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[Arcana]

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“See, I told ya this old dog could learn some new tricks,” Arlin told Arcana over his ale with a smug smile on his face. That’s right, he’d gone shopping (and secretly almost enjoyed it), the whole tavern knew so he’d never hear the end of it, and he was going to get some credit for it, damnit.

From across the room, Jaana couldn’t help herself, “New tricks, aye, but it still takes a fool to fall for them!” This drew appreciative laughter from all corners, Arcana included. Arlin muttered to himself. He tried again, “I saw a hart today, Arcy,” he gave her a winning smile. “Reminded me of you."

Arcana blushed faintly and looked away. At the bar, Poet nudged Cat and gave a knowing wink in Arcana’s and Arlin’s direction. Arcana saw the gesture out of the corner of her eye and caught the speculative whispers of a few of the tavern’s more curious patrons.

Jaana’s words, though idly meant, had brought her up short. What exactly was she thinking with this course of action, anyway? That Arlin was capable of genuine change? Did she even want that? She’d known for years what he was capable of, despite what she felt was his underlying goodness of heart. Likewise, she’d many years ago given up childish notions of “saving” the half-ogre from himself. Yet here she was, acting out this impossible infatuation. And people were beginning to talk. The way he spoke to her was brazen, disgraceful even, and yet, a tiny, lustful voice in the back of her head whispered, what other man would dare? Another man’s name, one who could never disgrace her, instantly came to mind and Arcana was wracked by a stab of guilt and heartache. She looked at her distorted reflection in her wine glass. Was her heart truly as icy as her eyes? Arieus had made his feelings on the matter more than clear, and Arcana had begged him not to ask of her what she could not give. Or what she was too afraid to give, she admitted in a flash of self-honesty. Coward. Fool.

A bottle of liquor sat in a basket on the table in front of her. She had but to extend her hand. She hesitated, her hand moving ever so slightly, but she had been down that road more than once before and knew where it lead.

She pushed her chair back and rose quickly, offering a perfunctory, though civil, farewell to Arlin as she abruptly decided to leave the Garden, heedless of the stares and whispers that followed in her wake. Long after she reached home, Arcana still wasn’t sure if she was fleeing from the bottle, Arlin, or herself.

[Arlin]

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Arcana sat at a table with all her knights gathered around. She didn't even look at him as he walked in, or greet him in anyway. Normally, Arlin would shrug something like this off. Tonight, he didnt.

He sat at a table by himself, nursing an ale, as he heard whispers and snickerings behind him at Arcanas table. More than once, he heard her voice rise in anger? Frustration? He couldnt tell. He knew they were talking about him. Again...normally, he would go over there, rip a few tables up, basha few heads together, and taht would be the end of that.

But he had to change. He couldnt do that anymore. Dymm walked in, and sat across from Arlin. He smiled a bit, but turned around as he heard a commoition. They were playing truth or dare. And it was Arcanas turn.

Arlin thought about leaving. Nah...he wasnt a coward, that would never change. "Arcana...either tell us about the best kiss ya ever had, or kiss Dymm!" Poets shrill voice called out the challange. Arcana looked like shed rather crawl in a hole and die. She eyed Arlin...than Dymm...she stood up and walked over to Dymm, kissing him on the lips. Arlin couldnt say anything, do anything but pull his bandana around his eyes.

Why did it bother him so much? Why was this night going from bad, to worse? Arlin didnt know, but he had to get out. He stood and marched out the door, nearly slamming Forrest in the face as he left.

Arlin only had to walk a little ways before he came to the Void. Black nothingness. A gigantic hole. Oh how he could relate to that. Arlin sat down, emptying out his backpack. Several empty ale bottles, as well as full ones, fell to the ground. He picked one up, and chucked it into the nothingness. He heard footsteps approach from behind, but he didnt turn around. He reoncinzed Arcanas voice as she sighed heavily, and sat down next to him. She leaned her head on his broad shoulder.

"Hi." She greeted him softly. He looked over and smiled at her. He had planned to fake the smile at first, but then he realized he truly wanted to smile. Just being close to her made him happy. He sighed inwardly, awaiting what would come.
"Eh Arcy..." he managed. She smiled up at him and they began talking, the minutes melting away. Eventually, they got down to the point.

"Arlin..." she began, and he gave her his undivided attention. "People are...talking. They talk of me as though Im just another of your tavern wenches. How can I be seen with a violent, womanzing, drunken half-ogre mercenary?" Her words cut deep, deeper than she may have intended. Inwardly, he flinched. He cared about her deeply, he'd do anything for her...and all she seemed to care about was how she looked to everyone else.

"Arcy...I aint ne'er gonna be no knight. I is trying, gods above and below, they knows how hard I is tryin...and I'd do anythin' fer ya.." Her face seemed to warm a bit at this remark. He wished he knew what she was thinking tonight. He wished he knew why, after he had done the one thing he hated the most, just for her...she had left him high and dry. He had no lands, no nobility, no titles or armies. He had just what his two hands had given him. He wished he knew why he felt the way he did...

He continued "Arcy...I aint got no flowery words er fanciful sayins. All's I know is what I feel inside 'ere" He tightened his fist and placed it over his heart. She smiled up at him, and she curled up closer to him. By the end of the conversation, Arlin didnt know where he stood with the lady knight he so adored. He wasnt giving up though, not yet. He still had alot to prove to her, that was clear. But he still had a lot to give.

She left him with a kiss on his cheek, and she took off back to the tavern. Arlin wondered around, alone with his thoughts, for much of the rest of the evening.
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As the fire fades to night, remember always the ember that started it all.

[Arcana]

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Dawn found Arcana attempting to find peace of mind through archery practice. She released her bowstring and added another arrow to the tight cluster in the center. She’d slept fitfully, finally dropping off well after midnight.

The other night when she’d followed Arlin out of the Garden to the edge of the Void, she’d steeled her reserve, thinking to be sufficiently prepared after that knee-weakening kiss. But she’d not been prepared for how her words had apparently cut so deeply. She had thought herself a game to him, a conquest even. She’d not expected to see his pained expression when she'd told him as much. There were no displays of his roguish charm, no attempts to stir the embers of their undeniable attraction. He’d simply spoken.

He seemed, to her, more like the man he had been when they were younger than the hardened, hard-living mercenary she’d seen in recent years. In all his plans, he seemed to want her approval so much. She held a deep affection for that younger Arlin she’d once known, regardless of what the older Arlin had become. Yet even if the worst mistakes of the past could be undone, she was positive some things about him would never change. Passion was a heady thing, difficult to ignore, and oh, how his brazen confidence did inspire it. Yet it did not inspire trust. Or respect. And it burned too fiercely to endure.

She’d tried to explain, but both hurt and hope were so apparent on his face that she’d fumbled and had chosen her words poorly. She didn’t think he’d understood her at all.

Her next arrow missed the target entirely, ricocheting off a tree in a spray of bark. “Damnit!” she swore with more vehemence than the lost arrow warranted.