Seeing Aralore [log]

[Aric Demarais]

[ALEXANDRIA] She was a bit taken aback as Cassandra stopped her and pulled her into an embrace. Her slender arms moved back around her gently and she listened to Cassandra's whispered words. It only made her cry more, but not out of sadness this time. Though she did not know why she cried harder from her words. Perhaps it was the fact that someone understood her, could see how badly she had struggled throughout her life... How she struggled still. And yet, Cassandra was admitting that she looked up to her and assured her that she was strong, despite how incredibly weak she felt right now. Her words were enough to encourage her and remind her of her strength and that despite everything, she was still standing--even if barely. She kissed Cassandra's cheek and whispered back to her, though her voice cracked as she struggled to speak through her tears. "Thank you..." She pulled away just slightly and placed her hand on her cheek to look in her eyes. "You will get through this, too. I believe in you..." She offered a very faint smile, before letting her go and she continued on her way. Until Aric was stopping her now, grabbing hold of her hand. She stopped and looked up at him through blurred and tear-filled eyes, which didn't stop. She shook her head slightly before she spoke, struggling to find her words. If she told him to leave her alone, she'd only be pushing him away. Right? "Cass needs you. You need her. I don't want anymore pity from anyone. I can't. I don't feel sorry for myself...Just so incredibly scared and frustrated... And lost..." She looked away from him and down to the floor. She didn't know what to do anymore.

[ARIC] While she fought to find words, he was busying himself with trying to wipe her tears. He was aware they were not done from falling, but he'd do it regardless. When she finished speaking, her gaze dropping to the floor, that same hand was hooking beneath her chin to draw it back up to him. "We all are...so you aren't alone, no matter what you think," he said gently. Then he was quick to remind her, "We're all lost- I'm lost- so...why can't we just be lost together?" Maybe she really wanted time alone? But he wasn't willing to step away right now in case that was just a mask she was putting on. Aric really didn't know, but he wasn't going to risk it at the moment. Still, he couldn't force her, and she would truly need to tell him to go for him to take another step.

[ALEXANDRIA] He was forcing her gaze back to him, and she struggled at first to look back into his eyes. It wasn't until he was admitting that he was lost, that she found his gaze again and tears began falling again. Why can't we just be lost together? It was a beautiful idea, but he wasn't understanding. She shook her head, her expression changing to that look of concern. "Because... I don't want to pull you into this darkness I become so lost in..." She placed her hand on his cheek and closed her eyes for a brief moment. "I try so hard not to push away... But it's all I know to do... Because I feel like I am a burden... I don't want to be a burden to anyone... But I have been my entire life... And I can't anymore..." She tried to explain, but she most likely wasn't making any sense. At least not to Aric right now. "You don't need to run to me every time I get upset... You have your own issues to deal with... You don't have to deal with mine, too."

[ARIC] Blinking, she was leaving him with less and less to say. It was a constant back and forth, and he was falling short every single time now. He was trying so very hard, but what was he supposed to do? Beg to remain by her side? "I'm already there, Alexandria," he said, standing a bit straighter, his jaw clenching. His voice was low, lacking any stern tone, and was beginning to waver. "What of my issues, then? What if I can't handle them on my own?" She blatantly told him her issues were hers, and his were his own. "You are pushing me away now, and you choose to do it. Because you aren't choosing to do anything but that." Still, his voice hadn't raised a hair. If anything, he sounded more pained and lost than ever before. Nor was he trying to pity her, just trying to tell her how she was making him feel now with this. "I run to you because I care, because I love you, because that is what a husband does or should do." He sighed, completely defeated, and he took a single step away from her. "If you can't let me in, let me share your burdens or share mine...why did you marry me?" It was an honest question, and he managed to ask it in a steady, quiet voice. And he clearly wasn't asking for her to say it was because of Edward or the alliance or anything of that sort. He gave her that ring- one he was currently toying with now as he still held her hand- desperate to hear her answer. Because he, as a man who loved a woman, had asked her. Not a prince. Not an alliance. Just him.

[ALEXANDRIA] He admitted the very thing she had feared. He had already become lost in her darkness. She instantly started crying again, her fingers trembled, even as he held her hand. As he spoke and questioned her, she remained silent and continued to cry, because she knew he was right. She wanted to help him with his issues, but she felt she lacked the strength he needed--especially now with all that had happened.
He was stepping away from her, and she felt her heart drop. It was in that brief moment that she realized what she wanted, what she would be close to losing if she did not stop pushing. He was asking her, then, why she married him and her gaze dropped down to their hands, as he hadn't yet let go of her. She watched as he played with the ring on her finger and then she closed her eyes, trying to gather up her strength and her thoughts to be able to answer him clearly. When she opened her eyes, she saw that desperate look in his eyes, as he wanted to hear her answer--and probably hoping to hear a good reason, aside from their alliance. Had he already forgotten how much she loved him? Or had she just completely made him feel that she did not want him? She started crying again, the realization hitting her hard and it saddened her to no end. But she did not know what answer to give him--afraid that he would not believe her... That her words would not be good enough. And she was struggling, most likely making him feel like she would answer him that it was all for just the alliance. But that was so far from the truth.
She took a deep breath and pulled him back to her, closing that gap. "Because, Aric...." She started. "I love you with everything in my being... I need you, despite me trying to push you away... I want to be your wife. I want to be able to take away all of your issues and make you smile...To keep you out of that darkness you once lived in... Because I know what it's like. And it's that very darkness that convinces me I shouldn't have this in my life... It convinces me to push and not let anyone in, because I don't want to hurt you. I don't want to be the cause of you falling into that darkness again... I don't want you to suffer with what I suffer with. I don't want you to run away, or be disappointed in me when I have no strength left and my past haunts me and I can't even make love to my own husband because of it..." She shook her head and placed both her hands on his face, looking into his eyes. "But I need you, Aric... And I am so sorry for pushing you away... Because you are my soul... And I cannot live without you. Please believe me... I'm so sorry..." She buried her face into his chest and clung tightly to him, not wanting to let go, fearing that she would not be enough... That she did not say enough to convince him. But she did not want to let go of him. She didn't want him to leave her. She didn't want to push him away anymore.

[ARIC] And had she forgotten all he had shared with her? The way he had kept to himself, drinking himself slowly to death because he couldn't live with what he had lost? Aric had shoved everyone out of his life because he simply couldn't handle it. Because he had been weak. He had been selfish. Everyone had their demons. Everyone had their pain. But he firmly believed that if you loved someone- truly loved someone- you'd push through it...especially if they were spiraling back down into their own darkness. And he'd pulled out of it for her. He found his purpose in her. He was standing there now for her, nearly pleading with her not to leave him alone to his demons. A partnership meant trust, a marriage meant fighting all those demons together. How could it be if she wouldn't let him in? He held her when she spoke her pleading contradictions because she was so lost in all of it. When she finally stopped, he was reaching for her face, holding it between both palms so that she was looking at him. "Listen to me. And I mean really listen to me, see me right here in front of you..." Dark eyes bore into those sapphire blues, pleading with whatever he had left within him. "You need to understand that I am right here. That I could have left, but I didn't. I didn't have to give you that ring, but I did. Because I want you, do you hear me?" His tone was becoming heavy, but it was from emotion and not anger; his thumbs trying to dry her face still. "Because I love you, and I need you to believe that. I need you to trust that. I need you to understand that if any of these dark thoughts of yours were true, I would have walked away already. Those thoughts don't matter. What I'm telling you now matters. It's the only thing that matters. Stop listening to the dark, because you will lose me in it...and I can't bear to lose you." That was his own personal hell that he would not be strong enough to survive again. "If you love me as desperately as I love you, then you will fight it and stay here, in the light, with me. You are better than that. You are stronger than that. Stop letting others and your past dictate your life...because this isn't the past, this isn't the future. This is the now, and I need you." If only he could take a sword and physically slay those dark demons of hers... He didn't remove his eyes from hers although they were filling with tears. He didn't let go of her face, wanting to make sure she was truly paying attention and saw the love and hope on his face. He wasn't moving, he wasn't letting her go. He was still right there.

[ALEXANDRIA] She just wanted to cry against him, but he was pulling her face up and forcing her to look at him as he bore into her eyes and began pleading with her to listen to him and see that he was right in front of her. She could see the desperation and emotions in his eyes, and although she tried not to cry, her tears continued to stream down her face as she listened to him. Truly listened to him. And she watched him as he spoke, seeing that seriousness and his devotion to her. That hope he held so desperately to try and pull her out of that darkness and into the light with him. And he was slowly winning with each word he said to her. She curled her fingers, gripping onto his shirt at his chest and she nodded, her own eyes glistening through her tears, but they held nothing but love for him. "I'm right here, Aric... I promise... I'm not going anywhere... I don't want you to go anywhere... I need you, and I love you.... I love you so much... I'm here with you now...Always, I promise..." She spoke through her sobs, holding onto him tightly as if she would lose him if she let go even slightly. And she wasn't ready for that to happen.

[ARIC] There would always be fights. There would always be hopeless moments, always times that one or the other will want to crumble...and that was fine. But right now, he couldn't let her fall deeper away from him or push him away. She mattered so much to him, meant everything to him and he was struggling to get that point across. He had feared his own words wouldn't have been enough. But she was clinging to him, repeating how much she loved him and needed him. The more she said, the closer he was leaning into her; her face still in his hands. Closer still until he decided not to use words and just kissed her instead. It was passionate, it was loving, it was gentle and desperate as he couldn't seem to let her go; pouring all he had into this simple gesture of affection and make her fully understand just how much he wanted to be here, how much he loved her and needed her.

[ALEXANDRIA] A noise of desperation escaped her throat as Aric leaned into her, kissing her with all his passion an love for her. She could feel it, and it made her cling to him tighter, not wanting, not able to let go of him. She returned that kiss with just as much passion and love, hoping he would feel how much she cared for and loved him. How much she needed him. If her words had seemed contradictory or he was having a hard time believing her, then that kiss would prove to him that she meant it, because she poured all of her emotion into it. Her fear, her frustrations, her pain and worry, but also her love and affection, the passion she held for him. She kissed him like her life depended on it, like she needed his lips as much as she needed air in her lungs.

[ARIC] The kiss was not heady or carnal, but it was desperately passionate; more loving than anything else. He just needed her to know his affections for her, how dreadfully sorry he was for every little thing, that he couldn't be without her. He should be telling her this with words, but could bear to part from her in any way right now. His mouth slanted hard against hers, his arms wrapping around her lithe form as though he might crush her if he embraced her any tighter. When he finally managed to gather up the strength to, he broke their kiss just enough for him to rest his forehead against hers; his watery eyes closing as he whispered. "Thank you...for loving me.”

[ALEXANDRIA] He didn't need to tell her with his words, because she felt every bit of it in that kiss. She could feel his love and affection, and she only hoped he could feel the same, because she could not think of the words to say to him to let him know just how much she truly loved him. As he pulled away from the kiss, she reluctantly let his lips part from hers and she looked at him as he leaned his forehead against hers. She noticed his tear-filled eyes before he closed them and thanked her for loving him. Alexandria was silent for a moment, her hand pressing against his cheek, then, brushing her thumb along his face. She whispered back to him, "Thank you for loving me... For not giving up on me.. For being my strength when I needed you to be..." She closed her eyes and pressed another quick kiss to his lips. "Will you take a walk with me? I need some air..." She had been cooped up since their wedding night, afraid to leave. The cool air and a walk would do her some good.

