Fan Fiction ❯ Second Advent of the Vow ❯ Lover's vows ( Chapter 15 )

Disclaimer: Again, I do not own any of the Soul Calibur characters; they are property of Namco.

Notes:

1. The following material contains violence and suggestive content. Please be cautioned.

2. Dream sequences are identified by [ ]

3. Song lyrics are quoted from "Save Tonight" by Eagle Eye Cherry

Chapter III: Lover's vows

[Darkness surrounded Sophitia as she held the Elk hoplon and sword firmly, watching in horror the mass of amber eyes approaching at lightning speed under the cloak of shadows. With a multitude of sharp weapons lifted up high, the scaly creatures surrounded the Greek warrior who waited hopeless her imminent demise. Limbs, shreds of greenish tissue and blood fell under the edge of Sophitia's sword but no matter how many she slew, it just seemed 10 more took the place of the fallen comrade. Her blade was tainted to the hilt with dark blood and her gold and blue shield bore gruesome remains inserted all over its damaged surface. The muscles of her arms and legs ached from the effort of keeping them away but it was useless; there were just too many of the dreadful creatures and with her breath coming out in raged gasps and painful cramps from exhaustion taking over her limbs, her movements began to slow. Her guard lowered for a fateful instant, a beast closed in and gnawed on her sword arm and another clawed her back with its sharp claws. The sudden pain from the injuries made adrenaline drench her bloodstream and she rushed the lizards in one last stand. As she opened crimson canals with her sword, unexpectedly, the fierce blow of the hilt of a broadsword banged her head, hurling her down and her face met the cold, blood-soaked soil. A stream of warm blood escaped from a deep gash over her temple. Darkness languidly enveloped her sight and a heavy silence muffled all sounds. She felt spiraling utterly on an abyss and waited for the final blow to end the agony.

"So, this is the end"

"Sophie, fight it, don't give up" A clear masculine voice pierced the shadows, making her stir. She heard it again. This time she knew exactly whose voice was. A renewed determination strengthened her battered body.

"That's it. I know you can do it. Come back Sophie, please come back!"

Her eyelids felt like they weighted a ton each; darkness engulfed her once more, pulling her to the abyss. She thrashed and moved frantically away from the long arms that seemed to reach from the dark depths. Light! A timid ray of light suddenly appeared over her and she ran to it, feeling her heart choking her throat. Almost there, she felt the warmness of the light over her hand, her arm, her face... A demonic shriek startled her from behind and she then realized she had barely escaped Hades]

Her eyes flung open in desperation to behold the saving light. Sweat drenched her forehead and hair and her mouth felt dry and pasty. Heat emanated from her pores like steam pouring from a geyser. When she tried to move, a shot of intense pain ran over her bandaged shoulder. Her voice came back in the form of a yelp.

-"Here, drink this", her dream's masculine voice said.

-"Rothion!"

-"Don't speak. You've been fighting a fever for three straight days. We were already fearing you might not recover consciousness after that bastard lizard bit you."

Bitterness engulfed each one of Rothion's words, his face turning red with rage and frustration. His knuckles went white on his clenched fists.

-"Where's Taki and Rock? Are they OK?"

-"Not to worry, they fought bravely and made it almost unscathed."

The memories of the brutal ambush came back and then Sophitia remembered:

-"Aeon! Aeon Calcos! Did he survive?"

A shadow of grief and horror covered the smith's brown eyes. "I'm afraid his own "men" murdered him savagely when he tried to cover our escape. Thanks to him, we made it just in time to treat you. The poison of the lizard's bite spread fast but Taki had brought with her some healing herbs that delayed its deadly strike over you. I managed to salvage Calcos' weapons forged by Hephaestus, but his body could not be found anywhere. The beasts, they tore him apart."

Drinking slowly from the cup her fiancée had offered, she thought of the horrible ending the former Spartan Knight had. What a tragic way to seek redemption for his crimes under the Palgaea influence, she reflected with intense sadness. At least her good friends had made it and Rothion, her beloved, was also here. Once again, the god's have brought her providence and support through him.

