A Deadly Shot. . .
Chapter 13
Kiara met me near Charsi's shop. She had seen the exchange between myself and her mother. "What was all that about?"
"Kashya was surprised I was able to walk in here on my own accord. I told her it was because I didn't have to focus on all of the creatures at once. She then told me that if you ever come back here like I did, she would hang me. I told her that she would have to wait until you recovered to ask you how you felt about that, then I walked away."
"She told you she would hang you? No wonder she has no one in her life, she's too aggressive. Just because she was hurt once, doesn't mean she has to make everyone else hurt. I'll go try to knock some reason into her. . ."
"Kiara, don't," I said, grabbing her arm. "What do you mean, she was hurt once? When?"
"About eighteen years ago. . . nine months before I was born. Since then, she has attempted to teach me that men were foul, evil creatures, like the demons we have fought. I learned that some are not quite evil," she sighed, her dark, wet eyes roaming over my body. "Some are very, very good. . ."
"Oh, I didn't know."
"I never told you. Well, if you're not going to let me talk to her, why don't we talk? I have a few things to say about you rushing into that last fight with that assassin. Why did you do that?"
"Why? Because at the time, we were the only ones that were not able to shoot anything down. You all did a great job of shooting all the minions, so we focused on the Countess," I explained, looking her in the eyes. I reached for her, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her to me. "Although, I do have to give you my thanks for catching that last one. . . She was too close."
Kiara pushed away from me. "Next time, don't run so far away. I may not be so lucky. . . I don't want to lose you!" She rushed back to me, burying her head into my shoulder. I held her as she cried, feeling the tears building in my eyes as well. We stood like that for a very long time.
I lifted her chin. "Kiara, don't worry, my love, you will never lose me." I bent, kissing her softly. She wrapped her arms around my head, urging the kiss deeper. We finally broke, feeling the day's exhaustion building on us. I then noticed the weight of the pack digging into my shoulder. So I wrapped my arm around Kiara, and led her to Charsi's tent.
"Good day, you two," the blacksmith chirped. "How can I help you?"
"Charsi, has anyone ever said you are an extremely happy person?" I asked. "We have some stuff for you, mainly weak magical items, but there may be few good ones. Also, I have a question. This Horadric Malus, how big is it? How will I know what it is?"
The blacksmith began picking up the items I laid in front of her, sorting them into the appropriate bins. "The Horadric Malus is about the size of a hand sledge," she explained. "About fifteen inches long. It weighs about twenty pounds. The handle is a deep rosewood, and the head is the color of dampened steel. If you pick it up, you will be able to feel the power in it."
"Twenty pounds?" I asked. "Hmmm. . ."
I felt Kiara move under my arm. "Charsi, thanks for the information. Could you get some items together for us? It's getting late, and we all need sleep. For the archers, two quivers each. I want your best small crossbow, with one quiver. I also need a stronger short sword for Ravina, and another katar for Riega, if she wants it. If you have any javelins or spears, I want Alanna to look them over. Is there any gold left of that which you were going to give me, in exchange for those items?"
She looked at what she had, and compared it to what I requested. "Let's see. . . only twenty gold coins."
"Keep them for your troubles. Thank you, Charsi," I said, as I dragged Kiara's nearly sleeping form from the tent. I bent down, tucked my arms under her knees, and lifted the tired Rogue in my arms. Her eyes flashed open as her arms flew around my neck.
"What are you doing?" she exclaimed, then realized I was carrying her. "Oh, never mind. Carry on, my knight."
I laid her on the bed, grateful the day was nearly over. She sat up and helped me remove my armor and boots, then I did the same for her. We laid down, our exhaustion finally getting the better of us.
The next morning dawned cool and bright, but I could smell the rain in the air. Rain. An adventurer's worst nightmare. Hopefully it won't break until we enter the Monastery. From then on, we should be dry. I felt Kiara begin to stir against me. I reached across, running my hand along her leg. She snuggled close, pulling the blankets over us.
"No, no, no, little Miss Rogue," I said. "We have to get up now, and go pick up a hammer."
"I want to stay here for now. . . I don't want to go chasing off after some hammer." she grumbled, pulling the blanket over her head.
I ran my hands around her, and rolled. She screamed, more out of surprise than anger. We ended up in a tangled heap on the floor next to the bed, she laying on my chest.
