-Chapter Eleven-

A few days had passed since rescuing Shandra and with the rescue had brought some unpleasant changes.

Lana had learned why she bore the long scar which ran across one side of her chest. Casavir had paid it little heed until now, they all bore scars from previous battles. Now that scar seemed to gleam more brightly and the knowledge wore on her.

They had saved Shandra from the githyanki but not before learning Lana was the shard bearer from a powerful blade stolen from the githyanki. It had been this shard which they had been unsuccessful trying to collect from Lana and the reason for Shandra's kidnapping. Lana had been furious to learn the truth from Duncan once he had finally revealed so many lost pieces of her past. She was furious because Duncan and Deaghun had known about the shard in her chest all this time and were just now telling her. All this time of being pursued by githyanki and not knowing was beyond infuriating, Casavir did not blame her for being angry.

It was that scar, that piece of shard that now drove their lives. Casavir thought this was the cause of his discomfort at Ember earlier, hoping that was the reason for his sense of foreboding.

After Shandra's rescue, Shandra would rarely leave Lana's side and now Bishop seemed to also think he had a permanent place with Lana. These two new additions to the party did not bring Casavir any joy. He could sense Lana's distaste toward Shandra's constant whining. Casavir knew Lana believed it her responsibility to train and protect Shandra. Lana spent much of her already limited free time training with Shandra to improve her combat skills in hopes to give Shandra a better fighting chance since more attacks seemed the only certain thing in their lives.

Bishop was becoming a constant thorn in Casavir's side. Whenever Lana was around, Bishop was sure to be as close to her as possible if Shandra wasn't already. In the evenings when everyone would gather together, Bishop would push any others out of the way to plop himself next to Lana. Bishop was loose with his lewd suggestions and constantly leered at Lana. He was blatant about it too, bold in his propositions for sexual favors or acts. Bishop was constantly near Lana and would use every opportunity to place a hand on her thigh or arm. Casavir was disgusted by the ranger, but even more disturbed by Lana's reactions to the foul ranger.

Lana would laugh, sometimes returning Bishop's remarks with something flippant. Sometimes she would just laugh but often, she would return his offers with something equally flirtatious. Casavir would say nothing, clenching his jaw in impotent jealousy. Bishop made sure to follow Lana at any available opportunity. Casavir's stomach writhed whenever they would leave together to practice archery. There was no reason for him or any of his companions to accompany the two archers. The idea of Lana alone with Bishop churned Casavir's stomach into knots. Bishop was nothing better then a prowling dog, constantly on the look out for a juicy piece of meat.

If I hear one more of his sick archery related innuendos, I will shove that bow of his right up his smarmy ass, Casavir glowered.

Thoughts of them alone roiled in his mind. He knew Bishop would be sure to use their time alone to his full advantage. Casavir remembered the time he had spent with Lana at their lone sword practice. Thoughts of her sweat drenched skin and heaving chest haunted him. He imagined her smoldering eyes looking at Bishop with passion, her lips parted in anticipation of Bishop's burning kisses. Casavir knew he should stop torturing himself, but was haunted by images of Bishop and Lana together. He could see her long legs wrapped around Bishop in the throes of passion. He imagined her panting and gasping in pleasure as Bishop's wolfish eyes gleamed at her naked flesh. Casavir felt physically ill as images of Bishop and Lana haunted him. This has to stop! You have no reason to do this to yourself. Talk to her before you kill that ranger because of your insane imagination.

Casavir tried several times to catch her eye or engage her in a personal conversation but someone was always around or butted in. He had asked her a few times to join him for sword practice, seeing this as an opportunity to pull her privately away from the prying eyes of the others. Shandra always tagged along when she discovered where Lana was headed, never seeming to notice Lana's increasing distaste.

Lana looked disgusted when she would arrive with Shandra in tow and smile a sad grimace at Casavir when he looked at her in dismay at once again not having any privacy. There was so much left unsaid between them. He wanted the chance to speak with her but not in the presence of the rest of their companions. It was not so much that he was embarrassed but thought this to be a private matter between Lana and himself. He was growing more and more frustrated with Shandra as she never let Lana out of her sight for any sustained amount of time.