He looked at her, his severe countenance at last relaxing. She took his hand and looked at his face. "Thank you for all you've done. I'm not sure I could have survived without you at my side."

-"Don't say that. Fortunately you are a very stubborn and strong woman and death couldn't claim you that easily, but I'm glad you don't regret me being here."

-"Of course not you, dummy! Why would I think something so foolish?"

His face turned serious again. He caressed her forehead drying the remaining sweat and looked at her almost guiltily while his eyes pointed at her shoulder. "Your injury. You tried to protect me and for that you allowed yourself open for that minion of hell to strike. None of this would have happened if I had stayed in Greece caring for your family as you entrusted me to. My foolishness almost took away what's most precious to me! I'm not worthy of your affections or your trust."

Sophitia looked at her betrothed agape. He blamed himself for her wound and the guilt was tearing him apart. "Look at me Rothion."

He lifted his head to meet her glance locking onto his. "I could have gotten hurt anyway. I almost died the first time I searched for Soul Edge. I know very well that each step I make leads me into more perils, but I still choose to walk forward and face whatever I have to in order to do my duty."

He looked at her with an intense sadness. She drew a deep breath and continued:

-"The first time I went on the quest it was purely out of my sense of duty to the gods but this time is different. Now I have a better reason to comply; this second time around I have a hope, a chance of happiness, a reason to bring me back from danger and death. You hardheaded smith, your are that reason!"

He looked at her in utter shock. He could not still believe she could forgive his carelessness and put it all behind just like that. But then, that's what distinguished her for any other women he'd even known. And that was why he loved her to the point he'll rather leave her than hurt her.

-"I don't deserve you Sophie. You are much too noble and kind for me."

-"Stop saying that!"

She tried to prop herself up but her damaged shoulder stopped her. He held her by the uninjured shoulder and trailed her downward towards the bed. Their glances met again and she could see he was on the verge of tears. She trailed her fingers through his hair and a soft smile illuminated her face. "I doesn't matter what you say. Can't you see I love you, you stubborn man? You are my fighting strength when I'm weak and overwhelmed by fear."

His eyes shone with tears and his hands held hers firmly. "I, I love you too. I just went insane thinking that I could lose just like that. I just can't fathom life without you anymore."

-"If that's the case, stop that guilt trip nonsense and help me recover and fix my weapons. They have received quite some damage these last days. I think Taki and Rock will be needing your services too."

-"Somebody called me?"

The muscled figure of Rock almost blocked the light as he entered the now seemingly small room. An unmasked Taki followed him. Without the intrusive mask over half her face, the beauty that could only be inferred was now in full display. Instead of her usual red, today she favored a blue outfit as exotic and figure molding to her athletic figure as her usual red. Satisfied to see a recovering Sophitia, she said:

-"It seems my herbs finally made their work. You will still need plenty of rest but the worst is over."

-"Always to my rescue, my friend. I owe you too much."

-"Forget it. Your dear smith will already pay for all in work. My ninjatos need some maintenance after fighting those darned lizards. That hard skin proved to be a challenge even for my sharp blades."

-"Don't let me out of the deal. Apocalypse is somewhat battered too, but those beasts received a punishment they will feel even in hell. I hope that sends a message to that bastard Kumpaetku not to mess with us."

-"Is that the name of the one who kidnapped your son? How you found that out? "

-"When Aeon came back to his senses, he managed to reveal that much before his demise. Unfortunately, he could not give me the exact whereabouts where they hid and keep Bangoo butwe were surprised in finding in this very inn a most unexpected source of information."

Taki folded her arms over her chest and her glance suddenly hardened. Rock looked at her back, acknowledging the ninja's sudden change of mood. Sophitia wondered what could upset Taki that much.

-"My opponent at the Colloseum, the Englishwoman, was already here when we arrived. She said she knew about the ambush, so she anticipated we'll retreat here at any moment."

