[Athilea Majiri]

She nodded after a moment, "I think it would be the best option we have." Cithien turned her attention back to the water, glad he had not taken if as anything other then a trust between allies. Though she still felt disappointment. She quashed it immediately. It was an idiotic feeling and she did not under stand why it had reared it's head.

"I suppose we should learn a bit more about each other. The fastest way to build trust is to find common ground...outside of a desire to battle." She couldn't hide the smirk that played on her lips, "I think it's clear that we both enjoy the heat of battle. The rage that comes over us while in the thick of it."

Her smile slipped and she shifted to let her legs stretch out before her. She also leaned back on her hands, taking on a more relaxed and non-threatening posture. She considered, for a moment, how to start of and what to tell him about her. Finally, she spoke, "Believe it or not, I very much enjoy what your people would call 'the arts'."

[Xun]

A weak nod of his head gave his approval of such a trust. His mind wandered and made him believe that it was a shame that nothing more between them could be formed. Then again, what was stopping them? Thinking about it, why was he even thinking about wanting something more, especially with his rival? Rezenar never understood his mindset, so this must be one of it's more devious thoughts when not fighting.

He saw her smile and he couldn't help but smile back as he heard her speak of their similar desire for battle. Cithien was right, though, because there may as well be another similar interest they both like. No harm in that, right? It's nothing but friends sharing things to each other!

As he was thinking about what to say, he watched Cithien sit more casually. That position looked familiar and not in the sense that he has sat in such a position before. Rezenar felt as if he has seen this not long ago. And then he heard her speak. It seemed more relaxed and it made him feel more at ease, but it bothered him somewhat. He had this same feeling before, but he couldn't quite put his finger on where exactly he has felt this same feeling. Instead, he just let it go and started contemplating on her words. "The arts, huh? Like... poetry, writing, art, and that stuff?"

Rezenar just laughed as he started recalling his past experience with such things. "My family tried to make me musically inclined by making me play a violin. Never worked." He started sitting with his legs crossed and hunched over a bit. Everything about him started becoming more relaxed-- no tensing was found on him. A feeling of happiness was already beaming on him. "They've even tried teaching me how to cook, but they decided not to do that anymore ever since the day I've set the house on fire."

The way he spoke his words made him sound as if he trusted her already with secrets he has never told anyone. Rezenar was fully aware that he hasn't told anyone about him setting the house on fire, but he didn't realize that Cithien was the first person he ever told this to. After that, he turned his attention to Cithien. "But don't get me wrong. Even if I'm unable to do such things, I enjoy them as much as anyone else. If you like that stuff, you must be talented yourself. Tell me, what do you do as far as "the arts" go?"

[Athilea Majiri]

She laughed a little when he mentioned setting his house on fire. "I trust everyone was unharmed? Similar things have happened among my people. Usually with the really young, but sometimes with those that are not gifted with skills to cook." Cithien watched as he became more relaxed and that nagging sensation that something like this had happened before came back.

"I can paint and sing. I've never really tried playing any of my peoples instruments. I do not feel that my fingers are nimble enough for the strings on many of them, though I could probably play the drums well." The woman brushed some loose strands of hair from her face.

"It's been a long time since I've had a reason to sing though...or paint." Her shoulders slumped as she sighed softly. Cithien returned her gaze to the lake as a frown played on her lips.

[Xun]

He nodded. "Luckily, it was just me and my uncle in the house during the time. We got out safely, unharmed." Rezenar always thought it was pretty common for each race to have some kind of similar incident happen, regardless of the customs. But he had to admit, he actually felt quite relieved when she mentioned that even such accidents occurred among her people.

A surprised, but curious glance, fell her way as Rezenar's mind started contemplating on how her voiced sounded if she sang. Before he could request for her to sing for him, he frowned as he listened to Cithien's tone die out when she mentioned she has not been able to sing or paint. Was he really desperate to hear her sing? Did he really want to see her knack at painting?

"What normally gave you inspiration to sing and draw, Cithien? I'm sure you can probably find it around this area..." Rezenar suggested as he sat up, looking a bit determined for something.

[Athilea Majiri]

She shook her head, refusing to look at him. She clenched her jaws for a moment. After a few minutes she sighed again. "I have a reason for my rage, for my anger at your people, for my inability to draw or sing any longer."

