Disclaimer: I own nothing other than my mind
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I awoke first, my tail draped against Naran's midsection. I was on my stomach, he was on his back, a light snore coming from his mouth. I smiled at the sight and opened my mouth to say his name when I heard the shuffling of feet just beyond in the living area. I froze, my heart jackrabbiting in my chest.
It must be his sister. Oh Twelve, what time is it, and where are my clothes?!
I scanned the small space and saw everything was still on this side of the partition. I breathed a small sigh of relief.
Now to wake up Naran, without giving myself away.
I nudged him gently, to no avail when the voice of his sister called out, "Naran! You musn't sleep all the day away. I know you're injured but you can still help me clean carcasses and fetch water!"
Naran stirred with a groan, his hands reaching up to scrub at his face as he replied, "I'll be up soon sister. I had a long night."
I grimaced and poked him in the ribs. He pulled his hands away and stared at me, realization dawning on his handsome face. Clearing his throat he began again, "Sorry, sorry. I'll be up in a moment. Would you be so kind, Tavi to get me some new bandages from Buqa. These have gotten soiled and I know she would be quite upset if my wound got infected, after all of her hard work." He began to put on his clothes as he spoke. I joined him trying to be a silent as possible.
Sighing in annoyance Tavi replied, "Fine, but you get to deliver the meat to the cooks once we're done today." Tavi left the tent and Naran looked at me, a goofy smile on his face.
"I'll take whatever she throws at me today, because last night was better than any dream I've ever had." He pulled me into his arms, one hand pulling me close while the other caressed my cheek as he kissed me.
"Tonight, may I see you again? I would like to know more of your customs and mating rituals. I believe if they're anything like last night, that I would much rather be under your tutelage than that of a Dotharl woman." He said softly as he gazed into my eyes.
"It would be my pleasure, Naran. I'll see you tonight." I replied, a wide smile forming as I spoke.
I stood on my tip toes and gave him a lingering kiss. Then I finished buttoning my trousers, gave him a sly wink, and snuck out of the tent in the direction of my temporary abode.
Halifax greeted me enthusiastically when he saw me approaching, and I shushed him gently, poking my head into the tent. Gosetsu's gear was still inside, but he was no where to be seen. Grabbing Halifax's fodder, I stepped back out of the tent and was confronted by the large samurai, himself.
Surprised I said, "Oh, Gosetsu. Good morning." I began to feed the very hungry chocobo next to me as Gosetsu walked closer.
"Good morning, Fox. Did you sleep well?" he said, his voice nonchalant, but his eyes took in my disheveled appearance.
Biting my lip nervously, I kept my gaze on Halifax as he ate. "It was...restful." I didn't want to give away more then I had to.
The samurai merely nodded and said, "Good. Sleep is important to keep a fit mind and body. We should speak with Sadu Khatun today before we leave. I want to personally hear from her about their plans for the Naadam, and why she treats her dead with so little respect."
I blinked. I haven't told him about their customs yet. "I know why they have so little regard." I began to explain as best I could to my large companion. He tried hard to understand but was still quite skeptical. After the discussion we went to break our fast at the fire pits.
Not surprisingly Yabuqa was there eating a meat and vegetable skewer. Naran, who was sitting next to Yabuqa, was hurriedly eating a few skewers himself. He paused to wave at me, and I returned the gesture. Yabuqa said something to him and I saw him blush and reply. She looked suspiciously at me and I flashed a small, unassuming smile. She gave me a curious look, then continued eating.
The meat skewers were expertly prepared. The lamb meat was tender and rich, while the vegetables gave it a crisp spicy accent. I quickly devoured a few alongside Gosetsu. A few Dotharl greeted us and chatted while we ate. They were very welcoming even though their Khatun was a brusque woman.
Hours later after going with Gosetsu to speak with Sadu Khatun, I sat outside our borrowed tent cleaning my equipment. The white sand had found its way into every crevice of my gear. Gosetsu sat nearby humming a Doman tune while he cleaned his katana.
"Fox," he spoke up, not pausing in his cleaning.
"Yes?" I replied also keeping my eyed on my task.
"As a friend, I must needs ask you. However if you feel strongly against answering me I will understand," he said clearly, his eyes never leaving the cloth he was running up and down his katana blade.
I stopped emptying my knapsack and looked over at the samurai. "Speak freely, my friend."
" Naran and you... are.. close, yes? I know that many would look down upon that. Nevertheless, I am not many, if he makes you happy that is all that matters," he confessed. He had paused, his hands still. "I know love for others, even though they are not like I am. It is the love of friends and comrades. I feel it and know it to be true; therefore, how could I disavow the love and happiness of others?"
