Time passes slowly (Tags: Axiar)

Noxaura was not a bad helper when she felt like doing something. Actually she could probably sell anything in half the time it took her step-sister but that was why she felt she didn't need to be there as much of the time. Her step-father and mother had been after both young women to try to meet the young men of the Settlement. It was just so unfortunate that Nox was the braver and less interested of the two.

She had no qualms flirting with them only to tell them later she had no interest whatsoever. Most of them were just not interesting enough to spark anything in her. And for the one or two that did keep her on her toes, she was a liar and a thief, so making excuses to avoid them was easy enough. Besides she was hoping her step sister might make some progress before her mother decided to promise her to someone just to get rid of one of them.

Since it seemed her sister was content to remain at the shop, Noxaura left her to it. She could always work longer tomorrow. The day was much too nice to be stuck inside for. There was a cold breeze blowing leaves here and there as they fell from the trees. She had made certain to dress warmly and comfortably so as not to attract much attention but she supposed it really couldn't be helped that people stared at her. Especially the other teenage girls.

Where Nox had gone out to enjoy the day and possibly find something worth keeping among her treasures, the other girls were out trying to attract the young men around or to gossip with one another over trivial things. Mostly Noxaura did not get along, nor like most of them. She was walking by them when one said something just loud enough for her to hear.

She wasted no time at all,  her fist was out and knocking into the girl's jaw, putting her on the ground. "Anyone else?" She asked, darkly. As the other girl cried, on the dirty ground. Shaking her head she kept walking as if nothing had happened. Unfortunately she was followed by the girl's older brother.

"Noxaura. Wait!" The young man was one of the interesting ones but he was so incessantly nice, it was just irritating to be around eventually. Not that she wouldn't have flirted with him like anyone else if she wanted something from him. Unfortunately for him, he had nothing she needed.

She didn't wait either but was still pursued and so she stopped short and turned, "What do you want?" Her tone was snappy. The less she led this one on the better. He wasn't the sort who gave up or got distracted.

"You alright?"

"Shouldn't you be asking her that?" Indicating his sister.

"She gets enough sympathy."

"Well I don't want or need sympathy. I want to be left alone for a bit."

"So you still won't reconsider?"

Her eyes darkened. "I told you already. I don't want to be married." She crossed her arms in front of her. "How many times do I need to tell you no before you get it?"

He shrugged, smiled then said, "You'll come around eventually."

No she wouldn't, she thought as he walked away. She was seriously irritated now. And it didn't help that Axiar had been gone for so long now. Nox was strong willed enough to wait for a long time, but without even a word from him for a little bit over a Turn, she was having trouble being completely sure of him. He could have left her there. He could have been injured or killed too. Not knowing anything was going to drive her mad.

She was thinking about that, wandering out of the settlement to one of her new hiding spots. A small group of trees in a field cleared out for future farming prospects was ideal because she could see anyone coming once she was there and no one could see her well.

Nearly a full turn had passed since Axiar promised Noxaura that he would return for her. The fire that had ignited between them had been unexpected and until now, Axiar still longed to return to this place where he would find her, hoping that she too, would still take an interest in him. 

Of course, the man knew that Noxaura's parents had likely been seeking out possible suitors, but somehow the thought of pairing Nox up with any other man than himself made him laugh more than anything. Even in that short time of their having been together, it was readily apparent that Nox would not be controlled by any lesser-willed man who couldn't pose himself as a worthy opponent or a creature of even greater intrigue than she herself. What worried him was the thought that if her parents decided to sell her off to some much stronger and domineering fellow, capable of keeping a tight rope on her, she would be suffocated being held against her will, or fight to the death to find a way out of the circumstances. He didn't care to think that in their time apart that she would have been subjugated to any of it. 

Luckily, on his return, Axiar had traced his steps back to the place of her family's business and found her here in the street, confronted by neighborhood girls and some young man. 

Axiar went on eating his redfruit while watching from a distance. Leaning with indolent posture within the shadow of an alley, he could see most of what was going on, but could only make out what the girl and her pursuer were saying once they'd come a little closer. And at that point, he tossed the core of the fruit away, stepping toward them.

Come around eventually? Balking at the words in his own mind the rebel felt like he knew Nox better than that. The other man obviously had been around her less than he himself had. That or the suitor had no idea what kind of woman he was courting. 

Eyes hidden behind the shadow of dark bangs as he lowered them, he kept his chin tucked down so that while he walked past Noxaura, who'd her back turned to him again, she would not immediately recognize him. So, shouldering past the man who'd followed her, Axiar limned with cold confidence as he half-turned to face the man, leaving one golden eagle eye visible enough from that angle that Nox could have seen. 

Before saying anything, Axiar took time to 'visibly' size the man up, seeming to wonder about him before making a move, though it was all an act. He'd sized up the man long before running into him. 

Being the awkwardly quiet sort, Axiar said nothing right away and his inscrutable countenance gave little away as to exactly what he might be thinking. However, glancing back over his shoulder to Nox, then back at her suitor, he finally wondered aloud, "You're not troubling the lady, are you? Should I call the Guard?"

