[Temple of All Gods] Before the eyes of all

by **Fallon** on February 20th, 2014, 11:01 pm

He hesitated. That was something even she noticed before once more he shouted. He rose his voice in anger, desperation trying to grab hold of anything to use against her. Despair was what she felt, the suffocating darkness of it all. It pressed, it compressed, it tightened and choked the air out of her. It whispered the temptation to collapse, to surrender and give in to the sensation. For it would be easier that way.

She paused in mid-step, the glaze of her eyes only looking back briefly. It hurt and it ripped, the unanswerable questions that clawed and dug their way in deeply. Was she crying? Most probably. Or had the face simply fallen into a blank and unfeeling mask. Her last line of defence, her last shield against the world. No, she was to stand alone, it was clear now. To make no ties, to simply drift and close the heart to the masses. To feign how to truly feel, to smother things beneath layers and leave only wounds behind.

"I was trying..." she mumbled, "I was... I... didn't want to pull you away from your dreams... is that not allowed? It isn't easy. It hurts every time," her fingers curled up, "When you think you're settled, when you tell yourself that things won't change, it does. You have to break away from so many people, so many faces, so many feelings. It hurts, but..." she sucked in the air, "But I was scared. I thought..." shaking her head she fell silent, her hand covering her eyes, "I am a failure. I just..." What? Do the right thing? Not make it suffer? Make it less difficult for the both of them?

Throat constricting she simply stared upon the dull sheen of the armour, the hollowed expression reflecting back at her. Of course he was angry, his giant form screamed it. Whereas she had simply shrunk into herself, a quivering mass of fear and sorrow wrapped tightly together. He knew how to wound her deeply, how to tear apart her insecurities and sap her strength. His hand found hers of course, the tiny held weak and limp. It balanced upon the edge, even as he spoke his many truths.

"Please. I beg, do not say things you will regret later. No matter their honesty," she raised her other gently, and pressed the tips to his lips, "There is never an end to proving unless you will it so." She gave a lean forward, her brow pressing onto the cold metal of his chest piece, "Never an end..."

"I..." she fell into a mumble, "Would. But... I cannot wait. N... nor can I stop you doing what you truly want to do.... that is your choice to make." Her words held both honesty and weight, a challenge yet the truth. Just as she could not stop him from delaying his goals, she could not exactly push him to go for them either. That was the choice he had to make, that was the task he had to do and the weight he must carry. She released only a whimper, and wiped away the damp with her sleeve, "Not mine... I'm sorry."

by **Markus Andres** on February 25th, 2014, 6:37 am

The breath of the knight was heavy. Desperate clinging to any hope Priskil might spare for the knight. Fervently hoping she would see the love he felt for her, how much he needed her by his side. That it might persuade her to give him to set things in motion. To grant him permission to leave the citadel to be with her by her side, for he knew he could not dissuade her from leaving Syliras. But any victory from there would still be a hollow one. Been away from Syliras for almost year to only leave already again. He had missed the city and everywhere outside was nothing more than misery and despair with minor spots of Priskil's influence. An eternal battle against unknown evil. Desperation, cruelty, meaningless violence, overzealous bastards of the selfish deities - name the vice and the world had them in over-abundance. Still, to be by her side, he would face these dangers. Her attempt to leave stopped, she turned to face him again. Not leave him standing with his heart bleeding.

The words, sincere, heart felt. Touched him deeply. She cared so much for him that she would not ruin his dreams for her selfish desires. That knocked his anger down. Only for it to resurface when she called herself a failure. He had struggled with her insecurity all season, tried to reason with her, compliment her and help tackle the problem behind the insecurity. For her to call herself a failure to his face only served to make him angry. Did she know that, though? Did she count on it? Feeling her hand in his did nothing to soothe his raging emotions. Her usual strength was not there. Squeezing back when he squeezed. But at least she did not pull back from his touch. He was to speak, when the plea came. Her plea for him to not say anything he might regret. Her words cryptic. Unsure what she meant by them. Never an end to proving. Proving his love? Never. She leant against his chest. Markus looked down at her head, first now noticing that she had her hair pulled back. The wonderful mix between light and dark woven together like her eyes with their green and blue woven together. That was when his heart leapt. Her own genuine want for him to be with her. It had been implied, but hearing those words be spoken helped. He put his hand against the back of her head and gently held her close. As the world ought to be. The two of them together - a romantic notion.