-"But how she could know that much?" asked the Greek warrior in total astonishment.

-"She told us she used to accompany the Azure Knight, the clay golems and the lizarmen in their raids, but got fed up of the killings and abandoned them."

-"I've already stated that this is far too suspicious. Why she would reveal all this information voluntarily all of a sudden?" said Taki with a frown over her almond eyes.

-"I know Taki, this seems much too good to be true and I also smell rotten somewhere but I don't see we have too much from where to choose. She can leads us to Kumpaetku's hiding and we can get Bangoo out of that place for good!"

Whatever related to his adopted son, Rock would turn from this menacing man-beast to a vehement parent, willing to sacrifice all for his family. "In his situation, I think I would do the same", reflected Sophie in her interior, admiring his courage.

-"I guess you are right, but I will not lower my guard" replied the Demon Huntress. "I fear she will doublecross us at any moment. I'm sure she has her own agenda and we are yet to discover which role we take in it. Besides, she's after Soul Edge too and I dread what could happen if she manages to posses it."

-"But if she covets Soul Edge, why she left Nightmare? He's the new host, isn't he?" questioned Rock.

-"That's one of the many enigmas this woman presents. We have to exert much caution now, but let's discuss that later. I fear our friend Sophitia needs to rest before preoccupying her with all this", Taki said, as she observed a still tired Sophitia's lids slowly closing and her conscience drifting away. She added looking at Rothion:

-"After you make sure she's ok, please help us repair our weapons. The luxury of a competent smith during our travels is something we cannot waste."

"I'm glad to help in whatever is needed", Rothion said as he settled on a chair beside Sophie's bed.

With a light smile tugging at her lips, Taki said to Rock: "Let's leave now. I think she's now in the best care."

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-"If we get in our way on horseback as soon as tomorrow, we will make it to Palgaea in about two weeks if we keep a fast pace. We might even intercept the Englishwoman before her arrival", Taki explained while pointing at a map spread over a beaten up table.

The last few days had been quite hectic for the warriors as they prepared to get back on the road. Their departure had been hastened by the no so unexpected disappearance of Ivy. She had agreed into guiding them to Palgaea herself but in the end all Taki's suspicions were proven true about the whip-blade owner and it seemed she had already made plans of her own. Fearing she would alert Kumpaetku of their plans, Rock, Taki and Sophitia had been working overtime preparing for Bangoo's rescue. With the letters that Andreas had provided, the cumbersome and sometimes expensive process of stocking for the voyage had been eased, liberating enough time for battle training and weapon's repair. Rothion's makeshift forge had been working at full capacity also. He had brought with him part of Hephaestus sacred iron and with the god's consent, he used it to work on Rock's massive ax and Taki's lithe yet lethal pair of short bladed katanas. The remainder of the day he helped the local townspeople with his work. This made him feel useful but also allowed him not to dwell into many conflicting thoughts that centered on his romantic life.

Looking at Sophitia's wholehearted enthusiasm for the upcoming trek, Rothion started to doubt if she would ever trade her exciting life of a road warrior for the domestic simplicity of a wife. The company of such amazing people like Rock and Taki had made nothing but feed his apprehension even more.

-"How can I believe she would actually trade their company to stay with me? What can I give to her that can compare to what she's living now?"

-"Submerged on deep thoughts again, Rothion?" The soft voice of Taki interrupted his trail of thoughts. She was carrying her beloved Rekki-Maru, along with some forging tools.

-"It is nothing to worry about. I see you've brought your favorite sword. As soon as I finish this, I'll work on it."

-"Actually, I was going to ask you if you could lend me your shop for me to work on it. See, this precious is more than just a weapon for me, she's my lifelong companion.", the Asian warrior said as she ran her index finger over the smooth blade.

-"Interesting companion, but I guess warriors have to trade human companionship to rely instead on their weapons to roam the world as they please."

