had realized that the woman held a special place in his heart. He didn't know or recall when it had happened. It just did. It surprised him, and terrified him at the same time. Perhaps it was because he divulged himself completely to her when they talked. Their conversations were honest ones. He wondered if Allecia knew how he felt about her. He tried to hide it, fearing what it would mean, but his eyes, he couldn't hide it in his eyes. So, lately, he hadn't been meeting her eyes, for fear that she would see the weakness and feelings he had for her. He quickly turned back to face the castle. Hopping off his horse, he went to place him in the stables. "This way." He told Allecia, avoiding her eyes; a recent custom he had developed.

[Tismri]

Allecia rode through the streets of the familiar city. Although it had been years since she had last visited, really not much had changed. Faces and names, but not the buildings. Those things lived on. After she dismounted in the courtyard, she observed Dastan for a long moment. During her travels with him, she had learned much about the boy. He seemed ready and willing to be perfectly honest with her. She had not been quite so forthcoming, in all honesty. Though everything she ever told him was the truth, she had far from told him everything.
She noticed how he had been avoiding her eyes for the past few days. He seemed almost embarrassed to look at her. The thought amused her highly. He seemed infatuated with her, truth be told. When she'd first realized, her inital thought was how to use this to her advantage. But she quickly realized he was too smart for that. When it came down to it, she knew he would see through any manipulation she might try on him. He reminded her of Cleon in that way...
A stab went through her heart. How long ago had it been since Cleon was killed? Too long, and something about Dastan's presence reminded her of him. There were many slight similarities, though there were even more differences. She couldn't help but compare the two.
"So, what are we going to do now?" she asked curiously as he led her.

[Max452]

Dastan led Allecia to the stables where a servant took their horses to house them. "I must report to Commander Murtagh or Vana and inform them of my travels, and introduce you to them. If they will it, we shall see the King, but since I am no Rider, I doubt I will have that privilege. I also need to give them the emerald." He explained, having told her about the Emerald awhile ago. "After that, well, I am not quite sure...I usually just wait for another mission...and just keep to myself. Um, would you like to venture together in the city? I am sure there are some things that might fascinate someone such as yourself." He gave her a tentative smile as he gazed into her eyes. He immediately averted them, feeling embarrassed. "Perhaps there is even a carnival today. The city holds them once and awhile. Its full of games and entertainment."

***
Kyler poked his head out of his door, making sure no one was around. He was getting tired of sneaking around the castle just to visit the door that was just down the hall. Typhon had gone off hunting, perhaps with Viel, and wouldn't be back until the evening, and so, Kyler took this opportunity to get Vana out to have some fun. He heard there was a festival being held outside the city. The coast clear, Kyler walked quietly to Vana's door, knocking. He hoped she was in her room and not on her usual rounds inspecting the castle.

[Tismri]

Allecia smirked slightly at the thought of meeting Galbatorix. She had seen him once, some time ago. It was Cleon who had alerted the group of Urgals to his presence, and incited the battle which resulted in the death of Galbatorix's dragon. At the same time, she had managed to become a trusted advisor of one of the Riders' counsel, and she had manipulated them into a course that would eventually drive the Rider in his course of madness, thus creating the world as it was to this day. She wondered if the man who now claimed to be king would recognize her from those early days.
She raised her eyebrow at the mention of a carnival. "Well that does sound fun," she told him, smiling. "Just sitting around waiting would likely get boring."

[Max452]

Dastan laughed. "Aye. I'm not likely to do well when I have nothing to do." He replied, glad that Allecia seemed to be considering his offer. "Come, we shall see if Rider Vana is around." He smiled briefly before leading her inside. He could feel the weight of the Emerald inside his pocket. For some reason, ever since he found the gem, or perhaps when he befriended Allecia (he wasn't quite sure which), he had felt like he was getting closer to his true self. It was hard to describe, but Dastan wondered if he should truly give the Emerald to the king if he meant that he would wander in the darkness again..but then again, Allecia was around to keep him honest. He stole a glance at her as he kept his silent longings to himself. A woman should not be allowed to affect a man so easily.

[Trinn]

Vana sat at her nightstand beside the bed, gazing at her reflection in the mirror. Her mind was abuzz with thoughts, as well as frequent visions of Viel's hunt. She felt a thrill in her own stomach as her bond took down a stout stag. Sighing, she reached up to her head and took out her braid. Her long blond hair fell around her face, framing her sharp features. She knew that she should be doing rounds about the castle grounds, but she had ordered two other riders to do that tonight. The armor that usually encased her body lay nearby in a chest, leaving her feeling light and airy with nothing but her tunic and leather pants on. Taking up a comb, Vana began to brush through her hair, a task she hadn't practiced in a while. Warriors didn't have time for pretty hair, after all. There was then an unexpected knock at the door. Her eyes narrowed at the sound. Standing, she went to answer the door, picking up the red blade Domia on the way. Opening the door a crack, she was pleasantly surprised to find Kyler standing on the other side.

