The Somerleds (Aymelek, Mika, Tam and Aisling)
Dec 16, 2013 19:52:37 GMT -4
Post by Empress Aymelek on Dec 16, 2013 19:52:37 GMT -4
MIKA: It was not a short trip, even to get to the edge of Dimmamark. They left the mild, pleasant autumn weather of Susa for the cooler air of the northern lands - the trees were turning vivid colors and Mika knew that soon there would be a hard frost, and then snow. This was something he knew he'd missed - this sort of color change just didn't happen further south. The only trees taht were still green were the evergreens, the rich conifers. There were fields heavy with golden grains, ready for harvesting. He'd been surprised when Aymelek started the journey on horseback... and stayed that way. He just hadn't expected it after seeing how sheltered she'd been... Maybe he should have known better, but it was good to see. Ghost stayed with him no matter where Mika rode in the column. It wasn't a huge party, but appropraite for his new station, he supposed. "This is territory held by the Kvarsi," he said when they saw the first few houses near the fields - there were handfuls more, then on a hill a small stone castle. "This land in particular belongs to Finley Eoghan, unless he's been turned over. Those look like his banners, though." It felt good to be back in the north. Mika had even missed the people, even if they did bump heads when the seasons changed. He was convinced that, half the time, it was sheer boredom that drove it. In fact, he was more ro less sure if it in some cases.
AYMELEK: Aymelek saw the surprise in Mika's eyes when she stepped upon the small wooden stool and took her seat on the saddle of the large black horse. Her brows lifted. His surprise made her realize how little they still knew of one another. The Palace of Susa sat on large acreage with room to ride, to train, to do all the things a Princess confined needed to do. She was simply not allowed to mingle with others until married. Now...she was married. Her first moment outside the borders of the Palace she felt her heart racing. As the days wore on, the fascination grew no less. The change in terrain and weather grabbed her attention more fully than she could ever describe. If all you ever knew was desert and sun, limited water and dry, when you saw your first fog, the first breeze laden with water, the first lush grouping of trees, it made you quiet in awe. Her wardrobe was as Mika suggested, the seamtresses of the Palace asking the Emperor's advice more than they should have but he seemed to know what was needed. Aymelek had britches beneath her gowns making her riding easier and more relaxed without having to watch how she mounted and dismounted. The long thick dark hair was braided back with a simple gold circlet denoting her as Empress. The capes and layered clothing were most welcome as the air grew chill. Today, when Mika began to speak she drew from her reverie of awe and interest to listen avidly to his words. She smiled that he knew the name. Knew the banners of the Eoghan. "You say turned over as if it is not wholly unexpected. " She glanced at Mika, smile still in place. "Complicated." The colors were vibrant and every once in a while Aymelek nabbed one to hold it in her gloved hand and stare at it as they rode. How could a green leaf, turn to bright orange? It was a miracle to her. She held even now as they spoke, her body moving with the animal's gait. "He is well known to you?"
MIKA: Mika just shrugged. "Complicated," he agreed. "Finley's in good health, though, so he'll likely be right where he is for a while. I know Finley in passing - his clan's always been on the southern boarder, so it's hard not to know them if you come and go." He wore no circlet or anything to denote his status as emperor. His clothes were nicer than they had ever been, but that was about the only difference. "We've been invited to stay with Tam Somerled and his family. His people are further north, though still Kvasir. He's one of the more powerful cheiftans in the area, we shouldn't be troubled on our way there." He wasn't anticipating it, but he was certainly prepared for it. Since they'd entered Dimmamark, he'd started wearing a sword on his back. For convenience, should anything happen. He also rode with a quiver of arrows and a bow strapped to the top of his saddle bags. And, of course, Ghost never strayed far from the two of them. People seemed unnerved by the massive wolf, but Mika was comforted by his presence. Perhaps because people were unnerved by him. Made them think twice if they wished to threaten anyone.
