Fire Side Dancer

[Josu_T]

Rahn started eating and looked up when Sol and Lia joined them. He continued to eat and did not say much. Then Tora asked which of them would rest next. He smiled at her and kissed her cheek. "It will be me resting next, then Tan. Once I wake up we can start packing things." He looked to her to make sure that was ok.

 

[Angeltears]

Tora nodded as he explained that it was his turn to rest next. While he rested she would pack her things for tomorrows trip. “Sounds good to me,” she said and kissed him and then turned back to eating. Ash chose this moment to speak up, “I will keep you company while Rahn sleeps.” “Well I will only be packing my stuff, if that’s okay with you?” she asked him, looking over at her brother. “Sure, then if you pack quickly enough we can practice your bow work. I am guessing you haven’t practiced in a while.” Tora shook her head guiltily.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn was glad she was ok with him resting next. He needed some sleep. Ash offered to keep Tora company while he rested and Rahn nodded. That would be fine, as long as he made sure he watched her carefully and did not let himself get distracted. He trusted Ash though and just hoped he could stay focused. Rahn just ate as they discussed things. He laughed a little when they said Tora had not practiced her bow for a while. He did not mind that, he'd had nice times with her during the time she would have normally practiced.

 

[Angeltears]

“Well then it’s decided, first pack and then practise. Lets see if you can still hit anything,” Ash said with a smile. Tora frowned at him, but didn’t say anything and slipped food in her mouth instead. Then she smiled as she remembered what she had been doing at those times she would have usually used for practice and she glanced at Rahn. "I think the pratcise will be good for me," she said lookingb back to Ash.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn simply ate and listened, getting quite tired. He finished eating and put his plate down. He leaned in to softly kiss Tora a few times. He was ready to get some sleep and he spoke softly in her ear. "I will go get rest now. Make sure you stay with Ash at all times and look after yourself. I lvoe you Tora and I'll see you in a little while after I wake up."

 

[Angeltears]

Tora watched Rahn as he finished eat. She could see that he was getting tired so when he put his plate down she took it and set it under her. Accepting his kisses she smiled at him when he spoke in her ear. “I love you too, Rahn. Have a good sleep and I promise I will stay safe.” She turned her head and kissed him gently. “Go get some sleep you look tired. I will be waiting for when you wake up,” she whispered to him and ran her hand along his cheek.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn looked at Tora with a smile on his face. When she told him she loved him, the smile grew. He also believed that she would be safe. He didn't know what he'd do if something happened to her while he slept. She told him to go rest and he nodded. He kissed her for a little while and then finally go up. He walked to his tent and entered, falling asleep fairly quickly.

 

[Angeltears]

Tora watched as Rahn left, it wasn’t until he had vanished from sight did she turn and look at her brothers. “So are you finished Ash, I want to get packed quickly and then we can get started on practice,” she held both Rahn’s and her plate in her hands ready to take them to be washed. Ash smiled and showed her his empty plate. Both of them got up and after passing the plates off to be washed they headed to their tents. Under Ash’s watching eyes she packed and after a bit of pestering he helped her. It didn’t take her long before they had all that she would need packed. All that would need to be done was her tent pulled down and blankets rolled up.

With that done they both headed to where they could practice. Ash ran through the basics with her and then moved on to distance shots. Tora was okay at archery she wasn’t great but she could hit something if needed. At one point she was aiming for the target when she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. Glancing over there she saw one of Kelt’s group standing on the edge of the open area. Tora tore her eyes away from them and looked at the target. Then Ash was there beside her and whispered to her, “Focus Tora, I am here.” Tora took a deep breath and let the arrow fly, it struck the target and Ash smiled at her. Returning his smile she concentrated on practice and not the audience that watched, which now included Kelt. Ash looked over at them but he knew he couldn’t do anything so he focused on keeping Tora from panicking or doing something stupid. Which in turn kept him from doing something stupid.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn slept for a couple hours and then woke up. He stretched and decided he would join Tora for some bow practice. He gathered his things and then left his tent. He first went to see if Tora was done packing yet. It seemed she was. Next, he found Tan and told him he could go sleep. Finally, he went to go find Tora.

He approached the area where Tora was practicing and he then noticed a small crowd of men. He looked carefully and knew who they were. He frowned and decided to see what Kelt and his friends had in mind. He knew they were up to no good. He hid behind some tents and watched them carefully. He was able to move close enough to hear them talk among themselves while he was hidden behind another tent. He waited for them to make their move so he could stop them and get even more proof that they needed stricter punishment.

