3rd chapter: When opposites attract
As the strangers piercing stare became harder, his eye color darkened as if the light from the sun was taken from them and all was left was an upcoming storm. Hermione sensed it, as if a bolt of lightning passed between them due to there opposite attraction. She felt the air charge and instead of fearing him, she felt herself compelled to reach him.
"The warspurcks are in heat", she remembered Luna's statement. Is this what she meant?
"It's warm", Hermione whispered.
"Excuse me?", Draconis said warily.
At this, she blinked, as if coming out of a daze but she continued on.
"The water, it was cool and refreshing. Now, it's warm and soothing", she said this to see if it was her imagination or if the warmness of the water was of his own doing.
His piercing grey eyes were calculating. He didn't know whether her words were a song to damn him or to re-assure him that he needed to keep calm. As he thought this, she walked closer to him and caressed his cheek. At her touch, his fire element spiked but Hermione was on her guard and sensed it. Before the sparks of fire could touch her, a small wave of water shot up to protect her and extinguish it. Everything happened so fast that the only evidence that either used their elements was the smoke that was slowly dissipating.
She blinked at him a little miffed and a little intrigued by such a stranger. On the other hand, Draconis realized he was damned.
"Where did you come from?", he asked half curious, half wary.
"Shouldn't the question be, how did I stop you? Why did you attack me?", Hermione said irritated at his guarded and defensive demeanor. Did he think she was going to hurt him?! She continued speaking, exasperated.
"I was up there by the waterfall and decided to take a dip. Hadn't you taken notice? Do you shoot first and ask questions later? Certainly, you're not from around here", she said with one hand on her hip and the other brushing her hair back.
Draconis sneered at her. If he didn't know better, she had the spark instead of him with that mouth. Spark? Her? What was wrong with him?! He remembered to practice his control as to keep his element at bay.
"I could have turned you into dust!", Draconis nearly spat at her.
"I would love to see you even try to touch me. No man dares, by the way. Surely, you think you can do better?", Hermione said this with a mocking tone.
He couldn't believe this but something in him wanted to burst. He felt it. First, she surprised him, then she bested him and now she mocked him. She was a siren all right. Surfaced from these depths to put him in a trance and now she dares to overpower him.
Hermione noticed how his grey eyes started to turn yellow and then red. She also noticed that smoke was starting to come out of him. Was that even possible?! Someone who could control the fire element?! She never met someone with that ability. Surely, there were some that could but she knew that possibility was slim or none at all. Those with such abilities were from a certain family line and if such existed, they kept it quiet. Exploitations of one's gift should be kept secret, if possible, as to preserve it or at least to learn from past mistakes.
As Draco concentrated to keep calm, Hermione decided to be bold and thought that the next best thing was for the stranger to cool down. Before Draco noticed, she completely splashed him with water. However, the desired effect happened but she didn't count on him looking like a wet chicken, blinking as if trying to gather himself but failing miserably and not to mention, how his long and somewhat curly hair just made him look like a peacock with rustled feathers. It was too cute and priceless, that Hermione began laughing and tears were falling down her cheeks. Draco was so stunned; he didn't know what to do, except blink at her. He did notice he had calmed down, somewhat, which was a bonus. He looked to his horse and then at the woman he thought to be a siren. His horse just jeered at him as if she too was laughing.
He certainly didn't take being laughed at, especially not by a woman that was too damn enticing. He had enough. Not used to be being bested at all and less by a woman, he turned toward the siren and took the plunge. He marched into the water, to an oblivious Hermione, picked her up and threw her into the deep end. Her surprised and undignified expression made him smirk.
"That's more like it. See if you like being splashed without notice", he said with a smirk.
As the seconds passed, he noticed she wasn't coming out of the water and started to get a bit worried that he had been a bit rough with her. Suddenly, the current of the waterfall increased and a high amount of water came toward him. Instead of being afraid, he snapped his fingers, lighting them on fire and he started to, in a circular motion, rotate his forearms in front of him to create two wheels of fire. As they began to emerge, both wheels ensured that the water around him began to dissipate. As the current approached, he had enough to protect him since the current meant to push him downstream but he stood his ground as the water evaporated. As soon as the current calmed down, he stopped and stood still wondering what could happen next. He concentrated, letting his fire element feel where the water was taking more from his element to surface and that's when he noticed where she was coming from.
