-Chapter Seven-

He rose from his bed to dress for the training ahead. Casavir pulled a thick cotton tunic over his head, slid on black loose fitting linen trousers and pulled on black softened leather boots. He decided to not wear chainmail or heavier armor so he could concentrate on learning the feel of the sword unhindered. He assumed she would not expect him to strike or be struck on his first day with the new weapon. Casavir smiled in anticipation as he strapped the baldric across his chest and around his waist before heading to the main room of the Sunken Flagon to find Lana.

Casavir smiled as he entered the room to spot Lana. She was sitting at a table, grinning as she rose to meet him. He was pleased to observe her eyes light up upon glimpsing his sword strapped to his side. Seeing her always brought him pleasure and today was no different. She had dressed in a thin white cotton tunic, unlaced quite low in the front paired with soft black leather breeches tucked into leather boots. She wore only one blade strapped at her side today.

Lana approached, stopping very close before him. She smiled up into his eyes. "Are you ready for some hard training?"

He grinned at her, "I can take whatever you can dish out my lady."

Lana beamed, "We shall see just how tough you are, sir, when I'm finished with you."

Casavir motioned to the door with a sweeping gesture of his arm, "After you my lady."

They walked in comfortable silence to the training grounds. He loved the rare times alone with her and didn't want to break the feeling with idle chatter. Looked at his side with a smile she returned his grin. She was tall for a woman, but he was still taller then her. This was one of the many things he liked about her; she was no lilting flower and was comfortable to stand tall by his side.

Arriving at the practice site, Casavir was pleased to see they were alone. Lana stopped to look at him and inquired, "I'm going to assume you have some training with more weapons then just the warhammer?"

Casavir smiled, responding, "You would be correct in that assumption my lady. I admit it has been quite some time since I've used a blade however."

They decided to start slowly, sparring with other but not trying to land blows. She was fast and light on her feet but he was pleased to discover his new sword felt like a natural extension of his arm. Casavir did not have her swiftness but could still match her blows. He knew she was holding back but both were sweating in the morning sun as they faced each other.

Lana had a quirky smile on her face as they sparred, quickening her footwork. She teased him, "Not bad…for an old lady." She grinned tauntingly.

He met her oncoming blow. "Is this the best you've got?" he shot back with a good natured smirk.

She lunged and he sidestepped quickly. Lana immediately regained her composure lunging again. He met her sword with his own, crossing hers and stepping into her thrust. They were close together, beads of sweat on their faces. Their eyes locked, she was close so close. He pushed off her sword into a defensive position, cocking his non sword arm beckoning in come hither gesture. "Bring it my lady, if you can."

She grinned, a wicked gleam in her eye and charged. Their swords clanged and clashed, blow meeting blow. He was panting from the exertion but she kept coming. Finally, she lunged and he dodged. As he shifted from her oncoming thrust, she tripped over his foot. He caught her as she flipped to right herself. They were almost nose to nose; she was draped over his arm as he leaned over her like dancers in a full dip. The smell of her sweating body filled his nostrils, their chests heaving from exertion. Casavir looked into her eyes and then down at her chest as her breasts rapidly rose and fell. The thin cotton tunic adhered to her, clinging with sweat.

He dipped his head, claiming her lips with no warning. Dropping her sword with a clang, she returned the kiss energetically. Lana's now free hand wrapped around his neck, drawing him roughly into the kiss. He stood up, also dropping his sword to wrap his arm around her waist. She wound her fingers into his hair, panting as his lips moved to nip at her ear. Casavir's breathing was coming hard and fast against her neck. Casavir couldn't stop himself from licking the salty taste from her neck. He could feel her chest rise and fall rapidly against his own, egging him on for more. Her breath came in rapid gulps.

His hands wandered up and down her backside, massaging her rippling muscles, clawing into her like a rapid animal. The paladin grasped her buttocks, pulling her hard against him. She molded her body against his, grinding into him. His head swam with all the images flashing in his mind of things he wanted to do to her. He had only dared dream of holding her like this and didn't want to let go.

Casavir stopped suddenly, all too aware of what he had done. He flushed crimson as he looked into her eyes, "I am sorry my lady. I don't know what came over me."

Lana gazed back at him, not moving from his grasp. "For what? You have nothing to apologize for. Casavir, it's okay."

He dropped his hands from around her, "No my lady, you do not understand. I cannot."

Lana backed away a pace to glare up at him. "You are right, I do not understand. You cannot kiss me?" She looked indignant.

Casavir knew this was not the time or place to explain further. Lana continued to glare at him, expecting some explanation. He could not give it, not like this. He looked crestfallen and said, "I think that is enough practice for today. It appears we have both become overheated."

She snorted and shot, "Is that what you call it?" Lana bent to collect her sword, squared her shoulders storming off. She shot him a parting look over her shoulder he could only imagine was part anger, part frustration. He sighed and looked longingly at her retreating backside. If only I could tell her. I need to tell her soon so she will understand.