"Hello, Kyler." She said, smiling slightly. She opened the door a bit wider and gestured for him to come in.

[Max452]

"Good day, Vana." Kyler grinned down at her as he entered into the room. His mind was ablaze as he noted her relaxed apparel. His eyes wandered to her fitting tunic. Oh, Vana, you are killing me... He thought to himself. This was one of the rare occassions that he had found Vana without her armour, and he knew which style he preferred. She seemed more natural and herself without her armour, in his opinion. "You are beautiful." He told her as he wandered to the couch and leaned against the arm. His eyes drifted again to her form and he momentarily forgot why he had come in the first place. It was only when he caught an image of Typhon attacking an elk, that he recalled his main purpose. He smiled as he gazed into her eyes. "So, I was thinking, that we should have a bit of fun today. I managed to finish my duties early, and I thought that we should visit the carnival today. I think it would be fun to relax a bit." He told her, trying very hard to focus on her face and not further down.

OOC: Boys...lol

[Tismri]

Allecia smiled and looped her arm around Dastan's, allowing him to guide her through the castle which she probably knew better than he did.
"Yes, let's," she agreed with him. "I am very interested in meeting people. I haven't been to this city in many years...not since it was still known as Ilirea." She glanced aside at Dastan, wondering if he was getting more used to her referring to her age. She hadn't shared about her true nature with anyone in so long, it felt good to actually be honest with someone...to an extent.
"Tell me, what are carnivals like these days? I haven't been to one in centuries. I'm fairly certain their nature would have changed during that time."

[Trinn]

"Good day, Kyler." Vana returned as she closed the door behind him. She noticed the way his eyes traveled across her body, and she felt a slight flush rise in her cheeks. Being dressed without armor made her feel more vulnerable, in more ways than one. The blush darkened a bit on Kyler's compliment. "Thank you." she said as she came to stand near him, subconsciously reaching up to make sure her hair was in order. She felt fluttery then in the moment of silence that followed, wondering what Kyler was thinking. Her own mind began to wander towards unseemly thoughts, but Kyler spoke up then, and her mind focused.
"Carnival?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm not sure if I should attend... a general of the King's would be an odd sight to see there..." she fumed, conflicted. "Though it sounds intriguing."

[Max452]

Dastan's mind and heart raced upon Allecia's action. Having her closer to him was causing breathtaking. He was lost in his own bewildered emotions that he barely registered what she had said. "Has it been that long?" He wondered out loud, finding it a bit unnerving that she had been here nearly a century or so ago, but at the same time, in awe. He wondered how different it was then. His mind became more clear as they walked along. "Well, I don't know what kinds of carnivals you are familiar with, but these are mostly centered on games, plays, taverns, and well, more games. There is a lot of food too. I hear that it attracts other cities to come. They sometimes have contests against one another. I suppose its the King's way to keep the people assured that things are still normal." He said with a shrug. It was then he spotted Selene, seemingly on her rounds. She continued to pass them until Dastan spoke up.
"Oh, Argetlam!" Dastan stopped the stoic Rider. She said nothing, but by the way she held herself, she seemed a bit impatient.
"I was wondering if you know where Rider Vana is? I have my mission to report to her."
"She is off-duty at the moment. I have been assigned her duties this day." She replied. "Was your mission successful?" She asked, getting to the point. She glanced over at Allecia, wondering who the woman was, especially when her arm was looped about Dastan's.
"Uh, Aye. It is." He felt a bit unnerved with Selene's bluntness and roving eyes at his connected arm with Allecia's. He reached in his pocket and showed her the silver gem. Selene's eyes widened, almost hypnotically staring at it. "Is that..." Her voice trailed off. "We must deliver this to the King at once!" She ordered with authority. She curtly turned around and hurried to the King's throne room, indicating that Dastan and Allecia should follow.
"I guess we get to see the King." He told Allecia as he followed Selene to the throne room.

***
Kyler continued to smile as he brought his arms around her waist, pulling her a bit closer. He was a bit amused at Vana's blush. "Aye, a carnival." He leaned his head upward, as Vana was slighty taller while he sat against the arm of the couch. His lips hovered over hers. "I'm not asking the General of King's to the carnival. I am asking you." The words came out as a whisper. "It'll be fun; I promise. Just forget you're a General for a day and have fun with me...unless you think we can have fun doing something else." He asked her coyly, purposely teasing her as he hovered his lips over hers. He loved trying to test her will power sometimes.

