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Post by Max452 on Mar 23, 2013 15:42:36 GMT -5
Various emotions welled up in Antien as he stared down at the letter from his father; all stemming from concern and duty. The blacksmith's grey eyes flickered back to the center of the letter.
Queen Arya continues to send support to Queen Nasuada, but I fear that the abomination has taken a stronger hold over the land than we had anticipated. We are not as strong as we once were; our people are being outnumbered by these vagabonds that infest the land. Illeia Feon is in ruins as the Shade Rider's troops have invaded a portion of Du Weldenvarden. Queen Arya has sent our kin, along with myself, to assist, but with our main infantry more focused on defending Illeria, I fear Illeia Feon and the surrounding cities are lost (as you know that those cities are on the farthest outskirts of the land).
Worry not, my son. We will not allow this abomination to continue to plague our home. As the battle draws closer, I fear, I will not be able to write as often as I wish. I know you will wish to join us, but this cannot be. Wyrda has dictated that you remain in New Doru Arabea - to train and secure the next generation of Riders. You have a precious duty, my son. Honor it well.
Be safe, Antien.
- Your Father.
Antien couldn't help the feelings that welled up in him the second time he read the letter. His father was right; he wanted to go and aid Illeia Feon. It was his people! His father was there! Fighting and defending peace and hope from the accursed Shade Rider. Out of frustration, Antien threw the hammer in his hand at an unoffending wall. The ringing of the hammer surprised him and he stared at it, astounded at how...human...his action was. He glanced down at the letter again, debating on what to do. Though he enjoyed and honored his calling here in New Doru Arabea, the calling of duty and home struck his very core. What was he to do? Abandon his people so that he could train and mend swords? He was a skilled craftsmen of metal, wood, and other material, but his most skill resided in the art of death. He would be a great asset in aiding in the war on the front lines. Antien's heart was torn: did he remain here or did he go and fight?
The confused elf gracefully went to his thrown hammer and retrieved it. In addition to his duty here, Antien was inclined to stay for one other reason: Eva. Though he was careful not to show his growing desire and love for the young human Rider, Antien could sometimes not help the longing glances he gave her, or even, (thank goodness Eos did not catch him), the lingering touches during Eva's combat training. The tearing feeling in Antien's mind frustrated further. Eva was growing into a fine warrior...speaking of which...Antien glanced over to the time piece that was situated at his main work station. It was time to meet Eva for their daily training. Gathering his things, and with some failed attempts, his thoughts, Antien rushed to meet Eva at their sparring courtyard - the one that she had first suggested to him for their first spar, and he, despite himself, always suggested to return to. A romantic spot, his heart would say. A private and more suitable spot for training, his brain would retort.
~~~
Antien arrived at the courtyard, just as a chilling wind jostled the leaves and early leaf blossoms of the birch trees. The elf's grey eyes scanned the courtyard for his diligent and infatuating student; his features and body language expressing slight tension as he hid his inner dilemma.
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Post by Trinn on Mar 25, 2013 17:56:11 GMT -5
A multitude of tiny sparks floated in the blackness of Eva's subconscious. Colonies of insects had returned from their hibernation, had hatched from their eggs, a sure sign that spring had laid it's gentle touch on the land again. Eva inhaled deeply in her meditation, taking in the sweet, rejuvenating smell of the season. Eos was a distant star in her mind. The dragon had went off into the outskirts of Bromsland to hunt, which in a way pleased Eva. It meant she would have a more private session with Antien today.
And then Antien's presence struck her mind, the brightest light yet in the darkness of her mind. His presence burned like the sun, overpowering anything else. She opened her eyes slowly as she woke from the meditation, the green of her iris's bright from the practice. Even awake, Antien was still as brilliant as the sun. Standing, Eva stepped away from the large birch tree she had been resting against and bowed to her tutor and secret love. The happiness she felt at seeing him dimmed slightly when she really looked into his face. "Are you all right, Antien?" She asked, sensing a tightness in his eyes that normally she never saw.