"Ow. . ." I moaned, faking the pain I barely felt.
"Oh, did I hurt you, my widdle Powadin?" she asked, using her best little- girl voice. "Because, if I did, maybe next time you won't waking me up when I'm not ready." She pushed up, trying to rise. The blankets were still wrapped around her legs, and she tripped, falling back on to me. I was expecting it, and caught her in my arms.
"Now you won't be getting up, my widdle Wogue," I cooed, imitating her as best I could, and trying to hide my enjoyment of this little game, which wasn't easy the way she was straddling me. "Now you are my prisoner, and you won't go anywhere except where I tell you."
She laughed. "Alright, alright. . . you've made your point. But you are right. We do have to go get that hammer." She tried pushing away again, only to be stopped by arms and pulled back down on top of me. "What are you doing?"
I slowly undid my arms, and she rose, hesitantly, waiting for me to grab her. She slipped from the blankets, allowing the puddle around her. I got up, pulling the mass of wool and linen onto the bed.
I then stepped to her, grabbing her wrists and pulling her arms over my head, catching her mouth with mine. We kissed, our tongues sliding easily against each other.
She broke the kiss first. "We have. . . to get. . . ready. . ." she forced out, between the kisses. I finally pulled away, as breathless as she was.
"I think you're right." I sat down and pulled on my boots, then my armor. I helped her get her boots, then lifted her armor over her head. She raised her arms, and I slid it down. After adjusting it she smiled and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. I picked up my pack, swinging it onto my back. I then buckled my shield and lifted my sword. She did the same with her bow, and we stepped outside.
Ravina and Paige were just getting up. Alanna and Riega were still asleep, their Rogues nearby. I turned to Kiara, my eyebrow raising.
"It seems we may have a little more time, Miss Granier. . ." I started.
"No, Mister Halcrion, it's too late for that. You already drug me out here. You'll have to wait," she retorted. I pulled her to me and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"You are mean," I whispered.
"No, not mean, just a tease," she whispered back, and spun away. I watched her bounce away. Well, actually, I watched her rear bounce away. She sat next to the embers of the fire. Warriv came out of his wagon then.
"Ah! Hello, friend Paladin! Would you like some breakfast?" He held out two large plates, loaded with food. "Go on, and take one to your lady!" I took both plates and walked over to Kiara.
"Warriv is in a great mood today," I said.
"Well, he does know he'll be able to leave here soon, and get back on the road. That is, after we defeat Andariel."
Ravina chose that moment to sit down next to us, a plate in her hand. "We're not going after the demon yet, are we?" she asked, her lower lip beginning to quiver.
"No, not yet. We still have to get Charsi's precious hammer first."
Paige stepped over the log and sat next to Ravina, running one hand lovingly across the sorceress's back. "Don't worry, Ravina. You won't have to face that one by yourself. We will all be there for you."
Hearing the young Rogue's words, I looked up. Ravina looked to be on the edge of tears. I locked eyes with Paige, and her look said she would explain later. I nodded and went back to my food. Warriv kept going in and out of his wagon, taking platefuls of food all over camp. Alanna and Riega got up soon after, and received their portions along with their Rogues.
Within an hour we were all ready. As we approached the Portal, Charsi ran up. "A few words, before you go. The Horadric Malus is in the farthest room of the Barracks. The Smith is in there. He was once a kind, gentle man, but he has been corrupted as well. If. . . when. . . you finish him, say a prayer over him for me, please?"
"Charsi," I said, "it will be done."
"Thank you, Xavier." At that, she returned to her anvil.
We stepped into the Portal, and arrived in the Black Marsh. We took off across the marsh, weaving through and around the pools of dirty water. Only a few creatures challenged us, falling as we passed them. We soon found ourselves leaving the marsh, and the Monastery loomed up ahead.
We were greeted at the front gate by carvers, fallen, goatmen, skeletons, and gargantuan beasts. As we were finishing the last of these, Corrupted Rogues and quill rats approached. I heard a scream behind me. I spun, seeing Kiara fall with an arrow in her chest. I ran to her, throwing a Portal open.
"Everyone!!! Follow me now!!!" I saw the others begin to turn as I leapt through, Kiara's limp body in my arms. "Akara! She's been hit!" I dashed to Akara's tent, and gently laid Kiara down.
