The City Time Forgot

Ariana

Ariana stood atop the dais, looking down at her cousin and the two men he'd brought before her. She was no longer the playful girl she'd been in the garden with Mirus only moments before. Now, she was Ariana the Chosen One, ruler of Bah'lin. The change it made in her was drastic. There were no smiles, no fits of laughter, no girlish behavior. The displeasure on her face at the moment would make seasoned warriors think twice about displeasing her.

"Who are you?" Her tone made it clear that she would accept nothing less than the truth and even her cousin stood sweating under the sense of her displeasure.

Her demeanor might well have been calm, but inside Ariana was anything but. She was livid over the stupidity of Talen for having allowed these men inside the city and more than anything, she was frightened. What did this mean? Was this the cause of the apprehension that had been eating at her for days?

Ariana could feel Mirus standing behind her and had no doubt he was as angry as her, if not more. If only anger could solve this problem..
 
Mirus

He listened as Ariana spoke with the authority of her station. Although Mirus was proud of her, he was also a little saddened. The harshness in her voice seemed so unnatural; it made the reality of their situation even more bitter.

That was not the pressing issue at the moment. Despite his good intentions, Talen had allowed outsiders into the city! Mirus could see the pain and embarassment on the man's face, and felt sympathy despite his anger. It was truly a no-win situation for him.

As for the outsiders themselves, he looked at them with little more than sneering contempt. Rogues, from the look of them. Little more than common thieves. With a word from Ariana, he would throw them out of Bah'lin and be done with them.

He had a feeling it wasn't going to be that simple, however.
 
The Outsiders

*They Stood Back to back, to keep from being hit from behind, both of them looking up with firey eyes, Spirited, Willing, and ready to fight if need be. Niether appeared too tense, both at ease and both ready, Shawn seemed the Brains of the Operation in this one, Falkner Was the Cunning and muscle, Shawn whatched her slowly, Then nodded To his Partner* Im Shawn Williams..*Falkner looked up*And Im Falkner hazzard..*He turned his head back away to keep an eye out, each whatching the others back, Shawn cracked his neck slowly* So whats the big Deal here??? We arent lookin for Trouble. And We Didnt know where the thing was goin, so we're sorry if we Violated any sort of Visa law...*His tone was careful and concise, And VERY Cultured in it's own right, The Tinyest hint of what might be thought of as an Irish accent in his voice* So we're ready to pay off any sorta fine you have in mind......But by the way your Friend there..*motions to Mirius* Is looking at us, IM rather sure it aint that Simple....*he sighs, eyeing the guards carefully..........Damnit, Too many to break out and head for the shadows....If he could just do that....he was the Shadowalker after all, and if he got there, he could save his friend in time too...He Stared up into her eyes, his Inner Fire Flaring within them, and showing absolutely no fear, Dispite her station and voice, he would not under any circumstances be cowed...Not even with a blade at his throat..*
 
Ariana

They seemed genuine enough as they promised they meant no harm. But many things seemed to be what they were not. Still, good or evil, she could not simply have them killed when, in truth, they had committed no crime by the standards of their people.

But neither could she endanger Bah'lin...

"Talen, Mirus.. See to it that our 'guests' are made comfortable. Also, please make sure to advise them as to the behavior that will be expected." With one last look at the two and a glare for her cousin, she turned to Mirus. Leaning her head close to his, she whispered softly. "They mustn't be allowed to leave the city. See to it they're watched and increase the wall guard appropriately."

Her hand resting atop his arm, she squeezed it gently as a long breath escaped. A moment of fear and exhaustion altering her features only to his sight before she once more became the strong ruler and turned back to face her people.

"As for the traders, welcome home." A genuine smile produced an excited buzz from the crowd as they awaited the customary announcement. "Tomorrow evening, a great celebration will be prepared in your honor. It's good to see you home again."

This time it was an outright cheer. These city wide celebrations only came every two years, and this one should prove to be truly interesting with the two captives about.
 
Mirus

"They mustn't be allowed to leave the city. See to it they're watched and increase the wall guard appropriately."

And there it was. As much as he might want to drive them from Bah'lin, Mirus knew that was just not an option. Ariana had realized it at once, and he smiled softly at her wisdom. She would be a great leader for her people, as long as it wasn't ruined by something beyond her control.

"As you wish, Your Highness." He said softly, bowing to her.

He gazed down at the outsiders. No, they certainly couldn't be allowed to leave. They were two; if they escaped, they would bring two hundred. Or two thousand. Or two million.

Mirus shuddered. For the first time, he knew exactly how dangerous their situation really was. Turning to his beautiful ruler, he felt his heart grow heavy.

"Ariana," he whispered to himself. She did not deserve such as this. He wanted nothing more than to sweep her into his arms, take her away from this. But that just wasn't going to happen.