Cithien didn't understand why she was about to reveal this to him, but she could not stop herself. "It was humans that murdered my..." She paused to search for the word, and then shrugged, "My husband to be. There was not battle, no reason for our people to clash. Not then."

The Elf shook her head, "I do not understand why they did it. I couldn't speak your language at the time." She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. This left almost the entire length of her legs visible, but she did not seem to notice. "If not for him, I would probably have died. Sometimes I wish I had been killed instead of him."

Her eyes widened as soon as the last words left her mouth and she found herself staring at him. She had never told anyone that, why had she revealed that to this human? There was a lot happening that made very little sense, it was almost like she were being compelled by an outside force.

[Xun]

Rezenar listened in to what she had to say regarding her lack of inspiration. Apparently, it was the human race to be blamed. Her fiance died, but according to her, there was no reason for either side to fight one another during the time. What caught his attention was how Cithien was able to tell this information so easily-- as if he wasn't going to take any offense to it at all. Was it possible that she knew? No... not even an elf would have been able to sense such a side in him. Not even the best medium should be able to tell who Rezenar truly was... a monster.

He watched as she changed into a stance of what appeared to be vulnerable, yet saddened. Rezenar was very familiar with such a stance because he's seen women do it most, if not all the time. Then, his eyes caught her legs and he couldn't help but put his hand over his eyes and pull it down to appear as if he was trying to wipe something off his face. Once again, his eyes took Cithien in sight as he noticed her looking at him. What was he supposed to say? As much as he wanted to defend his own kind, he just couldn't...

"Are you saying you're taking your lover's death in vain? Don't think of such a thing. I'm sure he wants you to continue living, regardless of what has been happening in your life." Rezenar said. A sigh escaped his lips and he could feel his arm feeling light. He wanted to hug her; Cithien's current position was tempting him. Yet, he strongly didn't want to. Enemies are enemies, no matter how close of a trust they would have. But even after his thoughts collected such truth...

He put an arm around her and patted her shoulder. A stern look met with Cithien's eyes. "I know it's hard, but you need to move on. Sounds sad, I know... but I'm sure your fiance would've wanted that, too."

[Athilea Majiri]

She almost pulled away when his arm moved around her shoulders. Even though she didn't her eyebrows still drew together in confusion. Cithien found herself leaning against him in the next moment though, "I know that's what he would want. Is it so strange for me to have wanted him to live though?"

The woman paused, her mind trying to comprehend what they were doing. Why he had his arm around her, and why she was leaning against him. It didn't matter though. Something odd was happening and she finally decided just to let it happen. The odd feelings that were mixed within her, the thoughts that swirled in her mind finally washed over her.

"Is is so odd that I feel no hope, because his death left a hole in my heart that cannot be filled?" She didn't try to stop herself from shifting her position so that she could move one of her arms around him, accepting the comfort that he tried to provide.

[Xun]

Rezenar feel her hesitate and he was about to pull himself away, but when he felt her leaning on him... he starting fighting with himself mentally. Should he push her off or not? This was a time that she appeared pretty vulnerable. If he were to push her off now, their trust would be automatically broken. Then again, it would give even more reason as to why they should be enemies. So why wait for later when they could start fighting now?

He listened in on Cithien's thought regarding such a desire. "It's natural for us to desire for certain people to live after they've died. A sense of longing and regret... it's normal-- nothing strange or out of the ordinary. Don't worry about it."Rezenar answered back. As he spoke, he continued staring at the water in front of them. It seemed a bit too peaceful for them to be this close and even such a place like this shouldn't even bring enemies to become friends. Why he succumbed to such a feeling concerned Rezenar, but he didn't question why it happened. All he knew was that it was too good to be true and even if it was nothing more than a dream, he was going to make sure he stayed in it as long as possible.

So yes, it was odd for him to long for something like this to happen since he was with his rival. His desire was to have some kind of peace. As long as he felt such, he was content, even if it meant being with the enemy for a time being. Before he could speak, he felt Cithien's arm going around him and a quick glance went to her. Now he was all the more curious as to what she was thinking, but it appeared as if she answered his question already. "When such difficult times come and go-- everyone has the same feeling. It's not odd because eventually we all feel it. In the end, it's what we choose to do with our lives. Whether we try to find ways to fill the gap or not is our choice."