"Sir Paladin," she said. "Your quick work has saved her life." Deckard Cain bustled in as Akara poured a health potion on the wound. I saw the wound close, and the arrow fade away. She then sat Kiara up, and dumped another potion down her throat. "Now, take her to her bed. She will awake in a few hours."
I lifted her, carrying her to our tent. I met Kashya halfway, her eyes blazing. "I told you what would happen if she returned like that!" the older Rogue screamed.
I looked her in the eyes. "Kashya, I'm going to lay her down. If you still have a problem with me, wait until then. If you are all talk, get out of my way. I love your daughter. Nothing you can do can change that." I pushed past her, her mouth flopping, try to find something to say. Ravina and Paige were already at the tent. They pushed the flaps open, allowing me to duck quickly inside. I laid her limp form on the bed, straightening the blankets around her.
"Ravina, Paige, stay here with her. I'll be right back." I stepped out of the tent, face to face with Kashya.
"Paladin, walk with me, please?" she asked, her tone ten times calmer than a few minutes before. I stepped off, and she fell into step beside me. "What I said earlier was. hateful. Since you arrived, I knew this would happen. I knew one of my Rogues would fall for you. I just didn't know it would be my daughter.
Her voice grew more distant. "When it happened, I was only a few years older than Kiara is now. A man was passing through, traveling with one of the caravans. He found me out behind the monastery, shooting arrows. I. didn't hear him approach. He grabbed me and pulled the bow out of my hands. One of his hands covered my mouth. He pushed me onto the ground, ripping off my clothes. He didn't take very long. Akara found me, a few hours later. I was still lying there, crying. To this day there is no man I have ever trusted."
"Kashya, I mean nothing but good for Kiara. If this was any other circumstance, I probably never would have come here. Now that I have, I am glad I did. I have met a woman I love, and she returns my love." I turned to the Rogue. "Kashya, I swear on my sword that I will never do anything to hurt her. The oath of a Paladin is sacred, never to be broken."
Kashya gazed deep into my eyes, searching. then she blinked and nodded. "I can see that now, Paladin. I take your oath." She seemed to collapse in on herself. "Take care of her. She is my only daughter. The only person in this world I love."
"I will." I turned away and headed back to the tent. Kiara was still asleep. I sat down heavily next to the bed, feeling my strength drain away. My only love, lying in front of me, unconscious. And there is nothing I can do about it.
'Then Kiara pushed her way under our linked arms, and took your hand. Your color rose, and your breaths became even and steady. . .' I heard Akara's rasping voice in my mind, describing my recovery. I reached out, and took the petite, pale hand in mine. A slight smile crossed the sleeping Rogue's face, pushing away all that was building up in her. Her body visibly relaxed. 'Hmmm. . . I guess it does work.'
I sat there through the evening, keeping her hand in mine. Ravina and Paige entered sometime in the midafternoon, bearing a plate of food. They joined my silent vigil.
When Kiara's eyes fluttered open, my heart almost leapt out of my chest. She turned her head and smiled at me.
"Hi, baby," she whispered. "What happened to me?"
I bent down over her, placing a kiss on her lips. "You took an arrow in your chest. If my prayer aura hadn't been activated, I would have lost you."
"But you didn't lose me, you saved me. . ." she then noticed Paige and Ravina in the room. "Hey, you two. How long have you waited?"
"Only a few hours, Kiara," Ravina answered, kneeling at the bedside. "It's only been a few more since you were shot."
Paige chimed in. "Kiara, would you like some food?" She held up the plate of food.
"No, not right now, Paige, but thanks. In fact," she added, looking at the two young ones, "could you leave us alone for awhile? We. . . need to talk."
"Uhoh, looks like the Paladin is in trouble," Ravina laughed. "Come on, Paige, let's leave the two lovebirds alone." They took each other's hands and practically bounced out of the tent.
I took Kiara's other hand in mine and pulled her up so I could sit next to her. I slid onto the bed, wrapping her in my arms. She settled against me, her body shivering.
"Are you cold, honey?" I asked, pulling the blankets up and around us. She responded by sliding even closer. I took the initiative and stretched out on the bed, pulling her with me. She tucked her head against my chest.
"Xavier, could you take off your armor?" She asked. "It smells like blood." I sat up, pulled it over my head, and threw it into the corner, then laid back down. "Thank you."
We fell asleep in that postion, and slept through the night.