 

[Angeltears]

Ash knew that they should return to the rest of their family, as there was only him and Tora against Kelt and his group if he chose to do something. Mind you both Ash and Tora both had their bows, but he knew neither of them would us it on the group, or did he. He glanced at Tora who was focusing extremely hard on her shots now. Tora was trying so hard not to pay attention to Kelt and his group but she felt their eyes on her and not in the way she did when she danced. It sent a shiver of fear down her back. Lowering her bow she looked she met Ash’s gaze and said, “Lets go I think we have practiced enough.” Tora walked towards the target and collected both there arrows. Ash stayed where he was and as she returned to him she nodded. If they wanted to return directly to the centre of the village they would need to walk past Kelt. As they walked on the angle to them trying to give the group some distance Kelt finally moved. “Tora, I need to speak to you!” he said but Tora ignored him and kept walking. “They don’t believe you, you know the elders. I told them it was you that came out of nowhere and threw yourself at me. Which is the truth, you might tell every one else that I grabbed you but we both know the truth that you sort me out that night. Just admit it Tora!” Tora didn’t know when she had stopped walking she heard Ash’s curses from beside her and she saw his hands clenched into fists. Did the elders really believe his story? Had he told others in the village his lie? She looked over at him and then past him to his group of friends, they where all smiling. “You’re a lying bastard,” she swore and turned back and started walking. “Come now Tora, you know you enjoyed it when I finally gave into you and started kissing you,” Kelt said with a smile. With out thinking or any thought other than to shut him up, Tora ran at Kelt. Ash was just that little bit to slow to react at stopping his sister as he tried very hard to control his temper, but when he realised what was happening he ran after her but she was light on her feet and he couldn’t catch her as she threw herself at Kelt. The observers reacted as well moving to stop Ash if he got in the way.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn listened to everything from behind the tent in silence. He heard every word of the lie and hoped Tora did not believe him. He had been punished. There was no way the elders would believe his story. There was too much evidence against it. Tora was in love with him and he and Tora had recieved the elders' blessing. That meant there was no way she would throw herself on another man.

When he heard the commotion start he heard Tora fighting. He also heard Kelt's friends move away from him to deal with Ash. Rahn made his move fast, stepping around the tent and running to catch Tora just before he first fist hit Kelt. His arms wrapped around her and he moved quickly, dragging her a few paces away from the other man. They had a plan that had to do with getting Tora to attack him so Kelt could turn it into another story where she jumped on him so he could tell it to the elders and try to get out of his punishment.

Rahn held Tora to him with one arm and was ready to defend himself with the other. He had a knife that he could pull out for safety as well. He looked at the other men. First he called to Ash. "Quick Ash, run and get help. Elders or brothers, whatever is easier!" Then he looked to the other men, focused on Kelt. "Back off! You are not going to lay a hand on her and she will not lay a hand on you. Also, nice try with the lie, but you will have to do better next time. The elders have a lot more information than you think. There is absolutely no way that your version of the story is right. Now, I am going to go with Tora now and you men are never going to bother her ever again. If you do, you will regret it. In case you forgot, I won or came close to winning all the games and competitions the other day. So, am I understood?" The entire time he spoke he slowly moved back if anyone took a step toward him. He also held Tora tight so she could not try to attack him. He would have a word with her later.

 

[Angeltears]

Tora swang her arm as Sol had taught her to but suddenly she felt some one grab her from behind, stopping her. As she was dragged back she struggled against the restraining arms that held her. She was about to kick him when she realised who it was that held her. At once she stopped struggling but she couldn’t calm down so she glared at Kelt, if she got the chance she would hit him. But not while Rahn held her, she wouldn’t risk hitting him instead.

Ash had seen Rahn come out of nowhere heading towards Tora and Kelt. He was thankful that Rahn was here because with Kelt’s friends blocking his path he would never have made it to Tora before she reached Kelt. Rahn’s appearance caught very one by surprise so when Rahn yelled to Ash he didn’t stop to think he ran, before any of the others could stop him.

Kelt watched as this all, he knew that if Ash got to the elders he would be in more trouble. Damn new comer, had to mess up all his fun. But Kelt was never one to give up so easily. Smiling he watched how he held Tora back. Holding his hand out to the sides he stepped forward as he dragged her back. “I understand perfectly, but I think it is you who needs to understand do you really know the girl you hold there. You have been with this village a couple of days, she is no innocent little girl and I can’t be blamed if she comes to me wanting something that you more likely can’t give her. Your not the first she lures in if that innocent act.” Kelt stoped still smiling at him.

Tora was trying hard not to brake free from Rahn’s hold. Her eyes focused on Kelt but she saw Kelts friends looking around worried. “Lies,” she spat.