Funny enough, they were not far from Nox's home, where her parents kept their shop, and the last time that they'd passed by this place, Nox threatened that if he ever came this road again, she would call the Guard on him. Soooo, he supposed that now wouldn't be a bad time to do so. Perhaps that would get rid of her unwanted suitor.

She wouldn't think anything of someone walking by her, not this time of day on the street and certainly not with a certain young man still walking after her. At first she thought he might have caught up with her but realized another man had brushed past the youth following her. It took her a whole three seconds to see who it was and know. No one in the world she knew was like him and as such she could not so easily mistake him for someone else. His golden eye was proof enough at first but also his words.

Axiar She held back from saying his name, after all she was pissed off. He had left her here for an entire Turn without a scrap of news and simply expected her to be where he left her. Noxaura was sure he must know exactly how she felt about that.  However when she thought about things, rationally, he had come back which was more than she was expecting this morning.

Maybe she could be convinced to forgive him.  Maybe. The question about the guards had her mouth twitch into a wicked smile, "I don't think that will be necessary. I'm more than capable of getting rid of pests."

As for the young man, "N-n-noo." he shook his head and in order to avoid anymore insult or possible injury, walked back in the direction of the group of girls and his sister.

Once he was well out of ear shot, she spoke to her long missing fiance. "Follow me." No, she wasn't jumping for joy or acting in any way as if she had missed him. Even if she had, missed him and miserably so, she wasn't going to allow him the satisfaction of knowing that right away. He should be apologizing to her first and once he had, she might come around to being happy.

Noxaura certainly wasn't a woman that would ever be taken advantage of. Not of she could help it. And she could help it right now. Her brown eyes scanned the field ahead noting quickly that it was in fact empty. To her trees she went and didn't look to see if Axiar actually followed.

Axiar's eyes observed the other young man cautiously as he chose his course of action. It amused him to see the man turn and stalk away at the first sign of threat. He certainly didn't have the backbone it took to handle a girl like Noxaura, having that kind of passive attitude. Nox would trample all over him. 

Fortunately for Axiar, he and Nox seemed to be a pretty even match for one another, each in their own way. And it was always more fun with a level playing field -or at least being able to give one another a challenge. Such a spineless person would never suit Nox. Yet somehow, her suitor simply couldn't see it. Spineless and dense. Though, Axiar might have to give him points for being patient and persistent; if those things actually paid off in the end. But they wouldn't, here.


Perfectly good at getting rid of pests, huh? Well she hadn't gotten rid of him. Rather, she hadn't let him get rid of her, if he remembered right. He recall a  number of times during their first meeting when he'd tried to get the all-important scrolls back from her possession. When he'd finally gotten her to relinquish them, then ran into one another again, and... well... things happen. 

Things did happen. And now, giving the nature of their relationship, Axiar supposed he shouldn't be surprised when she wasn't 'jumping for joy'. He had to wonder though if underneath the surface Nox actually had missed him. Or at least thought about him. Admittedly, she had certainly been on his mind. A lot.

Following Noxaura's suitor with his eyes until he'd joined his companions, Axiar heard his fiance speak up behind him, but in the open, didn't acknowledge it. Because of their particular understanding of one another, Axiar assumed that the young woman knew he'd be trailing along after her, but taking his own route, so that it didn't appear that they'd left 'together'. 


Axiar strolled down the street, seeming to brush off the 'incident', moving in a direction opposite of Nox and the rest of them. Of course, once he'd returned to the shadow of an alley, his steps quickened until he reached the next cross roads where he could head back in the direction of Noxaura. And just ahead, he caught a flash of the colour of her dress where she moved ahead of him, between other pedestrians. Following that lead, he matched her speed and followed after her. 



Appearing shortly after Nox herself had arrived at the trees, Axiar did not try to hide his coming. Once they'd left the gates of the hold, the rebel knew exactly where she must be going. Under that little copse of trees was someplace they'd been to before. He remember it vividly. 

When Nox slowed, scanning the golden filed before them, he spoke from behind her; though he hadn't closed all of that distance between them. 

"Can I be happy to see you?"

Should she turn to see him, he appeared the same as he had when they parted last; still possessing that aura of quiet calm about him, and his eyes.. they were still sad, regardless of the passionate intensity that they might share. They always looked sad. Why was it?
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Noxaura never looked back to watch and see if he followed. Not because she was someone who had a lot of faith in other people but because she knew she was the real purpose for his being there at the Settlement. Or at least she should be. If that wasn't the case then of course he might not follow her. Sometimes she wondered if she had been taken for a fool.

Maybe they were both fools though. Her ears heard his words though she was slow to turn around. "Are you happy?" She asked, thinking he didn't really need her permission to be so. Maybe he was asking permission to express his feelings? Still he didn't exactly look happy, she thought looking into his golden hued eyes. The young woman was always curious but she didn't say anything more.

Nox wasn't used to feeling like she should wait for the other person to act but in this case, she wanted to see what Axiar would do and say before she said or did anything. Nox wasn't really expecting much because she had been preparing herself for the worst. People would most likely let you down, given the chance, so while she had hoped he would come for her, she hadn't made it her entire life waiting for him to return.  

