Naveen

When she turned around I watched her inner struggle and then the release of acceptance. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not and felt it wasn't my place to ask. "I-," I began before finding no words to explain what I wanted to say. Instead I nodded and gestured for her to follow. "Come, everyone else is this way."

We made no small talk on the walk, and I kept the pace comfortable for her. I wanted to look at her, to find out what was going on inside her mind but I found I was almost scared to find out just way lurking within. Instead I kept my gaze locked forward and descended deep within myself and my own heavy thoughts until we reached the camp.

We set out before midday. Brian’s camp was within a few hours ride and we could take back roads to get there. I rode with Dorian instead of Maleen. It seemed like ages ago that I had asked Talon to take her, and I had yet to tell her.

When we arrived at the camp, soldiers escorted us to Brian’s tent. He wasn’t overly pleased to see me. He had heard about what happened at the castle. He wasn’t happy about it but he reluctantly accepted me back.

It was Brian’s second in command, and man named Dawner, who suggested they celebrate my return. Brian liked this even less than my return, but the suggestion was made in public. The soldiers would never turn down extra rations of ale and meat.

Rina:

The others left me alone for the most part for the rest of the day. Maleen came to apologize for last night. I forgave her. I hadn’t held it against her in the first place.
We set out before midday. Brian’s camp was within a few hours ride and we could take back roads to get there. I rode with Dorian instead of Maleen. It seemed like ages ago that I had asked Talon to take her, and I had yet to tell her.

When we arrived at the camp, soldiers escorted us to Brian’s tent. He wasn’t overly pleased to see me. He had heard about what happened at the castle. He wasn’t happy about it but he reluctantly accepted me back.

It was Brian’s second in command, and man named Dawner, who suggested they celebrate my return. Brian liked this even less than my return, but the suggestion was made in public. The soldiers would never turn down extra rations of ale and meat.

I rejoined the two elves once we returned to the camp. It was only in the safety of the pair that I dared look at Rina again. But from the distance between us now I couldn't see any indication of what was going on within. One of the elves managed to bring down a deer and before we set out a hearty meal was made.

On the ride to Brian's camp we broke our usual formation and I rode beside the other elves, spending the time to chat with them in our tongue. I explained who we were meeting and what the rebels were wanting to accomplish.

After we arrived, I waited my turn to greet Brian. I could tell on my companions faces that they were not pleased by all the humans. I was more tolerant of humans than many of my kind, only because I had been around them so often. But I wasn't worried about them causing a scene, they kept to themselves beside me and declined joining me in my brief meeting with Brian.

Rina:

When Talon went in to speak with Brian, the other elves went to set their camp up on the outskirts. Dorian took Maleen with them all while glaring at any man who looked at her. I Brian’s tent while solders celebrated around me.

They called me princess. They called me queen killer. They called me other names too that were equally unpleasant but ones I was used to from them. I was familiar with many of the men around me. Some I had even worked with. Dawner was not one I had worked with, but I did know him. He stayed close to my side by the camp fire and brought me ale and a plate of food.

It was bizarre being back in this setting. It was so different from court. I didn’t enjoy it exactly but the teasing from the men and the constant babble of voices helped me feel more at home with myself. I shot off my fair share of slurs in return.

I would have preferred to go with Dorian and Maleen. Or even into the tent With Talon. But I was the source of celebration, and even if they didn’t care that I was back, they did not want the drink to stop coming.

Talon:

I remained on the fringes of the party with the other elves as well as Dorian and Maleen. We were like outsiders looking in. I didn't bother asking for food or ale, nor did I join the meal lines. Instead the elves and I cooked up the remaining meat from the deer, adding in various herbs. It was simple fare compared to what the soldiers were having but it was enough for us.

Rina:

I didn’t know how many drinks I had. Somewhere around three or four. For beer that didn’t mean much, but I did feel it in my fingertips. I began to notice what Dawner was doing when he put his hand on my thigh.

My immediate response to throw his hand back at him was slowed by the alcohol. Instead of acting, I thought about it. Dawner was an attractive man. He had been nothing but nice and welcoming today. Why should I reject him?

Talon. I glanced around. Nowhere in sight. He wouldn’t care. We weren’t together. He didn’t want me anymore. Why shouldn’t I have pleasure elsewhere? It was a much needed distraction. So, I didn’t push him away. I even encouraged him to a degree.

I ended up in his tent that night after many of the soldiers had wandered off to bed. It felt good to be touched by a man. To be kissed and held. But I couldn’t help notice everyway in which he was different from Talon. It was distracting.

Eventually it got to the point that it was all I could think about. A horrible ache settled in my chest. I pushed Dawner back from where he was kissing my neck. I was on my back with him on top of me. He continued working at the buttons on my shirt. I pushed harder. He looked up at me then brought his mouth to mine. I jerked my face to the side.