[ARIC] There was a lot he felt like he needed to tell her. To explain that things might feel bleak again, that they will get better, to explain everything... because they were both human. Mistakes happened, but they needed to lean on each other or it wouldn't work. They needed to support each other so one of them didn't fall further into the blackness. But right now, he just held her close, feeling her hand against his face. Aric didn't open his eyes again until she drew back from that second, brief kiss. He simply nodded to her question, a hopeful and relieved look upon his face as he took her hand. Leading her to their room first, he grabbed one of his jackets and a cloak for her before they could be on their way. Clearly, he was more than happy to step out of the castle for a little while. Placing it around her shoulders, he shrugged into the jacket and took her hand once more.

[ALEXANDRIA] She wanted so desperately to leave her past there. To forget it all. To start over and be here completely in the present with Aric. And she would do all she could to do just that. There was much she wanted to say to Aric, but she knew her words would need to be followed by her actions. She went with him to their bedroom and let him place her cloak on her shoulders before she wrapped it tightly around herself and retook his hand. She quietly walked with him down the halls, down the stairs and outside. When the cool air hit her, she took a deep breath and released it, her breath showing as smoke in the air. She smiled softly, squeezing his hand. "Where would you like to walk to?" She honestly didn't care, she just wanted to be out of the castle.

[ARIC] Just one step at a time. He'd like to hope they both understood each other just a little more now, realized what their actions did to the other and where they could both improve. He knew he had been impulsive. Whereas he had been incredibly overwhelmed, he should have tried to remain in that room with her, made her better understand how much her pushing him away was hurting him. But, it was the past now. For now anyway. They couldn't linger on it for too long because it was all too consuming and would surely drag them down again. At her question, he shrugged, not really caring either... but he wound up leading her out and towards the stables, where he would saddle up one of the horses. They could certainly walk, but wondered how long it would take their exhaustion to kick in, so...this was just a silent precaution. Once the mare was saddled, he would help her up into it before slipping up behind her. "How about your favorite place?" Or, at least, it used to be if Orin was correct. They could walk when they got to the cliffs that short distance away.

[ALEXANDRIA] It was all they could do. One day at a time. And Alexandria could handle that much, at least. She knew she was far from perfect and had a lot of faults she needed to work on. Sometimes she did not recognize when she was pushing people away, and she wanted to tell Aric that. That no matter how much she pushed, he couldn't let her. That it was like her second nature, a bad habit she didn't know she was doing. And she hated that. But it was something she would work on. For him.
She followed along with him to the stables, watching as he saddled up the horse. With his help, she climbed up onto the mare and scooted forward to allow him behind her. She smiled and leaned back against him. "My favorite place?" Unaware of the conversation between he and Orin, she wasn't sure what he was getting at. "Do you know what it is?"

[ARIC] "Unless your brother has lied to me-" he began as he situated himself behind her. An arm wrapped around her waist as the other hand took up the reins to steer the animal out of the stables. "I can't recall if he had been drunk by then..." Aric chuckled quietly, still only remembering vague things from that night...which may or may not have been a good thing. "But, he told me the cliffs. Which is why, I assume, you had the ceremony there, too." Perhaps he should have been cheeky and pretended to just magically know this, but... it's been a trying couple of days.

[ALEXANDRIA] Her brother. She wasn't exactly too happy with him at the moment. Even though he was right, it still hurt to hear it. She laughed though at Aric's words and finally nodded. "Yes, I suppose they are. Even more so now." She smiled, though he would not be able to see her. "What is your favorite place here?" She asked curiously, though she wasn't sure how much exploring Aric had done since coming to Aralore. Though he had been helping with rebuilding, so she was sure he had seen enough of the lands.

[ARIC] He hoped she and Orin would talk about what happened and what was said, but he wasn't going to suggest it. That was a problem she needed to work out with her brother...like the last time he blew up at her. That man certainly had a temper, but unfortunately, had mostly been right this time about a lot of things. About all of them. "Mine?" he echoed, trying to think about it as he led the horse in a casual pace towards the cliffs. Sure, he had been helping to rebuild, but he honestly couldn't think of anything. Not yet, anyway. "I... really don't know," he answered truthfully. "I haven't really seen all there is of Aralore yet, I suppose." Then he smirked, although she wouldn't be able to see, but she'd hear it in his voice. "Would it be too easy and sappy to just day wherever you are?" Har, har. Good one.

[ALEXANDRIA] She grinned at his extremely sappy remark and then laughed, lightly nudging her elbow into his rib. "Yes...extremely sappy." She reached a hand back to grab the back of his neck and turned her head enough to find his lips to kiss him. "But I don't mind." She smiled softly before letting him go and turning back around. "I'm afraid I haven't been a great queen to you then. I should have given you the royal tour." She laughed and shrugged her shoulders. "Why don't we ride around and I will show you all the greatest places?"

[ARIC] There was a wider smile on his face as she laughed and nudged him, and it remained after she kissed him. His words, as lame as they may have been, were true. She was Aralore to him. She was all he bothered to fully pay attention to, so he had an excuse for not having a favorite place yet. "We've been a little bit busy," he added casually. When she mentioned riding around, though, he was slipping the reins into her hands. "Lead the way, my lady." Aric was quite content sitting there, holding her against him, allowing his mind to fill with thoughts other than the ones that had been plaguing him before. If it took all night of wandering around to fully clear his head, so be it. As long as she was there with him.

[ALEXANDRIA] They had been just a little bit busy, and despite everything they still needed to worry about, it did feel nice to take a moment to get away and have some peace with one another. They deserved it, didn't they? Aric was handing her the reins, and she smiled, taking them into her hands. For a moment, she thought about where she should take him first. The gardens, perhaps. Although, most of the flowers were probably dead or dying because of the cooler temperatures. But still, the grounds were nice. So she led the horse in that direction. She was silent as they rode, until they arrived shortly and she slowed the horse down just before they came to an archway made of brick and iron gates. "These are the gardens... Though it is much nicer in the warmer seasons." She smiled and waited for him to dismount first, before she would. The horse would be left behind so they could take a stroll through the grounds there, and she could show him a few of her favorite spots.

[ARIC] They definitely deserved it. They deserved to celebrate their wedding, but after everything, he feared that may never happen. What if the day altogether was a complete wash? What if they could never even happily celebrate an anniversary? As they rode in silent, Aric found himself smiling softly despite it all...because he wondered about an anniversary, any anniversary. The first one, or a ten year...it didn't matter. It was just another reminder that he was staying where he was, with her, until he drew his last breath. Leaning his face down, he planted a simple kiss to her shoulder just because, even if a part of him wanted her neck. His mind didn't drift too deep into carnal things, because...well, reasons. Instead, he happily hugged her close as she led them to the gardens which he tried to envision seeming more alive and green when the cold wasn't consuming everything. "I'm sure," he commented softly. As the horse drew to a stop, he slipped out of the saddle before helping her down.

[ALEXANDRIA] With Aric's help, she slid off the horse and went to tie her to a nearby tree, before she was taking his hand and leading him through the iron gate. There was a long path that went through what would be bushes of flowers, but now were just plain bushes, some with just branches now. She intertwined her fingers with his and with her free hand, she grabbed hold of his arm, hugging it closely against her body. She would need to take him here again once the spring came and everything started to bloom again. It was a lot more breathtaking than it appeared now, but regardless, she continued to lead him down the path until they came across a small bridge that crossed over a pond. She turned to him and grinned softly. "Many people come here to make wishes... They toss a coin into the water and wish on it.... And supposedly, some day, it will come true." She leaned against the railing of the bridge and looked down into the water. It was dark, but she imagined all of the coins that could be seen at the bottom, and wondered if any of the wishes had come true.

[ARIC] He could imagine the gardens in all their glory, almost wishing now he had seen them before everything begun to die for the season. But, he'd been a different person when he first arrived in Aralore; such a different person that he almost didn't want to remember it. Then again, it was a good thing to realize he had changed, matured even, all because of a love of a woman. She helped him find himself again, and he could only hope that he could further help her in that regard. When they came to the bridge, his arm wrapped around her back as she leaned there, and he'd look down into the dark waters as well. "Wishes?" he asked, a little surprised. That seemed like a strange custom, but interesting nonetheless. He smirked lightly. "What have you wished for?" She must have made a wish or two before...or was it against the rules to ask about it?

[ALEXANDRIA] She was a different person, too. He had given her hope again and a reason to continue to fight. Though she used to only fight for her people, now she fought to stay strong for him. She wanted to make him happy and to be a good wife, and she only hoped she would never disappoint him.
Honestly, she had been unsure how this custom had started here, but it had and all of Aralore's citizens knew of it. A nod was given in response to Aric, but then he was asking her what she had wished for. For a moment, she pondered his question and was silent. A smile spread along her lips and she shook her head. "You're not supposed to tell what you've wished for... Unless it has come true. If you tell before it does, then it never will..." She explained to him. "But one of mine has..." She slowly turned to face him and she placed a hand on his cheek and looked into his eyes with love and appreciation. "Now it's my turn to be sappy..." She grinned and laughed before she continued. "I wished that I could be happy again... That I would find someone who would help me, convince me that I need to let go of all my control...and trust...Because I couldn't keep doing this on my own...As much as I wanted to believe that I could..." She brushed her thumb against his face and sighed softly, wondering if he would believe her. "The day after I wished for this... Was when you arrived in Aralore..."

[ARIC] He knew it, but he had asked the question anyway...just in case she would tell him because he was rather curious. Aric wondered what others must have wished for, and if they truly believed their desires would ever come true. He was a man that didn't believe in superstition or any "hocus pocus", but he loved that she seemed to. At least with this. It simply made him wonder more of what he could have possibly been closing himself off to. Chuckling lowly, he didn't pressure her to answer...but then she was anyway. Tired eyes watched her as she turned to face him, a smile slowly softening his features. Perhaps her reply was sappy, but he didn't mind it at all. It was ridiculously sweet. Yet, when she sighed, saying what she did after, he looked at her in a bit of question. No, maybe he didn't believe her, but again...he didn't even believe in any of this. His hands rested upon the railing on both sides of her as he leaned down, studying her face as if expecting her to laugh for making a joke. "No you didn't..." he said lightly, teasing softly. Yet there was that hint of curiosity in his tone, as if a very small part of him wondered…

[ALEXANDRIA] Her sapphire eyes looked up at him as he doubted her, and she grinned slightly, taking hold of his chin between her thumb and pointer finger before she leaned up to kiss his lips quickly. "I did." She answered him, nodding. Perhaps it had just been a coincidence, but it felt more than just that. Especially now. "You don't believe me?" She grinned. "Maybe you should try it. Wish for something and see if it comes true." She laughed softly, kissing him again. It did sound silly and childish, but it gave people hope, whether it was real or not. Alexandria believed in fate, and she did so more since he was right there in front of her, and had given her exactly what she needed and wanted.

[ARIC] He really had no right to judge, and he really wasn't. It was honestly a charming custom, and her words did warm him. Even if he didn't believe it, it made him feel good that she possibly did. Dark eyes were watching her, happy to see her face light up even a little bit, kissing her gently back when her lips touched his. "There's nothing left to wish for..." he said quietly, the insinuation in his tone that he already had everything he could possibly want. Except maybe some of his sanity back...but that little thing didn't matter right now. His eyes dropped to her mouth then, contemplating things, speaking what might come across as odd, "May I kiss you?" Although they had just been sharing some brief kisses here and there, he was inquiring about a real, deep kiss. One that wasn't after a fight. He was asking because he did not want to push her too far or frighten her...but even after crying perhaps all of today, she was still captivating him there on that bridge. His wife. His love. The only sanity he really needed.