There might have been a small part of her that wondered if he was still interested in her. Given that he had yet to come close enough to touch. Had he been waiting for her? Noxaura couldn't be sure and she still thought he could have come to say goodbye.

Unable to know exactly what she was thinking or feeling, Axiar wondered at her answering him with a question. He could ask the same of her. Because regardless of just how well off they may or may not be, they had at least at one point both thought that life might just be better off living it together.

Allowing a faint smile to foretell his usual orneriness around her, the man moved closer, though he did not yet touch her; though he was certainly entering a space that was intimately close between them.

"Can this be happiness? My heart is glad to see you."

Axiar didn't wait to find out her response before taking both of her hands in his, letting his fingers curl about her own gently. The very touch was a caress, like his breath on her neck in the next moment, as though he desired to hold her but in public was afraid to.

Being a tease was more like it. Axiar had certainly missed her, and he wanted to know that she had missed him, too.

He spoke nothing more at that point, but waited to know her response -though he anticipated sensing a reaction through her body first. More than words, that is what he loved.

Being aloof, as she was, she did miss him in spite of herself. She didn't want him to know how much, mostly because she didn't want to seem like she'd put her life on hold for him. Nox didn't care to be thought of as weak in any way, even if she had given into his charms much more easily than she anticipated, previously.

Of course all tough girl thoughts vanished as he drew in closer. Her brown eyes searched his face to determine his mood and guessing at his intent and combining that with his roguish nature, she was not surprised to find that she was being teased by his closeness.

He wanted her to wait a moment, sweat things out before he touched her and when he did so, it was to hold her hands. It was a romantic thing actually and something she had not been expecting from him. The skin on her neck tickled from the warmth of his breath. He was being oh so cruel to her, teasing her as he was but she smiled at him.

She thought about denying her feelings because she was a good liar and he would likely be angry with her. It would be amusing to a point but she also really liked that he was being so genuine and despite leaving her in her own personal hell for another Turn, had come back to her alive and it seemed very much interested in her still.

"That will teach you to leave me alone so long." She rebuked, then added, "No one can see us." Even if they could she didn't care, she could talk her way out of a murder trial even if guilty. Her hands moved so that she could wrap her arms around his neck. With her head much closer to his, she kissed him but didn't linger. "Now tell me, what took you so long?" It was as close as he was going to get to her admitting missing him. Of course she had, she didn't love anyone except maybe him and she wasn't quite willing to admit that to him. He would have to earn those words by taking her away and marrying her.

Nox considered herself quite patient. After nearly a turn he should be ready to marry her. He said he was getting things ready when he left last time. She couldn't say how patient she would be if she had to wait again. Axiar though wasn't like other men, she was more willing to wait for him than others. What she wouldn't wait for right now though, was affection.

Letting her kiss him after wrapping her arms around his neck, Axiar's grin broadened a little as he considered her words. But he was not quick to answer; his honey-glazed eyes remained intent just looking upon her instead, very glad to see that she too, was alive and well -and still interested in him. Even if she tried to deny it now, it was already too late. She'd kissed him and she could hold that kiss as evidence enough that she had at least greatly missed him.

"Well now, let's see."

Breathing a long pause between his words, the rebel brought his arms around the small of Noxaura's back, but as he did so, he must have lost all track of his words, gazing still deeply into her eyes. So it was at length that he actually answered; and when he did so, he teased her again, but this time by playing off the typical Rebel stereotype. She had tried to pry some confirmation out of him in the past, regarding the nature of his employ, but he'd never directly answered her, even though she'd guessed right.

"Propagating evil does often have its set backs, so it took me longer to return to you than I anticipated." Chuckling just audibly under his breath, Axiar watched for signs of a response first through her body language, though he went on to offer a better explanation. One that she was probably more looking forward to hear. "I did find us a place to live comfortably. I don't even think that your parents would be able to complain, if they knew what it was like."

He was obviously hopeful, wanting she and her family both to be glad that they were together. He knew they'd probably still been searching for her a suitor that she would accept, and if he could present himself to them, they might be willing to allow a marriage between he and Noxaura. There was no reason for them to know his father had sided with the dissidents of Telgar, but his mother had not. He could tell them her story instead, if they asked where he came from and what his family was like. Whatever would be acceptable to them, if that's what it took. He simply preferred that Nox be able to start a new life with him in the good graces of her family instead of them having to marry and leave in secret. They were still her family after all, and he didn't want her to have regrets later.

"This time, I will be here for at least a couple of sevendays. In that time, should I meet your family? I had hoped that the next time I leave here, you would come with me."

The man's arms tightened around her, adjusting to pull her into more of an embrace, where he bent his head to speak quietly into her ear. "Noxaura." Heart pounding in his chest as he held her close to him even more tightly then, his voice was laced with a trace of the same urgency and worry that he was starting to feel deep down. "By the time I leave here, this place may not be safe, anymore. Please come with me. Stay by my side, so that I can protect you."

