Pain and Love: Forever Entwined
Chapter 21
Two weeks went by, Reilyn's defense tactics were the best they would ever be, and Eragon was working on not playing "hero" so often. The middle teen was using Nightfall for some of the practices, fighting from the saddle, and proved to be a master at it, Murtagh had suffered several decent wounds as proof; she also proved herself against the soldiers, coming from two of five battles completely unscathed. Murtagh however, wasn't doing so well; the dream came to him each and every night, and he'd stopped sleeping because of it. He'd wake each night with tears on his face and sobs locked in his chest, then he'd merely lay and stare at his ceiling, listening to the others breathe and waiting for dawn. At first, it wasn't noticeable, he operated just fine in and out of battle, but by the end of the first week he'd become forgetful, testy, and easily distracted. By the end of the second week, he was dangerously moody and offish, the servants were even afraid to give him messages from the King or his father.
Brave one, you must sleep! Thorn roared.
You don't see one of the people you love most die whenever you shut your eyes! he roared back. Leave it alone, Thorn. . .
His dragon growled in his mind, but fell silent and severed the link. Murtagh stormed to his wing of the castle, heading to his room to be alone, and snarled at anyone he ran across. He was pleased to find his room empty and a hot bath drawn and waiting for him. He soaked in the water until it was ice-cold, then dried off and pulled on sleep pants. When he exited the bathroom, he got a shock and froze in place.
A fire burned, illuminating the room warmly, candles were lit all over the room, and there was a tray of delicious smelling stew on the bed, complete with bread and even wine. He couldn't see anyone else in the room, but already had a thought of who the culprit was.
Eragon. . .he smirked. I guess one date night wasn't enough for him. . .
Hands fell on his shoulders, he jumped and went to turn, but they wouldn't allow it, and they even kept him from looking back. Murtagh's other senses immediately took over, he listened for the person, but only heard their soft breathing, and when he sniffed the air, he got his answer: rain and forest.
"Rei," he sighed, "I must say that I expected this to be Eragon's doing. . ."
"It was his idea. . .He said I should be the one to carry it out though," she whispered shyly. "Do you like it?"
"Yes. . .What's it for?" he murmured, leaning back into her.
"You've been moody, stressed, and exhausted. . ." she nuzzled his neck. "Though a. . .date would help."
And here I thought I was the one who would have to start it. . .
She's nervous, Prince. . .Thorn reminded softly. Afraid she'll not make you happy. . .
I can sense that. . .he said. I'll be careful with this, Thorn. . .Now, if you please. . .
His beast departed, allowing him the privacy he wanted, and he glanced back to Reilyn. She smirked very shyly, he smiled, and stole a kiss from her.
"What's first?" he whispered gently.
"I'm not sure. . ." she blushed. "Eragon only told me this much. . ."
Guess I'll take over for a bit here. . .
"Hungry?" he asked, turning around to face her.
"This night's for you. . ." she murmured, looking away.
"But I'm sharing it with you, Reilyn," he snickered.
He led the girl to the bed, putting the tray between them, and filled two goblets with the blood-red wine. Reilyn took a small sip with him, still not sure of what to do, and he gestured the food.
"Reilyn, relax. . ." he said softly. "Nothing you do will ever make me unhappy, my love."
She smiled in embarrassment, but relaxed somewhat and they are their stew silently. He was surprised when she kept drinking the wine with him, it was assisting in her relaxation, but he kept close watch to be sure neither had too much. Once they had their fill of food, she moved the tray, he was sure to grab the goblets and the bottle, and she told him she'd be right back.
"I'll be waiting, love," he grinned, more relaxed than he had been in weeks.
She vanished, giggling lightly, and he got settled against his headboard. He drank some more wine slowly, letting his eyes slip closed, and rested--he did not fall asleep or doze, merely let his eyes and mind rest. He heard the door open, she told him to keep his eyes shut, and he felt her sit next to him on the bed.
"Keep those eyes shut, Murtagh," she said firmly.
"I am. . ." he smirked.
Soft lips met his, she had a familiar taste on her, but he couldn't name it and whimpered when she pulled back, wanting more. She moved, sitting on his lap, and ran fingers in his wet hair ever so gently, making his growl and shiver. The familiar taste was stronger when she kissed him again, he was quick to get as much of the sweet taste that he could, but was still unable to place it.
"Can't figure it out?" she snickered.
"No," he panted. "What is it?"
"Here," she whispered, running something over his lips.
He carefully opened his mouth, licking his lips and was tortured with more of the taste. He slowly nibbled on whatever Reilyn was feeding him, trying to figure it out, and finally he had it.
