Forbidden Sweets

[nabiscocookie]

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lol i remember that....wasn't actually there but i heard about it...heard that was a helluva wedding hehe

heh...i had not originally planned on a honeymoon scene, but if you guys want one i think i could whip one up.

only thing is...you'd have to pm me with your email address so i could send it that way, since it likely would not be allowed to be posted here. (at least i think asking me in the form of pm's for the higher rated section would be ok- would be nice if a mod or someone clarified that for me)

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I'd read that!

But, sadly, and as a man I should probably kick the crap out of myself for saying this, it's probably better to keep the story moving along.

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lol the story won't be affected...nothing of any real importance will take place during the honeymoon (yes i'm writing one, had a few requests for it ) those who requested it get some spicy fluff, but those who dont will miss nothing as i wont reflect on it later and it will contain nothing crucial to the story line. its just an off-shoot consider it like a 'deleted scene' that never made it into the final cut of a movie

[nabiscocookie]

**Installment 58**

Kattath watched Caellia and Nathavin from her place at the table. The ceremony itself over, they had moved to the dining hall for the reception. Row upon row of tables had been laid out for the guests to eat at, while Caellia, Nathavin, herself and a few others, sat at a table that had been set slightly apart and in front of the other tables

She smirked behind her wine goblet. It was plainly clear that Caellia did not like being the center of attention. She was constantly blushing and fidgeting. Her eyes flicked down to Caellia’s plate and frowned. Caellia had barely touched her food. Opening her gift, Kattath swiftly read her aura and her frown deepened. She was much too nervous.

Caellia pushed the food around her plate with the fork. As she contemplated taking a bite, she felt her stomach turn treacherously and immediately set the fork down. Her eyes landed on the goblet of wine and she decided to take a sip to bolster her nerves.

Her movement did not go unnoticed by Nathavin. He had been aware of her steadily fraying nerves since they had left the throne room and come here. Seeing her barely touched food, he leaned toward her. “Caellia you need to eat.”

“I’m not really all that hungry.” Caellia muttered as she took yet another sip from the goblet.

“I believe Kattath made a comment earlier about the fact that neither of you had much for breakfast.” Nathavin pointed out. Picking up a bit of bread from his plate he held it out to her, “Have a small bite.”

Her stomach lurched again as she looked at the bread he offered to her. “No, really Nathavin, I’m fine.” She did not want to be obstinate about it, but she really did not think she could hold anything down if she ate. Reaching for the wine goblet again, she took another sip. Hadn’t she heard that wine could sometimes help calm nerves?

The moment she set the goblet down, Nathavin swiftly reached out and grabbed it, moving it out of her reach. “You will make yourself sick if you continue to drink that and eat nothing.” He understood that she was nervous but had no intention of letting her make herself sick. Calling over an attendant, he asked that a goblet of water be brought out to Caellia. Looking back at her, he took a slightly larger slice of bread and held it out to her. “Eat this. It will help settle your stomach.”

“Nathavin, I really don’t think I should eat anything.” Caellia protested.

“Caellia you must eat something.” Nathavin persisted patiently. He took a glance around the table, looking at the different foods laid before them. “Is there anything you see that you think you might be able to keep down?” He asked as he took the goblet of water from the attendant who had returned with it. Holding it out to Caellia he continued, “I don’t care how much, or how little, you eat, just so long as you eat something.”

Resignedly Caellia took both the goblet of water and bread from him. After taking a small sip of water, she began to slowly nibble at the bread, daintily tearing small sections away from the slice. Her stomach protested, but did not turn as she had feared.

Kattath smiled softly at them. She was sure neither of them knew that the room had gone silent and that all eyes were watching the tender display. Turning her attention to a small pocket of light elves seated a little further away from the others, she watched them closely. They were watching the display with varying looks that ranged from shock, disbelief, and grudging acceptance.

Satisfied that Caellia was not going to be sick, Nathavin relaxed a bit as he continued to watch her from the corner of his eye. He noticed with approval that she had begun to take tentative bites from some of the other food on her plate.