To tell the truth, Axiar didn't know exactly what plans the Chorong were going to be carrying out soon, which required so much preparation, but within the ranks of the dissident faction lately, things had been much more hectic than usual -and that could only mean one thing. Whatever they were about to do, he would surely find out before long. He was likely playing some part in it already, without even knowing. But when everything was revealed, he didn't want for Nox to be caught up in the fray of it; and the only place that he could protect her was the place he had prepared for them; because he'd known that something was coming.

Axiar, enjoying her warmth, softness, and the scent of her, brought one hand behind her head so that his fingers could become lost in her dark tresses as he kissed the side of her head, near her ear which he'd just spoken into. He did care for her. He did want the best for her. He wanted for them to be happy. Together.

Noxaura did the right thing, it seemed, to get him smiling at her so. She was hard pressed not to smile back at him in the same foolishly giddy fashion. As he spoke of propagating evil and the like, she wanted to laugh but held her tongue. She never believed half of what he said. Nox didn't mind though, she wasn't like other women. Something Axiar would have learned by now. Besides she liked that there was mystery around him.

The woman was intrigued enough already that his next words had her smiling in that giddy, foolish way she had been avoiding. He had been thinking of their future while he was gone. She didn't care about what her parents might think but she did care about her own comfort. "Really?" Noxaura couldn't be certain that he was being honest but if he was then she would be able to leave this dump and go somewhere she belonged. They could start a life together. A life where she would feel loved and cherished which was a million times better than her home now.

That her parents would meet him made her frown suddenly but not because she didn't want them to meet him but rather she didn't want them to ruin things with him. "You can meet them whenever you want. It is probably best though that certain rules are followed. Just because we live in the Settlement doesn't mean my mother and step-father don't have certain ideas about how a man traditionally asks a woman to marry. You'll have to broach the subject with them before letting on that I've already agreed to be yours."

He knew how to be charming and she would certainly add to that with her own varied skills at manipulation and lying. Spinning a believable story full of the most colorful lies would be only too easy for her and like always, her family would believe what she told them.

When he drew her in close either because of his desire to have her near to him or his desire to never have her so far from him again, she felt compelled to be as close as he wanted. It felt so good to her to be so wanted and admired by him. "I want to go with you." If he thought he was going to get away with leaving her for another Turn in this Settlement then he had another thing coming. There was no place she loathed more than this. On top of that, she thrived on the attention that Axiar gave her. If she were a flower, then he was the sun and she survived off of the rays of light which landed one.

When he kissed her he found herself giddy and grinning again. She felt a familiar shiver of pleasure, "Mmmm." She put her arms back around his neck. "I don't want you to leave my side again. You know I don't." If he recalled, he would know how upset he was that he had to leave her the first time.

Axiar fell silent, content with holding Nox against his chest. His heart filled with warmth knowing that they would be together from that time forward. He would be able to protect her and keep her far from the dangers that would soon likely plague the holds again.

Good, he thought. I want you to be safe and happy. Most of all, I had hoped that you could be happy being with me.

The man continued to hold his arms around her, grateful that she would leave with him, though he used those next moments to consider what she'd said about her parents. 

When Axiar finally loosened his arms about her enough to take a step back, planting a kiss on the top of her head with affection, he had a hard time wanting to distance himself from her even that much. 

"Since you've already figured me for a bad guy, I could always abduct you, instead of asking your parents nicely." And wouldn't that be more exciting? The trace of a teasing smirk loitered on his lips, though he was also perfectly serious. If meeting her parents was too much trouble, he could always arrange simply running away with her. But that might be very hard on her parents. He'd been trying to be considerate of them. 

"What would you rather we do?"

Finding her eyes, Axiar gazed into them, wondering at her preference. She was a girl who seemed to thrive on excitement and rebelliousness, so he wouldn't have been surprised if she told him to steal her away in the middle of the night. Then again, it sounded just as intriguing being put to the test of convincing her parents they should be together. It might be to her parent's surprise that Noxaura had actually approved of a man who could be as gracious and courteous as they'd always hoped. It had always been easy to convince others of his innocence and a more kindly opinion than he was worthy of because of his generally gentle, thoughtful manner, and serene expressions. Though, just as the current of seemingly calm waters held hidden strength within them, Axiar likewise could not be considered a weak man.

He could stay where he was and hold her forever. Never having felt so loved except when in his arms, she made sure to nuzzle herself into him, her head resting on his chest where she could hear the clear and steady pounding of his heart. His heart that belonged to her. She was thoroughly enjoying the attention and affection. As forlorn a look as she could manage was thrown at him when he stepped away from her.

Noxaura pondered her answer. She liked the idea that he could and would abduct her in the middle of the night. Her eyes were dancing with the excitement of it. However, if she thought about it, then people would be looking for him. Wouldn't they?

Or even better, if he did meet her parents and they wouldn't give their blessing on the marriage, she could just be gone the next morning. Run off with her lover. They would have no need to come looking then.

"Let's throw you into the frying pan. Convincing my parents should be fun and if they deny us, then we can run away together." No matter what anyone said, she was leaving with Axiar. She was quite determined to do so. If he thought she had not been waiting for him to come back, then he would realize soon enough.