She was trapped in her role. All of them were.
 
Talen

It was as he figured. As soon as the two men, Williams and Hazzard they called themselves, were led to their accomodations for the night, he received the worst scolding Ariana had ever given them.

They'd been childhood friends and he'd been forgiven many trespasses. But this was not his little cousin that yelled at him so. This was his ruler and she was not at all pleased with him.

As soon as the yelling was through, he took his leave of her. His first stop was to make sure his new charges were settling in and to make sure they understood they were guests for now, willing or not. Then it was time to head home.

The thoughts of a celebration and his home coming had suddenly not as happy as they had been not long before.
 
*As They Checked out the Beds, inspected the windows, and so forth, they finally sat down, rolled out some parchment and shawn sighed* Ok, We've got Our Swords...Rapiers actually, and Main Gauches as well...*Falkner Wrote it out in beautiful caligraphy* Hmm Supplys seem good...Enough food for two weeks just in case things get Thin....*he wrote down a totall account* A Few Gold Coins...Silver and bronze too...Not much else in the way of funds....A few small daggers, a whittling Knife, my Custom Lockpick set...Cloaks, GEneral clothing, some minor leather armor...*He wrote furiously and quickly* Hmmm Herbs, Medicines, Your Alchemy Set, And a few other odds and ends....*He smiled as they rolled up the list and repacked their things for now* There, Now thats just in case some things go missing...*Tucking the parchment into his cloak they leaned back and took stock of their surroundings* Well at least we aint out on the street....*They grinned at one another* Tomorrow we'll see if we can get a bearin on the whole town. They're obviously Secretive, So Either they dont want Company, Or They've got somthin to hide. *he tapped his nose* We'll split up, keep on the lookout, and dont steal anything. *Falkner split into a grin* Now Shawn..*They laughed at one another and Shook hands* Ok, No Stealing. At least not until we know if it's possible to get away with it...and remember, if worse comes to worse, And we get tossed out, should worse come to worse, we dont tell a soul, and just try to get back here. *They spat in their hands and shook, then wiped off and yawned, as they turned to see someone knocking, shawn spoke up* Comon In, Doors Unlocked, I Dont think it even HAS a lock..*grins again*
 
Ariana

She stood beneath an moon, gazing up at it as she wondered what the morrow would bring. She felt sure of it now. Unless she made the right decisions, the end of their peaceful existence was finished.

Ariana wondered if that would be so terrible a thing. Maybe then she'd be free of the job she'd never asked for. That thought lasted only a moment. She could never betray those who trusted her.

And Mirus, he'd be disappointed in her. Look at the way he'd sacrificed his own happiness to duty. Mirus.. if she were free perhaps there would be the chance to explore her feelings towards him.

But there would be no chance.. that was only wishful thinking.
 
Mirus

Moonlight gleamed on steel as it whispered through the cool air. The sword seemed to dance in his hand as Mirus returned to his practice. His movements were quick, precise; the sword moved as an extension of himself.

He had tried to sleep, but it would not come. His thoughts continued to drift back to the outsiders. Their very presence here was a threat to their world. And yet, his people were not savages. The men had not actually committed any crimes; none of their actions thus far had been threatening. Ariana had decreed that they would remain here as guests, and he would abide by her wishes.

Ariana. That was the heart of the matter, was it not? For all his distress over the intrusion into their city, it was thoughts of his lifelong friend that kept Mirus awake at night. He saw her in his mind, so young and yet so wise. Her beauty haunted his dreams, and seemed to fill his waking hours as well.

Only with his sword in hand and sweat on his brow could Mirus clear his mind, if only for a moment. His movements grew quicker, until he seemed to be a blur in the dim moonlight. Every strike was deadly; he had learned his lessons very well.

Finally, he stopped. His breath came in short gasps, and the sword dropped from his hand. He went to one knee, gazing up at the sky. For the first time in his adult life, Mirus prayed to the gods.

"If you will not protect us, then give us the strength to protect ourselves. Give me the strength to save her."

Rising, Mirus sat on the balcony and looked out over Bah'lin. The city seemed so peaceful, but he knew that there was danger in the darkness.
 
Ariana

"Give me the strength to save her."

The honest plea of his prayer was like a dagger to her heart. She'd known for the longest time how he felt about her. It was impossible not to, the way they knew one another.

She was almost certain he knew how she felt as well. But for the time being, it was near impossible for them to acknowledge. What little time of hers was not spent running a government, was spent planning how to accomplish the other. And he had his duties as well.

It seemed so unfair at time..

She was quiet as she approached him, wrapping her arms around him and resting her chin atop his shoulder with a sigh.

"Such a beautiful night.. I wonder how many more such glorious nights we'll see." She truly did wish she knew, she feared they would be way too few.
 