"Oh, Gods above," he moaned, eating more. "Rei, are these strawberries?"
"Yes," she giggled. "I was told they're your favorite."
"How did you get them?" he asked around another bite. "They're not even in season. . ."
"I know a person. . ." she whispered, stealing a kiss and some of the fruit from him.
He sighed happily when they broke the kiss, something like this was just the thing he needed, and he was basking in it. She slowly fed him the delectable fruit, nibbling his neck on occasion, and eventually he stole some control from her. He opened his eyes slowly, watching as Reilyn nibbled a strawberry, and gently took it from her, so he could feed her.
"Mur--," she began, but he cut her off.
"I want to. . ." he murmured. "Please?"
She nodded shyly, watching him closely, and he nibbled the piece of fruit first, kissed her and then slowly fed it to her. He smiled at her, sipping some wine, and watched her sip some as well. She allowed him to feed her a few strawberries, then stopped him, and got off his lap, leaving him slightly confused.
"Sit forward, please," she whispered in his ear.
Murtagh quickly moved forward, already knowing what she was going to do, and waited patiently. Reilyn sat behind him, running a hand down his scar, and he growled pleasantly, she always sent shivers down his back when she touched any of his scars. Cool hands traced his back lightly, he shivered noticeable, and she giggled softly.
"Murtagh, why haven't you been sleeping?" she asked carefully, starting on his massage.
"Because every time I fall asleep. . I dream. . .I have to see your death over and over, I can't take it anymore," he whispered.
"Every time you wake, I'm still here," she murmured into his ear.
"I know. . .but the dream is much too real," he grumbled. "Rei, let's not talk of this. . ."
"As you wish, Prince," she kissed his shoulder.
She worked on his tense back, he growled almost constantly, and then he felt something different, it was her hands, they felt--powerful. He could just see her hands as she massaged his shoulders, a silver light graced her hands, and he moaned lightly with realization.
Magic. . .she's using magic to massage me with as well. . .
"Rei. . ." he sighed. "Just be careful with this. . ."
He got a jolt of pure pleasure when she touched his scar, he arched into her hands, and couldn't get his breathing right. She traced the length of scar slowly, with her magic covered hands, and Murtagh could not force his eyes open or stop the loud growl coming from him. By the time she was done, her magic not used any longer, he was panting and shivering, but he was lost in bliss.
She slowly rubbed his sides, then his middle, and he sank back against her, nuzzling into her neck. He slowly turned around, sitting on his knees over her lap, and kissed her eagerly, gently pushing her back on the bed and pinning her hands. Murtagh sank his teeth into her neck roughly, she sucked in a surprised breath, pulled one hand free, and held him to her, fingers lost in his raven hair. He growled, moving down her throat, and let one hand slowly unfasten the laces on her shirt, to just the collar.
"Murtagh!" she gasped as he bit and kissed the newly exposed flesh.
He heard a sudden, loud growl in his mind and froze with what he was doing.
Thorn?! he was worried about his beast. What's going on?!
Leave us, Prince, Thorn rumbled, then blocked him.
He let out a relieved snicker when he realized what the dragons were up to, but realized that even though Thorn had blocked him, he could feel his dragon's emotions, and it concerned him.
"Murtagh, what's wrong?" Reilyn whispered, sounding scared.
"The dragons. . ." he smirked a little. "Are. . .going to mate, I think."
"What?!" her jaw fell in shock. "Thorn and Saphira are--!"
"Yes. . .I promised him I wouldn't say anything when I first found out he was courting her. . ." he fought a sudden urge of desire that swam over him, he wanted to have Reilyn right now. "Rei. . I. . ."
He scrambled off her, he could feel his will breaking, and didn't want to harm her. He cursed his beast mentally, of all possible times Thorn chose the one night Murtagh had alone with Reilyn, and he wondered if it were on purpose.
Damn him! he growled.
"Murtagh?" Reilyn murmured, touching his arm.
NO! No no no no no no no no! he screamed at himself. I will not do this to her!!
"Rei," he panted through clenched teeth, "I'm blocked from Thorn's mind, but not what he's feeling right now. . ."
"Should I leave?" she whispered.
"No," he glanced to the bathroom. "Stay right here. . .I've got a solution. . ."
The tub will still be full. . .he thought, going to the room and locking the door. And still be icy. . .