Nox wasn't too happy about the space between them still.

Eyes captured by Noxaura's pitiful expression, Axiar couldn't help but consider her irresistibly adorable just then. Even though he knew her true nature. But he liked that about her. Nox was capable of being very affectionate, but she was also full of tricks and deceit. She was intriguing. 

Likewise, her attitudes made it exciting for him to pursue her. He never quite knew what to expect, even though there were certain aspects of one another's personality which were easy enough to anticipate. Thus, when he spoke the words and Nox's eyes danced at his suggestion of how to go about their escape together, he knew that she approved wholeheartedly. He was not opposed to going along with her own request though -that they simply use both plans to their advantage. He did have one worry, however.

"If that happens, meeting your parents first, and then running away together after, should they not approve, they will know who you have left with, no doubt. That makes it easier for them to come looking." He wanted to ask her if that was really what she wanted -exploring both routes- but he too, found himself more excited by the prospect of simply abducting her. He could always make it a real abduction, too. He didn't have to tell her when or where they were going. If he showed up unexpectedly for her, even she may not be prepared, making it appear as though she may have really left in a hurry; but if she knew she was leaving and had had time to pack, it would appear as though she had planned to run away. If that were the case, they may suspect she had simply run away by herself, and not actually stolen from them. 

Well... whatever they decided, there was still some time to determine the best course of action. And whatever happened, he would have her. He would not leave without her, this time.

A surge of passion for the girl swept over him as he considered being with her. Not just for now, but from this point going forward. Being able to see himself living happily with her for a very long time was enough to arouse even his physical desire, and so he stepped forward again, pulling her against his chest once more. "Whatever happens, I won't lose you."

Noxaura was perfectly fine with them knowing and not being able to find her. It was equally as exciting as actually being abducted, mostly because she had no intention of being found. Axiar would see once he met them that they were not likely to look for her for long. They neither had the time nor the resources.

"They could search and search but they would never find me." She said in a matter of fact tone. It was like when something went missing in the house. They searched hi and low and could not find anything. She was more than capable of being one step ahead of them. They would have no idea where to begin, especially seeing as they were going to have to lie to them about Axiar's current occupation. They would equally have to lie about where he lived.

Nox gave a lot of thought to how that would affect them and decided it would end up meaning very little to most of the family. Her step-sister might be sad for a time but in the end, her step-sister should be focusing on getting married herself. She wouldn't have too much time to think about Noxaura leaving.

Seeing his expressions she could almost have laughed, "If you'd rather steal me away without meeting them, then we can do that too." She smirked and whispered, "It excites you, taking me away without warning." She wondered then why he hadn't surprised her at night and kidnapped her without a word. Surely not knowing he was coming would have made for a very exciting night.

"Whatever happens." She agreed. When he embraced her again she felt warmth and happiness once more. Her arms wrapped around him and her face tilted up toward him so she could see his face. Reading a hint of desire in his eyes, she as bold as ever, kissed him.

"We should take a couple of days to decide then, what we will do."

Meeting her eyes briefly before their lips locked in another kiss, they must have seemed slightly distracted, as did his kiss, though he let her be the one to break it off. Axiar simply held onto her, not wanting to let her go, but at the same time, he was concerned over whether or not Nox could really love him and be with him, knowing that he was a rebel. Things would be somewhat different when they lived at the cothold together. She had said before that her family were not rebel supporters. If she suspected he was a rebel and yet accepted him, had she thought everything through? Or did she really care to? Even if she was leaving an undesirable family situation and unwanted marriage behind, being amoungst rebels might only open up a whole different slew of problems in the future, that she was agreeing to face together with him.

Maybe then.. he should find some way of coming clean with her over these next couple of sevendays, so that she knew what she was really getting herself into by choosing to be with him.

With those things in mind, Axiar thought that he had made up his mind on what he himself wanted to do... Though he pondered still whether or not it was worth opening up to one another about certain things before they took action on their desire to be together. Either way, before he took her away from this place, he had planned on giving her one last chance to decide against it.

In any case, Axiar did not tell her his preference, if he preferred to simply steal her away or not, but kept his secrets to himself -as per usual. Perhaps only to make her wonder all the more.


At whatever point the girl drew back from him enough to break their kiss, Axiar thought to suggest, "Shall we walk?"

He thought about inquiring as to whether or not she had any other concerns to address before he took her away from here, but for now, his lips were quiet, letting her be the one to ask questions where she thought necessary.

While he was distracted by thoughts, the only thing Nox was concerned about was feeling loved. As he held her close to him, she could close her eyes and imagine feeling this way forever. She thought that was what he wanted too but the more mentally distant he was, the harder it was for her to understand him. Although she hadn't expected it would be easy to understand someone who liked to keep themselves somewhat mysterious.

She didn't mind them taking their time to make a decision but she also wasn't the most patient of people. He wasn't going to get much time to think about it, if he left it up to her. Axiar should know that about her already.

