Drake and I slowly climbed the hill up to the manor. The horses where starting to tire, and I can't say we faired any better. We slept on the cold hard ground last night. No matter how we laid, it was still uncomfortable. So we basically stayed up most the night until the sun rose. Not a word was said between us on the descent. The only sound of hooves clopping on loose dirt filled the air. The trees lining the dirt pathway swayed lightly with the warm breeze. Despite the warm weather I still sat slumped in my saddle, my eyes barely staying open. We rounded the last bend, the manor coming into view. It was a two story building with two long section on either side. To the left was our hallway to the bedrooms, and to the right was the bath house and the Master's personal quarters. I gave a long sigh of relief.
The chipped paint and gross windows bringing a wave of comfort at the sight. On the porch steps sat Sebastion, sharpening his blade. At our approach he stood, sheathing his blade, and walked up to my horse. Like the good brother he is, he snagged the reins from my hand and practically caught me as I collapsed from the saddle. I fell limp against him, finally happy that we where back.
"Jeez, everything go alright?" I yawned, as he placed me me gently on the ground, wobbling with fatigue. Oh yeah, everything went so swell. Right now all I wanted to do was sleep of the last few horrible nights before we all had to doomsday talk.
"Yeah, the meeting just held a lot of info and we left later than we wanted to. So last night we camped out. We didn't get much sleep." I murmured. Sebastion grabbed the horses reins from me and walked us over to the red barn that sat just on the other side of the manor. The barn that we worked so hard to fix. When we first came here, it was in shambles. Doors where broken, wooden panels where missing. So we spent a lot of our time when we weren't hunting or out on missions, and slowly rebuilt it. Of course it still wasn't the greatest barn ever, but it kept the horses and safe and warm. That's all we needed. We entered the barn, Drake right behind us. I led my horse down to the furthest stall to the left, getting grain and water as I went. Sebastion helped me unlatch the saddle and hang it on the rack outside of the stall. With a pat on the back, I locked stall up, the horses greedily digging into the grain in the bucket.
"Sebastion there is so much I need to tell you. So much that I have been keeping from you." My voice cracked as tears started to fill my eyes. I was so tired, I couldn't even keep my emotions in check. How embarrassing.
"Hey slow down. What are you talking about?" Concern filled his voice as he spoke, his eyes narrowing at me with suspicion. I had to bring myself to say it. He had every right to know now that he was in danger, and it was all because of me.
"You have been such a good brother to me. I only wish I could repay you more. All the years you had to watch me suffer, all the pain you had to endure because of me. I only wish I could do something to show you how much I appreciate you." I fell into his chest, sobbing. I could feel him tense as he wrapped his arms around me.
"What the hell has gotten into you Aria? You never come this unglued. Drake you bastard what did you do to my sister." He demanded angrily. I sniffled and shook my head. This wasn't his fault, this was all mine.
"Do not blame him for my mistakes Sebastion. I'll admit I am very tired, but I have kept these feelings pent up for a long time. For so long I thought I was protecting you, but in end it will lead to your own demise." Sebastion sighed in frustration, stroking my hair as he listened to me sob. How could I do this to him? Make him so unaware of the danger he was in, and now he would be the same weapon that would be used against me, to turn me to Drakos side.
"You are such a pea brain Aria." He mumbled. I couldn't help the giggle that burst from my lips. His little insult, is what made me come undone. The helpless and hopeless feeling lifting just a tiny bit. I never liked that nickname, but in this moment I was exactly that, a pea brain. I sniffled against his chest as I tried to regain my composure. It would probably be best to address everyone at this point. Hopefully maybe we could figure this out and plan accordingly.
"Go, I'll meet you inside. Gather the others please?" I asked pushing him out of the barn. I watched him hesitate, he was unsettled by my switch of emotions. "I will be fine. I just need to chat with Drake before we go in. It won't be long." I tried to paste the best smile I could muster on my face, but it failed and looked strained. The quicker we get this over with the better. I wanted nothing more that to sleep now.