[ALEXANDRIA] Well, it would seem like tonight was an evening for sappiness because Aric was doing it again, admitting that he had nothing left to wish for. She grinned, letting a small laugh come from her throat, as she shook her head at him. Still, his words made her heart flutter and she looked to him with admiration.
Then he was asking her if he could kiss her. Which seemed strange at first, because they have already kissed many times since her near assassination. But she could see in his eyes that he was being careful with her now, because of Edward. He didn't just mean a small kiss. Her own eyes dropped to his mouth then and her fingers lifted to play with the collar of his jacket as eyes shifted downward in thought. They had taken a step backwards because of what Edward had done, and Aric was having to pay for it. She didn't want this to affect them, even though she knew it might. But she would fight through it for him. Sapphire eyes moved back to his and she lifted her hand to press her finger against his lips. Her voice was soft and gentle, "You, my husband, never need to ask to kiss me.." Her finger brushed along his lips before her hand moved to his cheek. Why was her heart suddenly beating so quickly in her chest now?

[ARIC] Husband or not, he knew how much this would set them back with a lot of things. He wished that weren't so, but he wasn't an inconsiderate fool. What she dealt with, what she nearly dealt with again could not simply be brushed under the rug, even if he would silently suffer for it. Still, a kiss was gentler...although it could sometimes share and express far more emotion than words even could. It's all he wanted right now, and to prove that everything would be okay. As she spoke, her finger trailing across his mouth, he gently kissed it before her hand moved to his cheek. She said he never needed permission, and maybe that was true, but he never wanted to see that horror in her eyes again. He wanted to see that love and devotion that mirrored his own. One of his arms would slowly snake around her waist as his other hand filtered into the dark hair at the nape of her neck to hold her against him, securing her in his warmth. A smile had curled his mouth as he gazed down at her with those heavy-lidded eyes, ever so slowly leaning in closer. When his lips finally found hers, it was in a deep but loving kiss, still somehow soft as he poured every ounce of love he had for her into it; never letting his hands wander as they simply clung to her as if he'd never let her go.

[ALEXANDRIA] She knew Aric was walking on eggshells around her, and she felt badly about it, even though he was not complaining. He had shown that he respected her and wouldn't hurt her in the way she had been in her past, and she clung to that thought if only to prevent herself from slipping into those dark memories.
Aric pulled her against him and enveloped her in his warmth, her hands rested against his chest, wanting to feel his heart beating as they kissed. Hers was beating wildly in her own chest as he was leaning towards her, finally pressing his lips to hers. One of her hands moved to press behind his neck, holding him against her, not wanting to let go. Her other hand remained on his chest, her fingers finally curling to clutch tightly to the fabric that covered him. She kissed him deeply and poured all of her love for him into it, wanting him to know that everything would be okay. If not in their life around them, then it would be alright at least between them, together as husband and wife. She was his and he was hers. For as long as they lived. And they would get through anything together.

[ARIC] She was his and he was hers, from now until the end of their days. He just knew it, he could feel it, and it was why these setbacks didn't send him away. There might be times where he would, in fact, need to take a step back...but that didn't mean anything except him needing a moment to breathe. Because he always knew he would go back to her, never leave her in that emotional sense. He couldn't. He was happily and thoroughly invested in her and didn't want to be anywhere else. Aric smiled slightly against her mouth, his heart beginning to feel completely whole again, his life not crumbling to pieces. Cracks would remain, but he would not collapse. Not while she remained by his side, refusing to let him fall. He just prayed he'd be able to do the same for her. That kiss never wavered because he wanted to take however long it would to savor her lips, to prove that he would okay, that she would be okay, that they would get through this. Even with the threat of Saelis looming over them, he didn't think about it. It was just this, here and now until he managed to pull away, slightly breathless. His forehead leaned against hers, and his mouth twisted into a grin. "Maybe this is my favorite spot," he mused.

[ALEXANDRIA] Those cracks would always remain in both of them. But over time they would both become the glue holding those cracks together in place. Aric had already started to piece those cracks together for her, even if just a little bit, it meant the world to her. He had been the one to pull her out of her fears, to make her feel completely safe in a man's arms. Despite the setbacks, she still trusted and put all of her faith into him. He would just need to continue to assure her that it was him with her and that she was safe. It would be enough to keep her from slipping away from him. His kiss made her forget everything in that moment. None of the past mattered, none of the future worries mattered. It was just the two of them in the present. Alexandria felt at peace and did not want to face reality anytime soon. So when Aric was pulling away, she didn't let him at first, just wanting one more second with his lips before she'd let him pull back. Her sapphire eyes opened to look at him as she worked to catch her breath as he spoke, admitting this was his favorite place. She laughed and grinned widely, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I doubt it will be..." her tone insinuating that she had a different idea of what his favorite place would be.

[ARIC] One day at a time. They just had to keep saying that, believing that. They were royalty- the crowns that sat upon their brows indicated how easy their lives just wouldn't and couldn't be. It was the way of the world and the responsibility they took upon themselves. But, at least she wasn't alone in it anymore. He'd be sure to remind her of that as much as he possibly could. At her words, making it sound like there was somewhere else that she thought he might like, dark eyes narrowed playfully as arms casually and comfortably wrapped around her waist. "You doubt it?" he said in mock confusion. "And what makes you say that?" Sure, they hadn't seen any other places yet, but sue him. He was liking this spot quite a lot right now, and he wasn't even looking around him.

[ALEXANDRIA] She laughed at his response to her doubt and she shook her head, leaning in to press a kiss against his cheek before whispering into his ear, "because you will probably say that about every place I take you to." She grinned and laughed again, playfully rolling her eyes, "because I'll be with you in all of them..." She referred back to his sappy words earlier of his favorite place being anywhere with her. Slowly, and reluctantly she moved out of his arms and reached for his hand, pulling him along with her. "Come on." She quietly led him back down the path and back to where their horse was.

[ARIC] Alright, she caught him. For the briefest of moments, he looked surprised, but he was shaking his head as if arguing it. "Pfft," he spat in jest. "You don't know that..." If he really wanted to lie, he could have made a better effort...but there was no point. And that wide grin on his face gave him away even further. It was the truth. Right now, she was the only thing that mattered in all of Aralore. Everything he did was for her, as sappy as that was. She created a sappy, princely monster. He followed beside her as they made their way back to the horse and he pondered, "Why are the cliffs your favorite place?"

[ALEXANDRIA] A sappy, princely monster, indeed. Although, she was turning into quite a sappy queen, too, and it was his fault. He had given her hope and love again, and it made her heart feel full. She had laughed at Aric's attempt to try and deny that she was right. Didn't he know the rule of being a husband? The wife was always right.
A small grin formed on her lips at Aric's question, "Hmm..." She pondered her answer, because she wasn't sure if she could explain in words and give it the justice it deserved. "I suppose I would have to show you why... But I am wondering if I should save there for last." She tapped her finger on her lips in a pensive gesture, trying to decide where she should take him next. "Have you been into the village? The little tavern? You've seen plenty of the port, of course... So we can skip those if you have. Where else? There was also the forest, which was currently in some ruin, along with a beautiful small lake in the center. But that may need to be another trip, as it was nighttime and they would not be able to see much in the forest.

[ARIC] He would have laughed at her thoughts if she shared them openly, bit probably wouldn't have argued. Aric maybe wasn't the type to have a favorite place, because he never really did. His life almost hadn't allowed it, ever. If he wasn't busy with royal duties, he had been lost and distraught over Maria. Things now, however, might turn out to be just a little bit different, and he was enjoying this simple time with Alexandria. Taking the time away from the castle and the drama there. "I've seen some of the village, but not a whole lot. It would mostly just to help rebuild." And he hadn't lingered long because her brother had made that rather difficult. Wow, how the times have already changed. He was just drinking with the man and having a good time not that long ago. When they got back to the horse, he would help her back into the saddle before climbing up behind her once more. The nights were definitely beginning to get colder, so it could only mean Winter was fast approaching.

[ALEXANDRIA] She nodded in understanding to Aric. It saddened her a bit that Aric hadn't really gotten much of a chance to see the island. But, she didn't blame him--if the roles had been reversed, she most likely would not have explored Tresteria alone and probably would have remained in the castle. In all honesty, she was rarely able to get out of the castle now as it was. So she would enjoy this time out with Aric for as long as they were able to.
With his help, she mounted back onto the horse and once he was on behind her, she headed towards the village. The market would probably not be opened at this time, but she imagined there would be things happening in the street or at the tavern. Even if nothing was going on, he'd still be able to see some of the sights. She laughed softly. "If you are feeling daring, we can pose as commoners and hang out in the Tavern for a while." Occasionally, she liked to do this, just to see how her people were and to blend in and be amongst them.

[ARIC] The thought of being out here without armed guards had wandered into his mind briefly...but he liked to think that Saelis wasn't such a big threat yet. No, he was praying it wasn't. They still needed time to prepare, he had to bring his brother's body back to Tresteria and bury him, help Eleesa with whatever she may need... All of these thoughts were halted when she spoke, immediately making him forget all of these concerns, even for a few. None of it could be dealt with right now, so there was no point in worrying about it until the morning. His brows lifted in slight surprise as he turned to regard her profile. "It sounds like you've done this before, my lady..." The idea amused him. "But how to you expect to blend in?" His jacket was perhaps a bit too fine, though he supposed he could get rid of it for the time being.

[ALEXANDRIA] Perhaps it was a bit dangerous not having guards around them, especially with the thread of Saelis. But she often forgot to bring them along with her sometimes-- because she had not grown up with this sort of treatment. She was a commoner that did not know of her lineage until she was nineteen years old. As she thought about it, she couldn't remember if she had told Aric about any of this (aside from her time of abuse).
She laughed at Aric's accusation and shook her head. "Who, me? What would ever give you that idea?" She was sure he knew by now that she was not an ordinary, proper queen. Often, she wondered what kind of person she would have turned out to be if she had grown up in the castle and with her real parents.
"Hmm.. I suppose you are right.." The cloak she wore was not something a commoner would wear, or even the dress underneath it. She hadn't come prepared for this kind of journey, maybe another day. "Or we just intimidate everyone as they discover they are amongst royalty." Her last comment was heavily laced with sarcasm and a mockful superior tone. She could hardly intimidate anyone.

[ARIC] He really didn't know much of her past...except for the bad things. Well, she had mentioned how Orin and his parents had looked after her until she could claim her place as queen. But that was all he knew, and he was suddenly kind of curious about it. A part of him was about to ask but figured it was possibly a sore spot...considering her brother had hurt her only a few hours ago. He chuckled as they rode along, and he comfortably wrapped his arms around her while she led the horse again. "Intimidate?" Aric tried to sound surprise...and maybe he kind of was. "Who are you and what have you done with my wife?" he joked. Leaning in, he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I'll go wherever you wish."

[ALEXANDRIA] Another laugh escaped her as he joked about her being intimidating. "Hey... I can be intimidating when I need to be. I think?" She grinned as he kissed her cheek and then shrugged her shoulders. "Let's skip that fun for another night. I would rather just be alone with you in this peaceful quietness." She didn't think Aric would mind that, either, given how the last couple of days had gone. So she changed the direction of the horse slightly, as she now had a different idea in mind. They rode quietly until she reached an area of the cliffs, but she traveled along them, eventually going downhill and the green grass eventually transitioned into a sandy beach. She stopped the horse and smiled. "We can walk the rest of the way." She twisted her body slightly to look at him, urging him to get down so she could, too.