AYMELEK: Aymelek did not understand Mika not wearing a circlet. A ruler who chose not to distinguish himself was unfathomable to her. It unsettled her that he did not want his people to know him. She took a breath pushing down the thoughts that cropped up. They served no purpose. Things were as they were, and she could only determine her own actions, not another's. She knew her husband was a loner at heart and always had been. He was kind to her, he treated her gently. And he had the people's best interest at heart. Those were the most important things. She listened to Mika speak of Finley, then of their host for the night. "I look forward to it.." she said as her eyes once more turned to the surroundings. The air was chillier. In the morning she saw her breath and kept blowing it out to watch the fog it created furl. Now it was not that chilly but as the sun set it would be again. Ghost was part of them as far as Aymelek was concerned. He was always about and she had quickly grown used to the wolf's presence. "It's so beautiful here, it smells so different. The earth, the leaves, the wind carries the scent of a thousand plants. It assaults my nostrils but in a most welcome way." She grinned at Mika. "It's very exciting." And the words were nearly eclipsed by the tightness in her throat from the surge of adrenaline that came due to this first foray into the real world.
MIKA: He smiled a bit. "It does," he admitted. "I missed it while I was gone. I would like to come up here once a season." He sighed and looked around. "I thought, in time, we could build a home up here." A retreat. Obviously Susa would be their place of residence, but it would be nice to have a retreat, and to have some symbol of their rule here in Dimmamark, even if it was jsut on the border. They would arrive to Tam's home just as the sun becan to set. The Kvasir seemed to prefer stone castles, and Tam Somerled's home was no different... other than the fact that it was on an island in an lake. They had to cross a stone causeway to get there - it was near on impossible to actually surprise the castle, which was, perhaps, why the Somerled family had held it for so long. The people that swore fealty to them lived on the lake shore, and Mika explained that in the event of conflict, the people crossed the bridge to go into the castle and staed there for safety. The windows all glowed with warmth; banners flew and soon they were in the main courtyard, welcomed by Tam himself.
TAM: "You're just in time for supper," he assured. Then the man - about as tall as Mika but fairer - snorted and clapped Mika on the shoulder once he dismounted. "Should I bow and scrape and call you highness now?"
MIKA: Mika shook his head. "I wouldn't be sure who you were talking to," he said. Tam's tune changed when Mika offered a hand to Aymelek, so she could dismount easier. The man did bow for her, polite if not a bit rough. "Empress Aymelek, this is Tam Somerled, chieftan of his people and those that call him their leader."
TAM: Tam rose out of his bow. "Lady, it is a pleasure having you here."
AYMELEK: "It would be a lovely thing, to have a home here, to visit the people here regularly." She smiled at Mika. The north was dear to him. So she would pay close attention to all of it. Aymelek was struck once again as they passed over the stone causeway. "A castle surrounded by water. It is a desert dweller's dream...." she murmured. Once the clatter of horses hooves in the courtyard settled, she heard Tam and Mika speaking. She took her husband's hand and dismounted and inclined her head to Tam as he bowed. She reached for his hand as he rose, and squeezed it gently. "It is my good pleasure to be here and so generous of you to offer us a place. It is my first journey away from the desert. It is gorgeous here." She leaned to Tam. "Are there monsters in the water? All the good stories have monsters in the water near a castle." She grinned, the twinkle in her eyes making it difficult to tell if she was teasing or not.
TAM: He winked at the young empress. "Aye, so we tell everyone. You can hear about them tonight. The one thing Dimmamark has plenty of, my lady, is storytellers. Come on, inside before you catch chill. Einar here can handle it." He winked at her and offered her his arm.
MIKA: Mika just rolled his eyes and gently urged Aymelek to walk with Tam; he walked on her other side. Tam's people came to help tend the horses and to help their people settle in. Inside they passed through stone corridors to an open great hall. There was a fire roaring in a massive fireplace and a long table set with all sorts of food - including an entire roasted boar. A woman rose from the table, wearing layers of blue, looking simple but lovely. Around the great hall lay lean, shaggy hound dogs. They did not seem preturbed by the visitors, though they did eye Ghost.
