Naveen

I had kept a hand on a blade through the entire trip and the grip only adjusted itself into a better hold after the body had been deposited in the prince's rooms. "Right." I agreed softly while starting to lead the way. I kept my ears open, listening for the sounds of anyone who might be coming and could discover us.

Rina:

Once we were safely back in my room I went straight to my bedroom and undressed until I was only wearing the loose undershirt. I sat on the bed feeling drained. “Can you stay with me tonight?” I asked Talon softly. After the first couple of nights he had rarely stayed the night with me so as not to be caught by nosy maids. And I had never asked him to stay without being intimate first, which I had no inclinations for this evening.

"Yes, of course." I promised her after taking another look at the rooms and the struggle that had transpired. Slowly I focused on her, catching the look in her eyes, the weariness in her shoulders. I only gazed for a few moments before gently I pushed her towards the bed.

Rina:

I curled up under the covers with a soft sigh. When he moved to do the same, something odd happened which I tried to ignore. My heart started beating harder, for no reason because I was certainly not in the mood to be active. I turned in to face him.

After I had her in bed I'd unbuckled my weapons and stripped to the waist, leaving soft pants on my legs and my weapons within reach before I slipped my way under the covers. My brows raised when she turned to face me and my lips shifted into a faint smile. "I'm glad you are okay..."

Rina:

“It takes more than that to take me out.” I murmured scooting so I could feel his body warmth without actually touching him. I acted like I was tough, but in reality, I would have been uncomfortable if he had left me alone for the night. He made me feel safe when he was with me.

I couldn't help the low chuckle that spilled out of me. "I know. I am still glad however..." I propped up my head using one hand.

Rina:

I gave a small tired smile. “The festival is tomorrow. Everyone is going to see who I am,” I said after a moment. “Please don't leave my side,” I whispered the last part.

"I believe in you." I said with a returning smile. My gaze softened when she whispered and I responded in kind, "I won't leave your side. I promise on my honor."

Rina:

I closed my eyes with a soft sigh and was soon fast asleep.  I snuggled close to him in my unconsciousness.

I didn't sleep, I couldn't, not after someone had tried to kill her. But I held her close, smoothing a hand gently down the curve of her back as she slept. But before dawn poked it's head I was in a half sleep, rousing at the smallest provacation.

Rina:

The festival was far less horrible than I was expecting. The people of Naveen were thrilled to see me. I met countless people, all who praised me. For the first time, I actually enjoyed myself even thought the day was long.

The prince was clearly infuriated by me, and every time I looked at him I could see clear hate in his eyes. However, there was not another attempt on my life, not during the festival nor in the days after.

The best thing to come from the day was the introduction of Marcella who was a cousin of mine on my fathers side. Her family had fallen into disgrace after the kingdom was taken over. Her father had died when she was, and when her mother remarried, he had adopted them and given them his name. Most people did not even know she was a relative of the king and her family chose to keep it that way for their safety.

She was a tall girl with a similar shade of bronze hair coloring that ran in our family. She had a kind manner and told me upon our meeting that she wished for the two of us to become friends. I managed appoint her as my lady in waiting after the festival and we did indeed become closer.

Life at the castle became more bearable with more people on my side. Marcella and Talon were my constant companions. It had taken a little bit for her to warm up to the idea of an elf, but she soon overcame her prejudice and agreed with me on my ideas of making things better for other races. During outings the two of them were always with me. The people loved me and constantly came to greet me with gifts of adoration. It made me hopeful that I could accomplish something here.

The days were beginning to wear on me. My charm had long since stopped working, but people were becoming used to my presence. It was it's own tests once I stopped wearing the charm as the half secret got out. It did little good for me when Marcella joined with Rina and shunned me just as much as everyone else. I was as courteous as possible with her, but even though she now spoke to me I was the obvious outcast in the castle.

Rina:

We had been at the castle for a month and a half now, and it had been two full months since our trip to the vampire's cave. Knowing Talon had not been having the happiest of times, I had arranged something for the two of us that Marcella agreed to help with. Not to mention I had a surprise for him that I was a little nervous about.

“Meet me in my room tonight?” I asked him that evening and he had obliged like usual, only this time when he came in, I was dressed in plain clothing and a dark cloak.

I arrived in light clothing, nothing more than a thin shirt and light breeches with two blades with me on either side of my hips. The leather of my boots creaked as I stepped into the room only to come up short as I spotted her outfit. "Planning on going somewhere?"

Rina:

“Yes, with you if you will have me.” I answered with a soft, almost nervous smile. “It is a full moon tonight, as I am sure you are aware. I've arranged for us to sneak out of the castle to a spot Marcella found for us. If you will allow me to share your evening that is.” I explained. I was unsure of his customs concerning a full moon and did not wish to offend, especially since he had done so much for me.

My eyebrows slowly climbed up my brow. "Yes. Of course. Thank you..." My gaze dropped and for a brief moment I was vulnerable. "It's been too long since I've felt her touch. I would be honored to have you with me."

Rina:

I smiled more freely and stepped over to kiss his cheek, happy with his response. With Marcella's help, we got out of the castle and I followed her instructions that lead us to the ruins of an old temple. There were short stone walls, but the sky was perfectly visible with the moon just barely beginning to peak up above the tree line.

I could feel myself coming more alive once we were out under the sky and when we reached the temple I didn't waste time in stripping out of my shirt. I held it in one hand while standing in the center of the ruins my face turned up to the sky with an expression of quiet peace and joy.

Rina:

I put down the hood of my cloak and took a seat on the stone bench, admiring him with a soft smile on my lips.

Slowly I chanted out a prayer in my native tongue, thanking the moon for her light, guidance, and strength that she offered. After standing for several minutes after I slowly lowered my face and looked at her.

Rina:

I met his gaze and felt an odd feeling in my stomach. “I don't know what is the proper thing for me to do during this situation.” I admitted, fidgeting with my hands in my lap.

"If this was my Mountain then I and the other warriors would hold a feast and ceremony. After each Warrior goes where ever they so desire with whomever they feel like inviting and spends time underneath the moon. For those courting or married it is a sign of love. Vows, gifts, touches are exchanged. For friends, it is stories and trinkets from the past. My people...aren't so bothered by displays of skin. While we are reserved of dress for the time that the moon is full we reveal as much as one feels prudent. To feel the touch of the moon." I smiled at her and offered out a hand. "Will you join me?"

Rina:

“Of course,” I answered softly and stood to place my hand in his. Well, at least I had been correct in thinking at what I had to tell him would be appropriate at this time. My pulse quickened.

I led her closer by the hand then turned my gaze up to the moon again. "You look like you have something on your mind Rina. Please, speak plainly here."