[ARIC] Going to the tavern in disguise did sound like fun...but certainly for another night. When they could, for one, dress appropriately, and secondly, when they weren't so exhausted. Right now, simply riding around with her and talking was good enough for him. And she seemed to agree. As they reached the cliffs, the sounds of the horse's hoofs were almost inaudible upon the sand. She stopped them, turning to indicate for him to get down, which he would gladly do; once again helping her down as well. But as her feet touched the ground, he was still holding onto her. "Isn't it a bit cold for the beach?" he mused softly. Guess he'll just have to keep her close.

[ALEXANDRIA] She slid down off the horse with Aric's help, but he wouldn't let her go. She grinned, looking up at him as he questioned about her choice in location. "Are you cold, your majesty?" Her tone a mockful concern, as if telling him to suck it up, and that it wouldn't be too bad. "Don't worry, I will keep you warm." She stood on her toes so she could reach him to place a soft kiss to his lips. The reins were handed over to him so he could tie the horse up, or lead her with them, if he wanted to. But eventually, the horse would not be able to follow along with them, with where Alexandria would take him.

[ARIC] "Tresteria tends to have a slightly warmer climate," he admitted with a light laugh. There were winters there, of course, but he couldn't help but feel like Aralore was just a bit colder. Maybe because it had more beaches than his homeland. He tied the horse off instead of taking her along before drawing Alexandria against his side as they walked. The prince could have made a comment in regards to her keeping him warm...but they weren't mentally there yet. It would have been in poor taste even if he wasn't truly thinking any lascivious thoughts right now.

[ALEXANDRIA] "Do you get snow there?" She turned her gaze to him as they walked onto the sand. They had never really spoke of Tresteria with one another, and Alexandria regretfully did not know much about the land her husband was from, other than the obvious things. She decided then, that she would start asking him about it more, about his past more. They had not known each other for very long, but they had the rest of their lives to get to know each other now. She wrapped her arm around his waist as he held her close against her side while they walked, and she led him closer towards the shoreline. When they got closer to the water, Alexandria was pulling away from him, with a grin on her face, walking backwards so she could keep an eye on him. "Take your shoes off." She gave him instructions as she was working on pulling her own shoes off, allowing her bare feet to touch the cold sand.

[ARIC] "Yes, sometimes," he replied, only needing a moment to think about it. "I couldn't remember the last time it really snowed, though." Sometimes their winters were mild, so he was sure that he would need to get used to the colder weather here. And Cassandra? She probably never would if she stuck around, and would complain about it even more. Catching sight of the shoreline, idly watching the crashing waves...the last thing he expected was for her to be slipping out of her shoes. He laughed, almost disbelieving her request. "That is how you catch a cold." But she was already doing it, slipping away from him. A shake of his head, wondering if she had simply gone mad, he laughed before reluctantly doing as she requested. Yes, the sand was very cold and he wished they had done this when the sun was out.

[ALEXANDRIA] She quickly scooped her shoes up into one of her hands before she ran to him and took his hand, pulling him with her as she moved towards the water, but didn't dare go near it. If the sand was this cold, she could only imagine what the water felt like right now. She led him to where there appeared to be a long rock wall that went out into the ocean , but stuck out higher than the water level. It was easier to walk along the rocks barefoot than it was with shoes. So she tossed her shoes along the edge of the rock wall and carefully climbed up onto the rocks, pulling him with her. "Be careful." She warned. Maybe it should be him warning her to be careful, but she had done this hundreds of times already. She'd not let go of his hand though as she balanced on the rocks, waiting for him to step up and walk out with her. She led him carefully, showing him which rocks to step on so he'd have solid foundation for his feet, and she did not stop until they were at the very end of the wall.

[ARIC] He didn't know what had gotten into her, but it was good. It was better to see her this way than anything else. A part of him didn't want to go back to the castle and see this side of her wither away, even if the sand and water were cold . He chuckled as she led him to the rocks and warned him, "Right. Navigating rocks in the middle of the night should be a breeze..." But he'd take his time and follow her steps as they made their way to the end, holding tight to her hand the entire time.

[ALEXANDRIA] Perhaps it was that when she was outside of the castle, without the responsibilities weighing down on her shoulders, she felt free and at peace. It could have also been her love for Aralore and all of the beauty it possessed. She did not often get a chance to come out and enjoy this often.
She laughed at his comment, "if I can do it in a dress, you will be fine." It wasn't completely dark, anyway. The bright moon was lighting the rocks just fine. At the end of the rock wall, she stopped and turned to look at him. They were surrounded by nothing but the ocean, the waves crashing below them into the wall. She pulled him closer, as if trying to steal his warmth. "I used to come out here and sit when my thoughts were too loud... the sound of the waves would drown them out and I'd feel like I could clear my head and feel refreshed after." She laughed slightly, knowing Aric was most likely thinking she was a little crazy right now, (but he married her, so...) and maybe she was, but with all she had endured, and still did, she needed some things, no matter how silly they were, to try and keep some of her sanity.

[ARIC] No, he'd not think her mad. Well, maybe for navigating the damp rocks in the middle of the night, but that was the extent of it. Everyone needed their getaway, a place to clear their mind of all its burdens, even if it's for a short time. As they stood upon the wall and she was leaning into him, his arms wrapped around her tightly as he cast his eyes out to the moonlight ocean and its tumultuous waves. He was trying to remember if he had ever had a place such as this, a place he liked to go...and it had been so long since he bothered not to simply drown his thoughts in alcohol that he couldn't recall anything. But right now, her place seemed as good as any. "You should still come out here...no matter how busy things get." Resting his chin gently atop her head, his voice reverberated deeply within his chest, "I love the ocean." A light pause, she'd feel him shrugging in quiet laughter. "Maybe a little less since the wreck...but I always have. I often wondered if I wasn't tied down by my title, if I would have jumped on a random ship and never returned..." Not that he was wishing for that now, but for a young boy who knew he would most likely never be king, what was the point with sticking around?

[ALEXANDRIA] She rested her head against his chest as he held her against him. Her favorite place was quickly becoming in his arms, enveloped in his warmth. "I know," she nearly whispered. It had been some time since she had come out here to clear her mind, and perhaps why she had grown so completely stressed. As Aric spoke again, she smiled softly, loving the sound of his voice. "I've had those same thoughts many times," she admitted, laughing slightly. "These people could live without their queen, could they not?" She shrugged her shoulders lightly.

[ARIC] If one did not try to lessen their burdens, they would crumble. It was the reason why she had to stop trying to handle everything herself, not while she had people around her to help, who were willing to help. His arms around her tightened a little more, and he leaned to press a kiss to the top of her head; words almost muffled into her hair. "A kingdom always needs a leader," he said, sounding almost defeated, as though he wished that weren't true. Everyone was born with a purpose to fulfill. Hers was Aralore

[ALEXANDRIA] "I know..." She sighed with that same defeated tone Aric had spoken in. "I did not grow up with all of this...Maybe why I struggle so much with it all..." she admitted. "I often wonder what my life would be like if I never found out about my lineage and where I was from. Where I was supposed to be..." She laughed, shaking her head. "We probably would have never met unless you jumped onto a ship to escape your life, and found me, a poor little commoner who may have become a healer..." She hugged him tightly. "Or perhaps you'd shipwreck to me and I would have nursed you back to health." She grinned and took his hand into her own, squeezing it gently. "I love you..." As the words escaped her lips, they held such a dire need for him to know that she truly did and she'd not change a thing if it would mean they'd never meet.

[ARIC] He chuckled lowly as she reminisced, wondering how things could have been so different...or perhaps, in ways, still be the same. "Well, I wonder where Aralore would be if you hadn't." Would there have been someone else to step up and take her place? Would Saelis have completely taken control? Holding back a sigh, his arms did not lessen the embrace he had around her. But he was grinning again, especially after she uttered those three words. He loosened his arms just enough to rest his head against hers in that usual fashion, shutting his eyes. "I am a man that doesn't believe in much...but I think I believe in fate. That things happen for a reason." He moved to kiss her forehead, murmuring the rest of his words against her skin. "If I had gotten on that ship, if you hadn't taken your crown...I'd like to still believe that fate would have brought me to you even still." Every good thing, every horrible thing he had to endure brought him to this moment. He often questioned God how he could have made him suffer so, wishing for his own life to just end...but, perhaps, this was the Lord's way of telling him he was worth it, that there was always a light at the end of the dark tunnel.

[ALEXANDRIA] She did not know what the outcome of Aralore would have been if she hadn't returned. When she did, the land had been in ruins and unbeknownst to her the intentions of Saelis, they helped her rebuild. Only for them to destroy again. She sighed at the thought, but said nothing of it. Alexandria had been through so much. Too much, really, and she wasn't sure how much more she'd be able to handle in her life. She was struggling to push those dark thoughts from her mind when Aric leaned his forehead against hers and spoke to her with that voice she loved so much. Her heart fluttered in her chest and she grinned softly, all of the troubling thoughts she had come to mind were quick to dissipate. She pulled away from him slightly, just so she could look into his eyes. He was such a sap, but she loved every second of it. Her gaze fell to his lips, then, and she grinned widely, whispering to him, "may I kiss you?"

[ARIC] He was being rather ridiculous, wasn't he? Maybe it was lack of proper sleep that was messing with his brain...but his sappiness seemed to amuse her, and that was all that truly mattered right now. He wanted her to remember these silly moments whenever she felt the darkness creep back in. When she asked that question, however, he looked to her as if he was contemplating on how to answer. Even those dark eyes narrowed playfully, "Hm...I'm not so sure..." As if that answer could ever be serious or close to the truth. His mouth curled into a faint grin as he leaned his face down closer to hers, but he did nothing more. She had asked, after all.

[ALEXANDRIA] She gasped in mockful offense and nudged his shoulder. But her laugh would give her away as she grinned and wrapped her arms around his neck. He did not give her an answer but he was leaning down to allow her to kiss him. "Hmmm... I'm not so sure I want to anymore..." She joked back at him, laughing. But before he could react to her joke, she was pulling him down, fingers curling into his hair as she pressed her lips against his in a deep, passionate kiss. She truly believed in fate, as well, and she agreed with Aric--if they had not lived this life, they would have found one another (one way or another) in a different life. She sighed out her nose, into that kiss as she poured all of her passion and love for him into it. It was starting to get colder and the ocean breeze whipped around them, the waves growing stronger and louder, surrounding them. But she only felt his warmth and love as she stayed in his arms and allowed that kiss to linger.

[ARIC] Another chuckle when she nudged him, he just wanted to keep her laughing and smiling. Because it was starting to get rather cold and that meant that would have to start heading back to the castle soon, lest they catch a cold. It definitely wasn't the season to be hanging around the ocean with no shoes on. But he'd endure it for however long she wanted. When she eventually kissed him, another soft laugh was muffled against her mouth before he was returning it with just as much passion; that arm snaking around her back and the other filtered into that dark hair at the nape of her neck. Even as the wind threatened to chill them to the bone, he held her tightly against his chest to hear nothing but her breath and the crashing of the waves.

[ALEXANDRIA] She could kiss him for hours if time truly would permit it. But as the air grew colder, she started to shudder in his arms. Hesitantly, she broke the kiss. "We should probably go back to land... To the last place I want to take you...I promise it will be warmer. And then we can go back inside." She grinned and stepped back, taking hold of his hand before she carefully led him and walked along the rocks again to head back to the sandy beach, their shoes and to their horse. She put her shoes back on before grabbing onto the reins but did not mount the horse, instead, she walked alongside the horse and Aric, leading him back up the hill and onto the cliffs. "Tell me something I don't already know about you?" She looked up at him, curiously, but continued walking, not wanting to delay and remain out in the cold longer than they would need to--despite walking instead of riding the horse, but that was besides the point. When they came to the cliffs, Alexandria tied the horse back to a nearby tree before taking hold of Aric's hand and pulling him with her, to what looked like the edge of the cliffs. It wasn't until then that she stopped and looked at him with a small devious grin on her lips. What was the queen up to?