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Post by Max452 on Mar 25, 2013 20:09:47 GMT -5
Antien spotted Eva against a birch tree, and despite himself, studied her peaceful figure. Her casual appearance, mixed in with her scent that he could identify anywhere, helped his trouble mind relax. He breathed in slowly, wondering how Eva could affect him so. His mind was still troubled by his Father's letter, but it was less tense than a moment before now that he had felt Eva's presence.
Antien's eyes wandered over Eva's figure before he stopped himself; that was inappropriate. He glanced around, wondering where Eos was, when he sensed Eva motioning to stand. His grey eyes returned to Eva, but held a more guarded expression as she opened her eyes to greet him. She bowed to him and he desperately wished she wouldn't; he wanted her as an equal - in more ways than one.
At her inquiry, Antien tensed more visibly as the letter drew itself to the forefront of his mind. He had hoped that he could hide his dilemma, but it seemed that Eva had picked it up; quite instantly as well. It troubled and excited him that she could do so. Had she come to understand him more than he thought? He forced out a smile.
"Aye, you seem to read me well now, Eva." He silently walked over until he stood before her. "Do not worry; I do not wish to trouble you with my burdens." He honestly replied; she had enough to deal with and he did not want to add to the ever growing pile of concerns he knew she harbored. "Um, shall we continue our lessons today? Are you feeling well? I know yesterday's lesson was a bit taxing; you did extrememly well against the three elves I had you spar with; your skills are growing." He tried to change the topic away from himself, though his tone seemed distant as his thoughts were still divided between the beauty before him and that of his father.
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Post by Trinn on Mar 27, 2013 18:58:03 GMT -5
Eva gave barely a thought to yesterday's training session. Her mind was occupied with whatever it was that troubled Antien. Idly, she unbuckled her sword from around her waist and gently set the yellow opalescent sheath against the smooth ivory bark of a birch tree. Rolling back the long cream colored sleeves of her tunic, Eva prepared for a hand to hand duel. "I don't believe you." she said, and stepped closer to him. "Call it a woman's intuition. Better yet, a dragon rider's intuition." She had to tilt her head up a bit to look into his face, he was so tall. She felt herself stare into his gray eyes a little longer than she should have, and quickly backed away, fighting a blush. "Will you tell me, or must I beat it out of you?"
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Post by Max452 on Mar 28, 2013 20:52:38 GMT -5
Antien's eyes watched Eva carefully as she moved to place her sword against the birch tree, and continued to do so as she turned to address him. His eyes flickered away from her smooth skin and toward her eyes; he hoped she did not see how he was watching her. His heart skipped as she stepped closer, fueling the ardor he had for her. He remained silent as she tilted her head up toward him as he was desperately trying to maintain his composure, but for one split second, his eyes flashed with fiery desire. He was thankful, when, Eva backed away, giving him a sense of clarity; allowing his emotions to hide themselves away.
Antien sighed, thinking of Eva's concern and question. He couldn't help a playful smirk to form on his lips, nor the next words that escaped his mouth.
"Place me on my back and I'll happily tell you what you wish to know." He tensed. Did he just say that? He could not help himself! He adjusted himself into a fighting stance, hoping that Eva would be distracted from his movements to think of his words. If not, then his next move would: Antien lashed out with a right cross toward Eva's cheek.
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Post by Trinn on Apr 1, 2013 17:41:46 GMT -5
Place him on his back... Eva couldn't help it. This time she blushed. Her mind went to a place her mother would be ashamed of, nonetheless Eos, and she was doubly glad that her bond was out hunting far enough away that they couldn't easily read each others minds. Eva was so distracted that she was rather unprepared for Antien's sudden attack. Backpeddling, she tried to step out of reach of the punch, but caught it on her chin instead. The blow stung a little, but it also fueled her determination. Perhaps she could put him on his back!
Stepping lightly, she fluttered to Antien's left, before twirling to his right and kicking out at his stomach. Hand to hand fighting was like a dance. You had to be quick, and you had to move lightly.