AISLING: Lady Aisling did her best to curtsey when she saw the Empress. She wasn't exactly accustomed to it, but she knew it was polite to do where Aymelek came from. "My lady," she said warmly. "My lord. Welcome to Lakehaven."
AYMELEK: Aymelek laughed and slipped her hand to Tam's arm. Hearing Mika's northern name of Einar being spoke by a northerner was fascinating. "I adore storytelling. If you ask me, there can never be too many storytellers." Arriving in the great hall the fire was a welcome sight. The lovely lady was given a smile and an incline of her head at her greeting. "Thank you, it is so beautiful here. The fire looks so good. Better than any I've seen..." she laughed. And the food? Unbelievable. It all looked very welcoming. She slipped her arm from Tam to extend a gloved hand to Aisling. "Your generosity is most appreciated." She was instantly drawn to Aisling, remaining near her and letting the men head butt or whatever it was they did before sitting down to table. "This is the harvest time for you? Or just after?" Curious about the seasonal activities.
TAM: Tam gestured to his wife. "This is Aisling, my wife and lady of the household. If there's anything you need for your comfort while you're here, she'll see to it. Mostly because she knows where everything is, anyway, and I get lost on my way to bed."
AISLING: Aisling rolled her eyes at her husband but smiled to the empress. "As is your company, my lady. Yes, we are just about to harvest grain. Soon it will be apples, squashes, grapes, some other things that need to be dug up before the ground freezes." Roots, potatoes, mushrooms. She welcomed Aymelek to a seat by her as other people started filing in - the Emperor's and Empress's party, along with members of the Somerled clan. That included two young boys that Aisling smiled at before they went to sit with other children. "Our sons," she said. "Innes and Kester." She glanced up as Tam announced their guests, again, and then told everyone to dig in. She shook her head and offered Aymelek a cup. "Don't mind him... he's not sure what to do with an emperor and an empress," she admitted with a kind smile. Then she laughed. "Most of us don't, but we willt ry to make you comfortable, and maintain the proper respect."
AYMELEK: Aymelek laughed at Tam's words, but was grateful to take a seat near Aisling. "Sounds abundant. Most of the foods we have in Nerida are those brought by caravan. You are very blessed here..." then her eyes turned to the two boys. "In many ways...sons. You must be so proud of them..." Innes and Kester. She memorized the names but did not venture to say them just yet. She took the cup with laughter. "Then we are on even ground, I am not sure what to do in the north, but I am enjoying it greatly. And you've already made me feel quite comfortable." She smiled and watched as everyone filed in and began to eat. More than once Aymelek's eyes would wander to the fire, the flames dancing and the wood crackling was so enticing. She watched everyone eat and laugh, taking bites of her own food and drinks from the cup. "Everyone is happy, it is so good to see."
AISLING: "We are," she agreed. "Good land, bountiful game... The winters can get lean, but we're lucky to be this far south. Those further north have very harsh winters, and can be very harsh people, as you'll see. And yes, I'm very proud of my boys." She smiled at the empress. In the cup was apple cider made from an early crop. "You'll find we can be very open, and very guarded," she said with a dry smile. "Again, the further north you go, I swaer the more guarded people become. The Andvari are a bit different from us, but they can still be very... boistrous." She made sure that Aymelek got choice pieces of meat, and the empress and emperor were served first before plates were passed around. "It isn't always so, but for now, yes." She smiled and shrugged helplessly. "There will be war in the spring, after the fields are planted."
AYMELEK: Aymelek listened to Aisling talk on their life here. She was mystified as to why the people's attitude matched the weather but as Aisling said, she would see. The Empress paused in her eating. "Just like that? You know you will have war in the spring? After the fields are planted?" How very odd. And predictable!
