Disclaimer: I own nothing other than my mind.
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Months had passed since my short time with Naran and the Dotharl. The Mol controlled the Azim Steppe after their victory during the Naadam. Doma was liberated and my mission pointed me back towards Kugane. I stood sullenly outside of the Shiokaze Hostelry, overlooking Kugane's port.
I would be leaving Kugane at first light on a charter ship to Limsa Lominsa, to gather more support for the liberation of Gyr Abania.
Naran and I had communicated often through letters during our time apart, yet my heart ached desperately when I thought about the tall hunter. Never before had I felt such strong emotions about another.
I glanced back down at the latest letter from Naran. I could almost hear the boyish enthusiasm in his letter as he gushed about my involvment with the fall of Doma Castle. He then went on for a piece about how the Steppe was flourishing under the Mol, but to never breathe a word of what he wrote to Sadu Khatun. At the end of his letter he wrote surprisingly eloquent declarations of his love and his yearning to see me once more.
I smiled again at the well read letter and tucked it back into the breast pocket of my vest.
"Fox? Are you out here? " a feminine voice called. I turned and saw Tataru standing silhouetted in the door frame.
"Tataru, good evening. Did you require my assistance with something? " I replied softly, walking closer so the small lalafell could see me better.
Smiling up at me Tataru held up a parcel and said, "This came for you in the evening post. This young man must really like you, Fox. This is the second post this week. Too bad I never got a chance to meet him. Then again I rarely leave Kugane anymore. "
I smiled at the talkative woman, taking the small parcel from her as she chatted. It was a delicately carved box with horses and sheep decorating the sides and lid. When she paused to take a breath I interrupted her, "He does indeed like me, Tataru. Come lets sit inside and see what he sent. "
We moved to a small unoccupied table on the second floor of the hostelry before I opened the box. Laying secured to a wool cushion was a small red and black stone pendant attached to a well worn leather loop. The stone was carved into a crystal like prism, reflecting the light off of its smooth faceted surface.
Tataru made noises of appreciation as I removed the necklace from the box. As she inspected the craftsmanship I glanced back down to the box on the table.
"Oh, a note, " I said with surprise. I picked up the small rolled note. All it said was, "Rakusui Gardens. Two hours before Midnight. "
I blinked at the small scroll, my mind dumbfounded. Tataru read the scroll, glanced at my face, then down at her pocket chronometer.
"Merciful Menphina, Fox. That's now! That means he's here, you must go to him! " she exclaimed loudly, pulling on my arm as she thrust the necklace back into my hand.
With Tataru's prompting I pulled myself out of my momentary shock. Feeling the cool solid weight of the pendant in my palm, I pulled the leather loop over my head. Once adjusted, it settled nicely right below the hollow of my neck.
Standing swiftly, almost knocking my chair over in the process, I stuffed the box in the pocket of my cloak and giving Tataru a shaky smile I dashed off in the direction of the Rakusui Gardens.
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As I approached the lantern and firefly lit gardens I saw a dark figure standing by the koi fish pond, facing the gently rippling waters.
My heart sung at the sight of the tall Xaela as I half walked, half ran, towards him.
"Naran! " I called out and the figure turned partly in my direction and I stopped short.
That's not Naran...
The tall Xaela frowned down at me. His features were sharp and though his skin was of a similar rosy hue of Naran's everything else was different. This Au Ra had sharp deep set golden eyes and raven black hair. He gave off the vibe of a bird of prey, with those raptor like eyes.
Finding my voice I stuttered, "O-oh, pardon me. I thought you were someone else. Forgive me for interrupting you. "
Before the hawkish Xaela could reply a voice called from behind me, "Fox! You're here. "
I turned to see Naran jogging towards us, a bundle of what smelled like food in his arms. He slowed to a stop in front of me his red eyes dark, like pools of blood, in the lantern light, but that didn't mask the excitement in their depths. He was smiling from horn to horn, staring at me like an enamoured school boy when the Xaela behind me cleared his throat, "Ahem. I'll leave you to it, Naran. I believe there is a place I can slake my thirst around here. " Turning his attention to me he gave me a curt bow and left in the direction of the tea house.
