Des'tai

[Manda]

Eva and her gang rushed into Fin Falls weapons ablaze, prepared for war but what they found was even more disturbing. Someone had awoken the spirits who normally lay dormant within their temple walls. Unfortunately, none of Eva's crew could whisper to the dead so their frantic plea's fell upon deaf ears.

“Search the entire temple thoroughly. She was here! The King sensed her presence and when she is found, bring her to me,” Eva demanded as she ignored one of the female spirits, the same one who'd befriend Tyron and then tried to stop the attack on Faye.

Eva gazed at her for a moment until turning on her heel and heading off in the direction of the conservatory. Eva Longhorn was a brave soldier, loyal to her King, however because she wasn't a holder she was just as dispensable as some shopkeeper selling goods in the market. She'd proven herself and her loyalty time and time again by doing the King's dirty work, but by finding the woman wreaking havoc on the King's vision as well as causing the universe to implode upon itself, Eva was sure she'd never have to fear the wrath of an unraveling King.

As she wandered closer to conservatory, the same female ghost from before appeared in front of her, directing her into a room nearby. Nodding in thanks, Eva walked into one of the many sitting rooms of the temple before the door shut with a loud slam and appeared to seal itself into the wall. Charging towards the door, Eva found she was unable to make it budge even with her advanced essence. This spirit was helping the blonde, but why?

Screaming and calling out to her crew, she began digging at the wall with her knife, but each slash and dig were quickly covered with a thick moss and before she knew it, the entire door and wall were covered in an impenetrable gloss. Throwing her head back in a fit of mad laughter, Eva called out to the spirit, “You're dead! Your essence will only last for a short while and then I'll find her. Rest assured, I'll find her and I'll kill her.”

---

Breakfast with Maya Thorn had been one of the more unpleasant experiences Faye had to endure since she'd landed in Siofra. Tyron's mother had a sharp tongue and she used it in sly ways to stab at the human race. Being related to Maya in the future may be just enough torture for Faye to turn herself in.

“Faye, you haven't touched your breakfast. It's supposed to be just like...a meal of oats...from what I understand. Don't you like it?” Moira noted as she finished her second bowl of the grey colored mush Maya had served for breakfast. Although it was sweet, the color had Faye's stomach turning.

“Oatmeal,” Faye corrected, “and I'm not a fan nor am I very hungry,” she lied. She was starving, but it was difficult to enjoy food with a fuming elven mother glaring you down. If only Faye could show her she meant no harm to anyone, especially her or her son, maybe she'd quit trying to burn holes into her head. Lifting her hand, she brushed her fingers across her forehead to ensure she wasn't truly on fire.

“Well, what is the plan now?” Maya asked as she began clearing the table. “How do you get the human home?”

“Malanai, her name is Faye. Ease up,” he warned in a warm tone. “I'm not really sure. We were meant to stay at Fin Falls to keep Faye safe, but...I suppose we need to contact Artie or Luna.”

Maya dropped the bowl she'd had in her hands, the sound of glass shattered across the hardwood floor, “You will not go to them!” Her voice was stern and her eyes wide. “They put you in danger, all three of you! There has to be another way.”

Moira and Tyron were quick to their feet to assist Maya in cleaning up the mess on the floor as Faye stood and wandered towards the still sealed front door. Running her hands along the frame, she tried to figure out how Maya's essence worked. How was it she was able to seal the door completely shut?

“I know of no other Elder who has the power to bring a human here let alone send one home,” Tyron stood and wiped his hands on his pants as his gaze landed on Faye who was examining the door thoroughly.

Maya huffed as she and Moira threw away pieces of the glass bowl before they, too, were watching Faye.

“What are you doing marara,” Maya spoke up, her brows drawn together in thought. “I've sealed the door, we're safe.”

“Yes, but how?” Faye asked as she turned toward Maya, confusion crossing her features.

“My essence,” Maya exclaimed in an exasperated tone as if this is something she should understand by now.

Rolling her eyes, Faye folded her arms across her chest and glared at Maya, “Yeah, I got that, but...how does mine work exactly? I can't seal doors, but I can sense when people are near and last night, when I touched Tyron's forehead with mine, I heard his thoughts. How do I control that?”

Maya gasped and her fingers clutched at her heart as her now wide eyes gazed at Tyron, “She...she heard your thoughts?”

[laura]

Maya stormed forward. “I don’t believe you.”

Faye and Tyron exchanged a look. “Why would I lie about that?”

“Humans can’t do that,” Maya exclaimed. “It’s impossible. Only elven lifemates can read each other’s minds and even then it’s very-”

Moira stood up from the table, clearing her throat. “It’s not that impossible. Tyron’s an elf and anything he experiences, then Faye will too. It’s just the way things are going to work for them.”

Turning to the young girl, Maya dropped her hands on to her hips. “I’ve yet to find out who you are and how you know all this information. How old are you, anyway?

“I’m thirteen next month.”

Maya’s eyes widened. “You’re just a Marara, you shouldn’t even be involved in all of this mess. What do your parents think of this?” Moira opened her mouth to answer, but Maya waved her off. “I’m going off the subject. There is no way a human could read an elven mind. It’s just not done.”

Faye rolled her eyes. “They can’t be lifemates either, but here I am, apparently doomed to be paired with your son for the rest of my existence.”

“Doomed?” Moira, Tyron and Maya all asked in unison; two frowns accompanied by a look of despair.

Maya straightened herself. “Do you have any idea how fortunate you are to be paired with my Tyron?” Ty let out a whisper of protest, but one glare from his Malanai and the whisper died. Maya was the type of woman that fought fiercely for her family and since he was all she had, all of that energy went in one direction. “Doomed is what you’d be without him. Doomed is what he will be if he continues down this path with you.”

Faye’s cheek turned an unnatural shade of red as she tried to stare down the other woman. “I didn’t mean it like that, I just-”

A sudden and brisk knock on the door cut Faye short, the rest of the cottage turning into silence around her. Maya swallowed, “Who’s there?”

“Open up,” A muffled male voice answered. “We’re completing a search of all neighbouring villages in and around Amethyst Falls, by orders of the King. All residents must be accounted for.”

Tyron turned his wide eyes onto his Malanai, who looked back at him in alarm. “We weren’t warned!” She whispered to him.

He slowly turned on the two blondes, who had now come together further back into the room, their hands locked onto one another. If they were found here, all hell would break loose. “You need to hide. Now.”

“Where?” Maya breathed, her panic beginning to show. “There is no-where!”

“Maya Thorn, we demand you drop your lock on this door immediately,” The voice echoed once more. “Or we’ll enter by force. You don’t want us to do that, Thorn.”