AISLING: "I'm almost positive," she said with a dry smile. "The men get restless once the work is done. Tending the fields takes very little work, so they go to war." She shrugged. "I won't be so flippant about it when it actually happens, mind you. Tam and half the men in town will have an earful when they start talking their big, proud words." She rolled her eyes and glanced to her husband. "War is a way of life around here, my lady. Perhaps 'war' isn't quite the right word but... fighting. They'll fight in the early spring, then they'll come back for the summer harvest, plant again, go off again, come back for the fall harvest."
AYMELEK: Aymelek gave a thoughtful expression with an ensuing smile to Aisling. She knew there were would be things that were odd to her. She already noticed some just from her husband. He shrugged a lot. She took note that Aisling did as well. Then this odd need to fight amongst themselves. "An earful." She never heard that expression. She took another bite of food, glanced to Tam and then to Mika, and looking him over as if he were a stranger. Surely he would not want to fight come spring, for whatever the 'earful' was did not seem enough and Aymelek would have more than that ready if her Emperor assumed he would speak proud words and pick fights. She bit into a piece of bread and looked back to Aisling. "Yet, it is not a life you would trade for another, it seems...." there was the sense that they were happy, regardless of the rest.
AISLING: "Some raid south, though I suppose there will be a stop to that now," she mused. She looked over at Aymelek. "Perhaps there will be a stop to it altogether, if that is what the emperor and empress should decide." Though that kind of peace would be a difficult sell in the north - they didn't exactly appreciate being told what to do. Perhaps the shrugging was an indication of... helplessness. Not on a personal level, but in the face of something as unchangable as the seasons. Or perhaps it was just acceptance that the world was a strange place, and they had to find their way through it, even if it didn't always make sense. "No, I would not trade my life. It is not the one I imagined, but now I could imagine no other."
AYMELEK: Aymelek considered Aisling's words. She could see the north were a strong, stubborn people, but never understimate the fire of a desert dweller. "In the Emtala realm of Susa there are warriors who every winter decide it is time for them to declare that the sea is theirs. There are organized fights, some spontaneous fights, and as you said, proud words spoken?" She glanced to Aisling then grinned before taking another bite of food. After chewing, "It is a ritual and the way of Emtala to do so. We do not interfere with the rituals, customs and cultures of our peoples. That is theirs to decide. However, crossing a border into another's lands is another matter entirely." She left it at that, for her meaning was clear. "The food is delicious. Your home very welcoming. Thank you again for your hospitality. I am sure it is unsettling to have one such as me appear on your doorstep, but I assure you I seek only to learn. Keeping order is not my mission on this journey."
AISLING: "Yes... that does sound so very familiar," she said with a dry smile. "I'm glad you enjoy it, my lady. Would you like to try the fermented cider?" They'd been drinking fresh cider; the men were already on the fermented brew, she could tell. "It is not unsettling, my lady. Different, certainly. But not unsettling." She smiled again. Aymelek was like nothing Aisling had ever seen before.
"Ah, here," she said, pointing as a few people settled near the fireplace. "I was wondering when they'd start. There's a bard there, a rather good storyteller from further north. The poets here wander from place to place, from hall to hall. They earn their keep, and it's considered a proper and good thing to host a poet. But then... the poet has to be good," she said with a sly smile. "Or they sleep in the barn."
AYMELEK: She was picking up the streak of fatalism in the north, but then their environment and way of life, it made it easier to accept the harshness if you acknowledged it was out of your control, which for the most part, absolutely was. She nodded, the small golden earrings catching the firelight. "I have never tasted fermented cider, so it would be a pleasure, of course." She looked to those gathering at the fireplace and nearly laughed out loud at Aisling's 'sleep in the barn' statement but instead gave a hushed clear of her throat and gave Aisling an amused look. "I feel like I am in a dream...." The experience, all of it, from the moment they left Nerdia had been surreal.