But then his heart sank again and his fingers froze against her head. It was hard to swallow her words without feeling despair grip his heart. For it was clear, he could not go. Without time to set things up correctly, get everything arranged and his superiors convinced - he could not go. Fallon was all-important to him and he would suffer without her - but he could not abandon the knights. Never abandon his brothers and sisters of the sword. The thought did not even cross his mind that it was a possibility. He had sworn his duty to the knights, been entrusted to uphold the law of the knights. Made the vows to Loren Dyres and the Windoak. It was his honour and pride as a knight, nay, as a man that forbade him to even consider such treacherous thoughts.

Though against him leant the woman he loved. Her face hidden against the armour that guarded his life. Awaiting his answer. There was no easy way to break this to her. Especially not after his own passionate plea for her to give him a chance and this was what he repaid her with? He sincerely hoped she would understand.

"No, I am sorry... I love you, Fallon, of all my heart, but I can't abandon the knights. I wish to the gods that you would delay your departure, for I can't leave without permission from my superiors. If I did my life will have been for naught, a hollow lie, I would betray everything I gave an oath to uphold. I would be without honour in the eyes of Tyveth, unfaithful to Yahal, I would not be worthy of Sylir. I can't come with you." His voice saddened and hollow as tears dropped into her hair.

Will this be our farewell? A bitter-sweet embrace and just... go to each our own? The thought scared him. He had known her for almost two seasons now, he had seen her at her strongest and at her weakest. To see her leave... He was not sure he could endure that sight. His arms went around her and embraced her form. He would miss her so dearly. He was not ready to say goodbye. There were so many things he never got to share with her. Seeing the Bronze Tower flare blue when winter came. Get on a third date. Tell her about Imass and the loss. Witness her birthday. The story of his grandfather's sword. Most of all, he would miss her simple smile. That shy smile and those blushing cheeks when he kissed her. That doubtful moment before she returned it. Her scent of woman and of Orvin. All her little quirks. His cheek would rest against her warm head. Soft hair between them. Bitter-sweet. Markus found the silver sword pin that marked him as an unranked knight. He bore it every time he was on duty and although he had seen the consequences of her powers, he wanted her to have it. He placed it into the palm of her hand and closed it.

"Something to remember me by as I defend our home- I regret nothing, darling- I will miss you and it will hurt without you here- but I will not regret a single word I have said or the time we spent together. I just~" He paused as he realized he couldn't do it, could not see her depart. His throat constricted itself, he could not say his farewells. He thought himself strong enough to take on anything thrown at him. In the waning bells of the 78th day of fall, Markus knew this to be a lie.

"Would you please stay the night with me, Fallon? I don't want to be alone tonight."

by **Fallon** on February 25th, 2014, 9:01 pm

There was silence, long, hard waking void of nothing. There was the gentle touch, seeking, searching for something. The reassurance for only that brief tick, before once more it fell and snuffed out. She knew the revelation he had come to before he even spoken. She did not look up to him though, her water logged eyes simply remained fixed upon the floor below, frozen in place like the very fingers upon her head. There was nothing either could do, they both had their destinies laid before them, and alas the diverged. No words were spoken, her fingers simply pressing against his armour as she silently suffered.

Chewing at her lip she let the nagging hollow rest there, that consuming pain of truth. But here they stood at their most fragile, hearts torn and beaten, the slicing emotions of what was to come. He had given his response, his answer to her chance, and whilst her heart continued to sink did the emotions flood finally to her face. Tiny frame shaking she accepted his words, and the possible final embrace between them. So many moments, so many memories and ideas, so many futures were swept away in an instant - like sand in the wind. Sucking in the air she looked up to him, barely peeking up from behind the few strands of fringe that had found itself in her way, the gentle hand still patting and touching her crown. It was over, all of it was. Throat constricting she manage to utter a croak, "I understand."

Disappointed, she still accepted the emotional blow, abandonment almost in nature - but then again she was no better - and took it firmly. Lip trembling, she let her eyes meet his, the blinking away of tears as the knight took his pin. For a moment she looked upon him confused, her lips quivering as he studied the silver sword. And then, finally his attention turned down to her. Fingers curling around it, the gentle hold of the cold metal within her grasp.