Chapter 13
Kiara met me near Charsi's shop. She had seen the exchange between myself and her mother. "What was all that about?"
"Kashya was surprised I was able to walk in here on my own accord. I told her it was because I didn't have to focus on all of the creatures at once. She then told me that if you ever come back here like I did, she would hang me. I told her that she would have to wait until you recovered to ask you how you felt about that, then I walked away."
"She told you she would hang you? No wonder she has no one in her life, she's too aggressive. Just because she was hurt once, doesn't mean she has to make everyone else hurt. I'll go try to knock some reason into her. . ."
"Kiara, don't," I said, grabbing her arm. "What do you mean, she was hurt once? When?"
"About eighteen years ago. . . nine months before I was born. Since then, she has attempted to teach me that men were foul, evil creatures, like the demons we have fought. I learned that some are not quite evil," she sighed, her dark, wet eyes roaming over my body. "Some are very, very good. . ."
"Oh, I didn't know."
"I never told you. Well, if you're not going to let me talk to her, why don't we talk? I have a few things to say about you rushing into that last fight with that assassin. Why did you do that?"
"Why? Because at the time, we were the only ones that were not able to shoot anything down. You all did a great job of shooting all the minions, so we focused on the Countess," I explained, looking her in the eyes. I reached for her, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her to me. "Although, I do have to give you my thanks for catching that last one. . . She was too close."
Kiara pushed away from me. "Next time, don't run so far away. I may not be so lucky. . . I don't want to lose you!" She rushed back to me, burying her head into my shoulder. I held her as she cried, feeling the tears building in my eyes as well. We stood like that for a very long time.
I lifted her chin. "Kiara, don't worry, my love, you will never lose me." I bent, kissing her softly. She wrapped her arms around my head, urging the kiss deeper. We finally broke, feeling the day's exhaustion building on us. I then noticed the weight of the pack digging into my shoulder. So I wrapped my arm around Kiara, and led her to Charsi's tent.
"Good day, you two," the blacksmith chirped. "How can I help you?"
"Charsi, has anyone ever said you are an extremely happy person?" I asked. "We have some stuff for you, mainly weak magical items, but there may be few good ones. Also, I have a question. This Horadric Malus, how big is it? How will I know what it is?"
The blacksmith began picking up the items I laid in front of her, sorting them into the appropriate bins. "The Horadric Malus is about the size of a hand sledge," she explained. "About fifteen inches long. It weighs about twenty pounds. The handle is a deep rosewood, and the head is the color of dampened steel. If you pick it up, you will be able to feel the power in it."
"Twenty pounds?" I asked. "Hmmm. . ."
I felt Kiara move under my arm. "Charsi, thanks for the information. Could you get some items together for us? It's getting late, and we all need sleep. For the archers, two quivers each. I want your best small crossbow, with one quiver. I also need a stronger short sword for Ravina, and another katar for Riega, if she wants it. If you have any javelins or spears, I want Alanna to look them over. Is there any gold left of that which you were going to give me, in exchange for those items?"
She looked at what she had, and compared it to what I requested. "Let's see. . . only twenty gold coins."
"Keep them for your troubles. Thank you, Charsi," I said, as I dragged Kiara's nearly sleeping form from the tent. I bent down, tucked my arms under her knees, and lifted the tired Rogue in my arms. Her eyes flashed open as her arms flew around my neck.
"What are you doing?" she exclaimed, then realized I was carrying her. "Oh, never mind. Carry on, my knight."
I laid her on the bed, grateful the day was nearly over. She sat up and helped me remove my armor and boots, then I did the same for her. We laid down, our exhaustion finally getting the better of us.
The next morning dawned cool and bright, but I could smell the rain in the air. Rain. An adventurer's worst nightmare. Hopefully it won't break until we enter the Monastery. From then on, we should be dry. I felt Kiara begin to stir against me. I reached across, running my hand along her leg. She snuggled close, pulling the blankets over us.
"No, no, no, little Miss Rogue," I said. "We have to get up now, and go pick up a hammer."
"I want to stay here for now. . . I don't want to go chasing off after some hammer." she grumbled, pulling the blanket over her head.
I ran my hands around her, and rolled. She screamed, more out of surprise than anger. We ended up in a tangled heap on the floor next to the bed, she laying on my chest.