The rest of the meal passed quickly as Caellia gradually became more comfortable. The attendants came and cleared the table, leaving only the goblets they were still drinking from. Although she noticed with some disappointment, that her goblet of wine had been taken away at Nathavin’s request. Adjusting in her seat, she turned to glare at him briefly.

Nathavin caught her glare and met it easily. “You must be feeling better if you are daring to glare at me.” He teased lightly.

“You had my drink taken away, I wasn’t done with it.”

“Yes you were.” Nathavin replied with a half smile as he rose from the table. Reaching out, he took her hand and effortlessly pulled her up from her seat. “We are both done.”

Standing quickly, Caellia asked curiously. “What are we doing now?” She cast a quick glance around the dining hall. Tables were being slowly pushed out of the way and up against the walls.

Kattath answered mischievously, “They are preparing the room for dancing.” Nathavin’s reaction was exactly what she thought it would be.

“I refuse to dance.” The words were short and clipped as his back stiffened slightly.

Caellia looked back and forth between Nathavin and Kattath. “Why?”

Nathavin didn’t answer, but continued to glare at Kattath.

“Oh come on Nathavin.” Kattath said laughing.

“No.” Nathavin flatly deadpanned.

Then in an innocent voice with a smile that was anything but, Kattath mentioned, “But isn’t it a light elven custom that the bride and groom dance the first dance at their wedding?”

“That is a human tradition and not one I wish to take part in.” Nathavin bit out.

“But Nathavin, I heard that it is fun.” Kattath replied with a small pout.

Now Caellia was truly curious. “Nathavin,” she turned to him questioningly, “why don’t you want to dance?”

Nathavin stared down at her. This was the last thing he needed. “I simply do not want to.” He muttered gruffly.

“Why?” Caellia asked again.

“Yes Nathavin. Why?” Kattath continued, smirking.

Nathavin glared at Kattath, his gaze promising retribution. How could he explain to Caellia that he had never learned to dance?

Caellia continued to look back and forth between the two of them, a suspicion forming in her mind. Nathavin was genuinely uncomfortable with the thought of dancing. Cautiously, she asked him. “Do you know how?”

Stunned by how quickly she’d come to the correct conclusion, Nathavin stared at her for a few seconds before he answered. “No.”

Surprising herself, Caellia asked. “Would you like to learn?” She couldn’t believe she’d asked him, but now that she had, she couldn’t go back on the offer. Sensing his hesitation she continued. “It isn’t hard, but if you would prefer not to I will understand.”

He closed his eyes, how could he turn her down now? Opening his eyes again he slowly nodded. “Alright.”

Caellia smiled up at him and they walked to the center of the room. Taking his left hand, she guided it to her waist, reminding herself not to tense up as she placed it in the correct position. This was her idea after all. She then took his right hand and showed him how to hold her left hand properly before placing her right hand on his left shoulder.

Looking up at him, she realized he had gone very still. “Nathavin, you need to relax.” Never had she imagined she would be trying to calm him down. “When the music starts follow my instructions. There is nothing complicated about this.”

Nathavin nodded. As soon as the music started, he focused his attention on her and her voice, listening carefully as she skillfully led them around the dance floor, giving him quick and simple instructions. It amazed him that even though she was doing the leading, she was skillful enough that it appeared as if he was leading.

After the first few minutes, Caellia felt he had become familiar enough with the movements and stopped giving him instructions. When the music shifted from one piece to the next she allowed him to lead. As she relaxed and followed his lead, she realized how tired she was. Unconsciously she began to lean into him until her cheek rested lightly on his chest.

Holding her tighter, Nathavin began to lead them slowly off the dance floor. Skillfully he dodged other couples that had joined them on the floor and aimed them for a shadowy corner that led to a lesser used staircase. Since there were no echo crystals over here, the music was much fainter. Once at the foot of the stairs, he waited until Caellia realized that they had stopped moving.

