[fic]HLoA, artista ch7
il mio artista bello
My Lovely Artist
Chapter 7
Author: RoninBrat
It wasn't hard for Narsus to lose his escort, riding hard and fast
once he'd cleared the city walls, his Mustang the fastest thing on
four legs, compared to their brute war horses. He supposed he was
going to get into a lot of trouble for this if word got back to
Arislan about his antics. But was it Arislan he answered to now?
These were not the intended Pars' escorts, no, these were Hermes'
personal picks; brutish men who had no real desire to guard the one
man that had helped conquer them. Their duty was to guard the deviant
devil's strategist; the one truly responsible for their defeat. They
kept their distance, yet Narsus could see the resentment in the eyes
that followed him.
Narsus scowled, leaning lower over the silk mane of his horse, giving
the beautiful beast between his thighs full rein. So, he continued to
suppose, he'd find out just how far he could push the King's cousin.
It had been an incredibly grueling week; Plagued by meeting after
meeting, council after council. Maryam's country men coming in by the
scores, only to go over the same again and again. More than one map
had to be adjusted. New maps drawn. Strategies argued. And resentment
growing as Hermes more and more saw the logic he had laid out before
Maryam's council and Hermes' generals. Most of the resentment was
coming from Hermes' group. Perhaps it was best that no Pars shogun
was participating in this.
But these things had not sent him running today. No. It was those
damnable dreams. Not just any dream either. These dreams just had to
be exotic in nature; making him run, instilling the need to escape.
He was exhausted. He'd not had a decent nights sleep the past week.
All because his body was craving the one person he could never have.
Daryun.
The dreams almost always left him craving, aching. So real in their
reality. He could almost feel Daryun's hands on his body. This
burdened his heart heavily. What had triggered it? Quishward and his
sudden attention? Narsus scowled. A lot of people like Quishward had
crossed his path, always seeking to warm the bed of the country's
advisor, the lunatic artist, the Devil's strategist.
No.
Narsus had received the looks after his acceptance to help the Prince
and the Commanders being informed that they were not going. Dark,
scowling looks he could not ignore after the meeting broke up.
Long after the council room had emptied, he and Daryun had argued.
Narsus had never done as much talking and convincing as he'd done
that evening. He still wasn't sure why he had to convince Daryun of
anything. But Daryun knew everything he'd spewed out were valid
arguments to the cause. Daryun could not dispute anything he'd said.
The looks had been dark and thunderous in the beginning; could have
even catalogued some as murderous. And who exactly had Daryun wanted
to murder? Narsus hadn't been sure. But those looks soon turned into
something else. Something Narsus had not expected. Daryun had looked
hurt. Dejected. But before he'd been able to soothe even that, Daryun
had stormed out. And he'd been left feeling bewildered.
And still, why, after much speculation, had he had to explain his
abrupt decision to Daryun?
Why?
Damn it all!
"Damn you, Daryun."
Having given the horse free rein, Narsus had been unaware that his
silly horse had taken them off the main road; not until he felt the
snap of a tree branch hitting his face and tangling painfully in his
hair. The pain having brought him to his senses, finally noting that
his horse was leading them to the nearby stream that ran a short
distance from the main road.
He could no longer hear the pounding hooves of his escort. He had
thoroughly lost them. Although small, the Mustang could out run any
horse. Pulling her up gently, slowing her pace before they both got
hurt, Narsus slowly maneuvered them through the thickening forest
path. He'd had no real destination when he'd gone tearing out of the
city gates. He only wanted his freedom. Time alone. And it sounded
like he had it.
Sliding off her back, before she'd even came to a full stop, Narsus
grabbed hold of her rein, leading her towards the water, treading
slowly over rock and brush until both of them stood, ankle deep in
the crystal clear water.
It was a beautiful day in Ekubatana. A perfect day to ride. Warm the
breeze that caressed his disheveled, rebellious hair. The water
lapped gently, soaking his soft boots; designed more for walking the
halls of the castle then treading on rough ground. But it didn't
bother him. He was no lazy Lord, whiling time away in the comforts of
silks and servants. He had never really been that, despite
impressions.
Stroking her slender neck, as she dipped her head gratefully toward
the fresh water, he soothingly spoke, "There you go, girl. Sorry
about that."
Leaving her standing unattended in the water, Narsus headed back to
the shore. If four escorts weren't out looking for him, he'd be
tempted to take a dip. As it was, he had no desire to get caught with
his pants down.