[ARIC] Warm sounded good, because he was beginning to feel the cold in his fingers now, so he gripped her hand tightly as they navigated the slippery rocks and began to make their way back to the beach. Slipping back into his boots, he was taking her hand once more as it appeared as though they were going to walk the rest on foot. At her question, he had to really think about an answer. There wasn't anything of much interest as of late, not before Aralore. Nothing that he would want to share because it was either miserable or depressing, or included his late wife. "I used to like astrology," he finally said, shrugging a shoulder. "I mean, I probably still would if I took the time to read again." The stars were always a fascinating thing to him, and probably why he would sail the seas if given the chance. It was how the sailors navigated. As they came to the cliff's edge, he noted her devious grin and looked at her with narrowed eyes. "What?"

[ALEXANDRIA] "Astrology?" She smiled softly and looked at him curiously, trying to imagine him staring up at the sky all night. "What did...do you enjoy about astrology?" She was interested now, because it was something new to learn about him. "I'm sure we have some books in the library you could look at." She smirked. "The place that is meant for books.... Not just..." ahem. She trailed off, insinuating at their wedding night when they had been alone together. There was a slight blush on her cheeks and she quickly turned away from him, glancing over the edge of the cliffs. When she looked back at him, she extended her hand out to him. "Do you trust me?" That smirk remained on her lips, as if she were about to do something daring and she was pulling him along with her into whatever it was.

[ARIC] "It was, well...when I had thoughts of that ship," he answered with another light shrug. "You can navigate by the stars, the moon...and the legends that surround them always interested me." With the mention of the library, however, his expression immediately changed. Oh, he knew exactly what she was insinuating, and it suddenly took all of his strength not to reach out for her and make matters worse for him. His grin was sly, though...until she was asking him something while standing a little too close to the edge of that cliff. "Um...what?" Well, there went that mood, and he wasn't sure whether to be worried or not. It was probably foolish of him, but he dared to take that hand of hers. "I love you, but...I'm not so sure I trust you right now..." He was only half joking.

[ALEXANDRIA] The new bit of insight he had just given to her about him, made her feel happy-- It gave her ideas for later on. Ones she would surprise him with, of course. But she loved this--learning about him, and she silently vowed she would try to get more out of him as much as she could. When he took her hand and admitted he wasn't sure he should trust her, she laughed softly. "If you love me, then maybe you should..." She slowly and carefully pulled him closer to the edge of the cliff and she took a step down, to what looked like it would be off the cliff, but it was a hidden step that was carved into the side of the cliff. She directed Aric's footing to help him find the stairs and she led him down them until they were stepping into a cave-like ledge on the side of the cliff. There was a torch on the wall, because this was actually one of the look-out stations for the island. The guard manning the area must have stepped out for whatever reason. But she guessed he would be returning at some point. She took an unlit torch and placed it into the already burning one, before reaching for Aric's hand again. Silently, she led him further into the cave, the flame lighting their way. "This was built when we first came here... We thought it would be a good hideout, not only to watch the shorelines, but in case..." She was silent as she continued down the path and came out to another opening. There was a waterfall that blocked half of the opening, and the other half allowed the view of the ocean as far as the horizon could be seen. The stars were bright in the sky, thousands of them. And it was warm inside the cave. She set the torch up onto the wall, which made the waterfall shimmer softly. "This... is why I love the cliffs." She moved to sit on the ground, pulling Aric down with her, so he could see the view she so much enjoyed to escape to every so often.

[ARIC] He should have known she wasn't about to just...jump off the cliff, but he had still hesitated, laughing lowly, unsurely. Then she was stepping off, bringing him with her, and he came to realize that there were steps. Aric actually huffed out a thankful sigh, carefully following behind her. There were caves below, a winding tunnel...and his mind was certainly thinking about Saelis very briefly but he dare not voice it. It was a good place to hide, certainly. He heard the running water before seeing the falls, and he was instantly forgetting about the dangers that were looming over their heads. And then the stars. He was still staring out the cave opening as she was pulling him down beside her; an almost child-like wonder painting his face. "I...can certainly see why," he commented. "It's beautiful here."

[ALEXANDRIA] The expression on Aric's face as he took in the sight of that cave opening, beyond the waterfall, caused her to smile genuinely, happy to have been able to share this with him and see that awestruck expression, made this whole night worth it to her. As he sat next to her, she bent her knees up towards her chest and wrapped her arms around them, still holding his hand, however. She leaned her head on his shoulder and smiled. "Is the garden bridge still your favorite place now?" She stared out of the opening at the stars. There were so many of them, and it was easy to become lost in them. "So, do you know all of the constellations? Can you show me some?"

[ARIC] "What bridge?" he joked, still keeping his eyes on the dark sky outside the cave; the sound of the waterfall soothing and he felt like he could probably fall asleep here. It was warmer as the frigid wind wasn't washing over them. When she asked about the stars, his eyes squinted a little, trying to see if he recognized any. "It's been awhile..." he admitted, still studying the sky. They wouldn't be able to see much or even all of them from here. Spotting the three stars in a particular triangular format, he lifted her hand that he was holding onto and leaned in against her face. He'd direct and point with her slender finger. "There's...Triangulum," he told her. Well, that one was easy to remember. "From there..." He moved their hands to trace the shapes of the others in the air. "You can spot Pisces and Aries...Perseus is somewhere nearby."

[ALEXANDRIA] She laughed at his joke about suddenly forgetting the bridge. "I told you that you might like other places better." She grinned and fell silent as he showed her the constellations using her finger to help her trace the shapes. She smiled and turned her head so that she was looking over her shoulder at him. There were many things she wanted to say to him, but she could't find the words to say what exactly she wanted to. "Do you mind if we stay here a while before going back to the castle?" In all honestly, she wasn't ready to go back. This night, should have been what their wedding night should have been like. And she wasn't ready to let go of that and return to the reality they had waiting for them. "I also need to talk to you about something... " She rested her head back down on his shoulder and squeezed his hand gently. She didn't want to ruin their night, but they'd need to talk about it eventually. "I am going to need to talk to Eoin at some point... Earlier, I sent word for him to meet with me tomorrow. After the way I acted, I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't want to... But if he does... I just want you to be okay with me seeing him, and know that my heart is yours now and you do not need to worry of me straying or anything... I hope you could trust me enough to know that..."

[ARIC] He was trying to find any others but his mind was drawing a blank. But she was drawing his attention away from the stars down to her face, and he smiled lightly. "Not at all." He didn't mind staying a bit longer, especially now that the cold wasn't as horrible as it was outside. Her next words, however, had him sitting up a little straighter, and his gaze dropped to the falling water since he could no longer see her face. Then she was mentioning that man's name, and he realized that he was holding back a sigh. Not because he had any bad or jealous thoughts, he just didn't want her falling into some sort of depression after they were having a decent night so far. Or, at least he thought so. But maybe it wouldn't, and he was actually glad to hear what she was saying, as strange as that may seem. Fingers grasped her chin to lift her head from his shoulder so that he could look her straight in the eyes. "I think you should talk to him. He...definitely deserves that." Aric had actually felt really bad for the man, and he didn't even know him. "And believe me when I say...I trust you. It's alright." He didn't want her to worry about what he might be thinking in regards to that.

[ALEXANDRIA] She sighed quietly as Aric assured her that he was alright with her speaking with Eoin. Sapphire eyes searched his, and she could tell that he was telling the truth, which made her relieved. The only problem now, was what was she even going to say to Eoin? She shook her head and closed her eyes, resting her forehead against his. "I have no idea what to say to him... How to look him in the eyes and tell him I've moved on, when he expected to come back to me... I don't know how to do this without falling apart... And then come run back to you hoping you can comfort me after I've completely broken another man's heart?" She really wasn't sure how she would handle this. "What would you want to hear from me, if you were him?" She grabbed Aric's hand and squeezed it gently, not wanting to let go of him, hopeful he would have some kind of answer for her. Anything at all.

[ARIC] "You'll figure it out," he reassured her as she leaned against him, fretting about it already. It wasn't going to be easy, he figured, but Eoin deserved some sort of closure. When she was asking him to suddenly stand in the man's shoes, he stiffened, not really knowing how to answer that. He didn't want to have to think about that, and she was putting him in a tight spot. "I...don't really know, Alexandria..." He sighed, letting his eyes drop to their hands with their fingers entwined. For a moment, he wondered if she and Eoin had done this a lot. If they were this honest with each other. "The truth, I suppose. What else could you say?" The man didn't deserve to be lied to, even if the truth might hurt.

[ALEXANDRIA] Her shoulders lifted in a small shrug. "I don't know..." She answered him simply. "I am always truthful and honest... I just fear the response behind it." She did not wish to hurt anyone, and hated being in this situation. It would be another hurdle she would need to get over, but on her own, unfortunately. Until Aric could hopefully help her from the aftermath, which also made her feel guilty. Why did she feel like she had done something wrong, when she couldn't have possibly known? Could she be blamed for this?
Suddenly wishing to put this off for the rest of the night, maybe even regretting bringing it up, she sighed again and lifted her head off of him, facing him. "Thank you for trusting me and speaking so honestly with me... I appreciate that I can be myself and speak my mind with you...And I hope you know that you can, too..." She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed his knuckles gently. "We spoke of it...And I wish I waited until we were back at the castle to talk about it... can we throw it aside for now? I want this night to be about us.... How last night should have gone.”

[ARIC] If Eoin still had such strong feelings for her, his heart was going to be broken...no matter how delicately she tried to put it. So, the truth, plain and simple, was probably the only option. "It's not going to be easy," he told her honestly. "But it's the right thing to do. He deserves to know and understand everything." Kissing her head, he continued, "Don't fret it too much. It'll be alright." At least, he sounded pretty confident. At her mention of changing the topic, he grinned lightly and nodded. "I have no reason not to trust you, Alexandria." He really meant it. Although he had wondered if she would go back to Eoin when he first came back, he never thought she would be disloyal. She had too much of a conscience for that sort of thing. Too much of a good heart. So, as she wanted to push it aside, he shrugged out of his jacket to fold it into a pillow...lying back and drawing her against his side so that they could still look out at the stars.

[ALEXANDRIA] Speaking with Aric about this made her feel a little better, perhaps knowing that he trusted in her and was assuring her it would all be alright, it helped calm some of those nerves she had. If she were going to be dishonest and disloyal to Aric, she would have simply gone about it behind his back without speaking a word of it to him. But she did have a good conscience and heart to do something so deceiving.
Happy he agreed to push the thoughts aside, she watched as he laid down and pulled her along with him. She rested her head and one of her hands on his chest and sighed. "I love you." She smiled and would throw another random question at him. "What is your favorite thing to eat?" She idly ran her fingertips along the lines of his chest through his shirt as she laid there with him, her eyes falling shut as she enjoyed the warmth of his body next to hers, and waited to hear that lovely voice vibrate in his chest.

[ARIC] He really did trust her. And what kind of a man, or husband would he be if he actually said no? She had loved Eoin, and maybe a part of her still did and always would. Eoin had come first, and it wasn't something he wouldn't ever wish to take from her. Because he believed what he had said before- particular things were meant to happen, and no matter what paths he or Alexandria may have chosen, fate would have brought them together. Stretching his legs out to cross at the ankles as he slipped a hand beneath his head, he kissed the the top of those ebony strands of hair, hoping she truly believed him. He grinned then. "And I love you," he echoed quietly. If they weren't careful, he might just fall asleep right there. The stone floor probably wouldn't do wonders for his back after a time, but he was strangely comfortable at the moment. Then, he was chuckling softly at her random question. "Pears," he said almost right after. It was so simple, but he absolutely loved the fruit, in its raw form or prepared in some dessert. "Tresteria has some of the best." Not to brag or anything. "Yours?"