“There is somewhere.” Moira abruptly turned on her heels, pulling Faye along with her, toward the hallway. “Just open the door. I’ll do the rest.”

Maya and Tyron looked at one another in hesitation. How could Moira, someone who had never been inside their home before, know of somewhere to hide that they didn’t? Unfortunately for them, they didn’t have the time to ask the question now. Maya waved her hand at the wooden door, dropping the lock and opening the door to the three guards outside.

Ty’s last thought before they entered was of the two females hiding somewhere within the cottage. He prayed, to whatever gods were listening, that they’d be safe and stay out of sight long enough to survive this.

“Good morning,” Maya smiled in greeting as Tyron quickly cleaned up the kitchen table.

[Manda]

Faye's body trembled as Moira made quick work of sliding swiftly beneath Maya's bed and pulling the floor boards loose. She'd been as quiet as a mouse as she worked and when Faye heard the guards and their heavy boots clunking inside the small cottage, her heart nearly stopped.

“Come quick,” Moira's hand shot out from beneath the dust sham indicating Faye was to follow. As quietly as possible despite the ringing in her ears, Faye gently lifted herself beneath the floor of Maya's bedroom where she found was a dirt floor basement except it didn't run the entire width of the house. It was large enough for possibly three small people to hide.

Curling herself into a ball in the far corner of the small room, Faye watched in amazement as Moira quickly replaced the three boards she'd pulled loose and then sealed them inside with a small burst of her essence. Was it small enough to have not been noticed?

With only the small shafts of light sifting through the floor boards Faye watched as Moira stood beaming at her handy work before lifting her thumb and pointing at it while she gazed over a visible shaken Faye.

“Nice, huh?” she whispered proudly.

Nodding her head, Faye opened her arms and called the young girl to her. Just as Moira sat in front of Faye, allowing her to wrap her arms around the preteen, the boots from above pounded just above their heads, Maya's stern voice right behind them.

“There are only two Thorns left and we were in the kitchen. There is no need to search my entire home without cause.”

“The King's orders give us cause to confirm you two are still alive as well as search the entire cottage,” the same voice that had beckoned to Maya through the front door sounded above them.

As another guard entered the room, Faye's body shook so hard Moira turned to look at her, pleading with her eyes to calm down. Faye had to swallow the lump that had formed in her throat so she would be able to breathe. Taking a very shallow breath, Faye closed her eyes and imagined she were else where with Moira.

In her mind she imagined them in a park on Earth, Moira was much younger than she was now and they were sharing an ice cream cone, half vanilla, half chocolate. Would Moira like chocolate? Did Siofra even have chocolate? Opening her eyes she found Moira was still watching her intently and Faye wondered why she hadn't put two and two together before. Moira was the spitting image of a young Faye despite her bravery and athletic ability which she must have inherited from Tyron.

As the voices from above them became faint, Faye squeezed Moira into a tight hug. It would be nearly impossible to keep Moira safe when Faye was scared senseless most of the time, but she knew she would be the ultimate sacrifice when the time came and as scary as the thought was, it was also, somewhat comforting. Her life to save hundreds more, especially Tyron and Moira.

“At least it wasn't Eva,” Moira whispered as she glanced up towards the floorboards.

“Who?”

“Eva Longhorn, she's the one who...” swallowing hard, Moira turned a glossy eyed stare to Faye. “She took my Malanai from me.”

Smashing her lips together, Faye now knew the woman who would kill her in the future and the knowledge was frightening. The person who was to kill her had a name and it was Eva.

“How did you know this was here?”

As a lone tear dripped down Moira's cheek, Faye reached out to wipe it away. She was too cried out and tired to weep any more tears, which she was thankful for. She needed to be strong for Moira and to hear this.

“My Marwen...grandmother...had a trap door such as this. It was used during the first war against the humans,” Moira explained quietly. "She hid me there when Eva came looking for me and my Malanai."

“Thank you Moira,” Faye smiled softly as she pulled Moira back into her arms and held her until long after the guard's voices had gone and Tyron called out to them.

[laura]

As the guards left, the door closing heavily behind them, Tyron released the breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding. Every room they’d stepped into, his body tensed, waiting for the fallout – only, it didn’t come. The entire cottage and there was no sign of Faye or Moira anywhere, not a single trace. Where the heck had they gone? Suddenly, a wave of panic rushed over him. What if they’d left? Without him. He started to tell himself that he didn’t care, that it would be better if they did leave; Faye could be someone else’s problem from now on, someone who could handle her better than Ty could.

But he knew it wouldn’t be true.

He turned on his heels, ready to search himself for the two blonds, when his malanai caught his arm, holding him back. “If they’d found her…”

He settled a steady gaze on to her. “They didn’t. Even if they had, Luna’s necklace could have protected her –“

“But that wouldn’t have stopped them asking her who she was, who her family were, the village she originated from. It wouldn’t have been easy, Ty.”

Sighing, her nodded, knowing she was right. Before he could move away, Maya spoke again. “Lita came looking for you. She called a couple of times.”

Tyron grimaced. “What did you tell her?”

“That you were busy visiting friends in Aven.” Maya answered simply. “Honestly though, Ty, why can’t you try to be with her? She’s such a beauty and she cares for you very much. Faye is lovely, but…she’s trouble. Play it safe and go with the easy option.”

“Like you did?” Tyron asked her, his annoyance clear in his tone. “Did you settle for the first suitor to bring you flowers, malanai? Because it was safe? No. You waited until you were fifty-eight cycles before you settled - and only then it was because you met my Desh'ketai. I don’t intend to tie myself to a safe and boring option, especially when it’s in the shape of Lita.”

Turning from her before she could say anything else, Ty walked into the hall and called out to Moira and Faye, listening for any sound of a reply. A small rustle came from the room at the end, the largest one belonging to his malanai. With a frown creasing at his brows, he walked through just in time to see the two blonds climb out from beneath the large bed.

Wait. They hid under a bed from the Kings Guards? Of all places?

“Are you telling me they didn’t look under there?” Tyron asked them incredulously.

Moira dusted herself off. “Long story short, there’s a neat hiding space under there. Have they gone?”

He nodded and moved to Faye’s side. “They’ve gone, but not before they scared the shadow out of my malanai. We need to head back to the city, where we can’t involve her.”

Faye looked up into his face. “Are we going back to your apartment?”

“Yeah,” Tyron smiled, touching her cheek with the back of his fingers lightly. “Been a while since we were there, huh?”

Maya stepped into the hall, her arms folded. “You need to go and clear up this mess. Visit Luna as soon as you get there.”

“Luna?” Moira echoed, a large smile breaking out across her young face. “Yes! She’s just who I need to see right now. She always has the answers to everything.”

