"Rain: Haze"
~o~
"It was the moment when the rain had finally ceased. But now a fine mist rose up from the ground to obscure the scenery. In that sudden moment, he found himself standing alone beside her."
~o~
It should have been romantic. Kent had always loved the way that Lyndis looked after a good downpour soaked her to the skin. But they were on an island far from home, with friends and enemies both nearby, although he could see neither at the moment.
It probably wouldn't be long before one or the other manages to find them, however.
Neither situation allowed him to take the time to properly admire the fine droplets of water that traced the contours of her face, or the ones that dripped unceremoniously from the tip of her nose to land upon her clothing. He adamantly refused to think about exactly where on her clothing those drops were falling. Such thoughts could only lead to other tempting avenues regarding the body beneath the clothing and that would wreak havoc with his situational awareness.
His horse shifted beneath him as Lyn stepped nearer. Kent diligently scanned the area from his higher perch, though he couldn't see any farther than she could from her position nearer to ground. If only there was something to clear away the haze...
When the slender arms wrapped around his leg, Kent found his attention not so subtly redirected. When he looked downward, he found Lyndis resting against the side of his horse, her clutch upon his leg merely to support herself upright.
A frown crossed his face. She was tired; they were all tired. For weeks on end they had followed the turmoil through the breadth Lycia and across the sea to their current locale. From mountain to desert to ocean, they battled their way towards their goal. And each time that they attempted to take a rest, they were interrupted by their enemy and his horde of expendable creations. Even the strongest members of the party only dragged along now, retaining just enough strength to stand and bear arms.
Kent couldn't fathom how the lesser members of the company managed to keep going.
Still, if Lyn was tired enough to lean against his horse, perhaps it would be best if she were off her feet for a few moments. Risking a whisper, he leaned over and touched his lady's shoulder.
"Milady."
No answer.
"Milady!" Again, no answer.
"Milady Lyn!" He was gratified to see her start and look up at him with tired eyes.
"Kent?"
Straining his ears to catch any movement nearby of friend or foe, Kent didn't answer immediately. Only when he was somewhat certain that his harsh whispers and her sleepy inquiry had not drawn undue attention did he return his attention to the woman by his side.
"Come up here and rest while we have a moment." He offered her his hand and glanced awkwardly about from his hunched over position atop his mount. Lyn hesitated before untangling her grasp on his leg in order to grab hold of his outstretched hand. Kent hauled upward, clumsily dragging his lady to sit behind him.
For a moment he thought that gravity would win the contest - Lyn was tired and her movements to help were sluggish at best. Muscles strained and his back protested the movement as he defied nature to give her a moment's respite. Eventually they managed and she sat astride the horse behind him, one arm wrapped about his torso while her head rested against the cold metal of his armor. The other arm would be occupied with her weapon, because even in this tired state she would not relinquish the gift of the spirits.
He desperately tried not to think of the beautifully long legs that were in full view should he turn his head to either side.
When Lyn's breathing grew even, Kent knew that she slept. He relaxed slightly, biting the inside of his cheek to keep himself alert as he watched and listened. The haze swirled around, creeping ever closer to the pair.
The jangle of a horse's bridle jarred against his senses; startled fully awake, Kent peered into the mist that surrounded the area. When the rider emerged into view, the knight instinctively reached for his sword; behind him, Lyn shifted slightly while murmuring in her sleep.
The rider drew up as he emerged from the mist and noticed the pair. Kent noted that the man was a native of the plains and wished for a singular moment that Lyn would awake so that he could more adequately defend them. The moment passed; the other man shook his head at Kent's ineffectual attempts to draw his weapon without throwing off his passenger. "Peace, stranger. Warriors of the plains have no need to hide from battle, so let it be known that I will await your arrival to start our battle. Until then, you may rest easy."
Turning away his mount, the enemy warrior rode off into the swirling haze.
When he did not return, Kent relaxed the grip that he'd maintained upon his the hilt of his sword. Lyn stirred and sighed, causing the cavalier to stiffen. "Milady?"
"Not that I don't enjoy being alone like this, but we really ought to find the others and let them know what that warrior said." Lyn yawned and sighed again. "They may appreciate the respite as much as I will."
"I... as you wish, milady." Turning his horse, Kent started off towards where he hoped the encampment lay. With any luck the mist would clear away and they would find their comrades swiftly.
"Kent?"
"Yes, milady?" He tilted his head to hear better.
"We should do this again sometime, without the wet clothing and uncomfortable armor."
Kent blinked as they rode onward.
"I'll see what I can do, milady."
~o~
AN: Kent/Lyn, to satisfy the raving pairing monsters out there. ^-^ You know who you are! Enjoy a little fluff.