For now though she would acquiesce to his desire to chat. A walk and a talk. Hmm, maybe he was concerned about taking her away. More so than she thought. "We can. Where do you want to walk to?" Or did he intend to wander around aimlessly?

More importantly, she wished he would come out and say whatever it was that was bothering him. "You know, you can tell me anything right?" She asked, taking his hand because she wasn't going to walk without some contact with her lover. Noxaura might not be the most caring person on the planet, at least not for everyone, but she was concerned about him.

Maybe more so than he deserved. It was his fault she didn't get to see him for almost a turn. Why should she feel sorry now?

When Nox took his hand, Axiar looked down to where their hands clasped together. He supposed he couldn't be opposed to the public display. He did like Nox, and it was probably best to keep her close just to make sure she wasn't getting either of them in trouble. Though, he was certainly one to go thinking such a thing. It was more like an adoring tease, though, in his own mind, even if it might be half way true.

Drawing her in what was probably no more than a random direction, he led them out into the open fields where they could be alone. 

His words came quietly then, sensing that she understood something seemed to be bothering him. "I'm worried you won't like where we're going. Are you sure you want to leave this place?" Of course, he didn't understand yet the true depth of her dislike for her family and the circumstances she was in. He had some vague idea of what was going on there, but that was all. 



(ooc: errr... i forgot how much she's told him about her family situation. imma have to go back and reread a thread i think.)

Nox didn't think there could be a place worse than here. Living with Holdless as they were "re assimilated" to society. Whatever that meant, she just knew, she didn't like Holdless because of what happened with her father And she would never be over it. Nothing anyone could do or say would allow her to forgive the entire group of them. So as much as Rebels bothered her Holdless were worse.

"No place is worse than here." She said with such strong conviction that anyone would believe her. Squeezing his hand she added, "How can any place be bad if we can be together?" Maybe it was proof of her true naivety to believe that no one would care what they did in the world. Maybe she was silly to believe that nothing would be able to come between them.

"Axiar." She said softly, encouraging him to open up to her, "My father was killed by Holdless. Living here, having to watch them rebuild is worse than any torture someone could devise for me. Why should they prosper while my father no longer lives?"

That easy, serene expression left extant on his face as they walked side by side, hand in hand, Axiar was glad to hear those words of confirmation from her. His eyes were on her again though, when she spoke his name.

Amber orbs resting on her as she continued, opening up to him a bit about herself, they searched her own eyes for what she might be feeling. Of course, much was made just as clear through her tone, and he immediately felt himself more compassionate toward her situation.

Continuing to walk, Axiar squeezed her hand in his again. Falling silent once more, the man looked back out over the field before them. There was little he could say to console her about that past she held onto, but every past had a way of influencing the present in some way. He himself could not remember anyone of his family being murdered, so he also had difficulty imagining what it must have been like dealing with the kind of intense anger and hatred that probably filled her heart, when it came to the holdless. Still, he wanted to be able to ease her heart in his own way. He started by opening up to her a little, too.

"My mother also died when I was young. I have few memories of her, but I gained a father when she passed on. They separated when the rebellion began, so I had never known my father until she was gone and I was left with no other family. My father had been a Guard for Telgar Hold, so when I went to live with him, I immediately became an apprentice to the craft he knew best.

"I guess I don't know what it is like having a parent killed out of cold blood, but I know what it is like to miss them. And I know it is possible to start life over so that you can make new family."

Axiar hoped that in some regard those words might be uplifting. He didn't like to see that kind of sadness or vengeance in her eyes.

The young woman, pleased that he seemed to empathize, returned the squeeze of his hand. Somehow it felt reassuring knowing she wasn't the only one carrying that around now, the pain that she felt in not having her father and who she blamed. It made living with her step-family a little more difficult, though she couldn't really hate her mother for keeping them afloat and off the streets by remarrying. She still sometimes felt some guilt at their moving on without her father.

And since the decision had been made to move to the Settlement she had been angry. There was nothing her mother or step-father or anyone could do about that. Living among those who she held responsible for her father's death was torture.

She didn't expect him to reciprocate by giving her his own story. Nox had already gathered just how private he could be. Still there shouldn't be secrets between them. To trust each other was going to be difficult though, if they didn't talk about some of these things. Not that she felt she needed to know everything but she wanted to know more than everyone else.

"We'll be our own family." She said, unsure as to what he thought of that. Maybe there were other people in his life he considered family too. She had a family but she didn't belong with them. It bothered her for a long time that she wasn't what they thought she should be. But then Noxaura had found ways to get the better of them. If she hadn't been useful, they might have pawned her off on someone else to raise. As it was though, she could charm the spots off a cheetah, selling dresses was easy.

It probably didn't help her case that lying came to her as naturally as breathing. However, since they did run two businesses, being naturally charming and having the ability to tell a lie and spin it like it was the truth was useful. Course, like her siblings, she had to learn to repair gowns and alter them as well. She was also in her mother's shop often selling herbs and remedies. It was boring unless she made up stories about the various concoctions to be found there.

Who could really fault her for being a good salesman?