“Stop it damnit,” I said, annoyed. He didn’t like that. He took his turn at pushing me down when I tried to sit up. Fool.

Aero zoomed unto the tent and sunk deeply into his arm. Not lethal if it was removed promptly. He gave a startled pained cry and let up. I sat up and grabbed Aero free. I jumped to my feet but he tried to grab me, I kicked out at his face, glad my boots were still on.

I was moving through the tents quickly to reach my camp with the elves, Dorian, and Maleen. I knew the direction they were in but not the exact location. Surely Dorian and Maleen would be asleep, but it was a full moon now, so likely the elves were still up. Beautiful.

I was marching through the camp so hurriedly that I hadn’t thought to rebutton the top few buttons of my shirt.

Talon:

I had my eyes closed, face tilted up to the moon. I was bare chested, with simple breaches on my legs and bare feet. Forming a small triangle the two other elves were seated and they too were wearing as little clothing as one could while maintaining a sense of modesty. We had situated ourselves away from our tents which were already on the extreme edge of the camp and the air around us seemed to hum with magic as we let the magic of the moon flow freely through us.

Our tranquil peace was broken by the pellmell sounds of someone practically running through the camp towards our tents. My companions stirred first, they had been at it longer than I and neither had been burning so much of their magic as I had been. Released from the spell they rose in tandem, movements graceful and fluid. At first they seemed ready to attack Rina as she drew near but after recognizing her they stilled and when they knew she had sight of them they bowed in way of greeting before linking arms and moving off into the surrounding woods together.

I stirred only enough to watch them go before I returned my gaze to the heavens. I knew what they went to do and it sent an ache through my body. Even before they had gained the lines in their flesh they had been close. Perfect compliments. They went off to be alone together, to share the pleasure of companionship, love, and perhaps some carnal pleasures. The full moon had a way of inebriating all of my people. We were at our most joyful, our most energetic, and our freest from inhibitions.

I had been craving that after spending some time at the fringes of the party. I didn't participate, simply observed with a faint smile. If I'd been home I would simply have needed to wander the streets of the stronghold to find my people in song and dance much like the soldiers. In a way it felt like home. That had become marred as I caught sight of Rina and another man, sitting close with a coy tilt to her shoulders and a confident cast to his.

It was then that I turned away and went to find the elves. They were happy to share this spot with me, and I was happy to not feel so alone. But now I felt a languid peace spread through my body. It was a fleeting thing I knew, but for now it was utter bliss.

Rina:

I caught sight of the elves and I slowed. I was surprised to see that one was female but I didn’t watch her for more than a second. My eyes went to Talon, lingered on him. I was angry. I was angry at Dawner for not backing off. I was angry at myself for going with him in the first place. And I was angry at Talon for not being there for me anymore. Angry at him for being constantly in my mind. Angry that I would never get anything better.

I paused to watch him for only a moment before I continued to the camp that had been set up for us. Maleen was already in the tent we shared and I didn’t want to wake her. Instead I grabbed a bed roll and laid it out on the ground. I lay on it with a huff and stared up at the bright moon.

Talon:

With out the other elves there I let the magic extend out. My people were magical by nature and the moon let us all share a sense of connection with one another. But those of us with the lines in our skin were able to push that even further. I felt someone, a blazing inferno of emotion that held within itself a deep void that threatened to drag everything into it. It was with surprise that my eyes opened and I turned my head to regard Rina as she marched to the little camp we'd made. My heart soared at seeing her, and the music of the magic within me wanted me to almost dance over to her. But the mind could be a heavy thing and with a few thoughts alone I remained where I was.

Rina:

I brewed in my fury until I fell asleep. Like the night before, I slept unmoving and undreaming. Birds singing in the morning woke me and I squinted at the changing light. Sitting up, I ran a hand through my tangled hair and looked around for a water skin. I had drunk too much alcohol and not enough water. The pounding in my head was no mystery.

Talon:

I was loathe to rest that night. Not when the moon was that full overhead. Instead after a few hours of resting under the moonlight I wandered through the woods. I took the time to collect various berries and wild greens. The army had all but stripped the surrounding wilds bare, but with keener eyes than most I was able to find bits and pieces as I went. After I returned I wandered silently around our little camp, checking on the trio of tents and most pecularly Rina sleeping outside. For both her sake and my own I was glad that the sky was clear of any clouds.

I had to fight the impulse to brush the hair from her face or secure the bedroll more securely around her shoulders. She wouldn't want that from me. I was almost certain she truly hated me now. I wasn't sure how long I remained crouched over her, gazing at the features of her face. But when I finally did move my joints ached from remaining in place for so long.