Taki looked at him with a serene yet pained glance on her almond eyes. Yes, her life demanded having to sacrifice any hope of keeping any real relationships for the sake of her duty as a Demon Slayer. The only family she knew, her clan, was now looking for her for what they considered betrayal. She had become an outsider for them. No, even worse, she was a traitor and an enemy to deal with. Now, she only had herself and Rekki-Maru. It's true, she had the freedom to do whatever she pleased, wherever she wanted, but sometimes after her meditations, when the night seems endless and the sun rests, in those moments loneliness became her greatest foe and her most loyal company. Taking a deep breath to organize her thoughts, Taki said:

-"Not all warriors lead lonely lives. I think Sophitia is very much pleased to count on you to provide her company."

-"I don't think I'm as amusing and exciting as you are. Besides, as soon as she realizes what she'll trade to marry me, she will reconsider it and I do not blame her at all. "

-"My dear friend, I see you still have much to learn from your betrothed. I'm amazed your really believe what you're saying."

-"And why it cannot be true? The days I've spent with all of you I've lived the most exhilarating moments of my life. What I offer cannot compete with a life of adventures, glory and heroic deeds."

Taki smiled at the distraught smith. She had learned many things throughout her long travels and adventures, but love kept being the one that was the most mysterious and puzzling of them all and lovers the strangest of creatures. For her it was just utterly amazing how lovers could spend hours of self-torture like this, dwelling on the most absurd fears. Love had definitely blinded Rothion, for he was the only one who could not realize that Sophitia was completely head over heels for him and had already decided to leave her perilous life behind to recover her normal life with him at her side.

-"I think these two need some time together to bring the relationship back into perspective" analyzed amused the scarlet ninja.

-"Rothion, I think you deserve some time off. Besides, I appreciate what you have done with my ninjatos, but I rather work on them myself. You see, for me working them is not a burden; it's a craft I wholeheartedly enjoy. Go, Sophie must have by now ended her training session with Rock. You have not got the chance to enjoy each other's company lately."

The ninja hit a nerve on Rothion's mind. He took off his work apron and put his tools down.

-"I think you're right. Enjoy yourself Taki, and thank you."

-"Forget it. Now go. Remember that tomorrow we are leaving first thing in the morning", she replied with a mischievous wink.

The smith headed towards a small clearing near a stream that had become the training spot for the warriors. He saw Sophitia sitting down on a rock on a meditating stance. She wore her favored garments: a blue blouse, white short skirt adorned by sky blue stripes at the seam, brown sash and thigh high brown boots. However, there was something different, alluring on her at this particular moment. Noticing her uncovered shoulders, he realized she wasn't wearing any protective armor, and the image of the Amazon-like warrior gave way to a softer, more vulnerable version and in her meditations, a beautiful serene expression adorned her features. By the sacred Olympus, she was perfect! thought Rothion as his heart skipped a beat.

He admitted to himself there was another reason behind his voluntary search for workload. As days passed by, tempting sensual thoughts had been assaulting him restlessly; just the natural consequence of being madly in love with a most beautiful woman. It was getting more difficult for him to suppress his emotions and the way his body reacted whenever she was close to him. At the same he did not wanted to appear as if he wanted to take advantage of their rather awkward situation of both being away from their country and from the protective vigilance of her family. His sense of decency and honor would not allow him doing anything that could disappoint the trust her family had put upon him.

But those concepts began to seem hazy and far away as he approached her silently and instead it dawned to him the fact that they were going to yet endure another separation and that her safety could be endangered. The excruciating mixture of feelings menaced to take over his principles and scruples. Sophitia sensed steps over the moist grass behind her and turned her head to see Rothion who proceeded to sit at her side. "My, what a pleasant surprise. Not much work today?"

-"No, and even if I had it, I would put it aside to enjoy this moment with you, although I have to admit I was helped by a bit of persuasion."

-"I've missed you. I was beginning to think you were avoiding me on purpose. Have I done something to hurt you?"