Without even a warning I felt myself sway to the right. I was even too tired to care, but a strong hand caught me before I could completely fall over. I stared into Drake's blue ocean eyes. They seemed to be quiet today, not as rocky as they had been the last couple of days. I could stare into them forever, just wanting to perch myself on his island and whether every storm with him.
"You do not look well Aria. Maybe you should rest and we can have this meeting later." So much concern for me. It was really sweet. But this had to happen now. I don't think I could keep this from Sebastion any longer. Who knows how much longer we have left with each other, and I don't want anything to be between us if he is captured in the end.
"I can't do that. Sebastion needs to know the truth sooner rather than later. I owe him that much. I don't honestly know how long we have left before we are caught. I want there nothing ill to be between us when it happens." I muttered, tears falling down my face. Drake sighed as he bent over and looped his arms around my legs, his other around my shoulders and lifted me into the air, bridal style as we exited the barn. I felt so small in his grasp, like a fragile leaf that would blow away at the slightest of gusts.
"Who says you would two are going to get caught? You focus to much on the negative and its making you weak. Although I do think you and your brother need to have a long discussion after this, I don't think you need to focus all your attention on your negative feelings. Your brother has been there through the thick and thin, and he will still continue to be by your side because he loves you. He will be mad at first, but honestly he gets over things pretty quickly. He is insightful, he will understand." He was right, and I knew it. I was focusing on the negative of the situation, only because I knew how badly Drakos wanted me. He had no problems using all his resources if I really was that important to his cause.
"You haven't seen the things I have seen. Am I not allowed to worry about my brother's safety?" I asked as he walked up the porch stairs. He stopped just at the door, his eyes gazing down at me. There was a smile that played on his lips despite my growing anxiety.
"Of course you are allowed to worry, but you won't have to for very long because right now you are out of harms way. No one knows that you two are here with us. But if there is in any way shape or form any harm that comes to you in any way, I will to see to it personally that they never live to see the light again. You have my word." He smiled, but his eyes where dark. A bitter and angry promise that escaped his lips. It honestly almost scared me. How can he be so soft and so dark and the same time? Who the hell was he? Without dropping me or putting me down, he carefully opened the door. It creaked and groaned loudly as he entered.
I felt my face flush as the chattering died down and went still, quiet. Well I was hoping for more time to explain this. Another thing that Sebastion and I would have to talk about. This list keeps growing.
"Good, I'm glad you are back Merrick. I don't have to wait for everyone after all. I know your Master is still out right now so I can brief him later." Drake stated as he carefully set me down in an empty chair next to Sebastion. Instead of anger, I saw amusement. Does he find my close relationship with Drake funny? Why was that? Instead of pondering my brother's questionable amusement, I directed my attention towards Drake. He stole an empty chair from the table and straddled it at the front, directing his attention at all of us.
"We have quite the bit of news. Heavy news and if Aria is comfortable with me telling it..."His eyes fell on me. I gave a long sigh. It would sound better if I said it, especially because it mostly had to deal with my past. The past I hid from my own brother.
"If you don't mind, it might sound better if I explain it. After all, it is my secret to bare." I muttered. He grimaced but nodded his head. So I launched into the meeting, giving all the details and findings. But I left out the other Assassins, I'll tell Sebastion in confidence later about them. Then I explained how I tied into it all, leaving nothing out as I explained my torture and how I snapped. How the result of me snapping was suppose to go in the direction of evil as opposed to self defense. I let Drake explain about the information of the Eastern Kingdom as I was now becoming to tired to form words properly.
"With that being said, I know the people who run the Eastern Kingdom well. So I will be leaving for a few days to meet up with your Master and the King. Hopefully we can come up with a plan before the invasion." He finished. The room was silent as everyone mulled over the information.