Tyron continued to look down at Faye, his heart still beating erratically. “Not everything.”

[Manda]

Faye knew Tyron was right, Luna couldn't know everything, but she sure had played a nice hand in dabbling with fate. Did Luna know Faye would eventually figure out who Moira was? She had to, and if so, that meant Luna knew a whole lot more than she was originally letting on. Maybe she did know everything. Faye wanted to visit Luna as soon as possible, yet the thought of being back at Tyron's home was just as tempting. It was the first place she'd truly felt safe, even though she'd been as small as a bug then. She could barely remember what the place looked like.

As Maya and Tyron bid their adieus, Moira and Faye wandered outside into the bright daylight of Siofra. Faye had tried to be friendly and wish Maya the best until next time, but she'd given her a sad stare and simply shook her head. Moira, on the other hand, gave Maya a heartwarming hug which seemed to surprise everyone, but mostly Maya. Of course, if Moira was from the future, she'd would've known who her grandmother was.

“Think about what I said Ty,” Maya patted her son on the shoulder before he stepped off the front porch in a huff.

He looked discouraged and annoyed at her suggestion.

“Think about what?” Moira piped up as they began making their way towards the woods beside Maya's house.

“She just wants me, I mean us to, um, go through the forest instead of going through the village. She doesn't believe Faye is, or well...she doesn't believe Faye's charm works,” Tyron seemed to make up the explanation as he said it.

“Oh it works wonders! No one besides you and Faye's direct bloodline can see she has janda'hai,” Moira explained in a cheerful tone, her proud knowledge seeping through.

“Her direct bloodline wouldn't care if she had janda'hai. They too have them,” he gave Moira a crooked stare and Faye felt her heart jump into her throat. Would he catch on to who Moira was just as Faye had?

“Well, what I mean is, if, umm...” Moira began to fidget and Faye realized this was why Moira had the exact same moon pendant. She had to be protected as well.

“Never mind,” Tyron shook his head to seemingly clear his thoughts. “I think it's better if we don't risk it,” Tyron explained as he headed off towards the woods, but Faye had stopped in her tracks.

Moira understood more about Faye and the future than Tyron knew and if Moira said her charm would work, Faye believed it would.

“I'd like to test it out,” Faye spoke up bravely despite how scared she truly felt. If someone did notice her or even sense her, she'd be a goner. At least Tyron and his mother...malanai...could be happy again without her. But as the thought crossed her mind, Faye felt guilty. It would also mean Faye wouldn't be able to bear Moira and the earth...no world...gah...Siofra! needed more women...er...elven women...yep that sounds good...like her. Wow, she thought, she needs to get a grip on this new language.

“Don't be ridiculous. Just because you hid beneath the bed from the King's Guards doesn't mean you'd get away with it walking through a mess of elves. Come on, let's go,” he took another step towards the forest but kept his gaze settled on Faye.

“Suit yourself, we'll find our way,” Faye shrugged her shoulders as she grabbed Moira's hand and tugged it gently. “You're coming with me.”

Moira was nearly glowing at how brave Faye was pretending to be and she seemed just as eager to show Tyron Luna's charm would protect her.

“Yes, Ty, let's prove to you it works,” she grinned, stretching her hand out towards him as Faye turned and began marching towards the village, dragging Moira behind her.

[laura]

Tyron watched the females retreat and felt his stomach drop. There was something different about Faye in the last few days – she’d barely looked at him, her attention solely set on Moira. It was almost like there had been a switch between them, something that had shifted Faye’s thoughts on him. Something off-putting.

It was that thought that had Ty turning toward the forest.

As he walked through the wood, he thought back to what his mother had said. Lita was the easy option, in every sense of the word; she came with financial security, a proper roof over his head, plus she was crazy about him – maybe a little too crazy – all he’d have to do was give her a few children and his social standing would be solidified.

But Faye was the obstacle in that plan. Despite everything, there was a flurry in his chest every time she looked at him, like someone had released a horde of butterflies there.

A chorus of giggles caught his attention, tearing him from his thoughts. Ty looked up, splashing sounds coming from the river. He was about to pear over the top of the bushes to inspect, when one of the gigglers burst through from the other side, slamming into his chest. Dressed in thin blue swimming wraps, the redheaded female looked up at him, eyes wide. It was less than a heartbeat before she started laughing again.

“Hello,” She smiled, her eyes drifting up and down the length of him. “You don’t have to watch from behind here. You’re welcome to join us.” When Ty didn’t offer a reply, she turned on back, arm holding back the shrubbery. “We have company!”

He was trying his best not to notice the material on her body was practically see-through. Things got harder, however, when her two other friends emerged from the water, their wraps just as thinly applied as the redheads. Tyron visibly swallowed. “Excuse, I really have to be somewhere else.”

“Tyron?”

The voice was instantly familiar. Looking away from the first female, Ty caught the dark green eyes of non-other than Lita. Her brown hair was wet and pushed back out of her face, the wrap around her body a deep red, every curve on show. “Ty!”

Excitement had her lurching toward him, her arms wrapping around his waist, her wet body flush against him. “You’re back!”

“Yeah…” Not knowing where to put him hands, Tyron settled on her shoulders. “I’ve been busy.”

“Wait,” The redhead spoke up as Lita peeled herself from him, though her hands remained locked onto his arm. “This is the famous Tyron Thorn?”

The smaller, dark haired female, bit her lip. “You were not lying when you told us about him. Oh, Lita, if I wasn’t jealous of you before, I definitely am now.”

Gloating in her friends appraisal, Lita ignored their stares. “Where have you been? You’re malanai told me you were visiting friends. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Trying to hide his annoyance, Tyron stepped back toward the path. “It was a last minute thing. Look, I have to go, Lita… got to get back to the city.”

She pouted, but followed him. “Deyash nek'tai.”

When her arm linked through his and she waved goodbye to her friends, it didn’t leave him many options. Lita seemed content to walk beside him in the midday sun, in nothing but a damp bathing wrap and barefeet. “I have so much to tell you, Ty. The Kings Guard have been here! Did your malanai tell you?”

“She may have mentioned it.”

“They’ve apparently been spotted at Artemis’ building and Luna’s cottage. Do you think they’re up to no good?”

Tyron sighed; this was going to be one long walk back.

[Manda]

“Faye, he's not following,” Moira explained meekly as she yanked on Faye's hand to halt the young woman from trudging forward.

Glancing over her shoulder, she only caught a glimpse of Tyron's back as he ducked into the forest leaving the two blondes to fend for themselves. As much as Faye wanted to run after him, she also wanted to prove she would be safe. If Moira said Luna's charm would work, she knew it would. Tyron had to trust what Moira said, she knew what the future held. Faye sighed and shook her head as she tugged on Moira's arm to keep her moving.