"You didn't have to, you know that right?" she mumbled, her hands withdrawing, "It's your mark. Your symbol as a knight... I..." Her lips broke apart, a gentle frown as she tried to understand what he meant before her fingers simply guided themselves to her shirt and shakily applied the pin. It was meant in good gesture, a final piece of memory, an exchange to be shared. Her finger tips reached up to touch his face, those bright eyes looking and trying to summon an answer.

That final moment, that piece of grace between them. Of course she craved it, but it was the weight behind it that offer that made her nervous. What would he try? What would they do? Talk it out? Become closer than before? Or to simply enjoy those last few bells into the night.. Swallowing she looked on down to the entrance, a long hard stare before she gently took his hand. And whilst there was only a moment of silence, did it feel close to an age. A forced curl of the lips to give some form of resssurance, "I... yes... just for tonight. I will... be here."

by **Markus Andres** on February 28th, 2014, 8:39 pm

The knight automatically tried to interlock his fingers with hers when she grabbed his hand. But the gaunlets hindered him and that annoyed him endlessly. This would be the last time in a very long time he would see Fallon and he wore full armour. Markus let go of her hand and removed his gauntlets and gloves and dropped them on the pew behind him. A coy smile on his lips as he grasped her hand again. This time fingers interlocking with hers. The warmth spreading between their hands. She would be gone for however long. But that mattered not now, not as much as making these last moments together memorable. Make them something more than just... a bitter farewell. He looked into her eyes, seeing the pale skin with the occasional freckles gently placed around her face.

"Thank you, I'd like that." There was a small smile on his lips. Tears still falling slowly from the dark green orbs. His heart was no longer just devastation and sorrow. There were patches of joy and one of those were looking into her eyes. Through the tears he could see the eyes he fell in love with two seasons ago. Markus kissed her on the forehead.

"Have I ever told you that you look wonderful with your hair pulled back?" He asked and complimented her. His eyes went south as a flicker from the dim light glinted in his eyes from her chest. Seeing the pin against her shirt, it looked good on her. It was a shame she would never earn her own. He let a finger slide over the silver sword pin. Cool metal to the touch. He hoped his superiors would understand that he had given it away as a gift. Probably reprimand him for it, but honestly, at that moment he didn't care much for the future, his mind was on the present. On the pale girl with wet eyes and his broken heart in her hands.

"Where will you be going? Into the wilderness or to a civilized place? If civilized, please send me letters, so I don't have to worry about my darling out there, too much." It was strange, the anger still boiling fiercely beneath the calm crying facade. Was it Yahal that kept his raging emotions in check because he had been faithful? Was it the thought of Sylir and peace that calmed his wrath. Or was he just too old to throw a temper tantrum because things didn't go his way. - Perhaps he had just accepted the situation. Would Markus not have done the same had it been Stern Mason who had gone missing. Would he not have went if Imass had been found alive in some other city. Certainly. Either by orders or as a personal quest. He could not bring himself to focus his wrath on the woman. Rather at his helplessness once more. Unable to do anything to better his position.

ENOUGH! Enough of the self pity! Enjoy the moment. Enjoy her company. Enjoy the warmth of her hands and lips. Regret only what you did not do. - The wrath responded. His free hand clenching tightly before shooting out and resting against her lower back. Gently pulling her closer. "I think I will miss this the most." He said in a low mumble before pressing his lips fully against hers. Kissing her deeply and earnestly. As if he could pour all his love into those lips. Tasting the mixed salty tears on their lips. By the gods it felt good and right to kiss Fallon. Made him forget his sorrows. His main by her lower back moved up her spine to the side of her neck. Thumb softly stroking her jawline.

by **Fallon** on March 11th, 2014, 6:59 pm

It was as the lips pressed against her forehead that Fallon realised just how tiny she was next to him. Her form shrunk and pressed against his, her eyes tilting up to look upon him. There was a curl of the mouth, the mumbling of words between them, "No... I don't think you've ever spoken about my hair before."

She nestled her head under his chin, her arms clinging and wrapping around him the best she could. She just wanted to be close to him, just for a little while longer. A denial of reality, to just have a world for him and her. No pain and no troubles. Just them. But for the moment they would simply use the last of their time the best they could, to the fullest of their capabilities. Swallowing she met his gaze, trying to form some words in her mouth. Where was she going? Far away and into the wilderness, to blindly follow her brother's steps to their destination.

