+Return to the Palace+

[Dortujula[x]Neinna]

Dortujula followed Xyleck's gesture with her eyes. She let him walk to the chair and start to work and she didn't say a word. What was there to say?

She stepped into the corridor and looked at every door though did not look inside. Jula stopped at the last one and opened the door.
A cat sit on the windowsill. It's orange tail switched back and forth. Jula stared at it with a glimmer in her eye. She usually chased other cats away but this one seemed different. It looked alot like her. It was a tabby.
Dortujula stepped up to it and stroked the fur on it's head. The cat moewed once and then hopped out the window, latching itself onto a tree.

Jula smiled and then looked around. It was a nice bedroom with a big queen sized bed.

[ASHA~CROAL~XYLECK]

His eyes followed her movements, walking into the hall, glancing at each door, but neer touching the knob. He shrugged it off, and watched the sand melt into a liquid. He looked back at her, stepping into a suite. He did not mind...it wasn't like he was about to have royal guests her anytime soon anyways. He smiled as the liquid was finishing up.

Hands wrapped in hog hide, took the iron case, pouring the glass into a square mold. He blew lightly onto it, letting the steam condensate on his cold skin. He sat back, staring down at his work.

[Dortujula[x]Neinna]

Dortujula walked over to the bed. She ran her hands over the silky soft comforter. She then turned to the dresser. It looked like it was made out of maple. She turned back to the window where the orange tabby was perched on a branch.
Jula purred softly to the cat as she walked up to the window. She jumped up onto the windowsill and let the wind ruffle her short blonde hair. She purred again and lept into the air. She extended her claws and stuck them into the tree trunk.

The tabby c.o.c.k.e.d her head and watched Dortujula with green emerald eyes.

Jula pulled herself onto the branch that the cat was sitting on. She meowed softly and pawed at the cat's ears.

The tabby meowed in reply and lifted a paw to play with Jula.

Dortujula picked up the cat with a fast swipe. She jumped back through the window with the cat in her arms.
She set the squirming cat on the silken bed.

The tabby walked in a circle and stared up at Jula.

Jula smiled and picked the cat up again. She cradled her in her arms and stroked her little head as she walked through the door and back to Xyleck.
She stood in front of him, stroking the cat. She let the warmth from the fire burn her legs.
Jula looked at Xyleck with burning eyes. She envied him and it was obvious.

[ASHA~CROAL~XYLECK]

He felt eyes watching him with great interest, the heavy gaze becoming a lot. His eyes glanced up at the girl, holding the tabby that visited him once in a blue moon. His smile slid over sharp, yet pure white fangs.

I see you have found a friend.

He leaned back in the chair, the furs swallowing his bulky body. His worked hands rubbed the mink fur, looking at her again. She was pretty, quite attractive, actually. He found himself about to blush at the thought and quickly thought of the window again, his eyes switching over to the almost dry glass. He glanced at the water clock he had made, figuring it was late.

He leaned forward, rising from the chair.

I will be going to bed now. It is late...

He paused, remembering she was part feline.

Stay up as late as you wish, Dortujula. Wake me for anything if needed.

And with that, he pat the cat gently, the feline meowing as he left. He took long strides down the dim hall, soft tapping from his feet hitting the stone floor echoed through the room. He went towards the room Dortujula picked, but turned the opposite way, the door to his room straigt accross from her's. The door clicked shut, and the only noise in the palace was the cracking of fire and the soft purr of the cat.

ooc- no muse, sorry

[Dortujula[x]Neinna]

Dortujula watched him carefully as he made his way to the bedroom. Her cheeks turned bright pink when he disappeared from sight. He was very handsome...now that she knew him better she felt that she could say it...at least inside her head.

The tabby seemed to smile at this.
She jumped up onto the chair that Xyleck had been sitting in.
He is handsome...You're blushing...Is this because you feel something for him? SHe asked curiously. Her tails flicked from side to side as she stared at Jula intently.

Jula's eyes widened alittle from hearing the cat speak but she said nothing about it.
She ran her fingers through her hair and picked up the cat, sitting herself down on the chair and putting the cat in her lap. The chair was still warm from where Xyleck sat.
That's my secret... She replied simpley.