Mirus

"Such a beautiful night. I wonder how many more such glorious nights we'll see."

He had been so intent on his own thoughts, he hadn't even noticed Ariana's approach until he felt her touch. Her arms were around him, her chin resting on his shoulder. Mirus continued looking over the city, unable to speak for some time.

Finally, he found his voice. "Forgive me, milady. My mind was elsewhere. I didn't notice your arrival."

His hands went to hers, gently squeezing. He could feel her breath on his neck, and he shuddered slightly. Cursing his weakness, turned to her. As soon as he looked into her dark brown eyes, he was lost. All of his discipline, all of his strength, was useless.

"Do you require anything, my queen?"
 
Sabriel - Goddess of the Forest

Sabriel sat, pearched on a tree limb like a bird, observing the two strangers enter the city under guard. She noticed Ariana standing proud next to Mirus. Sabriel beamed. She knew Ariana was a good choice to take on the role of leader for Bah'lin. As the strangers approached, and Ariana spoke she could sense the growing tension between everyone.

There names, she thought she heard them speak their names. She moved closer to the people, sheilding herself from view and listened. The men would be allowed to stay. Sabriel sighed and followed the group as Mirus and Talen lead them to a secluded room. She waited patiently outside by the window, peaking in to see the two strange men. She finally learned their names, and called softly to them. They didn't hear her, but that was ok. There would be other moments. She watched the two as they fell asleep then snuck into the room on the beam of light from the moon. She picked up a sword. It weighed heavily in her hand and she put it down, trying not to wake the sleeping men. She saw a piece of paper with strange writing on it. How beautiful, she thought. She took the paper, slipped it into a pocket of her dress, then vanished just a quickly as she came.
 
Ariana

Her heart stopped beating in her chest as Mirus turned to look at her. It was there written so plainly on his face that she could never again question it. All that she felt for him mirrored back to her on his features.. in his eyes.

"Do you require anything, my queen?"

He seemed a bit flustered, as if he realized just how naked to her gaze he was. Ariana smiled at that thought, so proper he was sometimes she was sure he'd forgotten she was the same person he'd known all his life.

It started at as a simple reminder to him as she leaned closer and pressed her lips ever so lightly against his. It wasn't their first kiss, she remembered well their experimentation as children. But still, it seemed so special she found herself being timid about it.

But from the first touch of her lips on his, it changed. She found she wanted more as his arm slipped around her waist, drawing her nearer to him. His tongue found its way between her lips and her owned moved to dance about it.

"Only that." She whispered as she pulled away momentarily to look into a face as stunned as she over what had just occured.
 
*Shawn tipped up his head and blinked...It was gone, the parchment was gone, he leaped up and lit a lamp, then quickly rummaged his stuff, then his carefully trained eye saw somthing, the sword was moved, His mouth hung open* Falkner, Wake up.....*he Shook his friend till he did and explained* Either they've got theives better than we've ever met..or...*They eyed one another, Falkner slumping into a chair8 You Dont think those wierd tales we heard...About That Lost City of the Gods...are Real...Do You???? *he was half torn between amazement and Disbeleif* I Dunno Falkner......But We better Stay up...we can go one night without sleep...*Falkner sat down on the bed, crossed his legs and began to meditate, Shawn stared out the window*why am I getting one of those feelings....I look out into this city and feel as if my destiny is being written as I Speak and think....And I wonder just what I will find here...Love?? Hatred?? A Fight?? or prehaps somthing more......
 
Sabriel

She walked swiftly through the comon, enjoying the peace and calm that came with the night. Although she prefered the day time, Sabriel had to admit that the night offered something else. She twirled around, dancing lightly on her feet. Voices intruded her solitude and she saw Ariana and Mirus speaking. What a lovely pair, she thought. A smile crept to Sabriels face as she made her way to the where the two were speaking. Sabriel felt the warmth that Mirus felt for Ariana, and although she wasn't sure what would happen between the two friends, Sabriel sent them both a blessing.
 
Mirus

OOC: Hehe!

IC: Mirus looked into Ariana's dark eyes, stunned by her actions. Had he imagined the electricity that seemed to sparkle between them? He could still feel the touch of her lips on his own, a sweet reminder of the passion they had shared.

He became conscious of another sign of their passion. His face flushed as he turned from her, not wanting to further embarass them both by his weakness.

Ariana's hand rested on his shoulder, and he felt the touch of electricity on his skin yet again. Shuddering, his mind burning with desire, he finally found his voice.

"Forgive me, my... my lady. I am... weak... before you."

Now, her touch grew more firm. Her fingers pressed into his shoulder, and Mirus was pulled around to face her. He saw the slightest quiver in her lips, and the last of his control faded.

"Mirus..." she whispered. Then, oblivious to all else, their hungry mouths were together once more.
 