“He's so stubborn. I can't stand it,” Faye growled beneath her breath as she began stomping down the cobblestone path headed toward the village, releasing her hold on Moira's hand to fold her arms across her chest to pout.

Moira was practically running in an attempt to try to keep up with the furious Faye until she gripped onto her arm and pleaded with her to stop.

“Slow down...wait a minute...Do you think we should go after him?”

“Why? Is my pendant not going to work?” Faye stopped abruptly, her eyes wide as she gazed into very familiar blue gems as if she was staring into a mirror.

“No, it works perfectly. I just...I just don't like us being separated. Do you even know where you're going?” Moira spoke quietly, her head tilted to the side in thought.

Faye squinted her own eyes for a moment as she searched Moira's for some sort of an explanation into her thoughts. Could she tell this girl Faye knew who she was? Would it cause problems with the future?

Sighing rather loudly, Faye took in her surroundings. She'd been to Maya's village a few times since she landed in Siofra, but she'd also been a fairy once and the other times led there by either Tyron or Luna. She hadn't paid enough attention to figure out her way there and back any of those times and silently wished she had. She was on her own, besides the help of Moira who...who would know exactly the way to Tyron's apartment. Wouldn't she? She was from this world, she would know how to get to city from Maya's village, but if she was going to pretend she didn't know where they were going Faye was having none of it. Moira was a smart girl, she'd been trained well to appear aloof even though Faye was well aware Moira knew much more than she let on.

Rolling her shoulders back and allowing the gentle breeze to capture her hair and blow it into a light fury behind her, Faye took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Grinning brightly, she grabbed Moira's hand and laughed, “Nope, not a clue. Who cares! I'm a wanted woman, so let them want me. They can't catch me if they can't find me now can they?”

The look of confusion that crossed Moira's features made Faye laugh even harder as she swung their connected hands back and began skipping towards the village, Moira half skipping, half walking beside her with a look of apprehension crossing her features.

“Don't look so scared. You've got the same pendant as I do which means you're hiding something too. Let's have a girls day. We can do some window shopping, forage for some berries, maybe go dancing in the river...whatever it is you hippie elf people do.”

“No river. We are staying far away from the river,” Moira spoke, her voice now dripping with a tinge of fear.

“Why? Can't you swim?” Faye stopped again and gripped Moira by the shoulders. “Is that what you're hiding with that pendant of yours? Your fear of water?”

Moira gulped down something in her throat while Faye flashed the brightest smile at her. If Moira was going to play dumb, Faye would do it better. She really didn't have to play, she had no idea where they were going or what they would do if they got caught by the King's brutes, but she had faith in Luna's pendant and Moira's words.

“Yes,” Moira answered, her gaze troubled.
 
“Yes what?” Faye had momentarily forgot her question.

“I'm afraid of water. That's what my pendant is hiding. We can read other elf's fears with our essence and as long as no one knows my fear is of...”

“Oh stop it Moira. We're both blonde, not stupid. If you really feel safer with Tyron, let's go find him.”

“It's not that I feel safer with him...it's just...”

“Does Ty remind you of the father you lost?” Faye's bubbly attitude fell a few notches as she watched Moira's eyes gloss over.

Despite the few times Moira had her night terrors, she'd always been so brave and strong. Now, Faye watched as she dropped her head and stared at her feet. Tipping Moira's face up with two fingers on her chin and a soft tear dropping down her cheek, Faye sighed.

“Tell you what. I really do want to see if my pendant works like you say it will...but I also want to get to Ty's place safe and sound. I have a gut feeling you know the way to the city...how about you lead us in the right direction and I'll let you ask me any question you want about earth...my life there. I'm sure you're dying to know.”

Faye felt a small twinge of guilt twist through her stomach. She shouldn't have tried to trick the young girl into taking the lead, but she was so on edge. It was the first time Tyron had ever left her alone without his protection, but also because she wanted to ask Moira a million things given she was her own flesh and blood. Plus, Faye had no idea how soon Tyron had been taken from the two of them, but by the way Moira fawned over him she figured it had to be early on. Moira favored Tyron's company and if that's what it took to keep Moira happy, she'd go for it. Fortunately, Moira's worried features shifted in a dazzling smile as she nodded her head and the two women began walking towards the village again.

“I'd much rather ask you about Tyron and you, if you don't mind. I know so much about your world, I don't think I have too many questions I wouldn't already have the answers to.”

“Okay, shoot,” she walked slowly, hand in hand with Moira as she finally decided it was a bright idea to take in her surroundings so she might be able to find her own way back if she ever needed to. Besides, there wasn't much Faye could tell her about her and Tyron yet. They both barely knew each other even if Faye felt a pull towards him every time they were together.

“Do you think you love him?”

[laura]

By the time they entered the city walls, Tyron was ready to pull his ears clean off his head. Lita did not stop talking, from the moment they’d left her friends; she’d jump from one subject to another, constantly reaching for him in one way or another. He nearly cried out of relief when the door to his apartment came into view. That wonderful, shabby brown paintwork was a thing of true beauty.

“Tyron Thorn, where on Siofra have you been?!”

The male voice called out loud and clear across the street, making everyone close by turn around and look. Rune Silvermist waved enthusiastically when he caught Tyron’s gaze. A smile immediately burst out across his face at the sight of his old friend. “Rune?”

Breaking away from Lita, Tyron met Rune half way, embracing in a hard hug. It had been years since the friends had seen one another – Rune had signed up for the royal army the first opportunity he’d gotten, leaving behind his home, family and friends for a life miles away.

Stepping apart from one another, Tyron clapped a hand onto Rune’s shoulder. “I should say the same to you. You haven’t been home in years!”

His friend laughed. “Been a busy boy – lands to visit, ladies to seduce, greedy lords to protect…you know how it goes. Anyway, I’ve been here three days already! Came knocking on your day every day and now, here you are!”

“Been busy myself,” When Rune opened his mouth to speak, Ty cut him off. “It’s a long story. I’m in a little bit of a mess.”

With that said, Lita suddenly appeared at Tyron’s side, her fingers curling around his arm, half naked body pressing into his side. She instantly caught Rune’s attention. His deep golden eyes rose up and down the length of her body, lingering on the parts that he liked. “Don’t tell me…” He breathed, eyeing gleaming. “You found your life mate? I don’t sense the – “

“No,” Tyron answered quickly. “Lita isn’t my life mate.”

“Ahh, so it’s like that is it?” Rune grinned. “I approve. Nice to see you haven’t lost your flare.”

“Never will.”