"Ow. . ." I moaned, faking the pain I barely felt.
"Oh, did I hurt you, my widdle Powadin?" she asked, using her best little- girl voice. "Because, if I did, maybe next time you won't waking me up when I'm not ready." She pushed up, trying to rise. The blankets were still wrapped around her legs, and she tripped, falling back on to me. I was expecting it, and caught her in my arms.
"Now you won't be getting up, my widdle Wogue," I cooed, imitating her as best I could, and trying to hide my enjoyment of this little game, which wasn't easy the way she was straddling me. "Now you are my prisoner, and you won't go anywhere except where I tell you."
She laughed. "Alright, alright. . . you've made your point. But you are right. We do have to go get that hammer." She tried pushing away again, only to be stopped by arms and pulled back down on top of me. "What are you doing?"
I slowly undid my arms, and she rose, hesitantly, waiting for me to grab her. She slipped from the blankets, allowing the puddle around her. I got up, pulling the mass of wool and linen onto the bed.
I then stepped to her, grabbing her wrists and pulling her arms over my head, catching her mouth with mine. We kissed, our tongues sliding easily against each other.
She broke the kiss first. "We have. . . to get. . . ready. . ." she forced out, between the kisses. I finally pulled away, as breathless as she was.
"I think you're right." I sat down and pulled on my boots, then my armor. I helped her get her boots, then lifted her armor over her head. She raised her arms, and I slid it down. After adjusting it she smiled and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. I picked up my pack, swinging it onto my back. I then buckled my shield and lifted my sword. She did the same with her bow, and we stepped outside.
Ravina and Paige were just getting up. Alanna and Riega were still asleep, their Rogues nearby. I turned to Kiara, my eyebrow raising.
"It seems we may have a little more time, Miss Granier. . ." I started.
"No, Mister Halcrion, it's too late for that. You already drug me out here. You'll have to wait," she retorted. I pulled her to me and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"You are mean," I whispered.
"No, not mean, just a tease," she whispered back, and spun away. I watched her bounce away. Well, actually, I watched her rear bounce away. She sat next to the embers of the fire. Warriv came out of his wagon then.
"Ah! Hello, friend Paladin! Would you like some breakfast?" He held out two large plates, loaded with food. "Go on, and take one to your lady!" I took both plates and walked over to Kiara.
"Warriv is in a great mood today," I said.
"Well, he does know he'll be able to leave here soon, and get back on the road. That is, after we defeat Andariel."
Ravina chose that moment to sit down next to us, a plate in her hand. "We're not going after the demon yet, are we?" she asked, her lower lip beginning to quiver.
"No, not yet. We still have to get Charsi's precious hammer first."
Paige stepped over the log and sat next to Ravina, running one hand lovingly across the sorceress's back. "Don't worry, Ravina. You won't have to face that one by yourself. We will all be there for you."
Hearing the young Rogue's words, I looked up. Ravina looked to be on the edge of tears. I locked eyes with Paige, and her look said she would explain later. I nodded and went back to my food. Warriv kept going in and out of his wagon, taking platefuls of food all over camp. Alanna and Riega got up soon after, and received their portions along with their Rogues.
Within an hour we were all ready. As we approached the Portal, Charsi ran up. "A few words, before you go. The Horadric Malus is in the farthest room of the Barracks. The Smith is in there. He was once a kind, gentle man, but he has been corrupted as well. If. . . when. . . you finish him, say a prayer over him for me, please?"
"Charsi," I said, "it will be done."
"Thank you, Xavier." At that, she returned to her anvil.
We stepped into the Portal, and arrived in the Black Marsh. We took off across the marsh, weaving through and around the pools of dirty water. Only a few creatures challenged us, falling as we passed them. We soon found ourselves leaving the marsh, and the Monastery loomed up ahead.
We were greeted at the front gate by carvers, fallen, goatmen, skeletons, and gargantuan beasts. As we were finishing the last of these, Corrupted Rogues and quill rats approached. I heard a scream behind me. I spun, seeing Kiara fall with an arrow in her chest. I ran to her, throwing a Portal open.
"Everyone!!! Follow me now!!!" I saw the others begin to turn as I leapt through, Kiara's limp body in my arms. "Akara! She's been hit!" I dashed to Akara's tent, and gently laid Kiara down.