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Post by Max452 on Apr 1, 2013 19:44:02 GMT -5
Antien's eyes flickered with momentary concern as his fist connected with Eva's chin, but it flickered away when he remembered that she was not a fragile creature. He would not coddle her. Concern was replaced with a excitment when Eva began to retaliate. Grey eyes followed her movement as they gracefully manuevered around him; he was beginning to understand a lot about her to know where she was going to attack - the way of knowing - and he had hoped that she was beginning to see him too.
Antien brought down his right elbow to block Eva's kick. He noticed her strength was increasing upon immediate contact. He smirked, feeling more playful than he had ever let on; something was different about today. The moment Antien blocked, he used the power of his hips to grant him the momentum needed behind his left fist as he aimed for Eva's exposed side. Can you see me, Eva? Antien's mind asked itself as he swung his fist, while his left hand moved to grip her kicking leg to force her into place.
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Post by Trinn on Apr 4, 2013 17:02:49 GMT -5
The touch of Antien's mind felt as natural as Eos's. His hand wrapped around her upraised leg, but Eva went with her momentum and kicked off the ground with her other leg, bringing her body up nearly horizontally. She spun in a horizontal figure eight, breaking free of Antien's grip as well as dodging his punch. Landing, in a half crouch, Eva studied him for a second, and barely brushed against his mind. Yes. was her simple answer.
Now rushing forward, Eva agilely half flipped around Antien's right side and landed somewhat behind him, where she directed a series of quick punches towards his rib cage.
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Post by Max452 on Apr 4, 2013 20:16:27 GMT -5
OOC: Opps, I had intended that question to be only in Antien's mind...but, hey! this way is better!
Antien allowed a soft smile to form as Eva managed to break free of his grasp. His eyes, almost predatory, as he watched her land before him. He readjusted his footing and stance, reading that Eva was going to launch a direct attack. His smile become one of bemusement as she answered him. Do you? His mind voice was surprisingly low as he replied to her. Grey eyes latched onto her figure as she elegantly maneuvered to attack him. He speedily twisted his hip to the right, allowing his arms to swoop in to dodge Eva's barrage of punches. Antien was sure that the speed they were fighting would be loss to a mere mortal. He continued his own blocks, before finding a small opening for his own attack. Timing it perfectly, Antien's left hand struck out toward Eva's heart, intending to connect with his fist. However, at the last moment, the side that was worried about Eva's wellbeing overcame him, and his fist opened into a palm strike - one less deadly than the fist, but still enough to cause pain. It was not an unnoticed move. Could she truly see him? To understand that small change in his fighting style? In the beginning of their lessons, Antien had told her that he would not coddle her, as she would best learn in unhindered fights. It seemed time slowed as his open palm continued toward its destination.
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Post by Trinn on Apr 4, 2013 20:42:01 GMT -5
For a moment during their spar, Eva felt bliss. It seemed they were in perfect harmony; dodging, blocking, fairly dancing about each other. But that blissful feeling was cut short when Eva realized what Antien was doing with his latest strike. He said he wasn't going to coddle her! Feeling angry now, Eva sidestepped and smacked Antien's open palm out of the way. Immediately after she dove at him, trying to tackle him to the ground. "You said you wouldn't coddle me!" She said aloud. "I can take a hit! I'm a dragon rider!" She was probably nothing but a blur of red hair and flashing green eyes. Perhaps Antien thought she wouldn't notice the quick change from fist to open palm, but ever since he said he would not go easy on her, she had held him to that promise. And now here he was, going back on that promise!
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Post by Max452 on Apr 4, 2013 21:16:50 GMT -5
Antien let out a mental groan as he realized the fury in Eva's eyes; she had noticed. Guilt overwhelmed him and his calm features soon became apologetic. "Eva...I..." He tried to explain his actions, but could not or rather, would not as she dove after him. Flustered with himself, Antien made no motion to stop her as she drove him onto the ground. The next thing he registered was that she was atop him. He stared up at her, half in shock and half in guilt as she yelled at him. His emotions were beginning to escape his control as she accused him of breaking his promise. Fueled by all the emotions he had locked away, Antien rose his face upward. "I thought you saw me, Eva." His voice graveled out in a low tone before he forcibly slammed his lips onto her's.