I looked back at Naran, who was still grinning widely and questioned, "Who was that? "
"That's Cota. He came with me from the Dataq. He is like me, a bit of an outsider, I mean. I was grateful that he agreed to join me, " Naran replied, his voice softening as he stepped closer to me, shifting his bundle of food to one arm.
As the distance was closing between our bodies, I felt my heart kick up it's pace, anticipating the feeling of his lips on mine. Every fiber of my being desperately wanted to drop everything and let myself be engulfed by our passion; however, the more rational side of my brain stilled such devious actions, and I reigned in my urges to keep from tackling the tall hunter there in the cobbled streets.
"I have missed you, Fox. My soul has been singing since I made the decision to come find you. " He leaned closer after taking a glance around the open courtyard and gardens. His lips closed the distance between us for just the barest of moments, before pulling away, a blush darkening his cheeks. There was a difference between kissing him in the middle of nowhere, no one to spy on us, and kissing him on a well populated street. Even if it was almost midnight. The forbidden nature of the kiss was enough to stoke a fire in the pit of my belly. I could feel the coils of desire snaking their way down into my core.
"Here, I brought food, if you would like to join me further in the garden, " he said breathlessly, guiding me with his free hand.
"I would be grateful for the privacy, as well as some food. I haven't eaten since last night, " I entwined our fingers together, following him further into the secluded garden.
We reached a suitably private bench and Naran handed me the bundle of food once we got comfortable. As I pulled the twine holding the paper in place I felt Naran touch my hair sending a shiver down my spine.
Smiling over at him I commented, "It's getting rather long. Everything has been so hectic lately, I guess I put it to the back of my mind to get it trimmed. "
"I do not think so, I think it's marvelous. " He ran his fingers through the fiery ends of my hair and continued, "Your hair dances like a flame, I have never seen the likes of it before, even before when it was shorter. "
His fingers dropped to the hollow of my neck, his index finger briefly touching the stone pendant he had sent me.
"You like it. " He mumbled softly, his ruby eyes focused on the stone and the way it lifted ever so slightly when I took a breath.
Setting the opened bundle aside I leaned close to Naran. "I love it, " I whispered correcting him, "Though if you keep touching me like this the food will get cold, Naran. "
His gaze shifted eagerly to my face as he flashed me a wicked grin while sliding his arms around my waist, settling his hands on the lowest curve of my back. Without a word he kissed me full on the mouth until we both became dizzy from the lack of air. Just as suddenly as the kiss began, he pulled back from me with two small rice cakes in each hand.
"Those are dessert cakes! " I laughed, picking one up from his open palm. "These are for after a meal. "
"Why can't we eat them now? Who makes these rules? " Naran looked quizzically at me, then shrugged and popped the entire rice cake in his mouth.
Laughing in amazement, I reached over and wiped some sticky rice off the corner of his mouth. "I don't know who made up proper eating etiquette, but you're right. I don't care! " I then sucked the earrant sweetness off of my finger, giving the still chewing Xaela pause as his mouth fell open.
"That being said; however, it's not proper manners to stare, nor to chew with ones mouth open, Naran. "
Closing his mouth he visibly struggled to swallow his food without choking first. I took a bite of my rice cake, enjoying the slow spread of the sugar on my tongue.
"Mmm, this is delicious. " I took another bite, but before I could finish off the last piece Naran snatched it up and tossed it back before I could make a sound of protest. "Naran! Shame on you, you... you-" at a loss for words all I managed to do was make him double over in laughter.
"There's more. I promise. " He said after regaining his breath. Giving me a charming smile he gathered my hands in his. I marvelled at how long and dexterous his fingers were as he announced gently, "Fox, I do not want to leave you. "
"You don't have to. I don't leave for Limsa Lominsa until the morrow. I don't see why we cannot spend then night together. " I rubbed my thumbs against the back of his hand comfortingly.
He cleared his throat, "No, I mean, " then he sighed, pulling a hand away to brush his hair back. I could see the muscle twitching in his jaw. His entire posture was changing from relaxed to conflicted and uncertain.
"Hey, whatever you wish to tell me Naran, I'm here for you. Even if were countries apart. Always.