Ash found Sol first and then on his way to get Tan he came across one of the elders. He told them both what had happened. Sol headed straight to where Ash had said Rahn and Tora was. The elder also sort out the other elders and then they too headed to where Ash had spoke off.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn continued holding Tora back. He wanted to avoid trouble if possible. He knew that as long as he was there, Tora would not try attacking Kelt again. Ash ran off and Rahn smiled at that. He was glad help would be coming soon. Kelt seemed to be smiling. He probably thought he could convince Rahn of something. That was definitely not going to happen. Rahn was smarter than that.

Kelt tried saying that he didn't know Tora like he did. He claimed she was not innocent and that he was not to blame if she went to him for a need he thought Rahn was unable to fulfill. He claimed he was not the first she'd 'lured' in with an innocent act. Rahn couldn't stop himself from laughing. Tora yelled that they were lies.

He turned her in his arms so she faced him. He looked at her for a moment. He spoke softly so only she could hear. "Tora, hush, I know they are lies. I've looked into your heart and soul and we are connected in a way that he will never know with anyone because of who he is and how he acts. Trust me. I know not to trust a single word he says. He can say anything he wants, but it is just so he can get what he wants. But what he want's he can't get, and he knows it. I love you Tora, and I know you love me and that I'm the only man for you. Now please, stand behind me in case they come at you."

As he finished his quiet talk to Tora he looked back up at Kelt and his friends. He decided he needed to say something to keep them there until the elders arrived. "So, you think you know Tora better than I do? Don't make me laugh. Tora and I are truly in love. We look into eachothers eyes and have an amazing connection. That is a connection none of you will ever feel as long as you listen to that man. He will go after any woman any of you get. As for you Kelt, you are just pathetic. You are also not as smart as you think you are. If you were as smart as you think, I'd actually believe you. It is quite ammusing listening to you. I actually pity you, must be a tough life if you have to go try stealing girls from other men. There are plenty of single girls around, but something must be wrong for you to only have eyes for taken women."

 

[Angeltears]

Tora was surprised when Rahn started to laugh. Her face held no anger when he turned her around only confusion. She listened quietly as he spoke taking in all he said and it made her want to cry. Tora knew she should have trusted in him not to believe what Kelt was saying but it just made her so angry. What had she ever done to him to deserve this? What had she ever done to deserve Rahn for that matter? Slowly nodding when he finished and letting her hands drop to her sides and her fists unclenching she stepped behind him as he had asked. Looking from around his back she rested her hand gently on his lower back so that he knew she was there.

Kelt watched as the two love birds talked, glancing to his sides he saw that his friends where starting to get worried. He knew they needed to move soon before the elders got here. He was about to give up his game when Rahn spoke to them; Kelt saw that Tora was now behind him. As he listened to what Rahn said he started to loose his temper. Who did he think he was calling him pathetic? Kelt moved forward to grab Rahn, knife or no knife. One of his friends grabbed him and held him back. “Let me go,” he struggled against his friend and another one grabbed him. “Kelt stop, the elders are here,” Kelt looked up and saw the elders and Sol was standing there, watching them. Kelt growled and shook the hands from him. “Lets get out of here,” glaring once more at Rahn and Tora he turned and stormed off some of his friends following him. The others looked lost as if there weren’t too sure about Kelt any more.

Sol raced over to Rahn and Tora stopping right before them. “Are you both okay?” he asked looking them both over. Tora nodded and saw over Sol’s shoulder Ash and Tan join the elders.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn was glad that Tora did as he asked and moved behind him. He felt her hand on his back and was glad to know she was there. He held his eyes on Kelt though. His words held the group of men there. Then Kelt moved as if to attack, but rather than the group attacking, Kelt's friends held him back. Rahn grinned. Then the elders showed up with Sol. Kelt ran off with his friends. Some of them did not go though and seemed confused and uncertain about something.

Sol rushed over and asked if they were ok. He was obviously worried. Rahn smiled and moved so that Tora was not behind him any more. "Don't worry Sol, we are both fine. they were not that hard to deal with. Luckily I was in the right place at the right time. I'm glad Ash was able to get the elders here." He turned to Tora, "Lets go tell them exactly what happened now." He kissed her cheek and then held and arm around her while walking toward the elders.

 

[Angeltears]

As Rahn spoke to Sol Tora stood there with her head hung. She knew in truth she shouldn’t have gone to attack Kelt she should have kept walking. It had been lucky that Rahn had been there. Looking up she saw the look of worry on all three brothers faces and then she looked to Rahn as he looked at her. When he gave her a kiss on the cheek she tried to smile at him and walked with him towards the elders. Sol followed behind them.