Ty thought about Faye. Would Rune be able to sense what was apparently supposed to be there? He’d never thought about another elf detecting the connection until now; Moira had never really commented on it and Luna and Artemis were always harping on about it anyway.

Nodding toward his apartment, Tyron nudged his friend in the right direction. “Come on, we’ve got some catching up to do.” When Lita made a move to follow, he stopped her with one look. “Thanks for the company back. See you later, okay?”

She looked both angry and upset as the men walked away from her, leaving her in the street with nothing but her bathing wrap on. At least Rune gave her one last, complimenting stare before turning away. “Please tell me you’ve had her on her back?”

Ty laughed at his crude honesty. “I see you haven’t changed. How long are you home for?”

“Indefinitely, I suppose…” Running his fingers through his shoulder length black hair, Rune went on. “I might have been caught with my commanders daughter…doing something I shouldn’t be.”

A laugh burst out from Ty’s throat. “I’m surprised you’re alive!”

“It was a close call. I ran faster than I knew I could. She was definitely worth it though, Ty, oh man, what a beauty.”

Opening the door, he followed Rune into the confines of a small hallway leading to his apartment. “Speaking of beauty, I guess I do have a lady in my life…though, not really. We just kiss from time to time.” Good grief, that made him sound like a young teenager again. “She’s supposed to be meeting me here soon.”

Rune stopped in his tracks. “Wait, you do or you don’t? What’s her name?”

“Faye. It’s a long and complicated story…”

“Well,” Rune eagerly burst through the apartment door. “I’ve got time, my friend!”

[Manda]

And of course Moira had to begin with such a deep question. Did Faye think she loved Tyron? The thought of loving him was hard to process. She'd never had a boyfriend let alone know enough about love to understand what those feelings truly were. She did feel a strange pull towards him each and every time they were together and the memories of how her entire body rushed to life when they touched or kissed made her smile, but was that love?

Moira had been watching Faye intently as they made their way into the village, walking quietly and allowing Faye to process her thoughts.

“I really couldn't say if it's love Moira. We don't know each other all that well. I...well I really like him when he's not being so stubborn...”

“He's just protective of you,” Moira cut her off.

“Ah, he's protective of both of us. Do you think you love Tyron?” Faye inquired.

A bright smile crossed Moira's features which made Faye smile in return. Nodding her head she sighed quietly, “I had a feeling.”

The two women who looked nearly identical despite the difference in age walked silently towards their destination, a few villagers shouting out morning greetings to them and waving. Once they'd made their way into the heart of the village, Moira squeezed Faye's hand as she pulled on her arm to lead her to a small shop, their window display was of what appeared to be a chocolate fountain surrounded by numerous pastries. The sight made Faye's mouth water and she silently wished she'd eaten some of the gray mush back at Maya's.

“It looks yummy.”

“Wait here,” Moira smiled as she turned on her heel and headed into the shop.

Faye watched as Moira pointed out a few of the delicious looking pastries to the shopkeeper and had them packaged up. Faye hadn't realized Moira had any money, or whatever currency elves used, but when she came back outside and handed the small white bag to her, she was grinning ear to ear.

“I could hear your stomach grumbling,” Moira admitted as she stuffed her hands in her pockets and made her way back to the cobblestone path they'd been following.

Faye dug through the bag and found what looked like a bismark. Taking a bite of the flaky pastry, a warm cream filled liquid made her taste buds come to life. Faye devoured the donut within a few short minutes, making small groans as each bite was just as sweet and filling as the first.

“Thank you,” Faye grinned as she wiped the corner of her lips with her fingertips and rolled up the small bag to seal in the flavor of the other few pastries. Moira smiled as they once again linked hands and began walking hand in hand through the village, stopping every so often to look into a shop window. Faye felt like she'd been taken back in time. The air was clean and fresh here, the smells from the bakeries and the restaurants filling the air. Back in Chicago, if you took in a deep breath of air, there was a good chance your lungs would be filling with some sort of smog from the many factories in the area as well as exhaust fumes from all of the vehicles. Faye had yet to see any form of a car or truck any where. Hell, even food tasted better here.

“It's so beautiful here. So clean and refreshing. Not like it is back home.”

Moira nodded her head and grinned, “We believe in a simpler way of life. Having love and living a fulfilled life is more important.”

Releasing Moira's hand and wrapping her arm around her shoulders, Faye pulled her close. The two walked together in silence for quite a few miles before Moira spoke up again.

“We made it. No one noticed you.”

Faye had been so busy taking in her surroundings and enjoying their walk she hadn't really thought about her amulet since they left the bakery.

“You're right. How long before we get to the city?”

“It's just over that hill there and then we'll back in Tyron's graces, safe and sound.”

The thought thrilled Faye and suddenly she broke out into a sprint, gripping Moira's hand and dragging her with.

“Well then let's go greet our Prince Charming.”

The two blonde's ran the rest of the way towards the city, laughing each time Faye tripped and stumbled. She was able to protect herself a little better from her training at Fin Falls, but she was still clumsy. Faye allowed Moira to take the lead as they jogged through the outskirts of the city and eventually found themselves in some what familiar territory. Faye could see the door to Tyron's apartment and yet a flurry of dark auburn hair made her stop dead in her tracks. She was wearing a nearly see-through underwear, bikini wrap of sorts and sitting on the steps outside of the apartment. She looked sad until she glanced up and locked eyes with Faye.

“What's wrong?” Moira had turned and jogged in place until coming to a stop herself. “Faye?”

A rush of anger or maybe jealousy seemed to course through Faye's veins, her feet and legs began moving on their own it seemed as she marched directly towards Lita. Faye could feel Moira's presence following behind her.

“What are you doing here?” Faye growled possessively as they reached the bottom of the steps. “He doesn't love you Lita. You need to leave.”

“Do I know you? You're...aren't you one of Maya's pupils?”

“No, I'm Tyron's lifemate.”

[laura]

Rune dropped down on to the worn armchair in the corner of the room, his leg tossed over its crooked arm. “Before you start telling me about this Faye, I want to make a small observation on one thing.”

Ty crossed over into the small kitchen in search of food, his stomach growling louder with each step. “Go on.”

There was a pause a couple of seconds long before Rune spoke again. “I didn’t notice it until Lita’s presence was gone, but… your aura has changed, my friend. It’s very spikey.”

Reaching inside the fridge, Tyron pulled out the first thing his hand touched. “What are you going on about?”

“With Lita no longer near you and the mention of Faye, your aura spiked a little. Only a familiar would have been able to detect it, hence why I did, but it reminded me of…well…” Rune shrugged. “A mated male. Have you found your lifemate, my friend?”

Ty swallowed back the mouthful of food. “W-What? No…”

The dark haired elf watched him closely, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. “It’s doing it again. What are you thinking about?”