Jula and the cat sat for hours, chatting silently in some cat language. Their eyes burned into each others until they both grew tired.
Jula had named the cat Nora. No apparent reason why she named her that...the tabby seemed to like it anyway.

After awhile, Nora had curled up next to the fire and fallen asleep.
Jula wondered what time it was as she stood up and walked down the hall. She stood in front of the door to the bedroom she was going to use but she didn't touch the handle. She turned around and stared at the door across from it.
'That is where Xyleck is.' She said in her head, just telling herself.
She gently turned the knob and cracked open the door, her heart pounding. She crept into the room and stepped up to the bed. She gazed down at Xyleck. He was sleeping soundly. Her breathing was coming out rather loudly as she tried to calm her breathing down. She reached out a shaking hand and touched Xyleck's cheek very softly. His skin was warm but gave her cold shivers. She didn't know what she was doing there or why she was touching him as he slept.
Her pupils quivered as she closed her slightly parted lips to quiet herself. He was so...perfect...

[ASHA~CROAL~XYLECK]

Xyleck ran, as fast as he could, at the top of his speed. His legs were heavy and a cold sweat beaded at the arch of his fore head.

NO!

He tried to scream, but nothing escaped his lips. Blood...bright red...spewing everywhere. It splattered his chest, his face, running down his cheeks, stinging his eyes, seeping between his lips to put a sour taste on his tongue. Though he had eaten raw meals, this blood was untouchable...something that was not meant for him to taste.

In front of him lay his mother. So long had it been since had seen her. She lay limp, pale, the blood running out of her. A black shadow stand over her... What is that? Who...?

His eyes shot open at the touch of a hand against his now warm cheek. They flushed bright pink when he saw the girl above him. He sat up, putting the heavy fur blanket to the side as he rose. He stand in front of her, his hand gently wrapped around her arm.

What is it?

His voice was still trembling from the dream, yet he had worry in his eyes for what may be going on...

ooc-ohh...this is getting good...lol

[Dortujula[x]Neinna]

A small gasp escaped her lips as his hand tightened around her wrist. She pulled back lightly but his grip was firm.
She stared at him, surprisingly, frightened. She had been caught in his room late at night. Now what? What excuse did she have?
I- I needed- I wanted....water! I need water but I don't know where to...get it from... She said in a shakey and unconvincing voice.

She was usually better at lying. She had become a master at that, yet she seemed taken back by him. He had moved so suddenly that she had hardly noticed what had happened until after he was standing in front of her, grasping her arm and demanding the question that she couldn't give a truthful answer to.

((Yeah!!))

[ASHA~CROAL~XYLECK]

ooc- Rub hands together, warming them up for a good 'un...lol

He noticed the fear in her voice, he felt her trembling beneath his fingers. He lightened his grip, and rubbed her bicep a little. He ran his fingers through his navy locks. He was calmer now, more alert, and felt a little embarrased of his overeaction.

Oh...uh... let me show you.

He walked to the door, holding it open for her. When she passed, he walked along her side, leading her to the "kitchen". He pulled out two cups made of bone from the box. He got out a large sack. He pour the crystal clear water into the cups carefully.

Xyleck grabbed the cups, handing Dortujula one. His lips covered over the lip of the up, and he sipped lightly. He kept looking at his feet, at the water in his cup, at the florr...anywhere but her. He felt a little abash about his reaction. His hand ran over the small tooling he carved into the side of the cup, the leaves and flowers curving underneath his fingertips.

He didn't know what to say...silence cast a spell over him, and yet, he wished for her to speak to him, for him to speak to her. Her company was well needed, and he enjoyed having something with ears around. The walls weren't much for talk...

ooc- kinda powerplayed in a sentence, but I kinda had to, otherwise I would have to stop there to wait for ya...sorry, add what you want to that.

[Dortujula[x]Neinna]

Jula took the cup somewhat gratefully. She took tiny sips, staring at her feet in shame. She wanted to talk to him but didn't know what to say. She wanted to hug him or make the akwardness between then go away. It would be akward for awhile...different for awhile...Unless she did something. Talked or reacted in some way.

