-Chapter Twenty-

The three entered together and solemnly approached the priest, Hlam, who stood at the front of the temple.

Lana stepped forward as the priest eyed her. "Are you ready for the Rite of Tyr?" he inquired softly.

"What is this Rite again?" Lana asked.

Hlam somberly explained, "It is a cleansing ritual of prayer - it is held in seclusion here within the Hall of Justice. It is Neverwinter law, and it must be upheld. You must complete the rite and prepare yourself for battle against your accuser in the morning."

Lana sighed deeply and replied, "There are some things I need to do first."

Hlam nodded, "Very well - take what time you need, then return when you are prepared."

Lana turned and looked at Casavir and Sand. "Will you both come with me to the Sunken Flagon? I need to collect my equipment and change into my gear," she asked softly. Her face was weary; her shoulders slumped heavily as if she hadn't rested in days.

Sand nodded, "Of course. We will support you any way possible."

Casavir reached out and took her hand,"My lady, you don't have to ask. I will be by your side always."

Tears once again threatened to spill but she only nodded. She gripped his hand and they returned to the Sunken Flagon.

When they entered the pub, all of their companions were grimly awaiting their arrival.

Khelgar blustered, "Aye lass that was quite a display. You certainly made that Luskan pig work for her pay! She'll be feelin' that in the mornin.'"

Bishop sneered, "I knew they would do something underhanded. They don't know anything else. Bastards." For once Casavir agreed with Bishop but didn't say anything.

Duncan angrily bellowed, "This ain't right I tell ya! They can't do this!"

Sand sighed resolutely, "They can and they did. We will get through this victoriously however. The Luskans will pay dearly for their dealings."

Lana stood quietly listening to them but only said, "Thank you all for your concern. I must collect my equipment and return to the temple however." She bowed her head in resignation and turned to go to her room.

Casavir stood watching her go, uncertain what to do. He wanted to go to her, tell her everything would be alright but knew the words would only be empty and weak. Khelgar caught his eye and inclined his head toward the direction Lana had exited. His look said, Follow her son. Casavir nodded and silently went after her.

He softly knocked on the door, opening it before she could reply. Lana was bent over her rucksack as she gathered various potions and personal items with her blades slung over a chair across her leathers nearby. She straightened as he entered the room and a tired smile grazed her lips.

"Oh good, it's you Casavir. I don't think I could face anyone else right now," she said with weariness dripping from her words.

"I thought I could help you or…" he said uncertainly.

She only nodded, not really hearing as she began to unlace the bindings down the back of her dress. He strode behind her and removed her fingers after gently pushing her hair over her shoulder. She dropped her hands to her side in silent acquiescence and bowed her head.

His fingers pulled at the bindings down her back, releasing the ties. He lowered his mouth to murmur in her ear, "You were beautiful my lady. There was none lovelier then you."

She turned her head to smile over her shoulder. "I must confess something. In light of all that has happened I feel somewhat silly but…" she paused.

Lana continued, "Wearing this gown felt like I was wearing your armor. I imagined it must be how you feel in battle, strong and impervious. I knew you were with me and none could harm me." Her cheeks blushed in embarrassment.

Casavir smiled, "I was with you and none will harm you my lady. I will not allow it."

He bowed his head and softly nuzzled her neck as his hands continued to unlace her bodice. She inclined her head, exposing her neck to him and sighed contentedly. With a firm tug, Casavir finished unlacing the dress bindings. He pushed the gown down her shoulders and let it crumple softly to the floor. She stood in nothing more then a short cotton slip and had never appeared lovelier to him. Casavir bent to again nuzzle her neck and ear.

"You are truly glorious my lady," he breathed into her ear before bending to collect her in his arms. He cradled her momentarily before laying her gently on the bed. Lana shoved her belongings to the floor with a thud and smiled up at him. Casavir sat beside her, placing one hand across her lap while wrapping the other behind her head, drawing her to him.

They kissed each other, tenderly exploring. His fingers twined themselves through her hair, loving the silkiness against his callused hands. He broke their kiss to once again nuzzle and kiss her neck and ears. Casavir reveled in the sweet taste of her skin; he could never get enough of her. She threw back her head to expose her neck to him and arched her back. He bowed his head lower, kissing the base of her neck and traveled lower. Her chest rose and fell in gasps of pleasure as she wrapped her fingers in his hair.

Lana pulled him once more to her, locking their lips in a deep and searching kiss. Their passion built as their hands searched each other's bodies. She tugged his linen tunic free from his trousers and pushed her hands underneath his shirt. Lana's fingers roved and messaged his chest and stomach, lacing them through his thick black chest hair. Casavir pulled her tightly to him, stroking her arms and back before breaking their kiss to hastily throw his shirt over his head.

She smiled and bowed her head to kiss and nibble his exposed chest. Lana pushed him down and flashed a wicked little grin at him before lowering herself to nip and taste his neck, shoulders and chest, outlining each muscle with kisses.

He lay on his back, his hands groping her exposed skin and pulling at the thin cotton. Casavir lay gasping in anticipation as she blazed kisses across his chest. She sat up and pulled the camisole over her head while smiling down at him. He pulled her across him so she straddled his waist and kissed her hard.

He wrapped his arms around her and tumbled them over so she lay beneath him and kissed her once more. He explored every inch of her, caressing her skin as if trying to memorize every detail of her flesh.

It felt like the first time and his heart ached that it might not be their last. Lana responded in kind, baring every inch of her body and soul to him. She arched to meet his hands, her body aching for his touch.

They lay together, his body cupping her backside against him. She lay contentedly curled into him with her head lying across his outstretched arm. Casavir lay behind her and with his free hand, languidly caressing her naked thigh and hip.

"Casavir, why can't things be like this? Why does everything have to be so difficult?" she sighed.

"I know not my lady, but we must see this through to find the answers. We will find who is behind this," he replied.

"I know, but I am just so weary of it all. I wish we could just run away and be normal," Lana lamented. "And now this awfulness with Lorne…" she dropped off without finishing her thought.

Casavir sat up on his elbow, his hand firmly on her hip. "Lorne is easy enough to solve. I will battle him tomorrow and this will be concluded once for all," he said resolutely.

Lana rolled over to look at him. "No Casavir, you can't battle him. I will not have you do that. I won't!" she said firmly.

He sat up in the bed, his jaw set and his blue eyes flashing like shards of ice. "I cannot allow you to face that brute alone. His size is no match for you, not in single combat," Casavir growled.

"Do you doubt my skill after all this time? I can and will handle him, there is no question that you will not face him tomorrow," she spat as she sat up grasping the blanket to her bare chest.

His face became thunderous, "It is not your skill I question, but he will crush you. I will not stand idly by and watch you face your death alone. I will not lose you, not to that animal!"

A deep sadness crossed Lana's face. "Casavir, nor will I watch as you fight my battles for me. I must do this, I must see it through to its bitter end," she replied quietly but with firmness.

Casavir cupped her chin with his hand. "Please let me battle in your stead. Do not do this thing. I have fought the trial of combat successfully, and cannot bear to lose you. Please, do not do this," he implored.

"Nor do I want to lose you Casavir. This is something I must do, please understand," she replied forlornly.

He nodded and drew her into a tight embrace. His heart ached that this might be the last time he held her. Lana returned his embrace, pressing herself as tightly as she could to him.

Please Tyr watch over her. Watch over and keep her from harm. Bring her safely home again. Please don't let this be the last time I hold her in my arms.