"Sebastion and Aria, in light of the threat, I think it would be best if you laid low. No hunting trips or stepping of the Manor grounds until we return. If they really are looking for you, I have no doubts they will be looking in numbers." Sebastion was silent for once. But the look on his face was full of rage. I don't think it was because of Drake.
"Sebastion?" I could feel my own voice crack as I grew weary. His eyes dropped to mine and I flinched. I shouldn't have waited so long to tell him.
"I am not mad at you for not telling me. I am mad at what they tried to do to you. I am mad at what they did to Gavin and Nicklos. Those bastards took everything away from us, and then he personally tried to take the last damn thing I care about too. No matter what happens, I'll make sure he never touches you again." He was dark, cold, angry. Things I had never experienced before in my brother. I never knew how angry he could get. But I suppose I would be the same way if the roles where reversed. I just hoped that in the end, Drake would prove me wrong and we would be safe. I don't want anyone else dying because of me.
I waded into the pool until my chest was completely submerged. The warmth seeped into my tired and aching body, relieving the tense knots. I don't know what it was about this pool, but it always worked miracles. It was more hot than normal today as well. The steam was more thick and dense. I didn't really mind because I was alone, and that meant I didn't need to hide behind a towel. With a bar of soap in my hands, I worked diligently to wash off the dirt from the last two nights. Sleeping in a filthy inn, and then sleeping on the ground made me itchy and gross. But, somehow Drake made those moments better. He even admitted he liked me! How strange is that? I went from ignoring and fearing men, to somehow finding myself being courted by one.
I hadn't even the slightest idea on how to act or be in relationships. I just know I like the way Drake makes me feel, and I want to make him happy too. Maybe I would get the hang of it as time went on. I just hope I don't screw it up with my many insecurities. I hugged myself tightly. What if I couldn't do this? Could I really be loved by someone? Sebastion tolerates me because honestly we are all we have left. I have been such a burden over the years with my PTSD. That and my pride gets in the way. Could he really accept all that? When this was all over, would he still like me the same? I would still always have the urges to kill, whether it be hunting, or human. Could he handle that too? There was so much uncertainty in all of this. So many obstacles and risks. Was I really doing the right thing? A felt a towel wrap around my chest and I looked up alarmed. Drake smiled down at me as he covered my body. I sighed in relief, clutching the towel to my chest. Man my fatigue was really kicking my ass, I didn't even hear him come in.
"I thought you went to bed already. After the meeting you could barely stand." He said as he wrapped his arms around me. I couldn't keep the blush off my face as I turned away. This was weird now, the holding was becoming part of the new normal and I wasn't complaining. It was just different.
"I felt gross so I figured a bath before bed was a must." He looped a finger under my chin and lifted my face towards his. I blushed harder and he chuckled. His deep and hearty laugh filling my ears, spurring my own joy.
"So beautiful." He murmured. My heart beat rapidly in my ears. I felt hotter than the water we sat submerged in. He rubbed a gentle finger across my cheek, causing me to shiver. Smiling he let go of my chin, returning it around my hip. Sighing he dropped his chin on my head lightly, almost as if he was pouting.
"I must leave early in the morning. I will probably be gone by the time you wake, so just promise me you will stay out of trouble." I smiled at his chest. He cared so much for me. It was cute. Not that I couldn't take care of myself anyway. But the thought of him leaving so soon also made me kind of sad. I would have liked to have spent more time with him before he left, but alas it was not meant to be. I know he had something important to do, and I would not interfere.
"Of course I will. The last thing I want to do is jeopardize the mission. Although it hurts my pride for you to be doing all the work." I muttered against him. That earned another soft laugh and I smiled. Hearing it made me at ease, knowing I was the reason for his laughter and not someone else.
"Haven't you done enough already? I mean you have been doing everything your 'Master' asks of you for three years now. I think it's time you took a break. Consider your efforts appreciated." I knew he meant well, but it really didn't feel like my efforts paid off since I was the subject of the battle. I was the one that was being protected and the one that was being hunted. This time off he refers to, is meaningless. It would be more of a chore to stay out of trouble, than be the reason there is trouble.