Beginning a stretch, Narsus stared up toward the heavens, admiring
its clear blue skies. He wasn't sure what his mind's eye sought,
until he stared so far out into its endlessness, and located the
right shade of blue just off to the far horizon, beyond the heavens.
Narsus frowned. He couldn't go on like this.
The strategist of two nations managed to spend a long peaceful moment
alone, speculating , before its' illusion was shattered. He'd been
squatting by the bank, twirling fingers in the water when he felt
cold steel at his throat. He had not heard so much as a sound of the
person's approach.
In addition to the blade at his throat, Narsus felt the tap of
another against his chest. It was Hermes' disdain that broke the
silence. "So you say you can defend yourself. Show me."
With practiced ease, the blade slipped easily into Narsus' hand and
he stood. Having barely enough time to register that it was Daryun's
sword he'd been handed, Hermes struck.
"Your enemy is not going to give you warning." There seemed to be a
satisfied smirk when the two swords clashed; Narsus barely getting
his sword raised in time for the block. The echo of steel resounded
through the forest, sending creatures nearby scouring for cover.
They parried in such a fashion for several strikes; each testing the
other. But then things grew serious; the strikes more aggressive.
The mock battle went from one end of the small clearing to the other.
They each had shaved more than their fair share of brush. At one
point they'd even treaded through the stream, soaking themselves. But
Narsus had moved them quickly from there, unable to get a balance in
soft boots and damp, slimy soil.
Hermes skillfully managed to flatten the blade the times it made
contact with Narsus' person, sending jolts through the strategist's
body. It wasn't often the Prince got through his defenses but, when
he did, it hurt like hell. A thigh. A rib. Once even across his
buttocks. Hermes only laughed, taunting him. Narsus was very much
beginning to feel like a naughty child being disciplined by his sire.
But what Narsus lacked in brute strength he more than made up for in
speed, getting just as often through Hermes' defenses. With practiced
ease of a sensei, he too, flattened his sword before coming into
contact with flesh. When this occurred, Narsus would witness
determination born anew in the eyes of the Prince.
There were advantages to brute strength. It always wore down the
smaller opponent and soon Narsus was beginning to feel the affects in
his arms and shoulder which was unmerciful in its ache. It would take
more than a hot soak to recover from this.
His defeat came as Hermes sword bore down, arching, ending at his
throat before he could even get Daryun's sword up to block. He would
have been beheaded had this been real. Narsus couldn't help but to at
least take some pride in the fact he would have died sword in hand.
Both panting heavily, it was Hermes who found his voice first. "You
escaped your escort. Men bound to protect you. I trust we will not
have this incident again?"
"No, milord."
"Look at me when you say that, Lord Narsus."
Narsus raised exhausted eyes, "No. It will not happen again, Prince
Hermes." His gaze locked and held angry ice blues, every welt issued
from Hermes sword igniting in that stare.
With a nod of assent, Hermes lowered his sword. "Very well, I have
your word then. If this is to happen again, Narsus, I will have you
confined to your quarters."
With long purposeful strides, Hermes went to his horse. "I will say
that you put up a good fight. Years ago, you might have even defeated
me. I'd always wondered who would have come out on top the first day
we met."
Hermes smile was cruel, but it softened after a moment. "Lord Daryun
has requested permission to oversee your combat training. I see
nothing wrong with that and I highly suggest you take advantage of
it. You've been long off the field."
Startled by reference of Daryun, Narsus looked at Hermes, wondering
all the while where exactly Daryun was. "As you wish, Sire."
"Good. I can't think of a better man."
It was after the Prince was out of sight that he realized the only
thing holding him up was Daryun's sword.
A short time later the strategist felt the presence of another.
"Not a word, Daryun." Narsus held up his hand in hopes to stop any
chiding remarks from issuing forth from his friend's mouth.
Luckily, for Narsus, Daryun didn't feel any words were needed as to
seeing Narsus so thoroughly disciplined. Hopefully the artist would
learn not to play with his new liege. Still Daryun couldn't control
the smug look that crossed his features nor his dry retort. "Wouldn't
dream of it, Narsus."
Narsus just shook his head, rolling his topaz colored eyes. Looking
down his gaze caressed the length of Daryun's sword and declared, "I
am blaming the sword."