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Post by Trinn on Apr 4, 2013 21:27:22 GMT -5
Eva was forming a quick response to Antien's rebuttal, when in an instant, his lips were on hers. At first she became self conscious, feeling unworthy and pitiful compared to Antien. Yet soon after, she felt herself grow confident, almost victorious. His mouth was firm on hers, unyielding. That was good. She didn't want him to kiss her gently. Losing herself in the pleasure of his kiss, she returned it with fervor. She had yearned Antien's touch for so long now, having it seemed almost impossible. To know that he had chosen to kiss her was knowledge that left her feeling lightheaded and surreal. He had seemed so aloof at times, so unaware of her, that she second guessed her feelings towards him constantly. But she was rewarded now, and she didn't want it to end. There was nothing in this moment but him. I have always seen you. she whispered in his mind.
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Post by Max452 on Apr 4, 2013 21:46:51 GMT -5
Antien felt like a glutton as he kissed Eva; wanting more and more of her. For once, his mind was silent, no longer plaguing his mind with doubt and debate for Eva's love and affection. His sole focus was Eva; it felt right and perfect with her. Tired of fighting himself, Antien gave into his desires as he felt Eva's confidence grow in their kiss. They remained as such until Antien's lungs required air. Reluctantly, Antien pulled away, chest heaving for air as he stroked a strand of hair away from Eva's face. A contented smile marred his features, along with unbridled emotions behind his eyes; he finally allowed Eva to truly see all he felt. "I know." He whispered to her as his fingers gently stroked her cheek. "And I you." He would share with her, later, of how much he had yearned for her and his struggles, but for now, he was content with lying on his back and staring up at her. After a moment, Antien clearly registered their position. He gave her a playful smirk. "It seems you have placed me on my back." He teased her, before a flicker of pain reflected itself through his grey eyes. His father's letter. He cursed his mind for ruining his harmonious mood with Eva. What was he to do now?
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Post by Trinn on Apr 4, 2013 22:05:59 GMT -5
If not for Antien gently pulling away, Eva felt she would have kissed him until she passed out from want of proper air. As it was, she took in deep breaths to make up for what she had missed. Her head felt cloudy from the moment she had just shared with Antien, and it was still almost impossible to believe that he was lying beneath her, smiling at her in such an intoxicating way. Eva smiled back, tracing his lips with a finger. She could have stayed like this for hours, but it was hard to miss the shadow that passed behind Antien's eyes.
"Antien... What plagues you? You must tell me."
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Post by Max452 on Apr 4, 2013 22:29:05 GMT -5
Antien managed a smile, trying to reassure Eva and himself about his dilemma. He was more conflicted now that he and Eva and advanced their relationship. Should he stay here with her or follow his warrior duty to aid his people...his father. Illeia Feon would not hold for long. He stared into Eva's emerald eyes, trying to gather his thoughts. He had promised her that he would tell her if she beat him, and he would always do his best to keep his promises.
"I..." Antien tried to form words but the touch of Eva's finger against his lips were making it hard for him to think properly. "Eva...I..." His hand gently grasped the pleasurable, but offending finger. "I cannot think properly with you doing that." He sighed out, trying to regain his bearings. "It is my father." Antien managed to breath out. "Queen Arya has sent a company of elves to aid Illeia Feon and the nearby elven cities from the Shade Rider's forces, my father included among them. I...it is believed that the cities will not hold for long, but I feel that I must help. They are my people...and...I cannot stand sitting idly by." His sentences sounding more and more frustrated as he uttered them. "I have a duty to my kin...to my father...but," His grey eyes darted away from Eva, "...I desire to stay here as well...not only because of my duty to the riders, but...for you as well." He admitted. "I am conflicted, Eva. I am conflicted on what duty I must keep." He relinquished his burden upon Eva, though a part of him wished he hadn't as she had her own problems to deal with.
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