Naran's eyes met my own, and I could see in those garnet depths that he had come to a decision. "Fox, let me come with you. Every day I am with the Dotharl, I feel more and more like an outsider. I can fight well, so you wouldn't have to worry about me during battles. No one except your inner circle would know we were together, unless you want. I-I don't care, Fox. I just know that my soul will never be content without you. "
At this point Naran was kneeling next to my knees on the ground, holding onto my hands like a man drowning. His face was flushed a pleasant red, his eyes searching my face.
I swallowed the lump in my throat at his words. Biting my lip I hesitated, trying to think about his proposal from every angle. Even though my mind was frantically analyzing, my heart had already said yes.
Seeing the hope beginning to flicker in his eyes I agreed, "Naran, oh my sweet, naive, and beautiful Naran. Yes! I don't wish to be apart from you any longer, Twelve be damned. "
He pulled me from the bench into a passionate kiss, his fingers tangling in my hair, our bodies pressed close.
"Let's get out of here, " Naran whispered against my lips. I could feel one of his hands playing in my hair, the other was skimming along my waist, his fingers dancing underneath my vest.
I couldn't agree more.
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Dawn broke over a foggy harbor, as I yawned stretching luxuriously in the tangled sheets of my inn room bed. My mind replayed events from last night, which caused me to smile. As the fog in my mind cleared like the weather outside, I realized Naran was no where to be seen.
Untangling myself from the bed sheets, I retrieved my clothes hastily, preparing to go find the wayward Dotharl.
Just as I pulled my tunic on Naran poked his head into the room. With a wide smile he said, "Good morning, Fox. It's lovely today, as is any day I get to wake up next to you! "
Naran entered the room, he was wearing new clothes from last night. His usual blue sleeveless tunic and beaded Dotharl kilt had been replaced by more Eorzean attire: a long white tunic, a wide belt and satchel around his waist, along with dark breeches and sandals. I stared in shock at the change it made to his appearance. He looked even more exotic to me, even though he was dressed in such plain, unassuming garb.
He spun in a slow circle. "Do you like it? Tataru helped me this morning. She thought it would help me to blend in more while we're in Limsa Lominsa. "
I reached out catching his hand in mine. "It looks great on you. Though, how did you get Tataru's help? "
"Oh, we ran into one another in the market at the fabric stalls. She mentioned you and I introduced myself. She was momentarily confused until I told her we met in the Steppe. She figured it out rather quickly once I said that. "
"Well that was very thoughtful of you to find culturally appropriate clothes, though I prefer you without.." I trailed off, a mischievous glint in my eyes.
Naran's cheeks brightened as he smiled bashful at my suggestive words. A knock on my door startled us out of our fun.
"Yes? " I called, slapping away Naran's exploring hands.
"I just wanted to let you know your ship will be departing in an hour once the tides roll back in. The fog earlier this morning delayed things. " Tataru's voice called from the other side of the sliding door.
"Mmph, yes, thank you Tataru. I greatly appreciate everything. You are a blessing from the Twelve. Was there...anything you needed...from me? " I asked, my mind beginning to have trouble forming sentences correctly as Naran knelt in front of me his warm hands sliding my tunic up, freeing the skin of my stomach to his supple lips.
Letting out a small delighted chuckle Tataru said softly, "Oh no, everything is settled. It was no problem helping Naran this morning, he has an eye for fabrics. Pier 1 in an hour Fox, don't be late. Alphinaud would have a fit. "
With that I heard her small footsteps depart down the hall, and Naran stood lifting me in his strong arms. His arms held me securely under my rump, pressing me against the hard planes of his abdomen and his hardened member in his newly acquired breeches.
He kissed my neck, sucking gently on the sensitive skin. Chills went up my spine and I couldn't help the soft moan that escaped my lips.
"We need to get ready to depart, Naran. As much as I want to take you once more upon that bed, the life of a Warrior of Light means strict schedules. "
A pitiful groan against my neck was his only reply. After a moment he slowly released me to the floor, though our bodies barely had a centimeter of space between them.
His hands were warm against the skin of my waist, his fingers brushed gently leaving trails of raised flesh in their wake. I wanted to melt into him and never leave his embrace.