He got another surge of desire so strong it drove him to his knees, hands scrabbling on the cool stones and clenching tightly, and a long, low, drawn out moan was pulled from him. Briefly, he wondered how Eragon was handling this, but yet another wave of passion blotted out the thought. He bit his arm in order to silence the loud noises being ripped from him, moving was impossible, he was under the torrent of ungodly amounts of desire and passion that really belonged to his dragon, and was forced to just ride it out. Never had he felt such intensity, not even when he had first made Eragon officially his, and he thought it was going to kill him. Suddenly, every muscle in his body went taut, he half-growled, half-moaned as his dragon reached his peak, and Murtagh went over the edge as well, it lasted for what seemed like ages, and he collapsed to the side afterwards.
Mur-Murtagh? it was Eragon and he sounded weak. What w-was that?!
Thorn and Saphira. . .just mated. . .he replied, not near as weak as the youngest. They've been growing closer and closer the whole time you've been here. . .I promised not to tell. . .
You know, I've read that when dragons mate. . .Eragon panted. Th-that their Riders often f-feel the whole experience, but only the first time they mate. . .But I never expected that. . .I didn't even know why. . .he trailed off in embarrassment.
Only the first time, you say?
From what I've read, but who really knows? I really hope it's merely a one time thing. . .he sounded stronger. I don't think my body can handle going through that again. . .EVER.
You're all right? Murtagh chuckled, slowly getting to his feet.
Yes. . .And very happy that I chose to stay in a spare room while Reilyn and you--he paused. Murtagh?!
NO! Eragon, god, no! I'm in the bathroom, was the whole time. . .She's fine. . .he said quickly, stepping out of his ruined pants. I managed to get away before I did something I'd regret. . .
Good, he sighed. Will you be. . .finishing the date then?
I'd like to, he hissed as he stepped into the freezing tub to clean off. But it will be up to Reilyn whether we do or not. . .
I'll let you bathe and get back to that then. . .I should bathe as well. . .he grumbled. Damn dragons. . .
Murtagh snickered as the youth blocked his mind, washed himself up and was glad he was back to normal and even happier that he'd never been the type to go right to sleep after completion. He dried off, securing the towel around him, and carefully opened the door. Lucky for him, Reilyn was sitting in the window, he told her to not turn around and tugged on clean sleep pants.
"I'm very sorry about that, Rei," he muttered as he tied the laces on his pants. "Thorn's never been one for timing. . ."
I heard that. . .his ruby beast growled sleepily.
I will speak with you later, Thorn. . .I'm not very happy with you right now. . .he grumbled.
"Are you--?" she trailed off shyly.
"I'm normal again. . .If you'd like to, we can finish our date. . ." he murmured, sitting on the bed.
"Are you going to remain normal?" she asked.
"I hope so. . .Thorn's sleeping now," he muttered, figuring the night was over.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Reilyn sat in the window, soaking in the smells of the night, and kept thinking about what to do. She'd seen Murtagh's eyes go almost black with pure lust before he'd scrambled off her, the thought that he would just take her had crossed her mind, and she was still nervous about it. She could tell Murtagh wasn't happy with his beast and slowly slid from the window, watching the dark teen.
His head hung low, hair in his face, and his eyes were closed tightly. When she ran a hand in his hair, he glanced up with apologetic eyes, and looked away again. Reilyn gently curled up on his lap, licking and nibbling his jaw, and he finally put his arms around her.
"I'd like to finish the date. . .but I'm afraid I'm out of ideas at the moment," she whispered in his ear. "Would you mind taking control for a little bit?"
"Mmmmm. . .not at all," he hummed.
She yelped loudly as he stood up, one of his arms going under her knees, and she clung to him instinctively. He laughed, holding her close to him, and spun in a circle, slowly beginning to waltz with her in his arms. Reilyn gradually relaxed in his firm hold, still put off a little by his sudden childishness, and he caught her lips in a soul-searing kiss.
"I have a question," hazel eyes sparkled at her.
"What?" she played with the nape of his neck.
"Do you know how to waltz? Or dance for that matter?"
"No," she blushed. "Never really had the opportunity. . .Why?"
"Well. . .If this battle with the Varden ends in our favor, there's to be a great Ball. . .and of course, you and I would be expected to go together," he smiled, sitting on the bed, her on his lap. "And now I know that I'd have to teach you. . ."
"What, right now?" she felt very self-conscious all of a sudden.
"Oh, no," he chuckled, laying back and pulling her with him. "I've other plans for now."
Her neck was under his attack, he growled very loudly if she struggled, and she silenced a yelp as a bite broke skin. Suddenly, she'd had enough of him being in control, and stole it from him, flipping and pinning him to the mattress.
"Rei," he growled, struggling.
His eyes burned into hers, as much as he loved his control, he seemed to almost enjoy things more when she had hold of his power, and she liked the control almost as much as the dark Prince. She breathed some words and all the candles went out, leaving only the faint light from the dying fire, and Murtagh's breath caught.