Anyway, she hoped Axiar understood that she was being her honest self with him. The person she revealed to him was not the person everyone else knew. If he could appreciate that she wanted him to love her for who she really was, rather than who she presented to the world, then maybe he would know how much she would love to leave this place and start a life with him elsewhere.

"Is that what you want?" She asked, feeling awkward for maybe wanting him to want what she did. He might not want a family to be just the two of them. Nox didn't trust anyone else though.

When she spoke the words, proclaiming that they could be their own family, Axiar met her eyes again, seeming pleased, though it may have been difficult for most to see through his cool expression. No doubt that Noxaura surely saw it there, within golden orbs that danced behind dark bangs.

"As long as you are there, with me."

Continuing their walk, leading them deep into the field, grown tall with wheat yet to be harvested, Axiar seemed to have no more to say on the matter, as he didn't seem to want to give any more an answer than that. He fell silent again, but looked to be enjoying himself as they passed the time in nature, where the wind created waves of amber across the scenery before them.

As they neared a far end of the field, where no eyes would take notice of them, the rebel suddenly whirled Nox around, crossing an arm over to take her other hand so that as he tipped her backward, he could lower her to the ground. In doing so, he'd kept a sure grasp on both hands, guiding her as if through a dance. And if she didn't resist him, he put her back against the soft grass so that he could bring himself to rest on top of her, propping himself up with both of his hands then freed.

Again, his eyes dancing, he was glad to finally be alone with her where they could pass the afternoon at ease in one another's presence, either watching the clouds pass lazily overhead, or doing whatever else came to them...

Although no one could make promises she couldn't see how she would be anywhere else. They had planned to be with one another somehow. Even if it meant he stole her away in the night. There was no reason unless something happened to one or both of them that they wouldn't be with each other.

The sounds around them were calming. It was nice to feel they were alone even if there was a farmer around here somewhere. Gasping in surprise as she was suddenly moved into the tall wheat crop. With her brown eyes wide, she watched him but didn't resist because she didn't know what to expect now.

As he lowered her to the ground, she felt like a doll being maneuvered where he wanted. She looked up into his beautiful golden eyes and let herself be eased to the ground with him laying above her. Just the two of them would be rather nice, she decided. A smirk on her face. IF he wanted her on the ground he could have simply told her but he had more fun shocking her.

They didn't have to say much to one another, she laid still, allowing calm breaths to fill her chest. Mostly because what he had done was unexpected and had excited her so she didn't want to seem overeager to be laying with him. But then he knew she was always trying to be in control of her world and he came in and disrupted that control.

Axiar certainly had little remorse for upsetting her peaceful world, because even though it had been peaceful, it had been miserable, as far as he could tell. So, any amount of turning things up side down must have been welcome, he supposed. Anyway, that was how it seemed. He knew he'd seen the excitement in her eyes -and she'd long ago stopped resisting him.

Perhaps that is what she wanted though -for someone else to be strong and supporting of her in the life that she chose, instead of having to struggle every day to be strong enough to survive in a world she hated. In a way, he could appreciate that. He too, found excitement in that.

As the two of them lay there, Axerim let his expression relax so that his mouth hinted at a smile while his warm eyes still danced, obviously sharing in her amusement. Here, they could hide and not have to worry about the goings on in the world around them. They could temporarily forget everything else. So, after briefly meeting her eyes, he rested himself on his side next to her, leaning his head into one hand. Lifting his chin to the sky then, his pleasure seemed to be caught on the wind, carrying his gaze to the clouds while he was absorbed in their moment of togetherness, happy just 'being'. He was relaxed in her presence, and quietly thoughtful again, thinking that within the next few days, he would come to her home and leave with her, making her family believe that perhaps she'd simply run away or been abducted. He wondered if perhaps she would leave a note behind, for them to find.

"There are no holdless where we are going. They are respectable people who like to make their own path through life, not being dictated by anyone." The words may have been a hint at their rebel affiliation, but freedom from too much dictation was something that many people could appreciate. Surely Noxaura too, didn't like anyone telling her how to live her life or who she would be loyal to for the rest of it.

"I did not always like it there, but my father was there, and I wanted to be able to look up to him. I wanted him to be a part of my life. So, I decided to follow in his footsteps, thinking that the more i devoted myself to that, the more he would appreciate having a son." He didn't specify just how close a relationship he had with his father, but his words certainly didn't emphasize that he and his father were incredibly close. Still,.. though their relationship wasn't what Axiar necessarily wanted it to be, Axiar could feel close to his father because of their pursuit of the same goals, and the measure of assistance that he gave his father in those things. As long as they worked together, side by side, then Axiar could at least feel somewhat fulfilled in that regard.

Once he moved from being on top of her to his side, she was able to look upward at the sky without obstruction of view. Sometimes words were not necessary although she was used to keeping her thoughts to herself around the simple folk living at the Settlement. The less she said the better around her family of late anyway.

It was almost sad that the person who knew and understood her best was Axiar and he had spent very little time with her. Either that spoke to his nature or the other people around her were not observant. While she looked into the blue sky above her, she felt her breathing become more restful. He would be relaxing as well now. Since no one could see them and they were completely alone, they had no reason to be concerned they would be overheard.