I pulled away saying, "Did you speak with your companion about your decision? What was his name again? "
"Cota. Yes, I found him after I visited the local tailor. He was confused but agreed to visit my sister and inform her of my quest. That being said, I am not sure how the Dotharl will take this news. Leaving for an extended period of time usually results in being considered an outcast. They believe that not dedicating oneself to the clan, separates your soul from the rest... effectively cutting yourself off from reincarnation. "
Horrified I sputtered out, "Naran, oh Gods, you should go back. I cannot ask such a price. This is the Dotharl's belief, your belief. I can't let you throw that away. "
Pulling me into a tight hug he mumbled against my ear, "You're not asking this of me. This is freely given. I don't believe that helping you save hundreds of people and freeing nations from the yoke of slavery will negatively impact the souls of my ancestors. Truthfully, I feel as though they wanted me to branch out, to find more ways of igniting glory in our souls. To honor them in every way possible, not just in a glorious death... but in a glorious life. "
I felt tears wet my cheeks at the raw emotion in his voice, the way he almost clung to me. "You're right. I'm sorry. I will help you convince your people, when you ask it of me. Together we can usher in a new generation of Dotharl, that don't think only of battles and killing. "
He pulled me into a long kiss. I could taste the salt of my own tears against his lips. His arms held me close against him comfortingly, his warmth seeping into my body.
We broke apart our foreheads together as we stared into one another's eyes. His thumb reached up and smoothed away a tear track on my cheek.
"I'm sorry I made you cry, " he whispered.
A lump in my throat I swallowed and replied, "I'm glad I understand now. Here I thought you came because you liked my body. "
He laughed a happy, booming laugh. "Oh yes. You were my first. You will be my last. I already think of you as my wife and one day soon you will be my wife in name. I'll wed you like a proper Dotharl woman and I shall wed you like a proper Eorzean man. "
I rolled my eyes and pushed away, swiping the back of my hand across my damp cheeks. "Come then. We should prepare to depart. We have an entire rebellion depending on us getting the support it needs to overthrow the Garlean occupation in Ala Mhigo. "
He dutifully helped me pack our small assortment of belongings as I dressed in an unassuming tunic and leggings. I planned on keeping a low profile until we landed in Limsa.
Naran and I joined Tataru on Pier 1 and I discussed the plan with her once more, while Naran talked with the deckhands. I pulled Tataru out of earshot of the inquisitive Dotharl. "Hey, um...if you would be so kind to...not mention...you know. "
Smiling with a discreet glance at Naran, Tataru replied, "Your business is your own Warrior of Light. I am just grateful you are happy and he seems to relieve the weight you have carrying about on your shoulders. "
Giving the small woman a pat on the shoulder I walked back towards Naran and the deckhand who was informing Naran about their route.
"It'll take at least a fortnight to reach Lominsan waters. Once there it'll be smooth sailin'. The Admiral's good to keep pirate encounters low, " the burly Roegadyn said. Naran nodded thoughtfully, his gaze riveted to the softly rocking ship. Shouldering a sack of produce, the Sea Wolf grunted and walked up the plank onto the ship.
"Naran, have you ever sailed before? " Tataru asked curiously.
"I've never even seen the ocean before..." he replied his eyes glancing to mine, and I could see the hidden panic roiling in those scarlett eyes.
Biting my lip I resisted the urge to pull him into a hug. Instead I said gently, "Not to worry. I've been on the sea plenty of times and this is a mighty fine ship. I'll see if the Captain would be willing to give us a tour, if that will make you more comfortable? "
He nodded hoisting his knapsack higher on his shoulder, his other hand grasping his bow tightly.
I turned to Tataru, "Thank you again Tataru. I am not sure what I would do without your help and resourcefulness. Keep me apprised of the situation in Ala Mhigo over the linkshell, if you would. "
"Of course, Fox. Naran, good luck. It was very nice to meet you. " she bobbed a quick bow to us both and watch us walked up the large boarding plank of the ship.
After speaking quickly with the Captain, Naran and I stood near the stern of the ship as we slowly sailed from the harbor, the winds slowly picking up and filling the large sails. I waved once more at the diminishing figure of Tataru on the pier, then turned to Naran.
He looked uneasy, but thankfully he wasn't puking his guts into the bay. The wind touseled his hair as he stood gripping the wooden rail. Covering one of his hands with my own I said, "You get to see my home now. "
He turned his eyes from the retreating land, his eyes a bright burning flame framed by stark blonde hair whipping about his face.
"I cannot wait to land in Eorzea. I am eager to know more of my future wife and your culture. "
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