[ALEXANDRIA] Fate was real, and Alexandria, too, believed in it. If Eoin hadn't died, who would say if they would have ended up or stayed together? Eoin was always leaving her for days, weeks... And she never knew when the next time she'd see him again would be. It was just the way he was--an adventurer, a rogue. And Alexandria was tied down to Aralore--unable to leave whenever she'd want to. Maybe their relationship would not have lasted anyway.
She laughed at Aric's answer, "Pears?" She smiled and nodded. "Pears are pretty delicious... I like strawberries.... Anything with strawberries." She shifted onto her side and propped herself onto her elbow, facing him. Her other hand reached for his hand and intertwined her fingers with his. "Ask me something you want to know about me?"

[ARIC] He was closing his eyes for a moment, being softly lulled by the sound of the waterfall and comforted by the warmth of her by his side. Although he didn't open his eyes to look at her, he laughed lowly to acknowledge her words. "Yes, pears. There used to be a tree just full of them in our courtyard when I grew up." When she shifted, leaning up on her elbow, he slowly opened his eyes to regard her. He shared a small tidbit of his childhood, what about hers? "Before you became queen, before all of the craziness...what was your favorite memory?”

[ALEXANDRIA] She shifted again so that half her chest pressed against his, she leaned her arm on him and rested her chin on her arm, looking down at him now. "Hmmm..." She had to think about it-- it had been a while since she had thought back during that time. Too young to remember her own parents, Orin's parents had raised her until she was twelve or thirteen and Orin raised her for a couple of years after that until they were separated and the rest of her life became a nightmare until Aralore. "I guess when I used to help my mother--- Orin's mother... She was a healer and a midwife and I would watch her all the time with helping others. Sometimes she would let me help with things.. Bandage people up, hold cool cloths on their heads... I got to help bring babies into the world..." She grinned slightly. "But what I really enjoyed the most...was in the evenings, we would all sit down together for dinner... And talk about our day and we would each have to tell one interesting thing that happened that day, even if it was a bad day. And then after dinner, my mother would sing to us, or read to us." She sighed. "It was such a simpler time back then compared to now." She laughed and shook her head. "I always thought that if I could ever have a son or daughter... I would like to continue that tradition... So that they would learn to appreciate every day no matter what..."

[ARIC] As comfortable as he surprisingly was (maybe he was just that exhausted to find the rocky floor comfortable right now), he kept his eyes open as she rested against him. One hand casually rubbed up and down her back while he listened to her speak. Aric grinned, idly wondering what a simpler childhood would have been like, if he would have preferred it. Yet as much as he hated all the schooling and training, he had needed it. He wouldn't be a prince anyone needed without it. The glimmer of contentment faltered just slightly at the mention of a child. It was that selfish, horrible thought. How could he be so okay with his own wife being unable to bear children? Because he was afraid and rather not risk what happened in his past all over again? How bad of a person did that make him? Trying to push these thoughts away, he regarded her with a gentle furrow of his brow. "Is it not something to continue anyway? I mean, you could sing or read to me every night-" He paused to chuckle at this before lightly shaking his head. That wasn't the point he was trying to make. "No, but... finding the good in each day. Do you still do that?" It was a good habit to get into, honestly.

[ALEXANDRIA] Aric's gentle touch along her back was making her melt against him. She could stay like this with him for hours, especially if he kept rubbing her back like that. She felt a bit saddened by her story, despite it being a happy memory. She just missed that time in her life. The innocence she was allowed to have.
She laughed and leaned forward, kissing his lips. "Would you like for me to sing or read to you every night? Though you are a much better singer than I am..." She grinned, her hand moved to his face and she brushed her fingers along his cheek. A frown found her lips at his question and she shook her head. "No... after that were killed...Orin refused to continue to do that with me... and it just kind of fell away...and became a forgotten thing. Then things became too dark, too hurtful and stressful that...." she shrugged her shoulders and sighed. "I don't know..." In truth, Alexandria had slipped into a depression that she had forgotten to recognize the good in each day. It became more difficult to find the good when each day was outweighed with the bad.

[ARIC] "Yes," he replied in a half joke to her question. He didn't really mean that part so much as the rest of her story. But the mirth from his face slowly began to die away when she explained more. It made sense, especially why Orin may not have wanted to keep doing it...but even still. Traditions were meant to keep going. That was the beautiful, endless idea behind them. "Maybe you should start again," he quietly suggested. "There's so much...darkness right now. Trying to find some good, even a small thing every day, wouldn't be such a bad idea." It's something they should all be trying to do, honestly. Maybe it felt like such a small and silly thing, but it wouldn't hurt.

[ALEXANDRIA] She rested her head down on his chest, eyes looking up at him still though. Aric was right, seeing the good in each day, and saying out loud might help her keep herself out of that dark depression and remind her what to fight for each day. "Will you do it with me each day, then?" She smiled softly, feeling completely content with him in this moment. She had nearly forgotten about everything they had looming over their heads back at the castle, but she started to remember as she thought about something good today. She sighed softly. "Mine for today, I suppose I have two. The first was when Cassandra stopped me in the hall after Orin berated us. She reminded me how strong I am and that if I could overcome the things that I have...then she would survive what she has been through..." Though she wondered if Aric had told her anything or if Cassandra was making assumptions from the scars she had seen on her. "The other thing, is you... telling me that you have all you could wish for...and that your favorite place is anywhere with me." She grinned, lifting her head again so she could lean down and press her lips against his.

[ARIC] He'd let his eyes drift back out the cave opening and to the stars beyond. Everything was so peaceful out there...as well as inside that cave. If so much responsibility didn't rest upon their shoulders, he may never leave at this point. But this lovely solitude wouldn't last forever, he knew At her question, he turned his attention back to her with a grin. "I suppose I could try." Although he was attempting to be, Aric wasn't the most optimistic person. It was a family trait, to be honest. His hand was still rubbing up and down her back, the simple motion actually helping him relax as he listened to her explain some of the good things that happened to her today. "She said that?" he inquired about Cassandra. There was a bit of pride glinting in his eyes then. His cousin had certainly grown up, it seemed, and he was glad that she made his wife happy this day. What she said next, made his expression soften, chuckling a little. "Well, it's the truth. I meant it...even if I think this spot, and this moment, is currently my favorite." And on top of it, the highlight of his day.

[ALEXANDRIA] She nodded. "Yes, she did say that. Though, I'm not really sure why she thinks I am strong.. as of lately I have felt so weak and helpless, and feel like I have only shown that I am..." She frowned and shrugged her shoulders. "And I am sorry for that..."
She sighed softly and looked him in the eyes. "Can we promise each other that no matter how difficult our days could get, we will always take a moment together... Like this. Wherever... Just a quiet moment, alone... And we tell each other something good about the day. And if there hasn't been anything good, we make something good happen, so we can end the day on a good note." She grinned softly and kissed his lips briefly. "So is this moment your good one of the day, then?"

[ARIC] He didn't think Cassandra things without reason. Not something like that...so whatever she had said to Alexandria, she meant it. Still, it made him curious. "Do not be sorry," he said. "Sometimes we just need to adjust to what life throws at us." And they both certainly knew that it happened. It had been one bad thing after another, and he silently prayed that it would not get worse...or at least be something they could handle. His smile had faltered but it was slowly returning again as he looked to her with tired eyes. "That sounds like a plan." The grin turned just a little sly as a hand was filtering through her dark hair to cup the back of her head. Because he was swiftly turning her over onto her back, his hand cushioning her from the stone. "I'd think so," he answered her question before painting her face with light kisses. "Although, the entire evening has been wonderful." It had been simple and quiet, and exactly what they needed.

[ALEXANDRIA] He was right. Neither of them had prepared for any of what had been thrown their way since Edward's arrival. His rudeness towards her, his wanting to break the alliance... Then the attack and her near assassination. Aric had to imagine his life without her for that brief period of time. Though that had probably been devastating to him, it had turned into a blessing--because they may not have ever expressed their feelings for one another. Their wedding night may have been a lot more awkward. But then just as things seemed to be settling down and they could relish in their happiness... Edward only grew worse and threw a mess into the night, which quickly spiraled out of control. Had they really survived all of these things? She laughed at the thought. It was not funny, but it was horrible luck, and she didn't know what else to do but laugh at it all. "I cannot believe all we have been through together, already... In such a short amount of time." She smirked and shook her head. As Aric agreed to her plan, she smiled a bit more, and then shrieked softly as he turned her onto her back and started kissing her face. She laughed, looking up at him, then. "It has been wonderful..." She agreed. "I am glad we did this..." She lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck, pulling him closer to her so she could quickly kiss his lips.

[ARIC] Maybe it was a shame this this man couldn't have his wife in a more passionate way right now. What was more romantic than a private cave looking at the stars? Well, perhaps the rocks digging into their backs would get quite old very fast. Aric nearly laughed at his thoughts and realized that, right now, he was alright with it. Being exhausted had nothing to do with it either. He genuinely understood and feared for her feelings, not wanting this moment to change. He was simply happy just being there with her. Which was why those kisses were innocently teasing, even when she pulled him closer. Drawing back enough to look at her, his face grew only a little serious. "You'll come to Tresteria with me...won't you?" She had to know that he, at least, had to return just for the funeral, and he'd like her there. However, he knew it might be a risk to pull a queen from her kingdom when there was a threat on the horizon, even if he didn't plan to stay very long.

[ALEXANDRIA] It was the perfect moment to take advantage of the romantic setting of the cave and the stars above them. The waterfall hiding any sounds and the light of the fire torch dancing along the cave walls. Part of her was surprised Aric had been so reserved, though she understood the exhaustion all too well. And she knew he was walking on eggshells with her because of what had happened with Edward. She knew she would need to be the one to make the moves for Aric to understand she would be alright.
At his question, her brows lowered in confusion, and her smile faded so she could look at him with that mirrored seriousness. "Why wouldn't I...?" She answered him quietly. Yes, she was needed in Aralore, but her husband also needed her. And what kind of queen would she be if she denied her alliance the respect deserved? Aralore would survive without her for however long. She could leave things in the hands of Orin and Nemeris, if they wouldn't kill one another.

[ARIC] Sure, it was probably a foolish question, but he still felt like he should ask and never assume things. Aric shrugged lightly before rolling onto his back, drawing her against his side once more so that he could rest his head upon his jacket-made-pillow. "With the possibility of Saelis..." he began to explain. "I wasn't sure if it would be wise." But they also didn't know what was going on. There would have to be a plan formed before they left, and that left so little time. He had to hold back a sigh, because the last thing he wanted to do right now was think about any of that. It could wait until morning. For their sanity, it had to.

[ALEXANDRIA] It wasn't a foolish question because of the possibility of Saelis. But Eoin had said they may have time, and she would try to find out more when she spoke with him. A nod of understanding was given to Aric as he explained why she shouldn't go. After he rolled back onto his back she shifted so her upper half rested on top of him. She placed her finger against his lips and shook her head. "We will figure it out. I'm going with you. My husband needs me... so I will be there for him." She smiled softly and leaned down, brushing her lips against his. "But let's not think of any of that right now... we're alone in this peace and quiet, with nothing to bother us. No one knows we are here. It's just you and I... and that's all that matters right now. Let's not waste it..." she whispered against his lips before pressing her lips to his again in a loving, deep kiss.