As he spoke of his home she closed her eyes. Nox wasn't sure what to expect from this line of conversation however the more he spoke the more at ease she felt. Axiar seemed to understand now why where he lived would be important to her. That he had his father in his life sounded like it was a good thing. More importantly, she liked the sound of freedom. Having less rules was more her style, unless she was the one making the rules.

"And does he appreciate you as his son?" Nox turned her head to the side and opened her eyes to look at him as if trying to determine the truth of his emotions should he try to hide them.

He would have been thrilled to know how Noxiaura felt about how keenly he'd been able to read into her heart, but however insightful he may have been, Axiar still couldn't actually read minds. A pity, that. He would have teased her mercilessly in his own way, were he able to. Though it wasn't as if he didn't find ways of getting into her mind and picking on her, already. Their jokes though, didn't always seem like jokes. Not the kind that most people may have pulled on one another. Not when Axiar liked to test his and her limitations.

That aside, Axiar let his eyes fall on Noxaura, glad to feel her relax beside him. It was a good sign, he thought, and it made him more readily anticipate the time when he could come to her and take her away from the place she hated most, so that they could make their own home together. He looked forward to that day.

Not expecting the question she turned on him then, though he supposed he walked right into it. So, Axiar gauged her expression for a few moments with solemn sincerity in his gaze before finally speaking up; though he did so wearing a tentative smile, voice tinted with amusement, "I'm sure that is the case when we are working together. I'm quite sure of it."

Though the smile he wore still hid the measure of happiness he felt in light of having a relationship with his father, given the opportunity to work hard to make him proud every day, his feelings couldn't remain completely submerged beneath his usual stoic visage, as his eyes brightened enough to give him away.

"For a long time I didn't know him, so when my mother passed away and I was sent to live with him, I was happy to have the chance to know him and make him proud."

The longer they lay there together with Axiar gazing down at her, and the more confident he became in his decision to abduct her in the night and take her away from this place, the more honest he felt that he should be with her. He simply didn't think that he could take her from her family, even if she was completely willing, without her knowing the truth of the company she'd be in. Whether or not he might be keeping her from conflict that may still break out, here in the north, or whether or not she had romantic thoughts about their running away together now, in the future those romantic thoughts may fade and reality may set in; and he was still afraid that may be a reality she didn't wish for, even if it was with him. So, he spoke her name in sober tones, letting his back lay flat against the ground next to her with one hand back behind his head. The other sought her hand. There, he tried to relax again, letting his eyes drift skyward, but inevitably, he felt a little anxious just then.

"Noxaura. If I'm going to take you with me when I leave here, I have a responsibility to tell you the truth."

A grimace should have plastered itself all over his expression as he was about to break his rule of keeping the 'mystery alive' in their romance. Silently, he cursed at that sense of responsibility instilled in him. They'd been having so much fun; though he supposed telling her this much still left a lot untold.

"My mother left my father when I was very young, because he betrayed Telgar. My father is still a Rebel." Breathing a pause into his words he finished, "That makes me a Rebel, also... Though, it wasn't always that way."

Axiar waited to feel her pull away from him albeit, even if the new information wound up being a revolting revelation, he didn't think she was the kind of girl to scream to draw the attention of anyone nearby enough to take notice. And as he tensely waited for her reply, Axiar was unable to bring himself to look at her again, just yet.

Noxaura was more than likely to be thinking of her own comfort and happiness than to consider what that might mean for Axiar. Actually she had thought more about his feelings than she normally did for people other than herself. If he realized that she had been considering what he thought about their future together as much as she had, then he might be able to use that against her. To be completely honest, she didn't want him to have information like that. No matter how much she trusted him, she never wanted to give him information he could use to gain the upper hand.

His defense of his father's relationship with him made her wonder if it was really as good as he imagined it was. Axiar was no different than she was in his need to have someone who cared. The affection of father to son would be something he desired. She could understand that even if she didn't quite empathize.

Focusing on listening to him for now, she didn't say much. When his hand sought her own, she made sure her fingers entwined with his own. Again, she didn't say anything but let him say what it seemed like he didn't know how to say to her. Nox wasn't the most patient woman in the world either so waiting quietly could be difficult. However, knowing what they were about to start together, she managed to hold her tongue.

If he took her? What was that about? She hid her irritation at his uncertainty. Nox thought they were getting somewhere. And she had never much cared for the truth, not when lies were so much more interesting and less hurtful. She wasn't sure she wanted to know the truth.

When he told her the truth he had dreaded, she turned her head sideways to look at him and laughed. "So you're saying I was right?" And if he was expecting that to scare her off, he had another thing coming. "I don't think you've gotten it through that thick skull of yours." She added, "I want to go with you, no matter what. I don't care if it is dangerous." Actually the thought that it might be was rather exciting. The Rebels were a threat to Telgar right now, so she was pretty sure Axiar was telling her this in order to say he didn't know if it was a good idea for her to go with him. But of course she would go. Even if he didn't take her with him, by the first egg, she was getting out of here.