The deeply worried in her face put Rothion's unfounded consternation back in perspective. "No darling, you did not do anything. I was harboring some dumb doubts about you preferring to stay with your friends in more adventures instead of returning back homeand to me. After witnessing all you are capable of, I just felt that you wouldn't be satisfied with the quiet, uneventful life of the wife of a smith. If you do feel that way, I can understand and I will respect your decision. I will not be the one to prevent you from obtaining your true happiness."

She looked at him amused. Men could be so complicated sometimes!, she meditated as a loud sight escaped her lips. "Well, the only thing you have to worry about is having my family drop unexpectedly for visit more times than we might prefer. I think I've made it clear more than once that I've already made my decision and that is to spend my life trying to understand how your mind can be so inventive and create such dramas out of thin air. I think we'll grow old and wrinkled and still you'll be expecting me to go to the "great adventure" while leaving you behind to take care of the house."

-"It is always a possibility", he said with a grin.

-"I give up. Remind me to place a large offering to Hephaestus and Athena when we come back."

-"What's that for? For their guidance and for giving you warrior's skills?"

-"No, for the wisdom and patience I'll need to understand you! Now, if you don't mind, may you lend me your shoulder? Rock got all carried away with the training and now I'm exhausted. I could have sworn he was fighting the lizard men army instead of me! Fortunately, he remembered he had to pick the horses for the trip, so right now the poor beasts must be the new object of his energy."

-"Make yourself comfortable. I'll watch your sleep. I've also brought with me something to eat so we don't have to go back to the inn for a while. What do you think?"

-"Perfect, I'll stay here for a while. Besides, you are a great pillow."

Her head nuzzled over the hollow of his shoulder and soon she closed her eyes in deep relaxation. He let his hand play with the strands of hair that cascaded over her shoulders, instead of her usual braid. A sweet scent of lavender from her hair tingled his nose. The wind made her skirt flutter, revealing the curved sight of her tights. He felt his blood warm on his veins and his heart drum faster. It was happening again and it seemed his brain was frantically looking for strategies to make the most of the opportunity. He drew a large breath and instead tried to distract his mind. Expecting the hormonal onslaught to continue, he muttered to himself:

-"It's going to be one long, restless night for me tonight."

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Tomorrow comes to take me away

I wish that I...that I could stay

You know I've got to go

Lord I wish it wasn't so

Save tonight

And fight the break of dawn

Come tomorrow

Tomorrow I'll be gone¼

-"I don't think I can eat more in years to come", said a satisfied Rock, as he pushed the last empty plate to the center of the table, along with a tall tower of empty plates that menaced to tumble down to the floor at any moment with a loud crash.

-"After watching you eat, I don't think I'll recover my appetite for that same amount of time!" said Taki with eyes wide in shock.

-"It's going to be our last complete meal in weeks, maybe months, so I decided to indulge myself."

-"Indulge you did indeed!", said mockingly Rothion.

-"I hope you've all enjoyed joking at my expense, but now I bid goodnight. Tomorrow is going to be the first of many exhausting days so I better enjoy a good rest. Again Rothion, thank you for fixing Apocalypse. Those lizards don't know what they'll be getting! ", the warrior said, as he patted amiably Rothion's shoulder. The young smith shook under Adams' huge hand.

-"I think I'll follow Rock's example and make an early retreat. Good night to you." A discreet glimmer of complicity directed towards the couple illuminated her midnight dark eyes as she proceeded to follow the giant's example and soon she was lost from the Greek's sight.

-"I think the most prudent thing is that you do the same", the smith said while standing up.

Sophitia stared at him without occulting her disappointment. She had hoped for at least a romantic walk under the stars that allowed some private time together to make up for all the busy days they could not enjoy each other's company. Instead, she found her fiancée behaving in a rather paternalistic matter. With a frustrated sight, she held his arm and climbed the stairs that lead to her room. His attention seemed to be somewhere else and Sophitia wondered if he still was bothered by the conversation they had in the afternoon.

-"It's everything okay dear?" she asked with worry reflected on her face.

-"Why yes of course. Is there something bothering you?"