It took several moments for her to realize through her exhaustion that they were no longer moving. Lifting her head up, she looked around slowly. “Nathavin,” she questioned tiredly as she looked up at him, “why…?”

“It is time for us to leave Caellia.” He said simply.

“But we haven’t told anyone goodbye.” She answered confusedly, stifling a small yawn.

“They will understand.” He continued to watch her silently.

As the moments passed Caellia gradually understood what he meant and felt her nervousness return full force. “Na…Nathavin…I…I’m not ready.”

“Yes you are.” He quietly reassured her as he began to pull her into the hidden stairway….


*****

Kattath spent the next few days making sure that no one interfered with Nathavin and Caellia. Even though it was unclear as to whether Nathavin and Caellia were still in the castle or not, having made their departure from the wedding reception in complete secrecy, Kattath took no chances and ordered all the servants to stay away from the wing where their rooms were located. All business related to the running of the castle and the town of Goddard she dealt with. War meetings had been delayed until Nathavin could oversee them.

Preparing to go over with Alfred some of the more tedious and trivial necessities of running the manor, a disturbance at the castle gates drew her attention. Rushing outside, she stared at the sight that greeted her. A dark elf she didn’t recognize had flung one of the orcs against a wall and had placed his dual swords at the orcs throat. The orc, a high ranking lieutenant, spluttered various obscenities at the dark elf as he attempted to free himself without cutting his own throat.

After several attempts to gain the unknown dark elf’s attention with no luck, Kattath raised her staff and sent a tightly whirling disc of air just above their heads.

The male dark elf slowly turned to face her as he pulled his swords away from the orcs throat. Looking at her and seeing the way the rest of the troops heeded her orders, he determined that she was Nathavin’s closest advisor. “I have business with Lord Nathavin.” He stated without introduction.

Kattath raised her eyebrow, “I do not recognize you, and I am familiar with everyone who comes and goes in this castle.” She took a moment to more thoroughly look him over, focusing on his weapons. The darkened legions edge was a stark contrast to the heavier bladed sword made of tallum steel. “What is your name?”

“My name is irrelevant to you and I only answer to Lord Nathavin.” He slowly brought the blades together in front of him, placing one in front of the other and then rested his hands on their hilts as he leaned back, resting most of his weight on one leg.

“Lord Nathavin is currently indisposed.” Kattath stated guardedly as she tried to place the newcomer with anyone she might’ve inadvertently forgotten.

“That is not my problem.” He replied icily from his still relaxed position.

Kattath was perplexed. Being a dark elf, she could not simply toss him from the castle. Nor could she throw him in a dungeon cell. If she did, and it turned out that he really did have business with Nathavin, it would be extremely bad for her. She was saved from having to make a decision though as Nathavin’s voice reached her, he and Caellia’s sudden reappearance as mysterious as their disappearance on their wedding night.

“I will handle this Kattath.” Nathavin stated calmly as he and Caellia stepped out past the main gates. Walking past Kattath and ignoring her look of surprise at their appearance, he stopped a few feet from the indolently resting male. “Shi’nryne, it has been a long time.”

“It has.” The dark elf replied back without warmth as he straightened himself and once again held his swords. His gaze slid to Caellia. So this was the female that everyone was talking about. Eyeing her critically, he watched her closely as she fidgeted behind Nathavin, not bothering to hide the fact that he was staring at her. Stepping closer to them, he looked Caellia in the eye and said bluntly. “She is weak.”

There were several startled gasps from the onlookers at this. Kattath herself was speechless. What did the fool think he was doing?! Did he not realize that he had just insulted the Lady of Goddard?! The guards immediately raised their weapons and began to make threatening comments. Kattath looked back to Caellia, already moving to comfort her if she needed it and stopped in her tracks.

Nathavin glared at Shi’nryne hotly while uttering a low warning. “Watch your comments.”

“You called me here to train her correct?” Shi’nryne asked Nathavin, his eyes never leaving Caellia.

“Yes.” Nathavin growled out.

