Spring Fever: Holy City of Solis

For a moment she looks at him in confusion. Then the translation for ancient Guarosi registers. Smiling warily she greets him in turn. Silently regarding each other he sees she has turned into the diplomat as she sees a man of mystery. Looking at her state of dress he grabs his cloak.

"Milady?"

Offering it to her she slowly stands testing her strength walks to him. Turning he settles the material over her shoulders. Surprising the both of them he lifts her hair from the collar the silkiness of her tresses slip through his fingers. Shivering from the electricity running from the back of her neck through out her body her eyes close. Want so strong fills her with last night still fresh in her mind her body betrays her. Stepping back he avoids temptation. Looking everywhere but her he disposed of any evidence of their stay. Disappointed she doesn't look back her pride would not permit her to. The huge dragon stretches with a jaw-popping yawn. Resettling he shifts leaving a small space for her to sit. Shoving her hands inside the pockets she finds the letter. Clutching the material she is surprised at the silkiness. The texture reminds her of sequence and the pattern of snake. Curling next to Jarenth clutching the cloak in the absence of him she reads the letter.

Dear Juni, His name is Liam Tel'kereth a tracker and a good solid man. Look I know you don't want someone to hover over you. I just asked that you let Liam stay around you for the season. I know the reporters would have a field day but I need to know someone has your back. I can't be there all the time. He speaks mostly ancient Guarsoi, (your gonna love this), and his dragon, Jarenth, can talk. Love Jumby

Looking up at the dragon she blushes.

"Hello Jarneth."

Turning his massive head he regards her with a toothy smile "Good morning princess, I hope you slept well?"

A watery smile upturns her lips as her body tingled. Confused by her own reaction she looks at the fountain. Surprised she giggles then falls over laughing. Stopping at the sound he sees what she is looking at. The fountain that he bathed in and washed her body inscription explains why it happened.

Let all who thirst sated their need.

They stayed in an abandoned of Temple of Thian the God of Love.

Her fingers slightly rub his arms, electricity transfer from her fingertips to his skin. Nervously licking her lips, she looks at the surrounding walls composing herself from kissing him. His face is impassive but she can feel the conflict within him.

Whispering "This would not be proper milady."

Just as she is about to reply, "It seems the wandering imp has returned."

Dropping his hands they both turn to the source of the voice. Smiling Jumada watches them from the guardhouse shelter. Coughing Liam pats Jarenth; Junediai bristles.

Looking at her brother "You still murder the language, brother."

Mockingly he folds his arms. "Somebody should have bitten off that tongue of yours long ago, sister."

Jumada's gaze shift to his friend "Thank you, I hope she didn't give you any problems."

Enjoying the banter between siblings Liam smirks. "No sir, she was very cooperative."

Walking next to Liam he pats him on the shoulder "Good. I know you want to take your leave but I must insist on at least inviting you to dinner."

Looking between them she feels left out of their shared friendship. For a moment she is jealous of her brother. Dismissing them she takes her leave wonder what lies on her desk and whom she can blame.

Shaking his head Jumada sighs "Hum, feel sorry for the poor bastard."

Looking at Liam he finds his friend admiring his sister. Feeling his stare Liam walks Jarenth to an open dragon stall, curious Jumada follows finding Liam meticulously grooming Jarenth.

Shouts are heard all around the stable, Jumada leans against a support beam "Liam, how is the new discipline going?"

Touching Liam's mind "What happened last night?"

Picking out a sliver of glass he throws it in a bucket, speaking aloud "It is going well so far and the Dragon Weyr?

Liam's thought "I found her during a sandstorm. Found shelter and patched her up."

A breeze pulls the smell of old hay out of the room. Jumada loud "As to be expected with a large mixed group. Are you coming to the festival?"

Liam shakes his head in denial "No, to many needy women for my taste. I like them to have all their faculties before bedding them."

Concerned Jumada sends thoughts questioning the sandstorm. Quickly Liam tells his leader how he found her leaving out which temple they occupied. Jumada stares at Liam his expression stern, he believes him but there is something more.

After a moment Liam looks down speaking aloud "I didn't dishonor your sister."

Nodding Jumada looks for more "Did she show any interest?"

For a moment Liam wanted to lie. "Yes, there is interest there but I am not so sure your plan is so fool proof. Princess Junedia is at a vulnerable state and if she were to find out you are behind your true intension she may not react kindly."

Clasping his hands together Jumada regards his friend then smiles.

"It seems my sister is always miffed at me for one reason or another. But she always forgives me, she know I try to protect her in my own way. So how do you know her state of mind?"

Liam's violet eyes never waver as he answers "I could tell from her guarded actions and eyes."

Rubbing his chin he regards Liam in a new light. An idea forms with a smile. "You would be a perfect candidate considering you are up for your trial soon. Looking up he wonder what did he do to deserve such attention, nudging Liam Jarenth look at him.