[ARIC] He'd not fight her on any of it, unless the threat was dire and immediate...then he may not even leave. There was no chance he was going to leave her alone here if Saelis was close enough to breathe down their necks. He sighed with these thoughts, only drifting his eyes back to her when her finger touched his lips, and she was telling him not to worry about it. He grinned behind that finger, nodding lightly in agreement as his arm tightened around her. He did need her. Truthfully, he didn't know what was going to happen. He seemed okay now, but... he'd have to relive his brother's death all over again in Tresteria. Alexandria was, once again, ushering those thoughts away, making that grin of his widen a bit more. "Understood," he managed to say in reply against her mouth before she was kissing him; a kiss he did not hesitate to return as both arms wrapped around her now.

[ALEXANDRIA] Had it been another reason to go to Tresteria, she'd be happy about it. But because it was Edward's death they'd be going for, she was dreading it because she would have to relive and think about the things he had done to her, and she would witness her husband crumbling again. But despite everything, she would still go to support him and hold him up. She would leave Aralore in capable hands.
Her thoughts slowly faded as she felt Aric's arms wrap around her and he was kissing her back. Her eyes fell shut and her hands moved to the sides of his face, deepening their kiss. They had done enough worrying for one day and Alexandria did not want to think on any of it anymore tonight. So instead, she focused on the way his lips, his body felt against hers and allowed herself to become completely consumed by him.

[ARIC] Personally, he just wanted to get through the funeral and then leave. But he also had to make sure that Eleesa and his nephews would be okay. Selecting a regent would take some time, so he wouldn't be staying for that. Should he be needed again in the future in regards to the stupid, crazy politics, then he could return if there was nothing pressing in Aralore. The Tresterian throne wasn't his and could never be unless both those young boys passed on, and he prayed Eleesa didn't beg him to take the regency should she be denied it. The games of royals and nobility- it was exhausting. Right now, however, was something far better than the headache inducing bullshit of his homeland. This was far better. Maybe a bit too much because he was quite aware of that body of hers pressed against his now. Strange how exhaustion did that, made you focus on one thing in particular. Aric knew he would have to stop but not just yet. He slanted his mouth against her, deepening their kiss just a little more; his uninjured hand filtering back into those ebon locks of hair while the other rested along her spine, securing her to him in this closeness.

[ALEXANDRIA] The thought had crossed her mind several times that Aric would be asked or maybe even forced to become regent of Tresteria and she did not know what that would mean for their marriage. She assumed they would still be married, but they would not get to see one another, and she did not think she would be able to handle that. She needed him here with her, especially with Saelis threatening to return and wage war again.
But now, he was deepening that kiss, and he might have stopped and she focused on his breathing, his hands as he touched and held her against him, and the way his lips--his kiss warmed her body. If only they could stay in this moment forever. She did not really want him to stop. They were husband and wife and she knew she did not need to fear him. She would just keep telling herself this. She parted her lips to find his tongue with hers, her fingers weaving into his hair at the back of his head, holding him against her lips so he could not pull away from her just yet. And carefully, she shifted further on top of him, her legs straddling his now. He wanted her in the present. Not the future and not the past. And she would try with every breath she took to stay with him now.

[ARIC] He really, really didn't want to think about it. If she had asked him, he wouldn't have known what to say. No would have been the most logical response, he knew, but it wasn't so simple. The hierarchy of Tresteria was complicated, far more developed than Aralore seemed to have...and it was both a good and bad thing. But what he couldn't get behind was this nonsensical rule that women could not be sole rulers. It was a king and nothing more. And he knew that if Eleesa was desperate, she would ask him...and how could he deny her that? How could he tell her no and let some stranger mentor Edward and run his family's kingdom? It was a mess, but suddenly, he was about to deal with a whole other problem. He sighed happily into her mouth when she slipped on top of him, making that already tired and weakened resolve crack just a little bit more. The hand from her back drifted to her hip, if only subconsciously while the other was still tangled up in her hair. Alexandria was making this increasingly difficult, and yet somehow he still maintained his control. Maybe because this was okay. This was fine. This was addicting as much as anything else, and he just wanted to feel her in his arms. He sat up, though, never breaking that kiss so that he could hold her closer, firmly against him while he continued to taste her mouth.

[ALEXANDRIA] Saelis had given her such a hard time about her ruling Aralore without a king. And they had done everything to try and change that. It wasn't until she removed Aralore from the council that she had the freedom of ruling her own kingdom--only to be chased by Saelis and have war brought down upon them because of her removing from the council. If she, in anyway, could help fight for Eleesa to have regency, she would help however she could. She selfishly wanted... No, needed Aric to stay with her. Especially with the possible war upon them.
As he sat up, her arms wrapped around his neck, hands rested on the back of his head and she pressed her chest against his, trying to get as close to him as possible. She kissed him deeply, still, never wanting to let go of him. If she could keep him with her, just by simply kissing him, she would kiss him forever. It wasn't just her making things difficult for him, however, his kiss was drugging, making her desire for him stronger. She hadn't forgotten how he made her feel. He did not hurt or threaten her--he had only given her pleasure and love, and that made all of this okay and safe. She shifted slightly on him so that he dress was not stuck underneath her legs and she lifted the fabrics of her skirt, exposing her leg to him, directing that hand on her hip down to her bare thigh. Hesitating, she slowly broke their kiss, but lingered against his lips still as she spoke in a whisper. "I will be alright..." She told him, as if reading his mind that he needed to stop this so she would not become scared. "I want you to take me right here..."

[ARIC] And there it was. On the verge of drawing away before he worried this all would become far worse than it already was, she was hiking up those skirts...and before his muddled mind could comprehend what was happening, she was moving his hand to the smooth skin of her thigh. Red alert. Get yourself together, prince. She was breaking their kiss, whispering words that made his blood boil, making him forget all else. "Alex, I don't know if-" he had begun to murmur back, but she smelled so good and his foolish mind allowed his eyes to drop back down to her mouth that hadn't been kissed enough. Maybe it was the tiredness that fogged his mind, but he suddenly forgot what he was about to say. 'I will be alright...' He wanted to believe that. He desperately needed to believe that all of a sudden. Drawing her face down so that he could claim her mouth once more, he was securing her once more against him as he reversed their positions and carefully lowered her to the cave floor where he hovered over her. Never breaking that kiss, his hand was drifting back to that thigh.

***

[ARIC] The past couple of days had been such crazy fluctuations of emotions, and everything began to just blur together. Yet, despite it all, the only thing that mattered was the present. At least right now because there was no sense in worrying about the past. The future was another matter...but why did it have to be a burden? Why couldn't they just think more on the positives of it all? The possibilities? Not Saelis, not the drama that would inevitably happen in Tresteria...none of that. Just now and what good they could create. His arm looped around her when she curled into him, and he was still trying to catch his breath. Aric laughed again, though, shutting his eyes for a moment. "This cave floor is somewhat comfortable now...but I know I won't be saying that in the morning." Unfortunately, they did have to go back, but he would obviously need a few moments.

[ALEXANDRIA] It would be nice to not worry about things so much. To forget the past and accept what it was as the reason for her strength and for who she was now. To live each day as it came and not worry about what would come tomorrow. Take things as they came and deal with them then, and make the best of it--figure out a way to turn it into something good, if possible.
At Aric's comment, she laughed and lifted her chin to look up at him. "No... It's not comfortable at all.... You're just basking in the pleasure of what we just did..." She grinned and lifted herself up onto her elbow so she could look down at him. "Which felt wonderfully amazing..." She kissed him gently for a few seconds before pulling away and looking at him with a devious grin on her lips. She whispered to him, as if he were the only person in the world that could hear what she was saying, "We may need to make a habit out of this... Until you grow tired of me?" She laughed and leaned down pressing her lips along his neck, whispering into his ear when she reached it. "Because you make me feel things I never have before...And I really enjoy it..."

[ARIC] He almost had better control on his breathing, but his heart was still pounding a bit. So he'd happily sigh against her mouth when she kissed him, trying to bring himself down from this high...but she was making it very difficult. Very. Difficult. "I won't get tired of you," he replied to her after her whispered words. "I'll just grow tired..." He chuckled again which was quick to die as her lips went to his neck, murmuring against his ear again. Dear lord, she needed to stop, or else he was never getting up off this rocky, cave floor. A low, barely audible growl emitted from his throat before his fingers filtered into her hair to draw her back down to him, and he fiercely kissed her with whatever strength he had left. Just a few more moments...then they could head back.

[ALEXANDRIA] A laugh escaped her throat as he admitted he would just grow tired rather than tire of her. She could certainly make that happen, (tire him). Before she could say anything else, he was pulling her back down to him and kissing her fiercely as if she had said something that drove him crazy. She leaned her body against him, kissing him back deep and passionately. At this rate, they probably weren't leaving this cave. Part of her would be okay with that, too. She didn't want to stop--didn't want to go back to the reality of what was outside of this cave. She felt at peace in his arms, in his warmth, against his lips. Did they really need to go back?

[ARIC] Well, this time was entirely his own fault, and he knew it, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to gather up the effort to move. But inevitably, he broke away from that kiss, running his fingers through her hair as he gazed up at her with a smile. "We really...really do need to think about heading out. These rocks are doing nothing good for my back." He chuckled. He sounded like an old man right now. Sleep would also be good, and hopefully a sleep that wouldn't be plagued with what was to happen tomorrow. There was much to discuss, just still not tonight.

[ALEXANDRIA] She nearly whimpered as he broke away from their kiss, but she looked down at him, smiling, until he mentioned needing to head back. "I know..." She sighed quietly before she shifted off of him slightly, helping him sit up so he was off of his back. She sat on his legs though, straddling him and she lightly touched his lips with hers, whispering against them. "Thank you for making me forget everything... For letting me enjoy the present with you, for reminding me what we have with one another... And for being here with me..." She kissed him, but only briefly because she knew if she kissed him how she truly wished to, they would continue to delay the inevitable.

[ARIC] A grumble as she helped him sit up, he already felt like he had to stretch out, feeling the soreness in his muscles. But even still, she was trying to be difficult, straddling him, teasing him with her lips. Fortunately, she wasn't being too torturous. He grinned when she pulled back, gently grasping her chin. "My absolute pleasure," he replied, insinuating but he really did mean it whole-heartedly in general. A very quick kiss to her lips, he gently urged her to get up.

[ALEXANDRIA] She grinned, her eyes watching his features as he spoke in response to her gratitude. Carefully, rising to her feet, she straightened out her dress and brushed it off before she picked her cloak back up and draped it over her shoulders, tying it at her neck. Her gaze moved back to him where she watched him admiringly. At least they would be returning together, and going to bed...together. It made leaving here all the more tolerable. She just hoped they were not returning to some other mess--as that seemed to be the constant in the past week. When he'd finish pulling himself together, she extended her hand to him.

[ARIC] He'd sit there for a long moment after slipping those breeches back onto his hips. She was already getting ready since he'd urged her off...but now he was feeling lazy again. And ungodly tired. But, eventually, he'd climb to his feet with a gentle grunt of protest, tying the pants back up and reaching down for his jacket. Although it was cold outside, he didn't bother putting it on just yet. So he slung it over his shoulder as he took her hand, and they walked out of the caves back to the horse where he would help her up into the saddle; slipping up behind her to take up the reins.

[ALEXANDRIA] She had noticed his hesitation to get up. If he wasn't going to, why did he urge her to get up off of him? But she could see the tiredness in his eyes and on his face. It was late and it had been a very long day filled with way too many emotions, and she was feeling guilty for making him come out with her and staying up so late. For a while, Alexandria said nothing--not until they were back on the horse and heading back towards the castle. "Aric, are you alright?" She leaned against him, tilting her head back to look up at him. "I'm sorry I've kept you up so late..." The queen was used to not getting much sleep--but she shouldn't have expected it of him. In all honesty, she was exhausted, too. Though it just hasn't fully hit her yet.