AISLING: Fatalism was a good thing to call it. Aisling rose to find a pitcher of the stuff and poured a new cup for Aymelek. "It's a bit more bitter, but because it's made with apple it's got a sweet twist." At least, she thought so. "Then may your dreams be sweet, my lady," she said as a toast before gently knocking their cups together. She took a sip and turned her attention to the poet. She leaned in close, quietly giving Aymelek the background of some of the stories if the poet didn't do it himself. There was a harpist accompanying the poet, and somehow the music truly did compliment the story the poet was weaving. It was one that people knew, but every poet had a different spin on every tale. Aisling loved that - she loved hearing the differences.
MIKA: Mika appeared not long after the poet began and gently squeezed Aymelek's shoulder. "Let me know when you'd like to retire," he said against her ear, not wanting to interrupt her listening. "It's been a long day." He didn't want Aymelek to feel like she had to stay up past exhaustion after all their time on the road.
AYMELEK: Aymelek sipped the cider and leaned in to Aisling as she talked. Her dark eyes watched the poet and the musicians, but the people listening were the most entertaining. As she heard tales of love lost and monsters killed and dragons slayed, she started to fall in love with this part of the north. It was not a life she knew or would ever live, but it was theirs and they were proud of it. When she felt a squeeze to her shoulder she started to turn her head but then Mika was at her ear speaking. It made her skin chill, but she stifled the urge to shudder at the way it felt to hear his voice so close. "We can now." She nodded. She then leaned to Aisling and squeezed the lady's arm. "We are going to retire for the evening, thank you again for the lovely meal and the poet is very good, so maybe he will not have to sleep in the barn?" she laughed, then rose from her chair. The cider was not overly potent but Aymelek felt it go to her knees and make them warm. It was a pleasant feeling. She slipped her hand to Mika's and inclined her head to those who turned to watch.
MIKA: Mika offered Aymelek her arm so she could get up without tripping. "Good night, Lady Aisling."
AISLING: Aisling looked back at them and she smiled at Aymelek. "No, I think he's earned his keep. Mika, do you know your way?"
MIKA: He nodded. "I'm sure I'll find where we're meant to be. Please, stay and tend your husband." He pointed at Tam, who was several more cups of cider deep. Mika laced his arm with Aymelek's as they wandered out of the hall and into the much quieter, much cooler hallway. "Did you enjoy yourself?" He smiled at her and walked slowly to make sure she wasn't too tipsy.
AYMELEK: She felt strangely relieved for the poet. Aymelek followed Mika's point and saw Aisling's husband feeling quite merry. She smiled and looked at Mika as they walked. "I did! Very much so. It was very interesting. I am glad we did this." She squeezed herself to him and then realized the hall was very cool. There was a bite in the air that made her shiver. "Is it good for you, to see your old friend? To be here again?" She was feeling good, not quite tipsy but relaxed enough that if she were careless she could stumble, but Aymelek was infinitely careful. The layers of dress and pants swished but her gait was measured and steady.
MIKA: "Yes, it feels good. We'll be sharing a room tonight... I hope that's alright." He could sleep on the floor or something if Aymelek felt uncomfortable with the idea. "It's a massive bed, if I remember correctly." He'd seen it but had never slept in it before - he'd never been the esteemed guest that he was now. He led them higher through the castle and finally found the room he wanted. At least, he was pretty sure. He opened the door cautiously, then saw that the fire was lit and all their things were in there. Good. He pushed the door open further and guided Aymelek in. "Do you need a bath? I can have hot water brought up." There was a smaller room adjoined to their bedroom - a bathroom with a large wooden tub tucked into the corner. Before Mika shut the door, Ghost padded in and went to find a comfortable spot by the fireplace. Thankfully their room was toasty, and someone had left plenty of wood so Mika could keep the fire going.