"I'll... be going into the wilderness. I don't know where exactly yet, but when I reach Civilisation... at the first possible moment I'll write to you. I promise," there was a croak as she buried her head under his chin, her eyes closing for those brief few ticks. Sucking in the air she felt the tremble the holding himself back, that grasping at straws as he fought for himself. So much to control, so little time to do it in. The hand reeled her in, pressing against her spine and pulling her close. For an moment, she tensed the air having been taken out from her. Was it always hard to resist him? Or was it just the raw nature of the situation that amplified it so? Rising up onto her toes, the hands snaked up to his shoulders. Her lips pressed and chased, her brow creasing only slightly.

To not object, to allow him to continue. She pulled away, a inhale as she met his gaze, her fingers tracing up to his jaw and eyes. Tips quivered, her lips then dipping back in to return to his. More, she wanted more. She continued to press, that bitter taste upon her tongue being pushed aside by simplistic desires. To hold, to care, to nurture, to taste and to tease. Trembling she met his gaze again, her forehead brushing against his the moment of reprise.

"I... we...?" she breathed, her lips tracing and touch his once more. Deeper she pressed this time, and then pulled back, her slender fingers cupping his face. What did she want? Him of course, there was no two ways about it. And it was that neediness that dragged her forward to stare him face on. Brow pinching she looked upon him, unsure what to do next. What would most women do, take their man to bed? Allow a night of passion?

Maybe in stories. But this wasn't one.

Kissing his cheek she gave him a smile. She would stay with him until day break, she promised him that much. Swallowing she reached up to kiss him once more, her voice dropping to a whisper, "Tonight, tonight I shall go home with you... not for that but... I would like to spend at least one night in your arms. Okay?" Her fingers reached up and held his face once more, "Will you let me?"

by **Markus Andres** on March 17th, 2014, 5:26 am

As she broke the kiss, the edges of his lips twirled up. His desire for her unmasked and pointedly obvious on his face. Silent prayers went to Tanroa, to slow time and allow him to enjoy this wonderful woman for just a moment longer. Her lips went to his. He could feel the desire in her lips. Their shared love. The feeling of urgency as they only had one night left before she would be gone. Her hands trailing his jaw line and up to his closed eyes. It tickled him slightly, but it felt good and only deepened his desire for her. The kiss was broken once more and two words escaped her lips before a more primal part of her mind took over. His hands moved down her sides when their lips parted once more. Looking into her eyes as she spoke. Only a single wow escaped his lips. Her suggestion, even with the denied logical conclusion to the suggestion, was a good one. If only so he could get out of the armour and feel her body against his. That he may move freely. May embrace her without fearing crushing her against the armour. But he was surprised by the offer. She had been shy about such things ever since their disastrous encounter at the Soothing Waters. But that had put him off pushing for more physical intimacy since, to have her offer it instead. His silent prayers of gratitude were sent all around the pantheon. Instead of responding, he kissed her. He could not get enough of her.

"Of course~ darling." He put his forehead against hers and looked into her eyes. Noses touching. "My door is and will always be open for you. You know that." Another brief series of kisses upon her lips and jaw. Only stopping because he needed air and then he still looked into her eyes. Silently, smiling. He did not know how long passed before he realized they should get moving. His heart racing as he placed one final kiss on her forehead.

"We should go. It is getting late and the mighty gods have gazed upon us kissing long enough." Markus whispered into the ears of his loved one. Slipping the arm behind her back and resting upon the hip on the other side. He would scoop up the gauntlets and turned to leave the temple with his love in the arm. Wanting to be with her in private. Feel more intimate and not worry about people barging in the room. "You should wear your hair pulled back more of-" There was a pause as reality struck once more. He would not see her with her hair pulled back for a long time. "-ten. More often. It suits you well." He would place a kiss against her exposed temple. "Tell me about your trip to Avanthal back in the day. Did you ever get to see Morwen?" He asked. To hear her speak before they made it to his room. Where the subject would be more intimate and there would be fewer words spoken and more kisses shared. Or so he imagined.

by **Fallon** on March 19th, 2014, 7:59 pm

She chewed her lip, the gentle exhale as she breathed. Perhaps for a moment there was that desire to stop and simply take. There was a tremble, the flickering exchange of words before those lips caressed once more. But too quickly it ended with a simple peck upon the forehead. For a moment she paused, her arms wrapping around him the best she could. Of course she knew they would get a little closer soon enough, but that seemed an age away – and served as a marker that their time was inevitably running out.