In honesty, he was currently thinking of Faye; he was wondering where she and Moira were, if she’d managed to get through the village safely and if he should go back to look for her. Then he thought of what Rune would think of her – humans didn’t have an aura, but would he be able to detect the connection? Would the connection even be there for him to see? There was still so much about Faye that Tyron didn’t know or didn’t understand.

“I’m thinking that I need to order in tonight. I don’t have anything in my fridge that isn’t mouldy.” Ty grimaced and licked his lips. “Bleh.”

“Don’t lie to me,” Rune groaned. “I’ve known you long enough to be able to – “

Suddenly, something deep inside Tyron’s chest fluttered and skipped, his senses burst to life and the small hairs on the back of his neck jolted to attention. His body only reacted like that to one thing – or better yet, one person. He bowed his head, focusing on the sounds around him to find…Ah-ha! Her voice met his ears a second before Rune heard it too.

Both men moved to the window, where Lita’s shrill shouts could be both seen and heard. Tyron’s heart promptly sank to his feet when he saw Faye and Lita facing off on the steps of his apartment. He let out a vile curse and darted for the door.

“What on Siofra is going on?” Rune was right behind him, a hint of excitement in his tone. “Please tell me that the blonde is Faye.”

Tyron ignored him, all but darting through the door to get in between the arguing women.

“What did you just say?!” Lita exclaimed. “You lying, dirty whore! He’s mine!”

Faye’s freckled cheeks bloomed red at her last word. “The hell he is! He doesn’t even LIKE YOU!”

Tyron placed his hands onto Faye’s shoulders, trying to gently force her back. “Calm down, Katinar.”

“What is she doing here?!” Faye fumed in a low tone, just enough for him to hear. “She’s practically naked, for god sake! Was she waiting for you? Why was she waiting for you? What are you doing with her?!”

Tyron would have enjoyed her evident jealously if the situation had been different – it made him want to smile like a spoilt marara. He’d bring it up later, when they were alone. Without thinking, he placed his hands onto either side of her face, trying anything to ease her mind. “I’m not doing anything with her. I didn’t know she was waiting there. She followed me from the forest, but I thought she’d left.”

“What did you just call her?” Abruptly, Lita was at his side, her hands on his arm, trying to disconnect his touch from Faye. “Who is she, Ty? She’s telling lies about you. Disgusting lies!”

The very sight of the brunette set Faye off once more; she pushed Tyron’s arms from her. “Get your hands off of him.”

When Lita stepped toward the blonde, a threatening gleam in her eye, Moira appeared in a blink of an eye between them. “You don’t want to do that. Touch her and risk losing your hands.”

Lita blinked at the young girl and then deciding she wasn’t worth it turned her attention back to Tyron. Her hands brushed up his chest, “She claimed she was your…lifemate,” She practically spat the word out. “I laughed in her face!”

Tyron swallowed. “Lita, she – “

“I am!” Faye cut him off, her gaze locked on to where the other woman’s hands were. “And from what I’ve heard, you’re breaking a whole lot of unwritten codes by touching something that belongs to another woman. Aka, me!”

Moira was smiling with pride and joy. Rune was watching the scene unfold with interest, his eyes narrowed as he took something in that no-one else could see.

“You need to shut your lying mouth!” Lita fumed, her fingers curling onto Ty’s shirt. “I don’t sense any mated signs.”

“Maybe because they haven’t fully mated yet,” Rune spoke up from his place in the doorway, his calm expression unchanged. “Just throwing that out there.”

[Manda]

“Who are you?” Faye shouted at Rune at the exact same moment Lita barked at him, “Shut up!”

Rune raised his hands in mock defeat although the argument had nothing to do with him.

Faye slowly lowered her intense gaze from the dark haired elf whose eyes were locked on hers as if he was trying to read something inside her mind. Squinting hard and blinking her thoughts away from him, she returned her focus back on Lita who was pleading with Tyron to send Faye away.

“Tell her Ty baby. Tell her to quit saying such nasty, absurd things. Make her leave baby,” Lita whimpered quietly.

Faye could feel her heart beating hard in her chest. She wanted to grab Lita by the hair and throw her to the ground, clawing her eyes out as she begged for mercy. But Faye wasn't a fighter.

“Lita...I think you should go,” Tyron cleared his throat and gripped her by the wrists. Lita had her entire body pushed up against Tyron's, her face only inches away from his.

A memory flashed through Faye's mind as she remembered how she'd watched Lita steal a kiss from Tyron while Faye sat nestled inside his pocket. The same type of anger, sadness...jealousy flooded through her again.

“Lita. You are a sick, sad little woman. I wish the worst upon you,” Faye growled as she turned on her heel and found herself beginning to storm away from the situation. If Tyron wasn't going to tell Lita they were already together...even if neither of them really believed it yet, she wasn't going to continue to fight.

Suddenly Faye felt a small hand grasping her own and although she was only seeing red at the moment, bright blue eyes flashed into her own, pleading with her to stay. To fight.

Moira. Her daughter. Their love child from the future...the stars!

“Faye, wait,” Tyron called after her just as she turned back around and began marching towards him. Tyron pushed Lita back sternly and released his hold on her wrists. Lita's face was in apparent shock, her eyes wide and her lips curled in anger.

“You need some sort of proof Lita? How's this for proof?” Faye shouted as she practically ran into Tyron's arms. Wrapping her hands around his neck, Faye pressed her mouth against his feeling that heated spark rush through her body upon contact.

Tyron pulled away for only a moment, his hands gripping her waist as he gazed into her eyes looking for some sort of answer or maybe a question. Faye wasn't sure what he was looking for, but she knew this would serve as an answer to everyone's concerns.

“Stop trying to kiss him, you're only making a fool of yourself,” Lita quipped at the sight. Faye could hear her voice nearing as she began whining once again, but Faye blocked Lita out and focused on the man holding her close. Their breath was dancing against each other's lips and Faye felt a swirl of butterflies flutter through her stomach.

A soft smile graced her lips as she dug her hands into his loose, brown locks and he allowed her to bring their lips together once again in a powerful kiss that made the heavens above swirl the few clouds into a small storm. The winds picked up as a soft sigh from Moira sounded before a gasp from Lita.

Faye deepened the kiss by opening her mouth sightly. Although she wasn't sure, exactly, what she was doing, she allowed her tongue to slip past her own lips to connect with Tyron's, her entire body beginning to sizzle with desire. If this wasn't good enough proof for anyone, Faye didn't know what was, especially because she really didn't even understand it yet herself.

“Well would ya look at that,” Rune casually noted from his place on the porch as the skies began their waterfall descent into oblivion.