When they joined the elders and her brothers Tora looked at the elders. The one that had blessed them spoke up, “What happened here?” Tora bit her lip then took a deep breath and explained to the elders and her brothers what had happened. Starting from where Ash and her were practicing to when Rahn had joined them. Her words trailing off as she mentioned that she had gone to attack Kelt. Looking down at her feet she couldn’t meet their eyes.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn led the other two to the elders and let Tora tell her story. She told everything up to the point at which he'd stepped in. Rahn nodded in agreement with this and then told his side of the story from the moment he'd seen Kelt and his friends and decided to hide, up to the moment the elders arrived. He also explained his reasoning behind everything. Once he finished, he let them do whatever they wanted to do. He knew they would understand certain things quite well, even better than the three brothers since they knew about Rahn and Tora.

 

[Angeltears]

The three brothers watched and listened quietly as both Tora and Rahn spoke. All three were angry that this had happened to their sister. Tan went to speak the look of anger on his face was evident that he was going to shout but one of the elders raised his hand to stop him and Tan held his tongue. Then the elder addressed Tora, who up until this point was still looking at her feet and had done while Rahn had spoken. “You should not have gone to attack Kelt, I know he upset you but it would not have helped things. It is a lucky thing that Rahn was there to stop you. The other elders and I are going to speak of this, it is a serious issue and effects the living arrangements of the village. When we have worked out what is to be done we will let you know.” Tora nodded her head, “I am sorry elders.” The elder nodded and he and the others left. The three brothers looked to Tora and Rahn and then Sol spoke before any of the others could. “I think the best thing to do right now is to find Lia and Kara and prepare for dinner.” Sol placed his hand on both Tan’s shoulder and Ash’s and turned them. Tan looked back at Tora, “We will talk about this later.” Then he let Sol lead him away. Tora sighed and looked up at Rahn when her brothers had gone.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn stood and watched everything that happened, listening to all of it. As her brothers left, Rahn looked over at Tora. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her softly. Then he pulled back and looked at her. After a moment he held an arm around her and started to walk. As they walked, he leaned in and spoke softly. "You need to think more next time. That man is getting desperate. Everything he says is going to be a lie to anger and upset you an get to to give in to what he wants. Once he gets you in trouble like he is, he will have some. Luckily we are leaving tomorrow. Please, try to keep your head about you. I love you and want to make sure you stay safe. I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

 

[Angeltears]

When he kissed her Tora was relieved that Rahn was not too angry with her. Walking by his side she looked down at the ground as they walked and she listened as he spoke. She knew everything he said was the truth but she couldn’t help it. She had tried to ignore what Kelt had said but something had snapped in her and didn’t know what came over her. “I am sorry, I know I shouldn’t have done it but I don’t know what came over me. I promise I will try to stay out of trouble, I really don’t want to cause trouble, he just makes me so anger that I want to grrrrr.” She growled softly and then shook her head and sighed. “I can’t wait to be away and this to be all over. Also I don’t want you to be angry with me any more.”

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn listened to her as they walked. When she came to the end he stopped and shook his head. He looked into her eyes. "Tora, I am not angry with you. I'm angry with Kelt. I know he has been manipulating you. It is not your fault. You just need to try as hard as you can to ignore and avoid him. Now, lets see what there is left to do to get ready to leave. Then we can go get something to eat." He smiled and kissed her again and continued walking.

 

[Angeltears]

Stopping when he stopped she looked up at him. It made her feel better that he was not angry with her and she slowly nodded her head promising that she would try to keep away from Kelt. “Okay I have packed most of my stuff the only things that I need to pack is the stuff I will need tonight which I will pack tomorrow morning. What about you?” They started walking towards the tents.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn walked with her to the tents. For the next little while they made sure that everything they did not need that night was packed and ready to go in the morning. Rahn made sure all the materials and finished platforms were also ready to go. When they were sure everything was ready, they went to check out dinner. It was almost ready and Rahn pulled Tora over to a nice quiet area and pulled her into a sitting position with him. He held her close and kissed her softly.

 

[Angeltears]

When they checked on dinner and they realised it wasn’t ready Tora went to go looking for her brothers. But Rahn pulled her into a quiet area and down till she was sitting. Tora cuddled close to him as he kissed her. Wrapping her arms around him she thought her brothers could wait, they would only ask her questions. The questions could wait, being here with Rahn calmed her down and made her feel safe.

 

[Josu_T]

Rahn smiled as Tora cuddled in close. He really enjoyed the quiet time with her more than anything else. He wanted one more moment of quiet before her brothers started bothering her and before they had to leave for their trip to the market. He relaxed and had the best time he could, pushing all bad thoughts out of his head. Tora was great, she really helped him relax even if she didn't know it.