Hermione felt exhilarated at the prospect of a stranger having the ability to control the fire element. She wasn't this adventures with the use of her element, but she decided to show the stranger who she was or at least what more she could do as he seemed not to be one for secrecy or perhaps, she caught him at a vulnerable state. She could see his legs in the water and his back was toward her. She would grab him and show him what it was to fear water; she smirked to herself as she swam underwater toward him.
When she surfaced, she didn't expect him to turn around. She also didn't expect him to grab both her hands with one of his above her head, his other to hold around her waist and wrap one of his legs to encircle hers. She also wasn't expecting for him to look at her straight in the eyes. At that moment, she noticed she became the hunted instead of the hunter. She knew she could use her water element, but that would also mean he could use his fire element. They were at a stalemate.
They looked at each other as if they were individual puzzles finally noticing the missing link, each studying their lines and shape. Draco took her in and marveled at her flushed cheeks, neck and chest. She looked both excited and overwhelmed as if she wasn't used to being bested. As he surveyed her, Hermione was doing a little eyeing herself. Not only did the stranger look enticing, but also there was an air about him. He looked regal and should she dare say, gentle and endearing. He certainly didn't look menacing now and he wasn't holding her to hurt her but his grip was firm. She didn't know what it felt like to be under a man's mercy this way and it made her begin to squirm. Her breath came shallow and she didn't know if it was because of her swim or by being so close to him. He certainly was lighting a flame within her. If this is what it felt like to be surrounded by heat, she certainly wanted to learn more. She wanted to know what it would take for him to wrap himself around her while igniting his flame.
On the other hand, Draco was feeling as if the air around him became thick. His throat felt constricted and parched. As he looked into her brown eyes, he noticed her lost look. Now, due to their predicament and as he kept her flushed into him, he could see her eyes closing a bit, her breath hitch, her mouth closer to him as if providing him with the spring to quench his aching thirst...
They were both snapped from their wrapped attention to each other as two neighs caught their attention. Hermione could see the strangers dark horse looking and struggling to get to her horse as if she couldn't quite get close enough to the other...strange.
Draco suddenly let go of the siren but still remembering they were at a stalemate.
"Suffice it to say, we are even", he ventured to say something more but was uncertain if to dare.
"It would seem so. Should we introduce them?", she said, nodding toward their mares.
He let her go and nodded in approval, still wary of her. He knew he shouldn't be, given his rank and how he could topple her, if he wanted to. He knew he most certainly would like to given how she didn't resist in his hold. Was this a game she was playing? Did she have a motive or was this all coincidental?
"Now, Ember. Is that any way to greet a...well, umm...", Hermione sputtered.
"Araxie", he whispered as he brushed his mare's hair. He knew she enjoyed that since it soothed her.
"Never heard of such a beautiful name, quite unique and sophisticated. Does it have a meaning?", Hermione couldn't stop herself from asking him.
"It means, a river said to inspire poetic expression", as he said this, he couldn't help turning and looking at the siren as if poetry itself came to be because of her or if she was poetry itself manifested into an entity to ignite his life.
"I take it, he's yours. Not many women ride alone, least of all by themselves. That would mean, he is yours and yours alone and has been bread for you. Pray tell, what have you named him?". As he inspected her horse, he took in the markings of its cloth and the symbol on it. Realization sunk in and he knew he was in for more than what he bargained for.
She hesitated before answering: "I didn't. He was a gift from my father. He named him, Ember. I suppose my father always hoped I would be a fire in a dwindling dynasty ruled by men. He used to say that we would never loose sight of what we hold dear if there was always an ember fighting to light the way".
He couldn't help but smile at her words. Her words not only described him but was one of the things that helped him choose his current path. He made sure an ember was always lightning the path or he would burn out.
"I apologize if I startled you, but you should be more careful", she said with doubt. He looked calm and she dare think it, happy for a moment.
"If you are not currently informed, the All Hallow's Eve ball will begin to transpire tomorrow. Many are coming to Terra and you can never be too careful of who lingers. You did say I shoot first and ask questions later. That has kept myself and my men alive".
"Your men? Even if you did have men that followed you, there are no coverings, armor or symbols adorning your ensemble or Araxie's".