[Trinn]

Fighting back the blush in her cheeks, Vana kept herself composed. Her hands, however, found themselves on Kyler's shoulders. She was intensely aware of their closeness. "Well, in that case," she began, letting her lips settle closer to his, "I shall be delighted to accompany you to this carnival." Unable to help herself, she let her lips gently touch Kyler's, and immediately she felt more relaxed, and yet more alive. Her body drew closer to his, the kiss grew more passionate. Then, a brief image of a slaughtered stag raced through her mind, and she pulled back from Kyler. "Ah, well, I will just put my hair up and I will be read to go." she said, clearing her throat and backing away.

[Max452]

Kyler felt the pit of his stomach grow light as it seemed it was Vana who was testing his will power. Her lips drew closer to his, to a point that he could almost taste her. His breathing sped up as he felt her breath on his face, a hidden desire of his surfacing. Their lips finally touched then, causing him to smile with pleasure. Their kiss was slow and Kyler took the opportunity to enjoy each sensation. Apparently, Vana thought the same thing as he did: this kiss was way too slow. Passion filled, Kyler kissed Vana with as much urgency and eagerness as she. His hands slid passed her waist, desiring her to come closer, but then, suddenly, she pulled back. Kyler's mind was still shuffled from the kiss that he, again, forgot everything else. "Go where?" He asked, perplexed for a moment. Another moment passed, and he remembered. "Ah, right...the carnival." He smiled sheepishly and at her comment, he raised an alluring eyebrow. "I like it down." He refrained from saying anything further, for fear of his cheeks glowing bright red. He stood up then, a soft, but geniune smile on his face.

"Uh, Vana...I have to tell you something..." A thought had crossed his mind then. It had been weeks since the battle near Dras-Leona, but Kyler's conscious was bugging him. He had to tell Vana about his involvement with the Varden, but he never had the courage. He knew how much she detested traitors, even if his wasn't really a betrayal, he wondered if that mattered to her. It was still, in essence, dilvulging information with the enemy. That was enough for betrayal, or atleast, that was what Kyler would think Vana thought. "uh..." His courage failed him. "uh, you don't need to bring any weapons...a day of fun, okay?" He mentally groaned. He must have sounded so stupid just now. How was he going to tell her? and what would she think and say? Would it end their relationship? A sudden fear gripped him. He didn't want to lose her...

[Trinn]

Vana had gathered her hair in her hands, about to twist her locks into a braid. However, at Kyler's comment, she paused, then let her hair fall back down over her shoulders. She would be less noticeable at the carnival this way, perhaps. "No weapons?" she repeated, feeling even more uneasy about that aspect. She looked down at Domia, unsure if she could walk out into public without the blade. "Alright, then." she finally agreed. Unbuckling the riders blade from around her waist, the hid the sword under her bed for safety's sake. Domia fit her hand perfectly, and she would hate to have to find another rider's sword that did not match her as well. Moving next to a chest, Vana retrieved a dagger. She slid the blade into her boot to hide it. "Just in case." she said to Kyler. Going to his side, she took his hand and gestured to the door. "Believe it or not, I'm a bit excited about going to this carnival. It's been ages since I've done something so... lighthearted."

[Max452]

Kyler watched with some amusement as Vana left her hair down. He was constantly being distracted by her form as she went about placing Domia under her bed and grabbing a dagger. He nodded when she explained why. "Of course." He smiled at her, beaming. Of course, he wouldn't tell her about his hidden sais. Just in case.

He gripped her hand with happiness as they walked out of her room. "Really?" He looked at her, a bit surprised. "Well then," his smile turned mischievous. "I'm going to make sure you have extra fun today." He squeezed her hand. "After all, everyone needs a day to relax, or else we're going to die out from exhaustion and stress." He glanced at her, his charming smile in play, "And what's even better, for me, is I get to spend it with the woman I love. Come on, I can't wait." He pulled her along as they exited the castle and into the raging carnival within the city. There were so many booths that consisted of games, food, and entertainment for everyone. Kyler glanced around, excited to spend time with Vana, although there was still the gnawing feeling that he needed to confess to her soon. "What'd you want to do first?" He asked her, pushing down his guilt.

[Tismri]

Allecia raised an eyebrow as Dastan describe a modern carnival. It seemed not as much had changed as she had first supposed. The contests between cities was something new. And the games were likely of a different sort. She would have to see.
She gazed at the woman Dastan spoke to with cool eyes. So this was one of Galbatorix's Riders. She seemed a dark sort, expressing no emotion. Allecia wondered what her dragon was like. She gave the Emerald a glance as Dastan took it out of his pocket to show to Selene. Allecia really didn't understand the fuss over the things. So they were magical items with the power to alter the fate of the world. She was exactly the same.
She gave a small sigh as Dastan told her they were going to see the king. "And here I was hoping we could see the carnival you spoke of," she said, her voice disappointed. "No matter, I suppose. It will be interesting meeting 'the king.'"