As the days passed, Lana's attitude became increasingly subdued. She rarely smiled and her laughter rang false when she was with their other companions. She would cast a sad smile at him but didn't try to approach him privately. He cursed himself for not being more aggressive in his advances. Casavir couldn't bring himself to being one more burden on her already sagging shoulders. He wished he could hold her, soothe her but knew the load of the shard was heavier then anything he could lift

Finally, after a long day of day doing an undercover job for the city watch, Lana was again surrounded by her companions. Casavir noted the strained look on her face but no one else seemed to notice. They laughed and regaled the stupidity of the robbers they apprehended today. She caught his eye and grinned but it was laden with weariness.

"My lady, you seem to be exhausted. Your presence, while welcome, is no longer required. Why don't you retire for the evening? It would be well earned rest you appear to need." Casavir smiled, trying to lend his strength through his words.

She smiled broadly, nodding. "I agree Casavir and thank you for your concern. You are of course correct but I fear I almost don't have the strength to make it to my room." She grinned, a teasing look in her eyes.

"I'll help you into bed Lana," Bishop sneered. "But you won't get any rest if I have anything to say about it," he said with a leer.

Casavir bent to place his arm under her elbow, ignoring Bishop's remark. "Come my lady. It is my duty and pleasure to aid a lady in need," he said smiling at her.

She rose under his grasp, a look of relief washing over her face. "My knight in shining armor, as always. How did I get so lucky to have such a champion as you?" she said lightly jesting, rising to her feet with Casavir's gentle insistence.

Bishop snorted in disgust, but neither noticed as they walked away towards their rooms.

They turned into the hallway and he dropped his hand from her elbow. She stopped and turned, smiling up at him. "Truly Casavir, I thank you. I just cannot seem to get a moment's peace anymore and am so weary. I am grateful for your steady presence. It means more to me than you know."

Her words and warm smile were like a beacon of hope to him. "My lady, I am truly your champion for as long as you have need of me," he said with warmly.

She placed her hand on his arm, "I know and again thank you." She dropped her hand and walked to her door. "Well, I am tired so good night Casavir." Lana stood a moment, looking at him with what he thought seemed a hopeful look on her face.

"Good night my lady. Sleep well," he said. You are so stupid!! Say something, don't let this moment pass.

"Umm, Lana…" Casavir blurted at her retreating back.

She stopped, smiling as she turned. "Yes Casavir? Is there something you need?"

You could say that, he thought. "My lady, I was wondering if you would like to join me for light sword practice in the morning. I was thinking maybe you would enjoy the chance to spar without having to worry or instruct. Just to stretch and unwind, alone? Mayhap I could steal you for the day so that we may also restock our supplies together." he queried. It was the best excuse he could think of to be alone with her and sound legitimate.

"Sword practice and a day alone with you?" she beamed. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. I truly do need some new supplies too. Just you and me, with no responsibilities for even a little while would be a dream come true," she sighed with relief. He thought her eyes flickered with something more then amusement and was hopeful.

"Then we will meet first thing in the morning before anyone can steal you away again," he grinned.

She returned his smile, "Then I shall see you bright and early in the morning." Her face looked more radiant then he had seen in awhile. Why hadn't I done that sooner?! He thought as he retired to his room.

Casavir rose early the next morning and hurriedly dressed. He smiled as he strapped on his sword, remembering the last time they had been able to be alone and now he had her to himself for an entire day. He could not have hoped for more and headed to the main room of the Sunken Flagon.

He was the only one in the room as he had hoped he would be. Casavir headed to the kitchen to pack some food for the two of them into a small leather satchel. As he re-entered the main room, Lana entered. She smiled, looking askance at him.

"I thought some food and a water bag might be in order after our practice," he told her as he pulled the strap over his head and settled it across his chest.

She nodded, "You truly are too good to me. Whatever would I do without you?"

While they were turning to leave, Shandra entered the room and noticed their weapons. "Going somewhere?" she said, yawning. "I could use a good workout too, let me grab my things."

Lana's face clouded but Casavir interjected before she could say anything. "I'm afraid that will not be possible Shandra. We were headed out for the day and have rather pressing business we must address. We will return by evening. Good day." He put his hand under Lana's elbow and propelled her out the door before Shandra could object.

"Again, you have saved me. I truly owe you Casavir. I was looking forward to spending time with you and would hate to have had it taken away," she said with a look of relief.

"I too looked forward to our time together, shall we go ahead and get in a light practice?" he said and headed toward the practice grounds. Lana nodded agreement and they headed off together.