"I'm sure you are." Amusement remained in Daryun's voice as he
watched his friend. "It's not everyday Lord Narsus gets his ass
kicked."
Narsus looked up sharply at Daryun. "Thought you weren't going to say
a word?"
"You're the one that keeps talking about it. I'm just commenting."
It was hard not to stick out one's tongue in response. Instead,
Narsus lifted the sword and very gallantly handed it Daryun hilt
first.
Daryun accepted the sword, lifting it to survey the scratches on the
blade. Hermes had not been playing.
"If you are not doing anything tonight bring it by and I'll buff the
scratches out for you."
"Actually I was hoping to be doing something tonight." Daryun
started, returning his attention to Narsus.
"Oh. Well. . ." Narsus turned and headed toward the stream. His pace
leisurely.
"I was hoping to persuade you to come down to dinner tonight. You
haven't been down in a while."
Stopping, Narsus turned once more and looked at Daryun giving him a
sad little smile, "Oh? How very kind. Well, I've been sort of
emotionally drained. I haven't much felt like keeping pretenses."
"You don't have to keep those with me, Narsus."
"I know Daryun." Turning away again, he continued his trek to the
stream. "But others-" Narsus left those words unsaid and continued
with-- "Actually I thought you were still angry with me."
"I am. But I'm getting over it."
Narsus' rich laughter filled the surrounding woods. Growing serious
he glanced sideways at Daryun as his friend fell instep with him, "I
must say that I am glad."
Narsus could have said so much more but he didn't. It was enough for
Daryun to know that his anger affected him.
"So is that a yes?" Daryun asked as he watched Narsus bent down to
the stream, pushing loose strands ofsable behind his ear before
splashing water on his face. He watched mesmerized as the water
darkened some of those strands.
Finishing his task, Narsus looked up, one eye closed against the
backdrop of sunlight, droplets of water clung to his lashes, caressed
the lines of his face, "How about a compromise? Dinner in my rooms?
Perhaps you'd be interested in meeting Darya. If I recall correctly,
she was asleep during our trip to Ekubatana."
Darya. Yes, Daryun had quite forgotten about the little girl Narsus
had adopted. That the possibility that Narsus spending what little
free time he had with her. "She doesn't bite does she?"
"No. Not yet." And Narsus winked.
***
My Lovely Artist
Chapter 7
Author: RoninBrat
It wasn't hard for Narsus to lose his escort, riding hard and fast
once he'd cleared the city walls, his Mustang the fastest thing on
four legs, compared to their brute war horses. He supposed he was
going to get into a lot of trouble for this if word got back to
Arislan about his antics. But was it Arislan he answered to now?
These were not the intended Pars' escorts, no, these were Hermes'
personal picks; brutish men who had no real desire to guard the one
man that had helped conquer them. Their duty was to guard the deviant
devil's strategist; the one truly responsible for their defeat. They
kept their distance, yet Narsus could see the resentment in the eyes
that followed him.
Narsus scowled, leaning lower over the silk mane of his horse, giving
the beautiful beast between his thighs full rein. So, he continued to
suppose, he'd find out just how far he could push the King's cousin.
It had been an incredibly grueling week; Plagued by meeting after
meeting, council after council. Maryam's country men coming in by the
scores, only to go over the same again and again. More than one map
had to be adjusted. New maps drawn. Strategies argued. And resentment
growing as Hermes more and more saw the logic he had laid out before
Maryam's council and Hermes' generals. Most of the resentment was
coming from Hermes' group. Perhaps it was best that no Pars shogun
was participating in this.
But these things had not sent him running today. No. It was those
damnable dreams. Not just any dream either. These dreams just had to
be exotic in nature; making him run, instilling the need to escape.
He was exhausted. He'd not had a decent nights sleep the past week.
All because his body was craving the one person he could never have.
Daryun.
The dreams almost always left him craving, aching. So real in their
reality. He could almost feel Daryun's hands on his body. This
burdened his heart heavily. What had triggered it? Quishward and his
sudden attention? Narsus scowled. A lot of people like Quishward had
crossed his path, always seeking to warm the bed of the country's
advisor, the lunatic artist, the Devil's strategist.
No.
Narsus had received the looks after his acceptance to help the Prince
and the Commanders being informed that they were not going. Dark,
scowling looks he could not ignore after the meeting broke up.
Long after the council room had emptied, he and Daryun had argued.