“Then I will do so, but on my terms.” Shi’nryne turned his gaze to Nathavin. “My statement was not intended necessarily as an insult but as an observation. She is weak. She stands behind you and waits for your protection.”

Nathavin snarled as his hands fisted at his side, moving to stand in front of Caellia.

Shi’nryne, sensing the impending outburst, began speaking again. “You want me to prepare her for war Nathavin. Asadar’s fighters will show her much less respect than I have just now. She needs to be ready for that and be able to stand her own ground, whether you are there to help her or not. There is no guarantee that you will always be there for her to hide behind.” He swung his gaze back to Caellia. “Now, what is your response going to be?”

Caellia placed her hand on Nathavin’s shoulder while moving to stand in front of him. She understood perfectly, Shi’nryne was not going to allow Nathavin to help her in this situation. He was placing her in a position where if she backed down and hid behind Nathavin, she would lose some of the gathered dark elven guard’s respect. The only reason the guards respected her now was simply because she was being protected by Nathavin. She had done nothing so far to actually earn their respect.

Nathavin grudgingly moved aside, allowing Caellia to step in front of him. He did not like this. He had not expected Shi’nryne to act like this toward Caellia on their first meeting. However, Shi’nryne was the only person he knew and trusted enough to actually help prepare Caellia for the war ahead. If Shi’nryne felt that a confrontation was needed now, in front of the assembled gate guards, he would allow it, for the time being.

“I may be ‘weak’, but I am the Lady of this castle and your Queen. You will treat me with respect.”

“I will?” Shi’nryne questioned as he took a threatening step forward.

“Yes, you will.” Caellia hissed as she dropped her chin slightly in determination as her temper flared briefly. She would not let him intimidate her!

Shi’nryne stared at her, noticing how she was holding herself taut. “I don’t think I will.” He purposely tried to shove past her, purposely not using his full strength, that would come later. He wanted to test her, make her stand her ground and earn the guards respect, not actually knock her down.

Angrily Caellia stood her ground and blocked his path. “You have not been given permission to enter the castle!” She desperately wanted Nathavin to step in but understood Shi’nryne’s reasoning, even if she didn’t like his method.

Kattath began to interrupt but backed off when she caught Nathavin’s slight head shake.

Shi’nryne moved so that he stood directly in front of Caellia and pulled himself to his full imposing height, noting with approval that she did not back away as he had believed she might. After a few seconds he stepped back from her. Giving her a curt bow, he muttered lowly and with approval. “With your permission, my Queen, I would like to enter the castle.”

Fighting back a sigh of relief, Caellia quickly granted him permission.

Nathavin resumed his position by her side and wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a reassuring squeeze as he whispered in her ear. “You did well. They have seen that you will stand your ground even if I do not help you. The guards, and everyone else, will continue to respect you now even when I am not around.” He closed his eyes as he felt her tremble slightly. He would have given anything for her to not have to have done that.

Shi’nryne watched them for a brief moment critically. “Lord Nathavin.” He called out.

“Yes?” Nathavin replied, not hiding his aggravation at being disturbed.

“I would like a word with you.” His gaze slid to Caellia. “Alone.”

Caellia felt Nathavin tense and quickly interjected. “Of course. I would like to speak with Kattath privately as well.” She quickly pulled herself from Nathavin’s grip, using his brief moment of surprise to her advantage, and walked over to the equally surprised Kattath. Taking the spell howler by her hands, Caellia practically pulled her away from the two males, her jaw set in annoyed frustration.

Nathavin watched her go, noting the stiff way she was walking and knew that she’d been offended. Turning on Shi’nryne he bit out angrily. “What is it?”

“Lord Nathavin, I understand your desire to protect her, to keep her from harm. But you yourself are harming her.”

“And just how is it that I’m doing that?” Nathavin replied dangerously.

Shi’nryne looked at him calmly as he stated. “You are over-protecting her.” He continued to stare Nathavin down. “That display a moment ago when you comforted her, save it for when you are in private. It does nothing for helping her to be able to handle herself in difficult situations.” His voice lowered in understanding briefly, “I understand how you feel. You want to protect her from all harm. But I was cruelly taught by Shillien that over protecting someone is a dangerous thing.” Eyes never leaving Nathavin’s, he stated. “Let me train her as I see fit. You know I would never hurt her.”

