Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Red's promise

Arien nodded. "Sounds perfect." Bella accompanied them, trotting obediently at Arien's heels as they entered the town.

"So, shall we grab a bite to eat at the tavern or...at the inn itself? Your choice," he offered.

"Tavern since its closest," Red replied then took Arien's hand and lead him to the tavern.
Walking in she kept her hand in Arien's. Walking over to the bar area, she sat down.
Stay outside you two. she thought to the tigers.

Arien plopped down next to her with a grin, and then tried his hardest not to glance around the tavern. He wasn't a bachelor anymore; he was being serious with Red. And he didn't want to be an idiot and ruin what he had.

"So," he said. "I thought traveling by foot was tiring; but your way was exhausting. Are Nex and Neo alright from travelling?"

"They'll be fine after a goodnights rest. Theyre strong and have alot of stamina," Red said with pride.
She ordered some food and after theyre food got there she put some away for Neo and Nex. Eating hers, she thought about the trip they were taking.
"Arien. Should the tigers stay in the room with us or stay outside?" she asked, looking at Arien.

Arien frowned as he drowned his meal in Tabasco sauce. "Well, in the past I've usually had Bella come in with me. But she's a dog and most innkeepers really don't like animals but for the ones that stay in stalls or outside. And often enough I've had to pay extra or go elsewhere entirely when bringing her with me. I don't know how much luck you'll have convincing an innkeeper to let in a tiger, let alone two."

He tasted his food, grinned, and devoured it. "You might see if you can sneak them in though. Or have them wait nearby. They seem like they can handle themselves--so I'm not too worried about their safety. And Bella is pretty good about sticking in the area if she's left to her own devices."

He looked at Red and paused. "Is it because you're worried about them? Or is it...something else?"

Red blushed and looked away. "S-something else? What else could there be?" she stammered at first then put some money on the bar quickly.
Biting her lip, she distracted herself by looking around the tavern. Pretending to be intrested in the building and poker playing going on.

Arien watched her for a moment and sighed. "We can get two rooms if you'd rather not share one," he said. He'd try not to take it too personally.

He stood up and stretched. "Well, I'm going to bed. If you'd like to share a room, you're more than welcome to join me." He offered a small smile and then headed for the door. Mentally he scolded himself: he had moved too fast for Red; he should have taken it slower.

Red watched and looked at the floor. Tears brimmed the edges of her vision and she bit her lip.
What'd i say? she thought, hurt and confused.
Quickly she stood up and ran past Arien out the doors of the tavern.
"Neo! Nex! Heel!" she snapped as she ran past.
Maybe i'll know after a swim.. Damn it! Red thought.
Red ran back to the forest where she felt safe. Leaning against a tree, she thought about what just happend.
Arien said..share a room. But thats it. And if i didnt want to share a room..thats fine...why would he say that? What did i say? Did i do something?.. Red thought, hopelessly confused.

The tigers looked at eachother confused and ran after her. Nex glanced back at Bella, confused.

Arien blinked when Red rushed past him. He wasn't exactly sure what had just happened. Had he misread or misjudged her? He shook his head, confused.

Why are women so confusing? he wondered. He snapped his fingers to call Bella to him, and she followed him back to the inn and his--their?--room. He sat on the bed and looked around. He sighed and dropped his head into his hands

"Why do I think I just did something stupid? Normal women aren't so complicated." But then, he didn't fall for 'normal'. He fell for Red. He lay back with an "arg". "What do I do, Bella? Didn't she say it was 'something else'? If it wasn't the tigers, then it has to be me, right? Why are women so complicated?"

He growled and then pulled a pillow over his face.

Neo nudged Red's arm and tried to comfort her. The waves of distress radiating from her like heat from a fire.

Red stood up and walked a little ways before turning around and pacing back.
"Well im sharing a room with him if he likes it or not." she snapped at nothing then stormed off to the inn.
Going straight up to their room she opened the door and walked past the bed. Neo and Nex trailed in behind her.
Red went over to the window, her shoulders were tence with agitation and confusion was sparking off her. Suddenly though, Red didnt feel to well anymore and she quickly glanced at her arm.
"Oh no.." she whispered.
The veins were traveling again and they had made it halfway up her arm. Red gripped the window seal and kept her eyes on the window seal. She didnt want to fall but thats what it felt like.

Arien faked sleeping when he heard Red enter the room. He wasn't sure what was up, but figured a little eavesdropping might be called for. So when her footsteps walked right past him and to the window and stopped, he couldn't help but look. At her muttered comment,he lowered the pillow from his face.

"What is it?" he asked, sitting up.

Red jumped when Arien spoke then relaxed as she heard it was him. Suddenly feeling alone and afraid, she walked over to the bed and crawled onto it. Crawling over to Arien, she put her arms around his neck and hugged him tight.
"I dont know what i said. But forget i said anything at all," Red whispered.
Red was referring to what happened at the tavern.

Neo flicked his ears and nudged Nex. They crept silently from the room, taking Bella with them.

Arien relaxed into her arms, putting his own around her. He'd seen the black veins when she put her arms around his neck. It seemed Ash wasn't done yet stirring up trouble.

"I think it was just a misunderstanding," he murmured, "no harm done." He watched the tigers and Bella slip from the room and he slowly rubbed her back, hoping to soothe if not comfort her. "Your tigers are exceptional, though. We made really good time."

Red relaxed in Arien's hold and leaned into him. Everything about Arien calmed her and she felt safe around him.
"I know. They're amazing and to think they were raised by me," Red murmured and smiled.
Red pulled back from Arien and looked at him, studying his features. More than anything she was captivated by Arien.
Leaning forward, she lightly kissed him.

He smiled up at her when she pulled away to look at him. "I'm not surprised; they're lucky to have such an incredible woman looking after them."

He warmed into her kiss, adding one of his own for good measure. And his hands took on a mind of their own, tracing her curves, before he remembered his manners.

He paused briefly and sought her eyes with his. "Let me know if I move too fast," he whispered.

Red smiled and blushed at his comment.

"I'll make sure to let you know. Though I doubt you will," she whispered, having complete trust in him.

Nex led them outside and huddled close to Bella just in case she got cold. Neo covered Patch so he would be warm.

Arien chuckled and brushed a stray lock of hair behind Red's ear. "I don't know how it happened, but I'm glad I met you."

Outside, Bella seemed to have overcome her wariness of the tigers as she snuggled up to Nex, sighing contentedly.

Red grinned and hugged Arien tightly, knocking him over from the force of her practically tackiling him. She kissed him deeply and smiled.

Nex was happy she wasn't wary of him anymore. And he stayed on her side that the wind blew on so he could keep most of it off of her.

Arien grinned and kissed her back, enjoying their moment.

Bella for her part slept soundly, though she awakened occasionally to listen for threats. But she did eventually fall asleep, her head resting on Nex's massive paw.

Red ran her finger lightly along Arien's neck. She Turned the kiss passionate.

Nex purred softly and put his head close to hers.