Finally, he sat up and attempted to turn himself fully to Cithien to look at her. "Do what you think is necessary. And with the truce still in tact, I can help you to the best of my abilities. After all, we are trying to develop trust between us... right?"

[Athilea Majiri]

((OMG I had no idea there was a post. I'm so sorry. =/ It's a short post because I really could not think ot much to type.))

She drew her eyebrows together as hs shifted his position. The Elf clearly did not understand what he meant. She licked her lips lightly as she stared into his eyes. What was happening? Why was she having such mixed feelings for this human? Even when he moved she hadn't taken her arm away, instead it now rested on his knee and she did not seem to notice.

When she finally spoke, her voice came in a whisper, "I don't understand what you mean. Yes, we are trying to develop trust." She was referring to what he meant by telling her to do what she thought was necessary.

[Xun]

((OOC: Oh no, it's fine! Honestly, I should've said something before, so I should be the one saying sorry. I assumed you had some more important things to do, so I didn't worry much. And your post is fine. No worries! I can work with it. What I can't work with are posts that are literally just 2 words. lol ))

Rezenar stared back into her eyes, wanting to hear confirmation. Sadly, his words didn't go well into her ears. Of course, she understood they had to build trust. The problem he noticed at that moment was how exactly they were going to do this. Another problem he noticed was that he was having some strange feeling in his gut, telling him he should really not be getting anymore closer to Cithien.

But he wanted to. He had to. It was like a tempting poison that, once you have a small taste of it, you couldn't get enough. He felt her move and it made him wonder if he made her anymore uneasy about the situation they were placed in. Honestly, he had no idea how to calm her down, but Rezenar felt his left hand lift up to her face and carefully stroke her cheek. His hand cupped her face and he started staring deeply into her eyes. Why he was doing that, he would never know. It felt natural... but he knew this wasn't right.

"You have things to do... personally. I will help you. That's what I mean..." Rezenar continued staring at her, but he felt hesitation in his mind. The next thing he wanted to do was so insane, probably even Cithien would agree with him. And yet...

...He couldn't help but lean forward to the point of their faces being so close together...

But not so much as to let them kiss. Rezenar immediately felt his forehead touch her forehead and it made him stop. A small gulp could be heard, but other than that, nothing more. Throughout all that, he kept his eyes on her eyes. This was insanity and he was driving it up a wall. He was already thinking about doing this? What was wrong with him? They were enemies-- ENEMIES!

Whoever or whatever was causing him to act in such a manner was going to die... If this was all Cithien's doing, it would give him more reason to fight against her! But he didn't even think of holding this kind of situation against her. Was it odd for him to be satisfied that this happened between them?

[Athilea Majiri]

((Sorry again for the delay. Got a new computer and had a pretty busy weekend on top of that.))

She sighed softly as he stroked her cheek. Her eyes locked onto his and wide with surprise, she did not object though. Did she just press her cheek against his hand a little? She did, in fact. When he rested his forehead against hers she drew her eyebrows together again.

There was tension in the air that was almost tangible. She raised her own hand and placed it over his after a moment, "You..." She paused, the words did not want to come out. She felt a lump in her throat and butterflies in her stomach. "You have things you need to tend to as well. I will help you as well."

She bit her lower lip again as they stared into each others eyes. Then, without really thinking of what she was doing, she tilted her head and moved forward just a little. Her lips brushed against his briefly while her cheeks turned a pale red.

[Xun]

((orz;; I'm so very sorry. Too much family drama got in the way. I knew you posted something, but I was unable to say anything. Got some work and I'm already tired to the bone. Anyways... I hope you're still interested in rp'ing with me. ;; ))

Rezenar felt his breath being taken away when he felt her lips barely touching his. He couldn't tell if that was an invite or a taunt, but his mind was telling him it was a taunt to him to see what he would do about it. Immediately, he moved forward and locked his lips with Cithien's lips as his hands pulled her closer to him. Why he was doing this, he couldn't tell. For some odd reason, he wanted more of this and he wanted to take the opportunity as soon as it opened for him.