-"It's just that I feel like your focus is somewhere else and not hereand bearing in mind that I'm leaving tomorrow I just hoped for some private time for us".

-"I just wanted to make sure you rested well and had enough time for any last minute preparations."

-"You could at least help me pack my things."

Rothion remained in silence for an instant. Great, that meant staying with her alone on the same room. Just what my agitated state of mind and body needed, he thought in irony. However, that was the least he could do for her before her departure. He would just have to behave without letting his passion go out of control for a little longer.

-"Guess you are right, but remember you will be riding, so try not to put too much burden on the horse, both for speed's sake and for the well-being of the animal. I've seen you ladies pack and I've always wondered why your things are always twice the amount of ours."

-"Achieving beauty is not an easy task, so we always carry whatever we might need to achieve it", she answered with a roguish smile.

-"I beg to differ with you. You could dress up in a sack and still look ravishing", thought Rothion but instead of verbalizing such thoughts, he sat down instead, busying himself polishing the pieces of armor from her outfit. Time flew by as they engaged in a long conversation about their future plans. He delighted in the hopeful delight she put on each sentence and every minor detail of their future union. It was also very amusing to watch her sitting on the floor in a rather uncomfortable position while struggling to fit her things on a small bag. If only the fact that she was on a mission to destroy a cursed blade could be omitted, they could have been easily seen just another typical engaged couple. As she kept insisting in pushing ever more items on the obviously jam-packed travel bag, the smith remained pensive, the weight of the upcoming goodbyes crushing him inside. His thoughts were abruptly cut as Sophitia leaped from the floor with a yelp.

-"Are you okay?"

-"Ouch, I think I've got a cramp on my leg."

-"You should have sat on the chair as I suggested."

She gave him a hard look while biting her lower lip. "This is not funny. Quick, help me out with the boot."

She yelped again in obvious discomfort, so with a sigh after helping her to his chair, he kneeled down in front of the aching leg and untied the belt and strings of the long boot. When he finally managed to peel it away, she added:

-"Could you give me a massage since you're already there?"

-"All right, but don't blame me if you feel worse after it!"

Instants later he was massaging her leg with vigorous moves to relax the muscle. His fingers pressed hard, melting away the source of discomfort. She let a soft sight of relief, evidencing that his impromptu "therapy" had been a complete success. He was about to stand up but the wonderful sight of Sophitia's shapely leg made his intention trail away and before even noticing, his fingers were now running from the calf to her knee and down again in an admiring exploration. She looked down with surprise and delight, allowing herself to enjoy the warm sensation of the smith's large hand over the smooth skin. All that she wanted at that moment was for him not to stop but she couldn't will her lips to mutter even a syllable.

It was not needed, because Rothion moved his attention and fingers to the right leg and removed her other boot. In silence, he feasted his eyes and hands with the same devoted care he had given to the other limb. Suddenly, his eyes found a rather long scar at the outward side of the knee and part of the calf. He traced the irregular surface gently with his index finger, but paused to lift his head to answer to her suddenly hardened glance over him.

Her voice came out with a slight tremble:

-"If you are wondering how that got there, let's just say that it is my daily reminder of Soul Edge's destructive power. That particular wound was rather deep and I even feared the loss of my leg, but fortunately, it miraculously healed right. All that is left from it is that mark. It is not appealing to sight at all so that is why I favor long boots." Her sad expression revealed the hidden painful memories the scar unveiled.

To her surprise, Rothion lowered his head and placed a feathery kiss over the gash. She answered with a shocked gasp. "To me this is just one more evidence of your greatness, Sophitia Alexandra. You should not hide it, not from me."