She rubbed her arm where he had grabbed her. Her skin still tingled from his touch. She wasn't sure if it was a good feeling or a bad one.
I...Thanks....Did you make these cups? It was quiet and weak but at least she had spoken.

Her ears twitched eagerly and she could feel her cheeks turn hot and red.

[ASHA~CROAL~XYLECK]

He looked up at her, at ease that now there was something that they could talk about.

Yeah...bone from an elk. Don't worry, it has been cleaned thoroughly.

He smiled, a little awkward...he doubted she cared if there was blood. He rubbed his arms, it was cooling down in the building quite quickly...even for him. He poured the water into the dying fire, making the glowing embers hiss in spit. He set the cup in a net, leaving it to be washed in the morning.

It's cold...um...if you want...you can sleep in my bed. It would be warmer..

In his mind shook. What was he thinking?!

Only if you want though...

ooc- gotta go, brb

[Dortujula[x]Neinna]

Dortujula's eyes widened. He wanted her to sleep in his bed?! Well...he didn't exactly say that he WANTED her to...he had just suggested it.
She let a small smile pass over her wet lips. She set her cup in net as Xyleck had done. She knew she wanted to sleep in his bed more than anything right now....even if she didn't sleep as much at night.
Okay... She said quietly, still lost in thought.

She felt her heart pounding in her chest and she stepped toward him and then stepped back. This was so different and strange to her. She had never experienced love and if this is it...she wouldn't know.....

[ASHA~CROAL~XYLECK]

He flickered a smile and traveled over to his room...wondering if this was too awkward...too strange. He didn't really know why he said it...his thoughts just slipped from his lips. But he couldn't go back, and she didn't seem offeneded.

Hands rest on the knob, turning it slowly, then pushing it open. His heart racing, his mind swirling. Just to keep warm...that's all. She has one side, I, the other. There is nothing strange of that! Just simply keeping warm...sheilding ourselves from the elements... He stepped inside, letting Jula in as well. He climbed in on his side, leaving room in the king sized bed for two or three more people. He sit in the cradle, the furs heavily draped over his legs, and part of his stomach. Hands run over the soft hairs, then patting her side.

Rest...

His cheeks were beet-red, glowing as the setting sun. He felt warm and hot all of a sudden...a strange thing...something he had not felt in all his life. This feeling...it made him somewhat uneasy, but yet, he felt a bit calm, in spite of it all...

[Dortujula[x]Neinna]

Jula stood akwardly in the doorway. Was this a hint...or just an offer...to keep warm? Could it possibly be anything else?

She had to force her legs to move with every step. By the time she reached the bed, her heart was pounding so hard that she swore Xyleck could hear it. She climbed into the bed and slowly pulled the covers up to her shoulders. She let out a long and loud breath and slowly turned onto her side to look at him. She wanted to move closer to him since she was nearly on the edge of the bed. She wanted to....

[ASHA~CROAL~XYLECK]

He was shaking a little...but not because of the cold. He looked over at her, a rosiness flushed up from his nape to his cheeks. He turned away, slipping down into the sea of furs. He lay on his back.

Uh...good night.

He reached for the candle, bringing it to his face, a puff blowing the dancing flame out. A cloud of smoke float up in the limited moonlight. Only a few highlights shone on his cheeks and brow. He slid down fully under, except his face. His eyes closed, but he did not sleep. He waited until she slipped in under the sea of dreams, the blanket of shadow...

[Dortujula[x]Neinna]

Jula had drifted into a light sleep a few hours earlier but now her eyes flew open and peered around the room, cautiously. She suddenly couldn't remember where she was. Her thin pupils quivered as she sat up. The covers slipped from her shoulders and sat down to her waist. She looked to her side to see Xyleck sleeping soundly. She smile slightly and seemed to relax somewhat.

She reached a hand out but drew back, remembering how this had started. She still couldn't believe that she was sleeping in this man's bed. The feelings to scoot closer to him came back. She pulled her body closer to his, her heart racing once again. She lay back down, knowing that she wouldn't sleep. She lay her head on his pillow, her forehead nearly touching his. She didn't touch him...though she longed to. If she touched him, he would wake up...then what?
She closed her eyes and tried to sleep though she remained awake....waiting....