[ARIC] As tired as he was, he wasn't ushering that horse as fast as it could go. The poor beast was probably exhausted as well and now it would have to carry them back to the castle. Fortunately it wasn't a long ride there. He was happy to stay silent, hugging her close to him to help keep him warm. Now that they were out of that cave, he wished he had shrugged his jacket back on, but he'd survive. As she leaned her head back, asking if he was alright, a low chuckle vibrated within his chest. He pressed a kiss to the side of her head. "I'm fine. It's just been a crazy and trying couple of days." But he was holding out hope that things would go smoothly...even with having to leave for Tresteria.

[ALEXANDRIA] Saying that it had been a crazy and trying couple of days was certainly an understatement, and it caused Alexandria to laugh slightly. "Oh, has it been?" She said sarcastically, "I hadn't noticed at all." She reached her hand behind her to hook onto the back of his neck and she tilted her head back, placing a soft and gentle kiss to his lips. "I'm sorry it has been a difficult few days...and if I had made it any more difficult for you." She knew she had given him a hard time. Her darkness had gotten in the way of a lot of things between them, but in her defense, his brother had really taken a toll on her. Eoin's reappearance had shaken her. Nothing had been easy. And she knew Aric understood all of that. With everything going on, it just heightened moods and made it difficult to deal with even the smallest of things. She sighed quietly. "But we will get through everything and we will be alright." She sounded hopeful, because that's all that could be done right now. Hope for everything to work out. For Saelis to never come, for them to get to Tresteria and back safely, for their marriage to work out, for Aralore to thrive once again.

[ARIC] He gave a tired chuckle at her sarcastic words. The last thing he wanted to do was remember any of it. Maybe he was too tired to right now, or he was just tired of having to think about it all. Couldn't they just move on? As horrible as that sounded, to try and forget one's own brother...Aric was still torn on whether he could silently forgive the man. The healer had proved that the prolonged poison could have affected his mind, but the things Edward had done? Could he forgive them, even from a madman? Would it disrespect Alexandria if he managed to? That gentle kiss made him not think about it briefly again. "You made it tiring...not difficult," he subtly explained to her again with a grin. Not that he was exactly complaining about it. Sure, they had fought, but they were alright now. A marriage wasn't easy or perfect...and after everything, he'd like to think they were doing a damn good job thus far. He managed to hug her a little closer, leaning to rest his chin upon her shoulder to change the subject a little bit as they neared the castle. "We won't be in Tresteria long, but maybe I'll get the chance to show you around." His homeland was a lot bigger and they wouldn't be able to see a whole lot, but they could take a few hours before sailing back...because he was certainly going to want to leave as soon as possible. As sad as that might be.

[ALEXANDRIA] She frowned slightly as he admitted to her that she had made it tiring for him. But she understood and wouldn't argue with him. "I'm sorry, then, for making it tiring for you." All of this had taken a lot out of her as well. Aric had seen her at her worst, probably, and she wasn't exactly happy about that-- though she supposed if he could handle her at her worst and that he was still here with her, then they would be alright. Marriages were supposed to work that way, right? To stand by one another at the best and worst of times. But their marriage had already been tested on the same night of their wedding and the next day following. It was a lot to handle.
She rested her head back on his shoulder after he hugged her closer and rested his chin on her shoulder. She smiled softly and listened to him as he spoke about their time in Tresteria. "I would like that a lot." She hadn't gotten a chance to see much of Tresteria on her first visit there, and she was very much interested in anything that involved Aric and his life.

[ARIC] He'd try. His first priority, after burying his brother, was to make sure that Eleesa and the boys would be alright. As much as he would want to leave that place as soon as they got there, he needed to look out for his family, and assure his sister-in-law that he was still there for her...even if it was miles across the ocean. Aric didn't like the idea of being torn between both places, but he had made his choice. And he was staying in Aralore. "Good," he said simply, pressing a kiss to her temple. After a few moments more, they arrived at the castle. All seemed quiet from the outside, at least. Dismounting, he would help his wife down before handing the horse's reins to one of the guards, asking if he wouldn't mind bringing the equine back to the stables. With a thank you to the man, he would lead her back inside and into the warmth. After everything, he was actually looking forward to just falling asleep in their bed and ignoring everything else until morning.

[ALEXANDRIA] She dismounted from the horse with Aric's help and took his hand before walking back inside the castle with him. While Aric planned their trip to Tresteria, Alexandria had to plan and prepare Aralore for her time away. Tomorrow would be another busy day, and her mind was already wandering with so many things now. Why did they need to leave that cave? It was like reality was suddenly hitting her in the face as soon as she stepped foot into the castle. She sighed quietly, her gaze falling to the floor as they walked back towards their bedroom. She was silent, mostly, but hadn't realized it because her mind had suddenly become so loud again. As they walked down the hallway towards their room, they had to walk by her old room, and it caused her to pause only briefly and hold her breath as that memory quickly grasped hold of her. She tightened her grip on Aric's hand and released her breath before walking on, finally reaching their room. The guards nodded to them, as if to indicate that the room was safe, and they opened the door for them. She was untying her cloak as she entered, sapphire eyes still scanned around the entire room, despite the guards assuring them that everything was fine. Her mood had suddenly changed from what it had been outside the castle, and she seemed more quiet, reserved and troubled by something.

[ARIC] Unfortunately, being a royal meant rarely having the time to simply sit idle in that cave. Even just as a prince, Aric never knew downtime. It was just the way it was and always will be because, as a leader, you had to look after your people before you could really look after yourself. And Aralore needed a lot of looking after. He felt her pause, barely realizing where they were, but he just kept on walking. There was no point to stopping at that door. There was nothing in there that she needed. There was no reason to even look at it. If she wanted to be plagued by everything again, that was precisely how she'd go about it, so he didn't stop. Everything didn't have to come to a screaming halt, not after how far they had gotten in that cave. Aric only released her hand when the door was shut and locked behind them, and he moved to draw the curtains closed- both to keep out the draft and inevitable sun that would rise in a few hours. It had a bad habit of waking him when he simply wasn't ready to. Running a hand down his face, he bent to remove his boots. "Should get some sleep," he said.

[ALEXANDRIA] Yes, it was the life of a ruler to get to enjoy any time alone. It was still something Alexandria was trying to get used to, even after all these years. Of course she always put her people and the kingdom's needs before her own, and she often neglected herself. She struggled with finding the right kind of balance. She wouldn't forget how far they had gotten in the cave, but it also didn't erase what had happened in that room. It wasn't so easy to just forget when it had only happened yesterday.
Sapphire eyes watched Aric as he closed the curtains and bent to remove his boots. She nodded in response. "Of course.." She turned her back to him. "Can you help with this?" If it wasn't so late, she'd call for one of her ladies not have to burden Aric with the task of having to undo the laces down the back of her dress. "Sorry.." she quietly apologized for needing his help with simply undressing. But, women's fashion.

[ARIC] "Hmm?" He nearly missed her question as he was trying to blink away the exhaustion. "Oh, right," he mused, moving up behind her to, once again, fumble with the damn laces on that bodice. With her apology, he chuckled lightly. "I'll never...understand the necessity of these things." Aric wasn't sure if it was more of a curse for a man or the woman herself who had to wear the bloody things. "They're...so impossible." He was tiredly rambling now, but he was almost thoroughly amused by it. Eventually, he began to manage, loosening the bodice enough for her to remove it and kissed the top of her head. He wasn't sure if she needed help with anything else, because...yes, woman's fashion.

[ALEXANDRIA] She laughed at his words and shook her head. "You get used to them..." She stood still as he undid the laces of her bodice, and she found herself wondering if Aric's former wife had worn such garments. Had he complained about them then, too? Or was this simply something she was torturing herself with? She didn't want to ask him, though, afraid to bring up his former wife and make him sad, but she found herself suddenly feeling nervous and worried, that she may never live up to what she was to him. She took in a deep breath and held it until he was done loosening the bodice for her and kissed the top of her head. A forced smile lifted her lips after she released that breath. "Thank you." She said quietly, before she removed the rest of her clothing and went to her wardrobe to retrieve her nightdress.

[ARIC] Maria had worn such things, but it was rare that he ever had to help remove them for her. Often times, the ladies were already there to change her and help with whatever she needed. It was a different lifestyle, even a different marriage, but it had been a true one even still. One he hadn't really thought about once he had calmed down from Edward's horrible comment. Aric forced it from his mind because he was tired of lingering in the past, especially wish so much to look forward to. Sure, some of it might be tough and things he really didn't wish to do, but he realized that he could do some good here. And he wanted to when he couldn't care less about anything before. When she moved to her wardrobe, he was already wandering back to the bed. He didn't bother changing because he was too tired to even do that. So, after climbing underneath the warm covers, he quietly watched her until he could catch her eyes; a hand patting the spans of bed beside him. He didn't want to fall asleep until she was there.

[ALEXANDRIA] She slipped into her nightdress and glanced back at him as he was already in bed. A small laugh escaped her as he patted the bed next to him, indicating he wanted her there. Bare feet carried her across the room and over to the bed where she sat down on the edge, her back to him for the moment, so she could braid her hair to prevent herself, or him, from becoming tangled up in the strands if she had left it down. Tying the end, she turned to face him and lifted the blankets so she could climb into them. Catching his eyes, she smiled at him and touched his face. She was silent for a moment, as she just studied his face and took him in. Was he really her husband? It almost didn't feel real, but she couldn't hide that admiration for him from her expression. "I love you," she whispered to him. And just as they had discussed earlier, she started singing quietly to him as she ran her fingers through his hair gently.

[ARIC] Although he was exhausted and was quickly beginning to slip into a nice, comfortable sleep because his head now rested on a fluffy pillow, he wanted to make sure she was at his side. He wanted to hear that laugh one more time and see her smile, to make sure that she would be alright. She had no choice but to stay there with him now- they were married. And he didn't want to sleep without her near. Idly watching her as she braided her hair, he was instantly drawing her closer when she finally slipped beneath the covers; his arm draping across her waist as she was silently watching him. His eyes were heavy, but he struggled to keep them open with a soft smile still on his face. "I love you, too," he replied, his voice low and quiet. Then, he chuckled so softly when she began to sing- not in a mocking way, but because he was remembering their conversation from earlier. Aric would curl in closer to her, resting his head upon her chest where he could feel her voice just as much as hear it. With her fingers filtering through his hair, he would certainly fall asleep in no time.

[ALEXANDRIA] Aric would get that smile he wanted from her as he told her he loved her. Her arms wrapped around him and she held him close as he rested his head in her chest. She breathed in his scent and kissed the top of his head. Her singing eventually turned into a very soft hum as she closed her eyes and held him, her fingers continued to run through his hair until she began to slowly doze off, her hand rested on the back of his head though and her arms stayed where they were, holding him against her

[ARIC] The exhaustion was fully consuming him now as his eyes fully closed. His mind only briefly thought about what the morning would bring. He wanted to believe things would be alright, if only because it had to. Aric was more than halfway to fully accepting that Edward was gone. Accepting that, no matter if the grief had truly been his doing or some poison-induced madness...it would have had to end either way. It was harsh, it was probably horrible of him, but he couldn't feel guilty about it. Eventually these thoughts drifted away and he was drifting deeper into sleep with those fingers running through his hair. By the time time she was simply humming, Aric was in a deep sleep, where he probably wouldn't move for quite awhile. [d]