"No one said to stop hatchling."

Liam spreads his hands over his mentor slivers of glass appear then float over the bucket dropping in a steady stream. Finished he starts to wash the wounds.

"Sir, she needs a cultured man who would be able to cater to her needs and status. I am a simple man born off planet with no alliance..."

Liam then understands his position or lack thereof that could be appealing to Jumada. Taking aback he stares at Jumada.

"You sent me on purpose hoping?"

Grabbing another bucket Jumada helps Liam by filling the trove with fresh salmon. Dipping his head Jerenth begins to feast on the delicacy. Scratching above the dragon's eyes he gambles.

"Liam, she needs protection. Of all that surround her I can say maybe a hand full could be a match. But I trust none, you could be a needed distraction."

Applaud Liam squashes a need to hit him.

"She isn't a burden to any but herself. She need someone with stature not war scares."

Jumada sighs heavily "Liam, she needs someone who can carry secrets."

His body tenses they both knew what Jumada was saying. He knew his one dirty secret that could make him a living target. Squaring his shoulders as his face darkens grimacing tossing secray aside this needed to be said aloud.

"Let me state this now, I don't think this will go well."

Clasping his hands together Jumada regards his friend then smiles.

"Good then I will see you later at dinner, we don't dress so don't worry."

Waving he takes his leave similar to his twin.

She didn't show for dinner. Guests from the House of Fire and Air join them. Jumada makes excuses for his sister. Rolling his eyes in annoyance.

"There is something to be said about my sister's rudeness sometimes."

Many women flirt with Liam but he causally puts them off. Every so often Jumada would catch Liam taking a glance at the dinning door. Smiling he hopes. Claiming paperwork she locks herself within her library. Sitting she tries to understand her sudden lust. Falling back her hands settle on the armrest. Slowly the crackling fire lulls her to sleep.

The corridor is dimmly lite, he lags behind needing put some distance between them. Pausing for a moment she looks behind her, confused.

"Tired of me already?"

Looking down "No, milady it is not proper for a man of my stature."

Giving him a seductive stare "I assure you dear warrior that makes no difference now that I claim you."

Caressing his cheek she smiles at his warmth. Reaching for his hand she laces her fingers through his. Smiling he steps to her...

Within the manor Liam leans against the dinning room fire mantel with an untouched drink in his hand. Looking into the flames he needed to come to a decision. He was born out of the need for his god however; he didn't have the need to be a toy. When he came of age visions plagued him. How his body and mind was fashioned for a purpose. The pain of detachment and loneliness because of his uniqueness fills him with bitterness. In his youth he rebelled for a century and a half he played his part in this struggle called life, then slowly inch-by-inch she called for him. Determined not to become a puppet he ignored her echoing sorrow. Traveling the universe always avoiding this planet. Yet no matter how far he would travel somehow he would always be tied to it. Troops found their way to his home planet of Finfir discovering him. Meeting Jumada was not planned nor him liking the man. He did not want to be her keeper. The laughter from the party becomes distant in the background, bringing back her perfume he can feel her presence. He can see her in his mind. Wearing dark clothing and holiday mask she blends into the shadows of the street making her way towards the mountains. Snapping his eyes open he hesitates. His desire to be free with his own will fights against his blind desire to be with her. Then he remembers his instant pain he felt when she died. Quickly he follows.

Knowing she may be tempting the fates she needed to get away. This time she finds a secluded spot overlooking the city from the observatory. Reading the brochure a meteor shower is predicted. A small crowd starts to form. Some come for the site as others mingle for casual lovers. Wanting to be alone she makes her way from of the building terrace to the side. Picking her way she finds a ridge with a shelter. Mindful of her surroundings she pauses. Crouching she sniffs the air. Finding nothing she proceeds on. Pulling her sketchbook from her backpack she attempts to draw in the waning light. A dragon-rider sets non-to far from her. Try as she may she cannot stop herself from looking, hoping.

She can tell it is a dark red and nothing else. She waits for the rider to disembark off the great beast to before greeting. Walking into the light the rider is clad from head to toe in maroon dragon skin. Shock sets in as she takes the rider's clothing in. The cut is crude but efficient enough to cover the entire body. In formal sweeping fashion the red rider bows low watching her every move.

The asteroid shower begins. Taken off guard they seek shelter underneath the dragon's wing. Clutching her sketchbook she looks at nature in awe. Liam watches her from the shadows. A spring breeze caresses her body she sighs longingly. Closing her eyes she can smell his scent finding it pleasing. Reining in her lust she turns bumping into him. He removed his mask revealing his smoldering dark eyes. Swallowing she takes a shaky breathe, a mistake for now she has taken in his scent in full force. Carefully he lifts her chin up a fraction to face him. Her eyes are closed and knuckles are white against cover.