"I'm off duty. Also, you would not see me straying with my knighthood attire. One must know how to keep the thieves and any type of enemy at bay".
"You practice the art of camouflage? Then, you decide to blend in as to not attract anyone who dares to bring you harm. That is not only bold and a bit reckless, but you endanger yourself by being unarmed".
"You believe me to be unarmed?", he couldn't help but chuckle at her naivetés. Yes, he had the fire element at his disposal but not only did he always carry a dagger on himself, Araxie was never far away from him, carrying his sword.
"You dare use your fire element unwisely?", Hermione said without thinking. She knew the cost of bringing her water element forth to use unless dire need. She knew she shouldn't have used it with him but the pull was too much and he had an element that was the complement to her own.
He frowned at her words that stung.
"You've just met me and quickly think so little of me? Do not judge me madam as if the penalty you just inflicted upon me was not exercised by yourself in the same manner". If only she knew how much her words he took to heart.
As he said this, he climbed his horse ready to put some distance between them and she felt herself panic.
As a last effort, she took in his mare and looked to it as she whispered: "please, do not go. I was only ensuring that your knowledge of an element's use also involves secrecy", as she said the words, she brushed the mare's hair and nuzzled her face in a pleading gesture.
Draco noticed Araxie standing still and knew it was pointless to try and push the siren off of her.
"It's a work in progress. I confess to you I...", he wanted to say the words, but knew it would make him vulnerable to say them.
He was struggling. She could see it.
"Lend me your hand", he said.
She looked at him curiously and extended her hand to him. He grabbed it, lifted her with ease and sat her on Araxie so she could walk a few paces toward Ember. They looked at each other as if in a trance. He then put both of his hands on her waist to lift her and sit her on Ember. She was stunned by his tenderness. After a pause, he decided to answer her.
"I'm not as masterful as you seem to be", he said looking at her.
She concentrated on his words and wasn't sure at what exactly he meant. At her confused look, he added.
"Hiding our gift. There are slim moments when I have difficulty controlling it". He felt like he was in confession. Will lightning come and strike him now for his lack of control?
"Oh". She simply said looking at him. There were many things he thought she could say and that was not one of them. She stared at him slowly taking him in. He was no longer looking at her and that helped her see how he was gathering his thoughts. On top of his horse, she couldn't help but be mesmerized by his opened shirt showing his muscled chest. His tight trousers were hiding little to the imagination, followed by his black boots and long hair that she wanted to pass her hands through. She was slowly realizing how he affected her. She knew she would become a pool of warm water just by staring at his silver eyes. However, he seemed troubled with his confession and maybe, just maybe, she could have an agreement with him.
"I could assist you. If you are willing, I can help you master your gift. I have been doing it since I was a child. The most difficult task is bringing it forth and you don't seem to have a problem regarding that, so let me help you with whatever way your element troubles you", she said with a smile trying to reassure him she meant no harm. However, she wanted something in return.
He was stunned by her words. The least thing he expected was for her to offer her assistance. Surely, he wanted to accept her offer, but she didn't know all the aspects in which his element plagued him. None of his men knew of his gift and here she was offering to help him, at what cost? Would she dare extend a hand in friendship as to have his compliance, to keep their secret? Given his predicament, he could try and establish a friendship with her that could be beneficial for both. She seemed eager and that just made him want to come out and play like he used to do before joining the ranks in Terra.
"I believe, my lady, that we are at a truce. In order to break it, I suggest we come to an understanding. I will extend my hand in friendship as to ensure you that I believe your words to be truthful. However, before I agree to accept your help, I should let you know my name is Draconis", he extended his hand to her.
"I accept your hand in friendship. Please, permit me to assist you to the best of my ability. Yet, I require something in return", she smiled knowingly at him.
"And what pray tell can the Lady of Aquaria require of me that she doesn't possess or can't require through one of her own or herself?", he looked up at her with a taunting smile. He knew he caught her off guard for a second time in less than a day.
Did he know who she was all this time? No, if his early reaction was any indication, he hadn't known who she was. At his taunting smile, he looked down and she followed his line of sight to Ember. She noticed he was pointing out exactly what she questioned of him before. The shield of Aquaria was right there for him to see on Ember's cloth. She looked up at him and noticed he was trying hard not to laugh at her. She couldn't help but smile at that which only made him laugh earnestly. He certainly was one of a kind.