Nathavin nodded at him. Shi’nryne had indeed learned a hard lesson and Nathavin had almost forgotten that and made the same mistake with Caellia. “Have you managed to track down her murderer?”

“No.” Shi’nryne answered quickly as he looked away from Nathavin. “I’m still searching. I would still be searching even now if you hadn’t requested my presence here.”

Nathavin shut his eyes in regret. “I’m sorry that I had to interrupt your pursuit. I only wish I could have done more at the time.”

“Don’t blame yourself Nathavin.” Shi’nryne somberly replied, finally dropping the honorific and speaking to him as he did long ago. “You had your own struggles to handle.”

Nathavin nodded, acknowledging Shi’nryne’s less formal speech. “You will always have a position here as a general when you finish your pursuit.” It was an offer he made every single time he saw Shi’nryne, though he doubted the pursuit would never end.

Shi’nryne smiled hollowly. He would never be able to take up his long time friend’s offer. His pursuit would likely end with his death.

[Yatta7]

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lol i remember that....wasn't actually there but i heard about it...heard that was a helluva wedding hehe

heh...i had not originally planned on a honeymoon scene, but if you guys want one i think i could whip one up.

only thing is...you'd have to pm me with your email address so i could send it that way, since it likely would not be allowed to be posted here. (at least i think asking me in the form of pm's for the higher rated section would be ok- would be nice if a mod or someone clarified that for me)

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I'd read that!

But, sadly, and as a man I should probably kick the crap out of myself for saying this, it's probably better to keep the story moving along.

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lol the story won't be affected...nothing of any real importance will take place during the honeymoon (yes i'm writing one, had a few requests for it ) those who requested it get some spicy fluff, but those who dont will miss nothing as i wont reflect on it later and it will contain nothing crucial to the story line. its just an off-shoot consider it like a 'deleted scene' that never made it into the final cut of a movie

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I figured that much. I just meant the time would be better spent on the main story.

But since you're writing it anyways, send it to me

[brittle]

amazing story...keep up the great work
ps - id like the extra chapter as well

[nabiscocookie]

for those requesting the extra scene, i should have it finished and sent out by the end of the weekend.

and as always, i want to thank everyone for the reviews they are greatly appreciated

[BackstabbingTH]

oooh extra chapter?.....how do we get it?

[nabiscocookie]

hehe, send me a pm with your email addy

[nabiscocookie]

Ok, the honeymoon scene has been completed and mailed out. Hope those who have requested it enjoy it And I will continue to provide it to whoever else requests it. That was a bit tougher to write than I had thought it would be.

[Yatta7]

That was a fun read

[brittle]

i liked it too

[nabiscocookie]

Glad you guys liked it

[oEliinao]

I'd love one too

[nabiscocookie]

send me a pm with your email address and i'll send ya a copy

[BackstabbingTH]

any estimate for when the next part will be posted?

[nabiscocookie]

working on it got delayed by ingame goals (aka baium )

should have it out by next week, if not sooner

[BackstabbingTH]

ahh fun
thx just wondered hehe

[ErnestoMag]

I am suffering from withdrawal!!! :P i think i should have paced myself i readt hem all in like a day lol

[AshleyHunter]

Kill Baium yet?

[nabiscocookie]

**Installment 59**

Caellia stood stiffly in the center of Nathavin’s private archery range while Nathavin and Shi’nryne stood on the far side conferring quietly with one another. Until this morning she had not set foot in the range since the day Einao had been executed, and the memory of that event still haunted her. Shaking herself, she pushed the memory aside and focused her attention back on the two males standing thirty paces ahead of her.

She sighed in faint annoyance as she contemplated the new bow that Shi’nryne had handed her for training. It was unlike any other bow she’d ever used. And she hated it. Made from the bones, horns, and skin of a dragon, the bow was an ugly dull red color. Massively oversized and cumbersome, it was hard for her to fire and she longed for the bow that Ariel had gifted her with.