What was this feeling? Anticipation, the racing of the heart, the sense of urgency when there was one. It rung within, a fluttering sensation that sent her cheeks aglow. She let him hold her, the arm wrapping round behind her as he escorted her down the aisle and out of the temple. Eyes briefly looked back at the hallowed halls, that final look to the scene behind them – a goodbye in some sense – before she followed him out of the temple.

Her hand only gave a gentle tug at the gathering of hair, a look of pondering upon her face as she caught his words, ”I only wear it for practicality… but… maybe I will wear it that way more often.” Swallowing she turned her gaze up to him, hearing his question and attempt to know and understand. And it was perhaps upon that prompting that even she brought herself to try creating an elusive tale to attempt to catch the imagination.

”Morwen, never. I went there during the winter seasons, she does not reside there that time of year,” she began, her eyes turning away and looking ahead, ”But that did not make it any less magical. I went twice, once before… I guess my thirteenth winter. The second for my sixteenth. The ground was cold, the ice carved into marvellous shapes beyond the imagination. A great wall of ice like glass glowed and surrounded the city, the people, the Vantha they loved their stories and late into the night they would whisper them over the firelight,” sucking in the air she gave a pause, ”But despite not seeing Morwen, I did get to meet Eyris.”

Conversation did not last however, it was only as they separated for those few ticks to allow Markus to open the door. It was perhaps only once inside that the pair truly did begin. The door barely had clicked shut, her hands quickly moving onto his armour with speed, her fingers quickly working at the removal of it. Lips met his, her touch gave a caress as she continued to assist, and more important matters sprung to mind. Him and him alone. Tonight they were not a knight or a squire, a runaway and warrior; they were simply two people with that deep routed desire for the other. It was with those eyes she met his, her lips breaking into a shy curl. Her thumb traced across his knuckles, a whisper barely escaping, ”So… Shall we?”

oocAnnnnndd… fade to black.

by **Markus Andres** on March 20th, 2014, 2:08 pm

The knight glanced at Fallon when she looked back at the temple. A soft understanding smile appeared on his lips. Had he hijacked her preparation plans for the night by asking for her presence? Markus pushed the thoughts aside and allow himself to be very selfish for once. Satisfy his own needs before that of others. Luckily, tonight their needs coincided. Made it easier and harder. But he had already determined that morning came when it would come. Until then he had his girlfriend with him and he would make the best of every moment.

His girlfriend spoke of Avanthal. Her words did not reach him at first, only her voice. Pleasant soothing voice. Eager to weave a marvellous painting in his mind. Then the words came through the haze. Her wit, the memory and knowledge behind that pretty shell. Simple story, but it opened his eyes to a wondrous world to the north. Fallon had much more to offer than a pretty smile, sweet kisses and a warm touch, and tonight he wanted the full package. Everything the woman had to offer. Eat to his heart's content – and then proceed for dessert. They separated briefly as he opened the door. The brief seconds felt like days apart from her. As the door slid shut, the last time, he determined, they would be apart until she'd leave in the morning.

Armour and weapons fell to the floor as his beloved descended upon him. Patience was a hindrance tonight, not a virtue and neither possessed it in those dark bells. Their lips found each other, lustfully exchanging their desire. The knight, exhilarated to have Fallon in his room at this hour. His hands moved up her spine as the last piece of metal fell. She broke their kiss, he saw his intense desire mirrored in her eyes. They defining feature he loved the most about her. A soft but impatient smile on his lips as she spoke. A question he would not dignify with an answer. Words were a wasted commodity anyhow. He had a better use of his mouth, in mind. The soft smile turned mischievous. Hungrily he found her lips again. They would find the bed...

Eventually.

by **Radiant** on April 10th, 2014, 5:15 am

Fallon :

Markus :

Notes :

My radiance is not bright enough?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, beam me a PM and we can work it out.

Skill	XP Earned
Rhetoric	+2 XP
Persuasion	+2 XP
Storytelling	+1 XP
Flirting	+1 XP

Skill	XP Earned
Socialization	+3 XP
Rhetoric	+3 XP
Intimidation	+2 XP
Persuasion	+2 XP
Flirting	+1 XP

Completed [Temple of All Gods] Before the eyes of all