"I won't lie and say I hate being the center of attention. All I want is yours." I yawned and felt my self weaken against him. Did I really deserve all his attention?
"Aria, I think you should go to bed." Drake murmured in my ear. But I wasn't ready to yet. It would be the last time I saw him for two days. I wanted to spend this time with him.
"Not yet. I have concerns I want to address." His hand stroked my arm gently, reassuringly.
"Go on. I'm listening." He whispered softly into my ear. I could feel the electricity run through my body at his soft warm breath. I urgently wanted him to kiss me, to make me feel secure. I wanted to forget the perils that lay ahead of us, just like he did yesterday when he kissed me.
"I have...issues, as you know. They are difficult and hard to handle. I am insecure about pretty much everything. It's been hard on Sebastion and he has been dealing with it from day one. Are you really sure you want this," I waved at myself. "In your life? Do you want to come back to something so broken and damaged that even I struggle?" He stopped stroking my arm and sighed.
"Aria, I already know how much you are struggling. You see the beauty of relationships is that you don't have to do this alone. I will be right here by your side just as you would have mine. These issues you keep talking about, they aren't going to change my mind, because you can't help what happened to you before. So don't think that because you struggle I will like you any less, because I won't. I never will. I'll only like you more everyday because you are bright and beautiful. You are full of fire and spirit. Despite everything you claim to have, you will always be a fighter through and through. And i will be there to fight with you." My eyes teared up, moved by his words. It made me feel a little less worried, knowing I had someone so devoted by my side.
His arms wrapped tighter around me, pressing myself up to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, I wouldn't let go, even if he asked me too. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. This man in a very short time became so much to me. Even more than Nicklos when he was alive. I knew it was harsh to say, but Drake made me feel different. He made me feel appreciated despite how I treat him.
"I'll fight with you too. I'll fight for you just the same. You've changed me so much in just two weeks. I really don't know how you did it, but I thank you." Our foreheads touched together. Our eyes closed as we sat in content, blissful pleasure.
"It's only because I understand some of your pain, experienced a little of what you did. I can't say I know everything, but I know enough." I gave him a small smile as we continued our embrace. I truly and deeply regarded him immensely. He knew just what to say to make it better.
Drake pulled his head away, our eyes opening. But his eyes where on my lips. Almost slits as they stayed their glued. Hunger raging in his depths. I could feel my breath catch and my heart race faster than a group of galloping horses. I watched as his head slowly lowered to mine. Now full of anticipation, I closed my eyes and leaned up to meet him. Our lips brushed softly as he melted against me.
It was so soft and warm, I moaned a little in appreciation. His lips moved gently against mine, causing little butterflies to form in my stomach. This kiss was much different than the one we shared yesterday. It was deeply passionate, filled with more need and excitement. I wrapped my arms around his neck, threading my hands into his hair. He gasped slightly, his silky black strands melting into my grasp as I slowly tugged him, pulling him closer to me. I felt his hands wrap around my legs as he lifted me up, making me straddle his body as he carried me to the edge of the pool. Never once breaking our kiss.
My ass hit the warm stone, his hands now free to run down my back as he nestled himself between my legs. I broke away from the kiss, trying to push away the fog that started to cloud my mind. I panted as he slowly pressed warm kisses down my neck, his hands pressing me firmly against his as he continued to love on me. I wanted more at the same time I wanted sleep. Such a confusing feeling. I think he sensed my hesitation to continue, because he pulled away panting as well. His chest rising and falling as he placed his forehead on to mine.
"We will continue this later. I really do think you need to sleep my dear." I heard him whisper into my ear. I yawned and nodded, to cloudy to reply. I felt him cradle me in his arms as he lifted me from the pool. I leaned against him, fighting to stay awake, but losing right before he got out the door. My dreams, just as they normally are with tea, where blank and dark. I just hoped that I could see him one more time before he left the next couple of days.
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