Ariana

Was this weakness? The two of them for one moment in time indulging in the shared feelings they kept locked away? For the moment, she didn't care. For the moment, there was only Mirus' lips crushing hers in the kiss they shared.

He grew more bold, as did she, their hands exploring one another's bodies. His fingers ignited a fire that felt as if it would consume her. Mirus cupped her breast through the soft linen of her shirt, her nipple hardening beneath his touch. Never had she felt so alive as she did this moment in his arms.

A noise from below broke through to their passion minds, literally causing them to jump apart as they both looked around nervously to make sure they hadn't been seen.

Ariana and Mirus stood their staring at one another for what seemed an eternity. Their chests rose and fell with their rapid breathing, their eyes glazed over with the desire that still hung in the air like lightning.
 
Mirus

For a brief moment, Mirus felt like running. Only by leaving now could he prevent the inevitable from happening. After all these years, years spent watching Ariana grow more beautiful with each passing day, he was unable to resist any longer.

She stood before him, her eyes peering into his own. No longer was she his "little sister," or even his beloved queen. Now, she was simply a woman; a woman who gazed at him with the same desire that Mirus himself felt.

Without another word, he had her in his arms. He swept Ariana off her feet, effortlessly carrying her back inside. She felt so warm, pressing tightly against him. Now, with her in his arms, everything felt right. Whatever might come tomorrow, tonight belonged to them.
 
Shawn Williams,The Jihad of the Sword, Outsider

*he stared down the empty street and sighed as he continued to walk, having left Falkner back at the room, he needed some fresh air, and no one had seemed to want to stop him...So he just walked, into the night air, Alone yes, but for some reason he didnt FEEL alone...He started as he thought he had heard somthing, then shook his head continuing to walk, his hands in his pockets and sighed, wishing he knew where the parchment was, it was one of his last good peices. and only had somthing on one side of it, he sighed to himself as he stood under a large, majestic tree, then sitting down he lent against it, staring at the moonlit sky* Everything here...seems so much more...Beautiful....So much more alive...*softly, and to himself he speaks again* Even the moon looks grander here....Prehaps we have found more than we've ever barganed for...
 
Maleena

Maleena was furious. He'd promised her they'd be married when he returned from his trip to the outworld and now he'd decided that he didn't want to "make any commitments."

She could understand that he'd seen things beyond his imagination out there, but was she really that boring?

Her anger carried her farther as she walked through the deserted city streets, the strong night wind sending her dark hair flying behind her. She didn't even see him until she ran into him.

She didn't recognize him at all and she was sure she knew almost everyone. Perhaps he was one of the men she'd heard whispers about. The outworlders who'd made their way inside the city gates.

The thought caused her to stand there and stare at him in shock. She'd never seen an outworlder before...
 
Shawn Williams

*He had heard Footsteps, but paid them no heed till all of a sudden they stopped, He slowly lifted his head, hoping he hadnt broken any laws or anything. As he saw the startled woman he gave a small sigh of releif and smiled up at her, patting the ground next to the tree and beckoning her over, if she wanted to of course, he leaned back, and continued to stare at the sky, with a slight smile on his face*

It's beautiful...
*he suddenly spoke, having been able to think of nothing else, he pushed his long Black hair behind his shoulders, his soft emerald eyes shimmering in the darkness*
 
Ariana

Mirus was so gentle as he carried her inside. With a hand, he brushed the sheer curtains that surrounded her bed away and set her down on her feet beside it.

His fingers brushed away the dark strands of hair that had fallen across her forehead. Cupping her face in his hands, his mouth was once more on hers, his tongue launching an invasion that was met with no resistance.

Ariana's hands moved across his body like silk, the firm muscles of his chest tensing beneath her touch. She tore her lips away from his as she reached down and began to unfasten his clothing,freeing his skin to her touch. How many times had she touched him and never had it felt like this.

Each touch of her fingers against his skin ignited a new blaze in the smoldering passion between them. Soon he stood naked before her gaze. Her dark eyes drank in the sight of him. Never before had she had the chance to appreciate Mirus as a woman does a man.

He seemed almost self-conscious for a moment, unsure again as to whether this was right or wrong. But as her lips traversed across his skin, it seemed to drive all doubt from his mind. And when she dropped to her knees and reached out to boldly touch the velvety soft head of his erection, he didn't seem to care any longer..
 
Maleena

He was a strange man, this outworlder. But then again, she'd never met one before. Maybe they were all like that. He invited her to join him and without a second thought, that's exactly what she did, sinking down to the ground beside him.

They sat in silence for the longest time, staring up at the dots of light that twinkled above them. He didn't seem dangerous.

"Are the stars the same where you come from?" She finally asked him, a hand motioning to the sky in case he didn't understand what she was talking about.
 
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