05/14/01
Denigoddess2001@aol.com

Saints In the Night Part 3
"WHEN THE HEART BURNS BRIGHTEST"
Chapter Two

Disclaimer? Read previous section!
[thoughts are in brackets]

Here we go....


They rode swiftly the short distanced needed to cover the mountainous terrain of Ainran. Wren clutched the sadle hor as it was her one line of safefty between her and a very long drop. Demetrius rode behind her with his arms securely on both sides of her.

Wren found the courage within her to open her eyes and look around her. The dark clouds of cerise and violet floated against the inky blackness of the dark night sky. The light of the moon shone brighter and purer than when seen from the ground. Despite her fear of riding and flying, Wren marveled at the pristine splendor of the night. She inhaled deeply the sweetness of cool, fresh air.

It was akin to the air after a rainstorm in Spring. It felt cool upon her skin. Yet, it carried no chill. Its soothing properties did much for her restlessness astride the dragoness. The warm security of Demetrius' powerful chest against her back somewhat calmed her.

[Perhaps, this is the closest I'll ever get to actually doing something daring with my life.] A small smile tugged at her lips. [The person I lov- I mean the Gargoyle who is my dearest friend is here with me to enjoy the greatest adventure of our lives. Who could ask for more? I will be old and gray in forty years, but I'll remember this moment and each to follow. I'll remember Kirn the Minotaur, every dragon, each phantasmal event that occurred. At least, I've lived a little. I'm even making a difference.]

Demetrius felt his friend's restlessness subside. She had been rigid most of their ride and now she seemed at peace. Wren remained silent throughout their ride. He felt her soft hair tickle his skin as she gradually relaxed against him. He brought his arms a little closer to draw her to his warmth. He was impervious to cold and heat. Wren had no such luxury. He found himself giving into a wild urge. Demetrius qucily planted a kiss on Wren's rosy cheek.

"What was that for?!" She asked pleasantly surprised by his sudden display of affection.

"The need struck me and I did so." He replied. "Did we not discuss kissing one evening in class? Is it not a custom amongst humans that expresses affection on a multitude of levels?"

"Yes, we did and yes it does." She smiled. "We also cautioned the clan that their sense of smell is strongly tied to their sense of taste. A kiss to a Gargoyle has some very potent, strong effects. Xanatos and Goliath strongly advised the clan to refrain from kissing Humans. The particular body chemistry of humans can send a Gargoyle into a mating frenzy."

"Perchance for some, Milady." He conceded. "Yet, I just kissed you without dire consequence to either of us."

"This is true."

"Is not a kiss on the lips reserved for lovers?" Demetrius asked.

"It is." Wren agreed carefully. [Okay Enormous, Ebony, and Exotic... where are you going with this line of questioning???]

"If my memories deceive me not, a kiss upon the cheek is an appropriate demonstration of affection and trust betweens parents, siblings, family members, loved ones and friends."

"True again." She agreed. "But why me, Demetrius? We're not related and we're not that close."

"Liar." He whispered softly in her ear. "I know that we are more than mere aquaintances in passing. We are friends."

He gave her a quick squeeze. "Never, Wren, Have I simply had a friend. Not a lover, a rookery brother or sister; now, I have someone for whom I hold high regard as confidant and equal. That is new and rare for me."

"I don't know what to say.' She replied quietly. "I confess that perhaps we're closer than what I thought."

"Perchance, Milady Songbird, woulds thou care to share thy contemplations hence?" He asked in the gravest of tones.

His pointed probing made Wren nervous. It was too close to tender territory. She gave him her best smirk. "I think you've had too much wine at dinner, Demetrius. You sound like a bad rip-off of Shakespeare."

"Methinks the lady doth protest too much." He chuckled. His cheerful surge rumbled deep within his chest. Wren felt the vibrations reverberate through her. "Wherefore were we, Milady? Aye, what are your thoughts regarding the delicate sensibility of our deepening affection?"

"Demetrius! I wouldn't call friendship a 'deepening affection!'" She sputtered. She turned to look at him and found his face an obsidion mask of amusement. She conceded to the charming Gargoyle. "Fine. I was just thinking that I'm not wasting away in an office. I'm not wasting time until I die. I'm having the adventure of my life and I'm sharing it. I'm sharing it with you."

"Wren, you continually delight me." He gave her another fleeting hug.

"I'm with a person that .." She paused as if to carefully choose her words. "...that means more to me than expected."

"Ah Wren." Demetrius brushed away the errant strand that blocked her vision. "This deepening affection has a name we both dare not speak. It is a word I've dared not whisper in the same breath as your your name. I am ready to whisper it to you now."

"Don't!" She pressed two fingers to his lips. "Don't say it and don't go there. We're friends and let's not complicate it. Okay?"

"Milady Songbird." He shook his head sadly. "Your bravery grows by leaps and bounds and yet you give me no quarter...don't you know how I-"

"Look!" Wren pointed to the ground below them. "I can see the Altar."

"Lord Champion and Lady Sojourner, we are here." The Dragoness informed them.

"Thank you." They replied in unison. Wren breathed a sigh of relief.

"Excuse me?" Wren felt brave enough to lean forward somewhat so that the dragon might hear her. "What is your name?"

"My name?" The Dragoness laughed a rich, full laugh. "I never thought that you would ask! My name is Gordna."

"It has been both a pleasure and a priviledge to meet and ride with you tonight." Wren told Gordna.

"As it has been mine with you, Lady Sojourner. I wish you Dragonspeed and Dragon's Luck."

"We need it." Wren smiled at Gordna.

Gordna knelt to the ground slowly and regally. Demetrius alighted first from her and landed deftly on his feet. Then, he courteously and gallently extended his arm to Wren. She did nothing to repress the giggle that came from her lips. Demetrius took Wren's hand to balance her as she began her descent. He lightly placed his hand at her waist. Nimbly he lifted her from the Dragoness' back and placed her gently on the ground.

Demetrius smiled as he heard the bubbly laughter surge from Wren's soul. "Milady, perchance you are enjoying your adventure?"

"I'm having a blast." She admitted with mirth. "I'll remember this night for the rest of my life."

"As will I, Wren." He murmered quietly as he drew her to him and planted a kiss on the back of her hand. It was so delicate and fleeting that she wouldn't have felt it had she not seen Demetrius do it. His violet orbs met jade and amber. The Gargoyle's keen eyes watched Wren's cheeks flush delightfully to a blushing hue of rose. He watched her eyes dance with a sparkle that reflected her new zest for life. Her eyes were a vibrant jade rather than a dull hazel. He planted another kiss to her brow. "As will I."