Her hands resting over her knees trembled slightly. Still on his knees looking up, he reached for her chin and brought her lips towards his and gave her a tender yet unrelenting kiss while his hands cupped Sophitia's, caressing them delicately, the shivers coming to a stop. As her arms went to rest over his shoulders, his hands slipped to her thighs, and before he could even debate whether to allow his fingers to wander any further and feeling breathless, he pulled back for a second to reach for air and restrain. His gazes met and air escaped his from lungs again when he noticed the intense fiery gleam her eyes reflected and before he could even move, his fiancée claimed him back with a passionate and bold response that made the mental restraints he had put upon himself crumble by the second. He knew right there and then that if he stayed any longer, he would be unable to stop. Breaking the kiss brusquely, he stood up and looked out for the door.

-"Sophie, it's getting late and you need to finish packing for your journey. Sorry if I can't be of much help now", he managed to mutter with husky voice. Rothion was already turning towards the door when he was stopped by Sophitia's voice behind him.

-"Rothion"

-"Huh?" He answered back, using all his restraint to avoid running back.

-"Youyou don't have to leave" Sophitia heard herself say sheepishly, her cheeks acquiring a soft shade of red.

-"Sophie", Rothion said, his glance dropping as he recalled his control to no avail. "I truly hope you realize what that means. I do not think I can will myself to leave much longer, but I do not want to do anything stupid or persuade you into something you might later regret."

Rothion lifted his head from the floor and locked eyes with the Athenian's who looked at him, turmoil of emotions stirring inside her.

-"If you do not have anything else to say, I will retire for the night and I promise I will wait until the right moment presents. I love you and after all, if I have waited all my life for you, I'm sure a little more time would not make any difference because my feelings for you will remain the same."

Sophitia felt the intense passion and yearning in her betrothed's deep voice warming her inside, melting away her doubts and fears. She swallowed hard, feeling the beating of her heart quickening. His hand now rested on the door's knob and his voice deepened.

-"You know how much I care about you and how I fear for you each passing minute. If it were my will to be done and not the gods, I would not allow you away from me a single instant. But I know you have your sacred duty, and I have mine and that is to support and love you every step of your quest."

At last her voice found its way out, intensity drenching every word: "I know. I also fear for myself and for our destiny together. Gods, how much I wish for this quest to be over and this burden to be taken off me!" the baker's daughter said, tears slowly slipping through her cheek. Her fervent tone menaced to break Rothion's composure, wishing to dry her tears away with his kisses and caresses. He clenched his fists and resumed his way out from the room and from the possibility of finding himself enraptured under his fiancee's ardent embrace. He flung the door half-open.

-"Sophie, I think the most prudent thing for me is to go. Good night my love. I'll see to help you in everything you need before you get on your way in the morning." His outline was already halfway out when he heard her voice call out.

-"Wait Rothion, please don't leave!" she said with a daring that the Greek warrior herself was unaware she possessed.

Rothion turned his head and found Sophitia's hand extended towards him. Her chest moved up and down with nervous breathing but her emerald eyes displayed the steely determination he knew so well. He stepped slower towards her and held firmly the supple hand she offered. With the other hand, he caressed a strand of soft golden hair that had fallen over her face. She trembled slightly but did not move away. His accelerated breathing matched hers in rhythm and he felt he was about to drown on the majestic serenity of those beautiful green eyes that now sparkled with fire, and by the gods, how much he wanted to throw himself into its flames and be consumed! The smith inclined his head towards her ear, brushing his cheek gently against hers, his words engulfed on a velvety whisper:

-"I hunger for you. Gods, I want you so much it almost hurts. I don't want to let you go."

Returning the gesture, her warm breath caressed his earlobe ever so softly.

- "Don't let me go."

Their lips met and their arms snaked around each other passionately, as if fearing the gods themselves might tear them apart at any instant. His tongue explored the warmth and taste of her mouth, daring her to respond in the same way, the kiss deepening each passing moment. His hands trailed her lithe back possessively while her arms around his neck brought him closer. His lips abandoned hers from an instant to delight over the contour of her jaw, then the supple neck. He lingered over her pulse making her head tilt back in abandon. A moan escaped her throat as she delighted in the intoxicating heat the tantalizing trail of kisses left over her skin. His lips slipped over her collarbone when Sophitia caught the view of the door of her room half-open and tensed. Sensing the sudden change, Rothion lifted his head.