AYMELEK: She ....hadn't thought of the room part. She supposed everyone would assume...since they were married...they slept together. But she kept her composure! Aymelek always had a bath prior to bed, but tonight she thought maybe that was not the best of ideas. But! It was a separate room. "It is only expected...." referencing the shared room. "I should think hot water good." And yes, the bed was massive. It was gigantic and now that she was standing by it with Mika it looked like a continent. It was screaming 'BED BED I AM THE BED'. Aymelek's eyes snapped shut. "Hot water would be lovely. I feel quite in need of a bath." She slipped from his arm and headed for her bags to find clothing. She was trying not to feel awkward. She should have mentally planned for this. She clutched her bed clothes, and sat on the edge of a chair as she waited for the hot water.
MIKA: Mika nodded and dipped out into the hall again. He caught a passing maid and politely asked that she have hot water sent up for the empress's bath. The girl looked at him, wide-eyed, and then hurried off to do as he asked. "It'll do you good," he assured. He saw the nervous look on her face. "I won't touch you," he said, hoping that would make her feel better. Or safer. "You don't need to be afraid of me." He had promised her that he would never do anything to hurt her, and he would not come to her unless she asked for him. Well, the first time, anyway. He felt that was reasonable - he wanted her to feel... ready. Not like anything was being forced up on her. He gave her a smile. "Promise I'm a quiet bedfellow." At least, no one had ever complained that he snored or kicked in his sleep.
AYMELEK: Aymelek nodded. She felt the knot of tension that was coiling in her shoulders ease. Mika had promised her. Then she laughed when he said he was a quiet bedfellow. The laughter took even her by surprised but it felt good to release the tension that way as well. "Thank you, Mika.." She didn't want to fret and worry over that. She exhaled and waited quietly for her bath water. When it came she excused herself and did her ablutions quietly. The water felt wonderful. She was far more tired than she realized, muscles that were sore seemed to release beneath the hot water and her fingers. She rose from the water, dried herself, adorned herself in the usual bed clothing, harem pants and shirt. Which were not well suited to the cold. So, she folded her clothing then opened the door and the rush of coolness made her shiver. "Ahh..." She placed her clothing on a chair then went directly for the bed. "How much colder is it in winter? No baths in winter I take it?" She could not imagine stripping down and bathing in temperatures less than these autumn ones. She scooted beneath the covers and sighed. "Oh it feels like a cloud. Or what I think a cloud would feel like..."
MIKA: When Aymelek came back out, Mika was clean as well. He'd taken a sponge bath with water that had been poured into the wash basin in their room. His hair was damp and he was wearing comfortable clothes to sleep in. He added more wood to the fire and smiled when Aymelek came back out. He relaxed more when they were in private together. He laughed when she ran across the room and disappeared into bed. The blankets had already been warmed. "Yes, there are baths. Water is heated over the fire, as it is in any other season. Baths just might be... quicker," he said with a chuckle. He put out the candles in the room and climbed into bed to join her. "How do you feel about the north so far, Empress?" he asked as he eased further down beneath the blankets and twisted onto his side to face her.
AYMELEK: It was warm and cozy and soft. It was the perfect bed after a long day on the road. She turned on her side to face him, her hands tucked under her cheek, the long dark hair brushed to gleaming and tucked behind her ears. Her eyes were bright as he asked her the question. They remained focused on his face, a face that had become a familiar one for Aymelek. One that she associated with kindness and comfort, and slowly but surely, ease. "So far, I feel that ..." she took a breath to think a second, then spoke again, "They are a very strong stubborn people. Very proud of their culture and their ways, even as they disdain some of them, their hearts are glad for them. They enjoy their life, even though it can be hard, it makes the easier times more joyful. I feel blessed, Mika....to have been given such an opportunity as this, and I am eager to see more. Aisling says they are more harsh the further north, but even so, I am eager to meet them." she smiled. He was a very handsome man. He had a lonliness about him that even Aymelek could feel, but she was helpless as to how to fix that just yet. As most things, she had yet to learn. "You are taking everything in such stride, Mika. I aspire to be more like you. More even, calm, steady."