"Sir Paladin," she said. "Your quick work has saved her life." Deckard Cain bustled in as Akara poured a health potion on the wound. I saw the wound close, and the arrow fade away. She then sat Kiara up, and dumped another potion down her throat. "Now, take her to her bed. She will awake in a few hours."
I lifted her, carrying her to our tent. I met Kashya halfway, her eyes blazing. "I told you what would happen if she returned like that!" the older Rogue screamed.
I looked her in the eyes. "Kashya, I'm going to lay her down. If you still have a problem with me, wait until then. If you are all talk, get out of my way. I love your daughter. Nothing you can do can change that." I pushed past her, her mouth flopping, try to find something to say. Ravina and Paige were already at the tent. They pushed the flaps open, allowing me to duck quickly inside. I laid her limp form on the bed, straightening the blankets around her.
"Ravina, Paige, stay here with her. I'll be right back." I stepped out of the tent, face to face with Kashya.
"Paladin, walk with me, please?" she asked, her tone ten times calmer than a few minutes before. I stepped off, and she fell into step beside me. "What I said earlier was. hateful. Since you arrived, I knew this would happen. I knew one of my Rogues would fall for you. I just didn't know it would be my daughter.
Her voice grew more distant. "When it happened, I was only a few years older than Kiara is now. A man was passing through, traveling with one of the caravans. He found me out behind the monastery, shooting arrows. I. didn't hear him approach. He grabbed me and pulled the bow out of my hands. One of his hands covered my mouth. He pushed me onto the ground, ripping off my clothes. He didn't take very long. Akara found me, a few hours later. I was still lying there, crying. To this day there is no man I have ever trusted."
"Kashya, I mean nothing but good for Kiara. If this was any other circumstance, I probably never would have come here. Now that I have, I am glad I did. I have met a woman I love, and she returns my love." I turned to the Rogue. "Kashya, I swear on my sword that I will never do anything to hurt her. The oath of a Paladin is sacred, never to be broken."
Kashya gazed deep into my eyes, searching. then she blinked and nodded. "I can see that now, Paladin. I take your oath." She seemed to collapse in on herself. "Take care of her. She is my only daughter. The only person in this world I love."
"I will." I turned away and headed back to the tent. Kiara was still asleep. I sat down heavily next to the bed, feeling my strength drain away. My only love, lying in front of me, unconscious. And there is nothing I can do about it.
'Then Kiara pushed her way under our linked arms, and took your hand. Your color rose, and your breaths became even and steady. . .' I heard Akara's rasping voice in my mind, describing my recovery. I reached out, and took the petite, pale hand in mine. A slight smile crossed the sleeping Rogue's face, pushing away all that was building up in her. Her body visibly relaxed. 'Hmmm. . . I guess it does work.'
I sat there through the evening, keeping her hand in mine. Ravina and Paige entered sometime in the midafternoon, bearing a plate of food. They joined my silent vigil.
When Kiara's eyes fluttered open, my heart almost leapt out of my chest. She turned her head and smiled at me.
"Hi, baby," she whispered. "What happened to me?"
I bent down over her, placing a kiss on her lips. "You took an arrow in your chest. If my prayer aura hadn't been activated, I would have lost you."
"But you didn't lose me, you saved me. . ." she then noticed Paige and Ravina in the room. "Hey, you two. How long have you waited?"
"Only a few hours, Kiara," Ravina answered, kneeling at the bedside. "It's only been a few more since you were shot."
Paige chimed in. "Kiara, would you like some food?" She held up the plate of food.
"No, not right now, Paige, but thanks. In fact," she added, looking at the two young ones, "could you leave us alone for awhile? We. . . need to talk."
"Uhoh, looks like the Paladin is in trouble," Ravina laughed. "Come on, Paige, let's leave the two lovebirds alone." They took each other's hands and practically bounced out of the tent.
I took Kiara's other hand in mine and pulled her up so I could sit next to her. I slid onto the bed, wrapping her in my arms. She settled against me, her body shivering.
"Are you cold, honey?" I asked, pulling the blankets up and around us. She responded by sliding even closer. I took the initiative and stretched out on the bed, pulling her with me. She tucked her head against my chest.
"Xavier, could you take off your armor?" She asked. "It smells like blood." I sat up, pulled it over my head, and threw it into the corner, then laid back down. "Thank you."
We fell asleep in that postion, and slept through the night.