Narsus had never done as much talking and convincing as he'd done
that evening. He still wasn't sure why he had to convince Daryun of
anything. But Daryun knew everything he'd spewed out were valid
arguments to the cause. Daryun could not dispute anything he'd said.
The looks had been dark and thunderous in the beginning; could have
even catalogued some as murderous. And who exactly had Daryun wanted
to murder? Narsus hadn't been sure. But those looks soon turned into
something else. Something Narsus had not expected. Daryun had looked
hurt. Dejected. But before he'd been able to soothe even that, Daryun
had stormed out. And he'd been left feeling bewildered.
And still, why, after much speculation, had he had to explain his
abrupt decision to Daryun?
Why?
Damn it all!
"Damn you, Daryun."
Having given the horse free rein, Narsus had been unaware that his
silly horse had taken them off the main road; not until he felt the
snap of a tree branch hitting his face and tangling painfully in his
hair. The pain having brought him to his senses, finally noting that
his horse was leading them to the nearby stream that ran a short
distance from the main road.
He could no longer hear the pounding hooves of his escort. He had
thoroughly lost them. Although small, the Mustang could out run any
horse. Pulling her up gently, slowing her pace before they both got
hurt, Narsus slowly maneuvered them through the thickening forest
path. He'd had no real destination when he'd gone tearing out of the
city gates. He only wanted his freedom. Time alone. And it sounded
like he had it.
Sliding off her back, before she'd even came to a full stop, Narsus
grabbed hold of her rein, leading her towards the water, treading
slowly over rock and brush until both of them stood, ankle deep in
the crystal clear water.
It was a beautiful day in Ekubatana. A perfect day to ride. Warm the
breeze that caressed his disheveled, rebellious hair. The water
lapped gently, soaking his soft boots; designed more for walking the
halls of the castle then treading on rough ground. But it didn't
bother him. He was no lazy Lord, whiling time away in the comforts of
silks and servants. He had never really been that, despite
impressions.
Stroking her slender neck, as she dipped her head gratefully toward
the fresh water, he soothingly spoke, "There you go, girl. Sorry
about that."
Leaving her standing unattended in the water, Narsus headed back to
the shore. If four escorts weren't out looking for him, he'd be
tempted to take a dip. As it was, he had no desire to get caught with
his pants down.
Beginning a stretch, Narsus stared up toward the heavens, admiring
its clear blue skies. He wasn't sure what his mind's eye sought,
until he stared so far out into its endlessness, and located the
right shade of blue just off to the far horizon, beyond the heavens.
Narsus frowned. He couldn't go on like this.
The strategist of two nations managed to spend a long peaceful moment
alone, speculating , before its' illusion was shattered. He'd been
squatting by the bank, twirling fingers in the water when he felt
cold steel at his throat. He had not heard so much as a sound of the
person's approach.
In addition to the blade at his throat, Narsus felt the tap of
another against his chest. It was Hermes' disdain that broke the
silence. "So you say you can defend yourself. Show me."
With practiced ease, the blade slipped easily into Narsus' hand and
he stood. Having barely enough time to register that it was Daryun's
sword he'd been handed, Hermes struck.
"Your enemy is not going to give you warning." There seemed to be a
satisfied smirk when the two swords clashed; Narsus barely getting
his sword raised in time for the block. The echo of steel resounded
through the forest, sending creatures nearby scouring for cover.
They parried in such a fashion for several strikes; each testing the
other. But then things grew serious; the strikes more aggressive.
The mock battle went from one end of the small clearing to the other.
They each had shaved more than their fair share of brush. At one
point they'd even treaded through the stream, soaking themselves. But
Narsus had moved them quickly from there, unable to get a balance in
soft boots and damp, slimy soil.
Hermes skillfully managed to flatten the blade the times it made
contact with Narsus' person, sending jolts through the strategist's
body. It wasn't often the Prince got through his defenses but, when
he did, it hurt like hell. A thigh. A rib. Once even across his
buttocks. Hermes only laughed, taunting him. Narsus was very much
beginning to feel like a naughty child being disciplined by his sire.
But what Narsus lacked in brute strength he more than made up for in
speed, getting just as often through Hermes' defenses. With practiced
ease of a sensei, he too, flattened his sword before coming into
contact with flesh. When this occurred, Narsus would witness
determination born anew in the eyes of the Prince.