"Alhai?" (May I?)

Responding softly her eyes open in a dreamy state "Isa." (Yes)

Giving her enough time to stop he kisses her. The book makes a soft thud as he masters her mouth.

Leaning heavily against him she pulls her mouth from his "Please forgive my inexcusable behavior. I don't..."

Kneeling he lifts her skirt kissing her thighs causing her words to lodge in her throat.

Taking her silence as encouragement he removes her panties, stuffing the thin material in his pocket. Removing his cloak he spreads it on the stone ground. Sitting he tugs her down astride. Cupping his face she plunders his mouth as he opens her blouse. Unclasping her bra her breasts spring from the constricting material. Licking the tops of her breasts her hand rubs against his length, cooing in delight she frees him. Shifting he enters watching her, her face tenses in pleasure. Gasping from her tightness his fingers dig into her waist as she moves against him. Pulling at his warn shirt, it is flung over his head running her hands down his back she find it heavily scared. Recoiling she cries as if hurt stilling his movements. She gently kisses him murmuring her thanks to the gods for his survival of his trials. As if to heal them he feels her fingertips brush over his marred skin.

"Oh, my sweet savior."

Looking in her eyes he feels humbled by her simple act. Her eyes reflect such longing. The mood changes the coupling from mindless passion to his pleasure. Bending forward she tightens her abdomen while licking his neck just above the jugular. A feral sound escapes her as she latches on. Her teeth just break his skin careful not to draw blood. Her action causes him to shout in ecstasy spilling his seed deep within her. Slowing to a stop she milks his body. Nuzzling his shoulder her fingers thread through his hair, her body pulses from the fever. His hands remove her sweat stained blouse and useless bra. Exposing her skin to the elements she shudders. As he licks her neck she feels her body stretching.

Looking down she smiles shyly, smiling in return he states "Ral nassu (I'm not done yet)."

Tugging the fancy dragon barrette from her ponytail he runs his fingers in the tresses.

"Kesala" (Beautiful).

Humming in response she searches for his lips. Twisting he places her on the cape, fully possessing her body. This time it is not a dream but reality.

The sun glints off the dragon's scales. Jareth opens one eye as Junediai awakens in dread. Sitting up the cloak slides into her lap exposing her breasts. Movement brings her out of her revere; finding lying next to her is Liam Tel'kereth. Her eyes widen in horror as last night events flood back they made love until the light of the pre dawn. Silently she quickly gathers her clothes. After a time of franticly looking she couldn't find her sketchbook, her lover stirs again in slumber his expression is so peaceful.

Catching herself she backs off after covering him. Passing the dragon's head she looked at it in shame.

"Please tell him I'm sorry."

Running she dives off the ridge, the short drop gives her just enough updraft to unfurl her ebony wings. As she ascends Liam stands next to his friend.

Patting Jareth Liam turns "Em gor, Fi'jala, Ee dena e khri so Ee urs. (It seems old friend I have quite a fight on my hands.)"

Picking up his shirt he finds her sketchbook and barrette. Smiling at his fortune, he now has a legit excuse to see her.

Some hours later he finds her attending a luncheon in the honor of the Healer Guild. Watching her from a short distance he shields his presence from her. Poised with grace she mingles with the committee making promises and soothing egos. Dressed in soft earth tones she radiates respect with soft smiles that reach her eyes. Pheromones of both sexes reach a high as the party starts to die down. Attracting many suitors she fends them off easily with reassurance of no offense. Quietly she leaves for the next banquet in honor of the holiday he follows. For the next six hours she attends four parties. Like a shadow he watches over taking in her beauty and any danger surround her. Finally in the morning twilight she returns home. Before she crosses the threshold to the manor he reveals himself.

"Milady."

The heavily accented word brought her to a stop. Turning to face him he notes the subtle signs of exhaustion. Faint smudges underneath her eyes, her movements became wary and quick glances about her.

Confused by his presence she tries to hide her surprise.

"Liam?"

To an observer he was returning a bag, however lightly stroking her hand as he released the strap to her he transfers the much needed energy to her. Rapidly blinking her full lips puckers in a soft o. For a moment she says nothing, warring emotions flicker in her eyes. Several times she tries to say something then stop.

Still as a statute he waits being mindful of the paparazzi always lurking. Life has taught her to always trust her instincts and at the moment it screams to keep him any way possible.

Lightly touching his mind "Why?"

Smiling he brushes a kiss on her temple, "Because I want to."

Stroking his chin the texture of his goatee is soft underneath her fingertips.

"This is a very treacherous game you are playing. The rules forever change but the stakes don't."

Gathering her close he tucks her head under his chin.

"You have now warned me, princess. May I be at your side?"

Reaching for his hand she turns away proceeding into the manor just above a whisper he hears.

"Please."

The massive door close behind them as they walk through the hall.