Movement from the males drew her attention back to them. Curiously she watched as Nathavin walked back to her, wondering what they had discussed. As he made his way to her, her eyes fell on his new bow. It was identical to hers in every way, but he carried it effortlessly and seemed to have no trouble using it.

Nathavin came to a stop in front of Caellia and silently took in her exhausted stance. She was obviously having difficulty mastering the new bow and disliked it intensely. Reaching into the small pouch at his hip, he withdrew a small vial of the elixir Shi’nryne had given him along with the bow. “Drink this; it will replenish some of your strength.”

Taking the vial, Caellia looked at its contents skeptically. Removing the cork at the top, she sniffed lightly at the blue colored potion inside. Her eyes immediately began to water at the repulsive smell and she quickly replaced the cork and held the vial back out to Nathavin. “Where’d you get this?” She asked around a cough of disgust.

“Shi’nryne gave it to me to give to you should you need it.” Nathavin replied as he pushed the vial back toward her, refusing to take it back.

“Give it back to him. I’m not drinking that.” Caellia stated resolutely.

Nathavin watched her amusedly, noticing the way her lips and nose curled with distaste as she looked at the vial. “It will help you Caellia.”

“I don’t care. It reeks.” She cast him a mutinous look. “Besides, I’ve trained before without using something like this. Why should I start to use this now?”

“While it will not make the bow easier to handle, it will allow you to keep training, and fighting, for longer periods of time.”

“Then let me use another bow.” Caellia pleaded. Her gaze fell to the bow she held, “I don’t like this one.”

“Like it or not, you must get used to it.” Nathavin replied evenly. He nodded to the elixir. “And you must get used to that. It is not meant to taste good, it is meant to help.”

“Nathavin,” Shi’nryne called as he approached them carrying a different bow, “let her fight me alone using this.” Turning his attention to Caellia he asked her, “This is the bow you would prefer to use correct?”

Caellia nodded and gratefully reached out to take the bow from him while handing the offensive bow and elixir out for Nathavin to take. She looked at Shi’nryne curiously when he didn’t release the weapon to her right away.

“This bow is inadequate for battle, and I will show you why.” He then turned and walked to the opposite side of the range. “Nathavin, take her to the far wall. I will come to her from the full length of the range.”

Nathavin nodded and led Caellia from the center of the range to the northern wall. He looked at her when she was in position. “The sun is directly in his eyes, you have the advantage of both that and the fact that he has to run the range’s entire length.”

Caellia focused on her target, confident that she would win the duel.

“Caellia, do not underestimate him.” Nathavin warned her, but he already knew that she was not going to defeat Shi’nryne. Stepping away from her, he signaled to Shi’nryne that she was ready and the duel began.

Caellia gathered her strength and pulled the bowstring back, harnessing her spirit energy and channeling it through the bow. Releasing the string with a snap, she watched the bolt of spirit energy race toward her target and slam into him, stopping him from completing one of his ritual dances of death. Seeing him shake his head slightly, she knew he was slightly dazed and disoriented from the shock of the blow and moved in to capitalize on his moment of weakness. Pulling two arrows from her quiver, she again harnessed her spirit energy and channeled it through the bow and released first one arrow and then the other in rapid succession.

Shi’nryne saw the golden streamers of energy swirling around her and braced for the impending impacts. The first one grazed his side, causing him to wince slightly while the second one hit him squarely in the chest. Grunting in mild surprise at the force, he charged forward.

Standing to the side, Nathavin watched as Shi’nryne inevitably closed the distance between himself and Caellia. He forced himself to watch as Shi’nryne skillfully ducked under the bow and thrust both swords toward Caellia’s unprotected belly, scoring direct, though shallow, hits.

Caellia hissed in pain as the blades bit into her. Using the bow as leverage, she pushed the tips of the golden brown horns against Shi’nryne’s neck and pushed him away from her. She succeeded in pushing him back, but not enough for her bring the bow up for a clean shot.