There were advantages to brute strength. It always wore down the
smaller opponent and soon Narsus was beginning to feel the affects in
his arms and shoulder which was unmerciful in its ache. It would take
more than a hot soak to recover from this.
His defeat came as Hermes sword bore down, arching, ending at his
throat before he could even get Daryun's sword up to block. He would
have been beheaded had this been real. Narsus couldn't help but to at
least take some pride in the fact he would have died sword in hand.
Both panting heavily, it was Hermes who found his voice first. "You
escaped your escort. Men bound to protect you. I trust we will not
have this incident again?"
"No, milord."
"Look at me when you say that, Lord Narsus."
Narsus raised exhausted eyes, "No. It will not happen again, Prince
Hermes." His gaze locked and held angry ice blues, every welt issued
from Hermes sword igniting in that stare.
With a nod of assent, Hermes lowered his sword. "Very well, I have
your word then. If this is to happen again, Narsus, I will have you
confined to your quarters."
With long purposeful strides, Hermes went to his horse. "I will say
that you put up a good fight. Years ago, you might have even defeated
me. I'd always wondered who would have come out on top the first day
we met."
Hermes smile was cruel, but it softened after a moment. "Lord Daryun
has requested permission to oversee your combat training. I see
nothing wrong with that and I highly suggest you take advantage of
it. You've been long off the field."
Startled by reference of Daryun, Narsus looked at Hermes, wondering
all the while where exactly Daryun was. "As you wish, Sire."
"Good. I can't think of a better man."
It was after the Prince was out of sight that he realized the only
thing holding him up was Daryun's sword.
A short time later the strategist felt the presence of another.
"Not a word, Daryun." Narsus held up his hand in hopes to stop any
chiding remarks from issuing forth from his friend's mouth.
Luckily, for Narsus, Daryun didn't feel any words were needed as to
seeing Narsus so thoroughly disciplined. Hopefully the artist would
learn not to play with his new liege. Still Daryun couldn't control
the smug look that crossed his features nor his dry retort. "Wouldn't
dream of it, Narsus."
Narsus just shook his head, rolling his topaz colored eyes. Looking
down his gaze caressed the length of Daryun's sword and declared, "I
am blaming the sword."
"I'm sure you are." Amusement remained in Daryun's voice as he
watched his friend. "It's not everyday Lord Narsus gets his ass
kicked."
Narsus looked up sharply at Daryun. "Thought you weren't going to say
a word?"
"You're the one that keeps talking about it. I'm just commenting."
It was hard not to stick out one's tongue in response. Instead,
Narsus lifted the sword and very gallantly handed it Daryun hilt
first.
Daryun accepted the sword, lifting it to survey the scratches on the
blade. Hermes had not been playing.
"If you are not doing anything tonight bring it by and I'll buff the
scratches out for you."
"Actually I was hoping to be doing something tonight." Daryun
started, returning his attention to Narsus.
"Oh. Well. . ." Narsus turned and headed toward the stream. His pace
leisurely.
"I was hoping to persuade you to come down to dinner tonight. You
haven't been down in a while."
Stopping, Narsus turned once more and looked at Daryun giving him a
sad little smile, "Oh? How very kind. Well, I've been sort of
emotionally drained. I haven't much felt like keeping pretenses."
"You don't have to keep those with me, Narsus."
"I know Daryun." Turning away again, he continued his trek to the
stream. "But others-" Narsus left those words unsaid and continued
with-- "Actually I thought you were still angry with me."
"I am. But I'm getting over it."
Narsus' rich laughter filled the surrounding woods. Growing serious
he glanced sideways at Daryun as his friend fell instep with him, "I
must say that I am glad."
Narsus could have said so much more but he didn't. It was enough for
Daryun to know that his anger affected him.
"So is that a yes?" Daryun asked as he watched Narsus bent down to
the stream, pushing loose strands ofsable behind his ear before
splashing water on his face. He watched mesmerized as the water
darkened some of those strands.
Finishing his task, Narsus looked up, one eye closed against the
backdrop of sunlight, droplets of water clung to his lashes, caressed
the lines of his face, "How about a compromise? Dinner in my rooms?
Perhaps you'd be interested in meeting Darya. If I recall correctly,
she was asleep during our trip to Ekubatana."
Darya. Yes, Daryun had quite forgotten about the little girl Narsus
had adopted. That the possibility that Narsus spending what little
free time he had with her. "She doesn't bite does she?"
"No. Not yet." And Narsus winked.
***