"Reilyn?" he half-growled, half-whispered.
She pinned his hands beneath her knees, he struggled a little, but let up soon enough. The eldest growled pleasantly as she ran a hand lightly down his bare torso, she remembered the morning that he'd been the one to guide her hands, and carefully pressed her nails into his flesh. The response was immediate, Murtagh groaned and growled, and arched violently into her, making her draw blood.
So, the more pain, the better it is for him. . . she noted.
He whimpered loudly when she removed her nails, hands trying frantically to free themselves, and she snickered at him. She healed the scratches on his chest, then just sat and watched the older teen under her.
"Rei?" he whined, squirming. "Why are you stopping?"
"I see why you like being in control so much," she purred, letting her hand just hover over his body. "It's quite the feeling. . ."
"God! Please, Reil-!" he was cut off.
Without any sort of warning, she pulled his head back roughly, and kissed him forcefully. Her demand for entry was granted at once, but he was denied all control of the kiss, and he growled in a mix of frustration and pleasure. He got a hand free, she broke the kiss, and pinned him back down, holding the wrist tightly against the bed.
"Rei!" he ground out through clenched teeth.
"What?" she kept just above his neck reach. "Tell me. . ."
"Let go," he growled, twisting his wrist in her grip.
"Why?" she smirked, suddenly a little unsure, and her grip loosened a tad.
The small amount of freedom was more than enough for him, she was suddenly pinned under his strong body, and she couldn't help but flinch when he leaned closer, the thoughts of lust-blackened eyes too fresh in her minds eye. Gentle lips met hers, he unpinned her hands and laced their fingers together lightly, and she understood his message--he was sorry and was being very careful now. All the roughness faded, replaced by unthinkable amounts of affection from the rough and noble Prince, and he gave her a warm grin.
"That's why I said let go," he murmured.
"Mmm," she nodded, smirking shyly at him.
He hummed, laying down, pulling her to his chest, and gently tended her collar once more, making her shudder. She wanted him to sleep, that was sort of the whole point of the evening, and he needed rest so direly it was making her sick with worry. She hinted with a yawn that she was getting close to being ready for bed, he looked at her and smiled softly.
"Tired, Rei?" he kissed the corner of her lips.
"Aren't you?"
"No, I'm fine," he said, obviously lying.
She slipped from the bed to change, formulating her plan, and when she emerged from changing, he was staring out into the night. The dark man sank back into her when she put her arms around him, sighing blissfully, and she slowly led him to the huge bed, he very hesitantly crawled in with her.
"Murtagh," she murmured, pulling the blankets around them, "you need to get some rest. . ."
"I'll be fine, Reilyn," he said firmly, letting his head come to rest on her shoulder.
She sighed, figuring he'd be stubborn as ever about this, played with his raven hair, and took a very big risk.
"Dreaming of the stars at night,
Gazing at their eternal light.
Listening to tales foretold
Of summer heat and winter cold.
Staring at the dark night sky,
I believe that I could learn to fly.
Above the Earth I float and soar,
I'm taking part in an old-time lore.
I safely land back on the ground,
Knowing all the things not found.
I walk along a little path,
Wishing it would always last.
I gaze into a reflective stream
And realize that it's all a dream. . ."
"Again. . ." he whispered, licking her jaw gently. "Please?"
"I want you to get some sleep, Murtagh," she said firmly, stroking a hand down his back.
"Again," he pleaded, nuzzling into her neck.
She sang his mother's forgotten lullaby to him softly, stroking his strong back the whole time, and he wanted it yet again. Finally, he was asleep on her shoulder, she closed her eyes and drifted herself.
"I love you, Reilyn," he murmured. "Thank you. . ."
"I love you too, Murtagh," she sighed. "You're very welcome. . .Now, sleep. . ."
The older teen went to sleep with her, breathing low and steady in no time, and as far as she knew, had no more nightmares for the evening. When she woke in the night to check on him, he was snoring faintly, and she had to repress giggles so he could sleep, but it was something he never did.
FINALLY! I updated this one!! Wooooooooooo for me! Sorry it's taken so long guys, but things have been a little off around my house. . .It's been hot as hell, I hate heat. . .My poor doggie is really sick, so I've been taking care of her and keeping watch of her religiously. . .OH! and as an added bonus, I'm out of my ADHD medication (it keeps me calm and makes it so i can think and focus better) so yeah, that's fun. . .I'm working on the Four Brothers next chapter, but I figured this one should rightfully get done first. . .I just wish it were longer, but my muse is being a bit stubborn with me and it took a LOT of coaxing just to get her to come out for this story. . .Reviews would be the BEST! You are all awesome!