Shi’nryne flicked the thin dark legions blade upward and nicked her chin with the tip of it, drawing her eyes to that blade before slamming the other into the bow in her hand. The heavy tallum blade skimmed along the bows edge, creating a sickening sound.

Unbalanced by the heavy sword, the bow tipped dangerously in Caellia’s hand. Her hand and wrist, still caught in the guard that covered the grip, bent unnaturally and with a cry of pain Caellia dropped the weapon to prevent her wrist from breaking.

Feeling her drop the bow, Shi’nryne finished the duel by crossing both blades at her throat.

Silence filled the air, broken only by Caellia’s labored breathing.

Slowly, Shi’nryne withdrew the swords from against her neck, allowing the blades scrape as they passed each other.

Caellia winced at the ominous ring the blades created as they passed each other.

Shi’nryne turned and walked away silently. He’d made his point, now it was up to Nathavin to both comfort and inspire her to change bows.

Caellia glared at Shi’nryne’s back. What had gone wrong? Why hadn’t she defeated him? She should have defeated him!

“Wondering why you didn’t defeat him?” Nathavin asked her gently. He took her silence as a yes and continued. Pointing to a nearby target, he instructed her. “Attack that target as if it were a person you wanted to daze and disorient.”

Caellia cast him a questioning glance before obediently raising the weapon and firing. When she had finished, she turned to look at him with an upraised brow.

“Good, now fire two arrows in rapid succession using your magic energy to help speed and guide them to their targets.” Nathavin instructed patiently.

Again, Caellia did as he bade her, silently wondering when he’d get to the point.

When she had finished, Nathavin reached out and took the bow from her and handed her the heavier red bow. “Now, repeat what you just did. Pay attention to the way your magic energy travels through this bow.”

Grimacing, Caellia hefted the heavy bow and repeated her earlier actions. To her surprise she noticed a distinct difference between them. Though the red bow was heavier, it was amazingly quicker to draw. Quickly she spun around to face Nathavin. “Why is this one so much faster?”

“It does not resist magic. Magic energy passes through it much more easily than the other bow, allowing it to be quicker for you to use when you must harness your magic abilities.” Nathavin explained. “The hide, bones, and horns of the bow were made from a more powerful dragon than the other bow. Therefore that bow is better suited for battle since it will provide less resistance to the magic energy you infuse it with.”

Caellia stared at him and then looked back at the bow. “It’s heavy…”

“You will become accustomed to it soon enough.” He inclined his head toward her preferred bow, “That will be locked away so that you will use the new one more often.”

“Nathavin you can not simply take and then lock away my own bow.” Caellia stated warningly.

“I can, and I will, if I think it would be better for you to learn to use the new bow.” He fixed her with a hard stare. “Do not argue with me on this.”

“Nathavin I would much prefer to use my own weapon…” Caellia started.

“Absolutely not.” He deadpanned, locking his gaze with hers. When she started to reach for the bow he stepped away from her. “What do you think you’re doing?” He asked her in a whispered hiss.

Caellia drew up short and stared at him with a guarded expression. His eyes were narrowed and his tone indicated that she should stop her actions. Her gaze fell back to the bow he held out of her reach.

“Caellia…” Nathavin intoned warningly, allowing the rest of his sentence to trail off.

Looking back at him she sighed in slight irritation as she realized that she was acting rather like a child. Although, in her own defense, so was he, she thought to herself irritably. Locking her own bow away from her! Growling lightly, she turned and stormed away from him, muttering darkly under her breath.

Sighing, Nathavin watched her go. As she left, his ears caught the faint curses that she was muttering as she left. His lips lifted upward in an amused smile. He’d have to remind her later that his hearing was sharper than she thought. As his thoughts focused on how best to accomplish that, he locked her old bow away in one of the specially designed weapons cabinets and pocketed the key.

[AshleyHunter]

The more I read about Nathavin even thou his is crude the more I like him. He's a Strong man.