But he just couldn't do it. After that kiss that lasted for only a few seconds, he pulled away and stared at Cithien as if he had no idea what possessed him to do so. It was as if something was whispering in his mind to do these things, but he knew the voices in his head-- and they never mentioned anything like this. Again, he went to kiss her and he stroked her face in hopes she would give him permission to continue on with this. Rezenar was ready, definitely ready for something, but he still couldn't explain what exactly. This was bad, very bad, and he knew it was bad because they were enemies.

...was it so wrong for enemies to be kissing? Now that he thought about it, he couldn't tell.

[Athilea Majiri]

(That's okay. ^_^ I hope things calm down for you.))

Her eyes widened when he returned the kiss. She hadn't really expected that, though part of her had hoped he would. Again, the lake began to pulse with it's ethereal glow. It was almost as though it were hypnotizing them.

When he pulled back from the kiss she bit her lower lip and stared back into his eyes. She wanted to say something, but she couldn't think of anything that wasn't awkward sounding. She almost melted when he kissed her again. Cithien wrapped her arms around his neck, closed her eyes, and kissed him back.

She didn't understand what was happening, what was pushing them to do this. She didn't really care either. The Elf wanted this to continue. It was as though he had awaken feelings she'd forgotten about. Perhaps it was an illusion, but she didn't care as long as it continued.

[Xun]

((OOC: Yes, it's starting to die out a bit. Anyways... yeah. ;; By the way, if I'm going a bit too far, just let me know.))

He felt her arms wrap around him and it immediately made him wrap his own arms around Cithien as he started deepening the kiss. After that, he felt himself pushing his body against her and letting them lay on the ground. The kiss broke a second time as he looked into her eyes again. As he did, he noticed how she seemed more radiant-- as if there was light beaming on her. Honestly at that moment, Rezenar didn't care, but something inside him knew it was all bad and this had to stop somehow. The problem was finding a way to stop the moment and find out what she was thinking, but even his natural instincts weren't ready to wait on him.

Rezenar leaned and kissed her lips again, but he started moving down as his lips started leaving a trail of kisses from her lips all the way to her neck as he freed his right hand and let his fingertips lightly trail along her leg and up, wanting her to move it a bit. The other hand did the same thing as he moved up and over Cithien. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the water and its eerie glow. There was definitely something here and he was going to get rid of it. ...after he was finished taking care of business.

This was one of the more rare moments he would be able to indulge himself in before he would have to go and fight again. Was he going to ruin it? No. He was going to make sure nothing was going to stop them...

[Athilea Majiri]

As he tried to push her back to the ground her eyes popped open. She resisted a moment, unsure just how fast she wanted it to go. Finally, though, she relented. When he broke the kiss she looked up at him, her lips slightly parted. She saw the pulsing glow of the lake reflect off of him, but she hardly cared.

She sighed as he kissed her neck and answered the obvious desire of his hands. Cithien had no intention of stopping him...not at that moment. Perhaps, once they figure out what has happened to them, she can duel him over this. At that point, though, she just wanted him to continue.

((And from here I say we kinda fast forward.))

[Xun]

((Got it.))

[ A few hours later... ]

A long deep sigh escaped Rezenar's lips and once he opened his eyes, they were a bloodshot color. His darker demeanor was awake and he sat up to examine to area. There was one thing he was familiar with and that was this: if his softer demeanor doesn't remember things, the darker demeanor will remember it all-- and he does recall every waking moment of it.

The love that was shared between him and Cithien during the last few hours. He could recall every second of it and how they both enjoyed the feeling of each other. It was beautiful, and yet it was sickening to him. To think he made love with his enemy... it was so wrong on so many levels. And yet for some odd reason, it felt so right. Immediately, his eyes turned towards the lake. From what he recalled, there was something bright shining on Cithien's skin. Was it possible that there was something stirring up the waters? No, there was no such thing.

Finishing his sights on the water, he then turned to Cithien and his eyes started examining her. It was just as he imagined it-- it was gorgeous in every way and she was bare in front of him. Immediately, he took his cloak and covered her up while he fixed his own clothes on him. Rezenar knew he had to do it fast while he still could because he knew that once Cithien got up, there was going to be a huge quarrel between them and it won't be good.