A soft smile graced my face as I replied, "Gosetsu, you are like no other. I appreciate your understanding and support. Admittedly this is all new to me, and I know that many would find it at the very least, extremely odd to...find interest in another race, but your kindness is a blessing from the Twelve themself. Thank you."
He smiled in return, "I shall be leaving for the Dawn Throne within the hour. I will see that our friends are released. I hope the Kami see fit to bless you and Naran."
I blushed and could only nod at his statement. Gosetsu stood making his way to the edge of the Khaa to go meditate before he left on his journey.
I felt bad that I wasn't joining him to free our friends, but it had been so long since I truly did anything for myself. Ever since being dubbed the Warrior of Light I always had a great burden placed on my shoulders. Gosetsu was more than capable to report to the Oronir about the Dotharl's plans for the Naadam.
It's high time I enjoy myself for a night or two.
The sun was setting when Naran poked his head into my tent. "Good evening! Are you hungry? I brought rice and lamb."
He entered the tent with two covered wooden bowls, a bright smile on his handsome face.
I smiled up at him from my pallet of furs, "I am; however, it's not rice and lamb that I ache for."
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I lay on top of his bare chest, my fingertips dancing softly along his rose hued skin, feeling the hard ridges of his black scales. The way the light of the lanterns hit the darkness of his scales was beautiful to me, giving them an iridescent beauty I could scarcely imagine. I could feel his heart beating a steady rhythm underneath my cheek and I murmured, "That was... very good, Naran"
I could feel his chuckle, rumble throughout his chest as he replied, "I am glad." His long fingers brushed through my hair comfortingly. "If the world would stop in this moment, I could die a happy man," he confessed softly.
"That would mean you wouldn't come back, though..." I replied, mildly shocked.
He only grunted in reply, silence falling between us. Finally he said, "Dotharl can come back, even if they haven't fallen in battle. The gods look more favorably on those that do, but they sometimes reward those that have lived a strong meaningful life."
I considered this a long moment before saying, "Will you participate in the Naadam?"
He nodded in reply, and I bit my lip, feeling my gut wrenching in anxiety. "Do you want to participate?"
"I do. I am a good enough shot and it will bring honor to my family and my past lives. You said that you were hoping to join the Mol, correct?" he said.
"That's right. So we will be on opposing sides..." I said, a tight feeling in my chest. I rolled off of his body and sat up to meet his garnet gaze.
He smiled reassuringly at me and answered, "We would, but I would never hurt you, Fox. You are the best thing to happen to me." He sat up and reached a hand to my face, his thumb caressing my cheek, "I know it is sudden. I have never felt so strongly for another. You are so very unique and strong. Not to mention, terrifyingly beautiful. Every time I see you, my heart leaps like a joyous colt, fresh to the world and all it's splendor."
I blushed a deep scarlet at his words, dropping my gaze in embarrassment. His fingertips pulled my chin up, and locked eyes with mine. His eyes were a firestorm, emotions swirling in the scarlet depths. I felt need flare in the pit of my being, along with another emotion I had trouble placing.
We came together with a deep, hot need for each other. It was slow and passionate. By the end we were slick with sweat and incredibly spent.
Naran's eyes were closed as we rested side by side. I smiled at the peaceful look on his face. I realized the emotion I had earlier was the feeling of falling for this devastatingly interesting man.
Naran opened his eyes and sat up, stretching to grab the wooden bowls from earlier. "Hungry now?"
I sat up as well grinning, "I am."
We ate in a comfortable silence, our bodies desperate for the energy from the food. After we finished, Naran pulled my naked body into his embrace, pulling me down on the furs. He pulled the large intricately woven blanket, I'd brought from my tribe in Eorzea, over us. His chest pressed to my back, our fingers intertwined, we fell asleep.
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Naran awoke before me the next morning, his soft kisses pulling me from the realm of dreams. I rolled onto my stomach in protest to his waking me. He laughed at my groan and began to kiss my back, his hot lips branding my skin.
"Why did this dawn have to break," I groaned.
His lips moved against my skin as he questioned, "You have to leave today, don't you?"
I didn't reply, instead I buried my face in the furs under me. Eventually his molten kisses became too much and I rolled over, pulling him into a long kiss.
We parted, and I whispered shyly, "I don't want to leave you, Naran."
His eyes looked deep into mine, like he could see into my soul as he said, "I don't want you to leave, Fox."
My heart leapt happily at his words, then sunk, knowing that I had a responsibility as a Scion and as the Warrior of Light.
I pulled his lips to mine, unwilling to face the harsh reality that I would be forced to continue my mission. I poured everything I couldn't say and what I wanted to say into our kiss.
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