MIKA: "They are very stubborn," he said with a huffed laugh. "That's why I was worried about this whole proposition in the first place. But if they can come together to nominate one person for... anything. Maybe there's some hope. And yes, the Andvari are a bit different, the Nicor can be very harsh in their way. But it is their way." And it was easier to move a mountain than to force them to change from the outside. "Perhaps it's the life I've lead. For a long time, someone else made decisions for me. I learned there was a time to wait, and a time to do. And sometimes you just have to go along, bide your time." He shook his head, but his smile lingered. "I'll try to prepare you more as we encounter new people. But sometimes it might just take experiencing it and let it all swirl around you, even if it makes you dizzy." He wanted to touch her, but he remained where he was. "It will get colder as we travel north - we may run into snow. Hopefully not before we reach our next hosts."
AYMELEK: She listened quietly. She noticed his smile, how it softened his features and changed his entire mien. "I have faith you will do exactly what I need. You have done so all along." When he spoke of it getting colder, she started to speak but then he said the magic word. "Snow.." she looked so excited. She reached for his hand, their positions making it so their fingers could touch at least. "I want to see snow, so badly! Maybe I will hate it, maybe it will frost bite my nose and cause me untold amounts of discomfort, but I will be able to say I have touched, tasted, and felt...snow, Mika.." She felt fatigue beginning to creep at her mind. "If I get cold, I will scoot closer in my sleep, seeking your heat. Would you mind terribly, Mika?" As much as he respected her, she wanted to do the same for him and not invade his space. "I can put pillows between us if that would bother you."
MIKA: He smiled and lightly touched her fingers. "I know. You'll see it, and you'll be miserable when your cold and wet... but I have faith that you'll enjoy the beginning of it, at least." Her first moments in the snow would, no doubt, be amazing. He remembered how he felt when he first saw it. "No, I won't mind. As long as you don't mind if we end up touching." He would do his best to respect her space, but he knew there was a good chance that they might end up snuggled together before morning. Mika was fine with that. He chuckled and shook his head. "Don't worry about the pillows, save them for comfort. I heard a story about a man that put his sword between himself and a lady he was escorting to assure her safety... though, all I could wonder was how he didn't roll over onto the damn thing."
AYMELEK: She was grinning as he forewarned her of her fleeting love affair with snow. How it would end. "Sounds like a doomed relationship." Then she smiled softly. "I don't mind touching. I like your touch. It makes me feel comforted." She did laugh about the sword. "thankfully we do not have go that far." She hesitated. "I am just afraid. I do not know what I'm doing and there is fear of disappointing you, of not enjoying it as I should, of being a miserable failure as a wife. It is the fact that we are new together, but in time....in time I will feel less afraid." She was pretty sure he understood that already, but she wanted him to understand. "I like being near you, so that is not a worry." She listened to the fire crackle. "I like the sound of that. The crackles, the way the flames dance so brilliantly on the walls. More than torches or candles. I could really get used to having a fire."
MIKA: "Don't be afraid of that, Aymelek. I'm here to help you," he said gently. "You'll see what there is to see, and you won't be afraid anymore." Exactly what she said - she was right. "You won't disappointment so long as you keep your eyes open. That's all anyone can ask of you. But no one can force you to enjoy this... I'll just have to endeavor to show you the charms of Dimmamark, few as they might be." He looked over at the fire and smiled. "I do, too. I liked falling asleep to the sound of it." And he missed it when they were in Susa. "Get used to it... we'll have that sound for a long while yet," he assured. He looked over at Aymelek and leaned close, giving her a gentle, chaste kiss on the forehead. "Goodnight, Empress."
AYMELEK: He completely misunderstood what she was saying but she was so mystified as to how to explain it, that she just nodded mutely as he kissed her forehead and basically told her to shut up and go to sleep. She was talking about having sex for the first time, he was talking about....well she wasn't sure. Keep her eyes open for the sex? She opened her mouth to speak and then just shook her head.
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TAHYA SUSA!