When the sun began to rise I had slid on a shirt and my boots, keeping a simple blade at my hip as I brewed tea and prepared the various berries I'd gathered for a simple meal for our little camp. I heard Rina stir and I glanced up. She was the first awake and I knew from personal experience what that look in her eye was. Grabbing the waterskin from beside me I shook it to feel how full it was before padding silently over to her. I didn't speak, just simply offered out the water with a knowing look.

Rina:

I glanced up to his face then took the water. Here we were again. I drank half of it then handed it back. “Thanks,” I muttered. I tried to discreetly rebutton my shirt.

After taking a few deep breaths to help clear my headache I got to my feet. I didn’t feel dead today. “Is anyone else up?” I asked. I needed to tell Maleen about the arrangement. Soon. I doubted Talon would be willing to stay much longer.

"Of course." My gaze was drawn to her shirt and the view I had before she did up the buttons. Standing I looked away until she was on her feet as well. "The elves won't be up for several hours. But we are the only ones awake so far." I moved back to the little fire and checked the pot.

My gaze drifted back over to Rina after I tended to the tea. "How are you feeling?"

Rina:

“Fine,” I said. I watched him. “What did Brian say yesterday?” I asked. They had been in the tent for some time. Perhaps Talon would stay for a little while to work with him. HE certainly wouldn’t stay because of me.

I stared into the fire and sighed through my nose. "Brian was....uncooperative at best." I drew up a twig and shifted some of the wood within the fire. "Brian wants full access to my people's lands, now and after the war. He also wanted tribute to the rebellion with money and supplies. And finally a group of ten to thirty of my soldiers to serve as part of his army." A scowl briefly touched my face. "He didn't view our positions as equals, but as a desire to claim more for himself."

Rina:

“You aren’t equal,” I said as I took a seat by the fire.  “You’re better than him.  If he isn’t going to give you something more than a promise in return, you shouldn’t do anything for him.” I sighed and looked at my feet.  If I had another choice, I wouldn’t be with Brian either.  But he had resources I needed.  I thought I could do the most good by working with him.  

I poured some of the tea into my mug and offered it out to her while gesturing for her to take as much of the berries as she wanted. "I thought the same...but..." I picked at the fire again and sighed. "What do you think he'd do if I refused to comply?"

Rina:

I took the cup with a nod of thanks and blew at the steam. “Nothing. He wouldn’t pursue you if that’s what you’re worried about.” I glanced toward the tent Maleen was sleeping in.

“If you’re leaving soon, we need to tell Maleen that she’s going with you.” I didn’t look at him. My body seemed to rock slightly with each pulse of my heart.

"And if he wins this war of his?" I countered softly. I let the matter rest as I followed Rina's gaze to the tent she shared with Maleen. "I'm not planning on leaving yet. Even if I don't work with Brian, or give in to his demands I still want to keep an eye on how things are going here. Perhaps give the right people the push they need to get the army moving again towards the capital."

Rubbing the back of my neck I sighed through my nose, "Are you and Dorian still set on having Maleen come with me?"

Rina:

I felt better when he said he wasn’t going to leave soon. I looked up in alarm when he asked about Maleen. “You said you would take her. Have you changed your mind?” I stood up. “Talon, she can’t stay here, it’s not safe for her. Brian will want to use her as a weapon, or have you forgotten the reason she is here with us now?”

Talon:

"Rina. Sit. Down." My voice had a soft note of a command in it, but mostly it was full of exasperation. "You will wake Maleen if you start shouting. I didn't say I wasn't willing to take her. I have no plans not to take her right now. I simply wanted to know if you were sure about this."

Rina:

I regarded him for a long moment before sitting down again. “There is no other option.” I looked off into the woods and sipped the tea. I wasn’t shouting nor did I appreciate him telling me to sit. I set my jaw.

I turned at the sound of footsteps. It was one of Brian’s errand boys. “My lord asks that you see him in his tent as soon as you are able,” He said, stopping ten feet away. I looked at him with slanted eyes. He seemed nervous. I dismissed him in annoyance, glanced at Talon, and stood up to leave.

I handed the mug of half drunk tea back to him. “Thanks,” I muttered, tying my tangled hair back.

"There are always more options. But I understand." I regarded the boy with passing curiosity then focused on Rina once more. She seemed testier than usual, and after taking my mug back I tapped the side of it for a moment. "Good luck with him."

Maleen:

Rina was gone when I got up but Talon greeted me with a cup of tea and a bowl of berries. I thanked him with a gracious smile. Dorian wasn’t long after me. The three of us were sitting together around the fire when Rina returned, lugging a large bag on her back and a read hot energy about her.

“Oh,” I said with wide eyes when she approached. I had never seen her so angry. Even after her whipping she had been more subdued. She tossed the bag on the ground, not speaking a word to any of us and went about rustling though it. She set out a bow and a sword first then went through some clothing items. In all honesty, I was scared to say something to her.