---

Standing on her porch and watching the skies spin a small rain storm a few miles away, Luna wrapped her arms around herself as her floral sundress whipped behind her. A soft smile danced across her lips as her eyes began to cloud over with a white mist.

She could see them all, smiling and laughing. They were a happy family, Tyron doting on his young wife's wants and needs. Faye, still wary of her surroundings but content with her new life, coddled an infant Moira in her arms. She hummed a soft tune and rocked the young child to sleep. Maya was some where in the back ground, toiling with a meal she'd been preparing for her son and daughter.

Suddenly, the white mist faded into a deep gray before turning black. The smile faded from Luna's lips and her knee's buckled beneath her as she collapsed on the hard wood of the porch, her vision clearing. The future had already shifted.

[laura]

Luna rushed into the cottage, her heart pounding, fingers pressed to her temples. This wasn’t supposed to happen – after all Moira had done something to successfully change the future, to save her parents from their grim fate; perhaps her presence alone had done the job. But now, Luna couldn’t see any of them, no Tyron, no Faye and certainly no Moira. They were all gone.

This was not their fate. Artemis had foretold greatness for the young couples union, sons and daughters to change time itself, not death and destruction.

Pulling open a rickety old draw in her study, Luna reached in to find a familiar amulet, her fingers locking around it tightly, her essence homed in. ’MOIRA!’

The cry echoed into the confines of her mind, waiting patiently for a reply that came a few seconds later. ’Luna? What’s wrong?’

Moira’s sweet voice answered her, concern laced in her tone. ’Time can’t be up, Luna! Please, not yet.’

Her brows furrowed in frustration. The marara was always jumping to conclusions, chiming in with an answer before the question could be finished – an annoying habit she’d inherited from her father, no doubt. ’Hush, Moira! The future has shifted, young one, something has drastically transformed the time line. I no longer see your family, I no longer see you!’

There was a long, drawn out pause before her meek reply sounded. ’When did this happen?’

’In the last few minutes. Marara, you must come to me immediately. The sands are drawing near and if they die, with your time no longer there…’

’Then I won’t exist.

---

When Faye finally pulled away from him, Tyron gripped at her waist, keeping her close to him. He never would have imagined Faye had that in her – to kiss the air right out of him like that. Why had he had to wait weeks to discover it? Ty only hoped he didn’t have to wait as long to get it again. Brushing his lips against Faye’s, Tyron smiled. “That was…unexpected.”

Faye gave him a smile of her own. “That was proof.”

“Well, feel free to do that whenever you like.”

She laughed. “I might just do that.”

They stepped apart, both of them hesitant. During their embrace, they’d become completely oblivious to anyone else around them; unfortunately, Lita was still very much aware of them. With his gaze and mind still firmly locked onto Faye, Tyron didn’t see the other female move up behind him, grabbing at his arm and furiously turning him around to face her. She let out a long stream of curses in elven, before raising her hand back and connecting it hard with the side of his face. The sound of the slap echoed off the walls, all of Lita’s hurt and anger thrown in to it.

“How dare you do this to me?” She exclaimed, her eyes bright. “You mate yourself to someone like her, when you have someone like me?! You will forever live to regret this, Tyron Thorn.”

Before she retreated however, Lita gave one last look to the fading clouds above. “Mark my words.”

[Manda]

As Moira's mind cleared, she clutched at her heart which was practically beating as steady as a hummingbird's small wings. She couldn't hear anything but white noise and her vision became blurry. If what Luna had said was true, Moira had witnessed the shift with her very own eyes. Swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat, she took a small step backwards bumping into a passerby. Whipping out her cane and nearly smashing him into pieces, she found her weapon had been caught by the firm hand of an elf she knew well from the future.

“Whoa there little lady, what's got you all worked up?” Rune spoke calmly as he gazed into her eyes. She knew he was trying to read her background, figure out who she was without asking but he wouldn't be able to. Not with her still wearing her mother's pendant.

Moira hadn't seen such a healthy looking Rune in years. After her father had been killed, he'd taken to drinking and brawling. He was much scrawnier and unattractive in her future, but he had also been extremely helpful in guiding Eva and her bandwagon of murders away from Moira's whereabouts on numerous occasions.

Glancing towards Faye, whose attention was focused on Tyron's now bright red cheek, Moira began to feel dizzy and her stomach tightened into a knot. She couldn't tell if she wanted to pass out or throw up.

“Moira?” Faye's soft voice called out to her as Moira's knee's gave out from beneath her; Rune catching her and helping her land gracefully.

“Moira, what's wrong? Are you alright?” Faye was suddenly in front of her, wrapping her arms around Moira protectively.

“I...I think I need to lie down,” Moira spoke quietly, holding back tears of confusion and worry.

“Let's get her inside,” Rune explained as he easily lifted the young girl into his arms and headed towards the small apartment. “I'm feeling a little dizzy myself after witnessing that heated show,” he joked. Rune had always been up for a laugh even in the darkest of times Moira recalled.

---

Back at Fin Falls, using all of her essence as well as much of what her comrade's could muster, they'd finally been able to break through the mossy walls the female ghost had barred her with. She was furious as she tore through the wall and began screaming for those left standing to debrief her on what had happened while she'd been contained.

“Someone was here, but they're long since gone and we're unable to track them. That spirit was stronger than I've ever seen,” a bright-haired elf who Eva couldn't remember the name of reported to her.

Rolling her eyes, she pushed passed him and began marching towards the conservatory where her own senses had been calling her to in the beginning.

“Why has no one searched the conservatory?” she shouted as grabbed the door handle and instantly had to release it. The handle was hot.

“Do you smell smoke?” the same crimson haired elf spoke again, coming up beside Eva as he lifted his face to breath in the air.

Eva's eyes became wide as she pushed the door open with what remaining essence she had left and found the entire room was ablaze. As her search party scattered, running and screaming from Fin Falls, Eva stood in front of the conservatory and watched as the fire burned whatever proof would've been found inside. The fire remained contained to only this room as she dropped to her knees in the doorway and watched the once green and lush plants wither away to ash.

“Oh, little blonde ekahua. You've found an alliance with one asha, but there are many more who won't protect you. I will find you and I will destroy you.”

[laura]

“So…” Rune rubbed at his chin thoughtfully. “Let me get this straight – you’re Tyron’s lifemate? Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re not exactly what I imagined for him.”

Faye turned her sceptical look on him. “Really? And what’s wrong with me?”

“Hey, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with you,” He held his hands up in a playful surrender. “You’re one fine female. I’m only saying that you’re not exactly Ty’s type…”

Tyron cleared his throat, turning briefly away from the window to give his friend a stern glare. “Time to stop talking.”