-"It's everything alright?" he said, trying to bring his concentration back from the sweet taste of her skin lingering in his mouth.

-"I do not know you but I think I rather have that door closed for privacy's sake", she answered with a smile.

He opened his eyes wide in shock, color draining from his embarrassed face. He had forgot about the door and now they could be subjects of amused glances!

-"The door! Excuse me my lady. I still have one more task left. Wait for me right there", he said as he diligently rushed to the door.

-"I do not plan to go anywhere" she replied with a roguish gleam on her eyes and her voice drowned in pure sensuality. Rothion felt melting inside with the naked passion the glance revealed. The door shut the outside world and its troubles behind.

-"I love you warrior girl"

-"And I love you my smith"

And without any other word, he approached her again.

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The sunrise started slowly its path to welcome a new day and Sophitia fumbled in silence with her leather boots. Breaking the silence of the arriving dawn, she could hear Rothion's relaxed breathing. She had awakened early to end her travel preparations but it had been under the most awkward of circumstances for her, she admitted shyly. When she opened her eyes that morning, she sensed his arms still resting around her waist and his legs had remained entangled with hers underneath the discreet cover of the sheets. Golden strands of her long hair concealed her bare top and she felt the steady rise and fall of his chest against her back. "This", she thought, "is how I want to wake up for the rest of my life".

She broke out free of his embrace carefully, much to her regret, as the memories of the past hours came back in cavalcade, awakening a warming tingle over her body accompanied with an exhilarating sensation that menaced to rend her breathless all over again. As she finished dressing up and gathering her things, Sophitia forced herself with much effort to put the thoughts aside for a moment to concentrate on her current task, but her mind betrayed her replaying the unforgettable moments on her mind's eye. She felt her knees weak with the powerful onslaught of her body reliving the sensations. She shook her head, trying to recover her self-control and discipline.

Her packing at last done, she took the last priceless moments to observe her lover's deep slumber. His face look relaxed and had a soft expression of bliss that pleased her deeply. His jaw was already covered with dark stubble that made him look even more attractive. A lock of hair had fallen over his forehead and Sophitia couldn't resist the temptation of brushing it aside. Rothion stirred idly from his rest as soon as he felt her feathery touch over his temple. The morning rays filled the room through a nearby window and as his lids opened slowly, his first sight was of a heavenly creature bathed in glimmering light.

-"If I'm dreaming, please do not wake me. I'm beholding an angel."

-"Sorry, no angel, just me."

-"Who says you're not an angel?" The blacksmith said with a long yawn, his eyes still half-open." You've rescued me from loneliness and filled my heart with joy."

She placed a soft kiss on his forehead while her hand caressed his obscure mane.-"Shh, go back to sleep. It's too early for you to wake up."

-"As you wish, my angel, but first one more kiss" he said as he pulled her head towards his and in an intimate gesture, he outlined the curves of her lips with his tongue. She immediately opened her mouth and welcomed him back and as her mind fought the urge to stay, her hands were already stroking the firm skin of his chest. Summoning what was left of her determination, she broke the sensual caress and brought the covers up over him. He stirred in protest for the interruption of the kiss but slumber took control once more of him and finally his breathing relaxed again in a leisurely cadence.

Sophitia smiled lightly and at the same time felt her heart agonizingly tearing apart from the imminent separation. It was better for her that he had fallen back to sleep; at east she could keep this last peaceful sight as a treasured memory for the upcoming challenges that waited on the road, instead of yet another heartbreaking goodbye. Her ears picked the muffled steps of Taki and Rock as they prepared outside and the nigh and hooves of the horses, impatient to start their way. With eyes moistening, the chosen warrior lowered her head over Rothion's and brushed her lips with his one last time.

-"My love, by the sacred Olympus I vow I will come back to you, and then, I will never part your side again."

Without any more words, tasting the saltiness of the tears that ran over her face in silence, she turned around and quietly closed the door behind her.