Faye was sitting on the bed, beside a sleeping Moira, looking as exhausted as Ty felt – if not a little annoyed, too. “No, I want him to finish. Tell me, Rune…what is it about me that isn’t Tyron Thorns type?”

Oh yeah, she was most certainly annoyed. Ty groaned and turned back to face the quiet street below; he didn’t want to face her when Rune answered her questions. “Well, firstly you’re a blonde.” Rune stated, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “I have never seen him with a blonde before. Redheads? Definitely. Brunettes? All the time. Secondly, you’re…well…” He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Curvy.”

Tyron immediately straightened in his place, as Faye cocked a brow, “Excuse me?”

“You know…” Rune put his hands to his chest then slid them down his sides, pausing at his hips. “Curvy.”

There was a few seconds of silence before Faye’s small voice sounded. “Are you calling me fat?”

“No!” Both males answered at the same time, earning the other a glare. Tyron moved from the window and perched himself on the edge of the bed, close enough to touch her if he needed to – though, sparing her a glance told him now wasn’t the time.

“You’re different to the usual females you see around here; they’re all tall and thin and well, with lack of a better word, flat.” Rune’s brows wiggled suggestively, his eyes dropping to Faye’s chest. “I’m jealous – Ty’s got more than a hand full there! I wouldn’t mind burying my - ”

“That’s it!” Ty was up and across the room in a heartbeat, his hands latching onto his friend’s shoulders and heaving him out of the chair. “Time to go, Rune.”

The male actually pouted as Tyron pushed him out of the apartment door. “Wait! I thought we were going to hang out?”

“Soon. I’ve got a few messes to clear up first then we’ll hang all day, every day.” After all, when Faye left and returned to earth, it wasn’t like he’d have anything else to do but miss her.

Rune didn’t look convinced but he waved and left anyway, hands buried deep in his pockets. “If I spot Lita, I’ll sound the alarm.”

Tyron shut the door and half turned to face the bed. “Don’t listen to him. That’s just Rune and he doesn’t have a clue how to talk to women.”

Faye cocked a brow. “And you do?”

A crocked grin shaped his lips. “You bet I do.”

A glint of something shone in Faye’s blue eyes, sending a jolt of excitement into the pit of his stomach. He watched, grin widening, as she pushed up from the bed and slowly strolled toward the kitchen, her hips swaying in a way that made it impossible for him not to follow. “Then why haven’t you ever used the Thorn charm on me?”

He passed through the doorway behind her, his eyes locked on to the ‘curves’ Rune had so politely pointed out earlier. “I haven’t had the chance yet, Katinar. We haven’t exactly been alone since you got here.”

Faye glanced over her shoulder, the glimmer still in her eye. “We’re alone now.”

He glanced around the kitchen, “So we are.”

She didn’t turn around, instead keeping her back to him. Perfect, Ty thought, he could work with that. Moving up behind her, Tyron wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing their bodies together and rested his forehead onto the back of her head. “You were jealous earlier, weren’t you?”

He smiled to himself when she leant back, relaxing into him. “No. Lita was just getting under my skin, that’s all.”

“So…” His fingers toyed with the hem of her shirt, slowly sneaking beneath the material to feel the soft, warm skin of her stomach. He tried to ignore the jolt he felt when contact was made. “It wasn’t driving you mad when she was all over me?”

She released a shaky breath. “I’m not going to say I liked it.”

“You hated it,” He placed his palm flat against her stomach. “Admit it, Katinar. Jealously brought out a side of you I really liked – feisty and sexy, all at the same time. Then of course, I was rewarded that kiss. A kiss that was proving a point. A kiss that we both enjoyed. We could repeat that, you know? Whenever you like.”

[Manda]

Try to breathe Faye. Remember to breathe. He's testing you, teasing you.

But, oh, doesn't it feel wonderful?

The way his fingers snaked beneath your shirt, dancing gently across your skin.

And now, with his hand settled gently across your stomach, claiming you.

Isn't this just how you always imagined it would happen?

Faye had to swallow hard to try to find a way to regain control of her thoughts and her body. The proximity of Tyron's body to her's was, well, without any boundaries and Faye was having a hard time trying to stay standing. He was being playful and seductive, but in a not so serious way. She's never played a game like this and although she knew, given Moira and her being, this was who she was destined to be with, she was still afraid of losing.

Turning her head to the side so she could eyeball Tyron, she found the scent of his breath was tantalizing.

“You want me to tell you I was insanely jealous of another female touching you? Is that what you want?” Faye barely whispered, her body cascading into a flurry of goosebumps as Tyron's fingers came together and then fanned back out across her stomach. She'd chosen to ignore his comment about her previous assault on his mouth. If he wanted a kiss like that, she wanted him to take it.

“And so much more Katinar.”

When did Katinar become okay again?

“Like what Mr. Thorn? According to your friend, Mr. Silvermist seems to believe I am far from the type of girl you'd be attracted to. Lita is much more your type. Dark, beautiful hair. Thin, toned body with no tits. I'm far from that type of girl Thorn.”

Faye's voice wavered as she spoke, especially when she dropped the 't' word, which incidentally made her blush. She wasn't used to having someone ogle her so openly as Rune had, especially when he spoke of her curves. She'd never seen herself as a curvy girl back on earth. Sure, she had a bit more meat on her bones than the female elves she'd seen, but curvy was far from how anyone back home would've called her. Scrawny. They would've called her scrawny.

“Are you insecure with the way you look Faye? Because from where I'm standing all I see is pure beauty,” Tyron spoke gently, his other hand sliding across her stomach as he brought his face closer to hers.

Faye felt her entire body humming as her chest rose and fell with each breath she tried to take making her curves stand out more than she thought they had before. Faye remembered this type of moment when they were together under the falls and she'd panicked, asking him the strangest question and it took every ounce of her being to not say something stupid again. She enjoyed being close with Tyron. She liked his attention, she just didn't know what to do with it.

“I'm just trying to figure out what you want, babe,” she felt her lips curl up on one side in a sly grin. She'd never used a pet-name for any guy before and babe simply seemed to fit in this moment. She'd heard her sister call her husband that from time to time.

“What do I want...?” Tyron began, his crooked grin shifting into a soft smile moments before Faye found she could no longer contain herself.

Without much thought or realizing what she had done, Faye found her lips connecting with Tyron's in another heated, passion filled kiss she wasn't aware she possessed the ability to give. When Tyron's hands pushed gently on her stomach in order to pull her close, even though she was as close as she could get without turning around and molding her body into his, she allowed a soft moan to escape her lips. She was surprised by her own actions, but continued to taste Tyron's lips and breath mingling with her own.