3-1

-:{(3)}:-
The Great Lars
"Tonight, in the fire’s light, we‘ll chase the wind together…”

___Finally, after two arduous days of travel, the tired pair reached the merchant’s paradise of Urchine. A ridiculously busy place to be situated in the middle of a dessert, Lars City lay beautifully within their sight. Even outside the city's walls there were merchants at their carts and stands selling everything imaginable.
___Drinking in the cities perpetual motion, young Alex was beyond ecstatic. The rustic Arabian market with its dusty streets and reddish orange buildings was almost surreal. Even Nina managed to be mildly intrigued. Efficiently, her empty gaze recorded every insignificant detail. As Alex dashed here and there ogling all the foreign wares, she followed at a stately pace, calmly making her way to nowhere in particular behind him.
___“Do you like it?”
___It was a random question from a weathered woman. Half hidden in shadow, she stood behind a small unassuming cart, terribly inconspicuous amongst the market’s vibrancy. Old and wrinkled, hobbled over her wares, she was perceptive enough to know Nina would purchase nothing. The day was moving slowly though, and she’d caught the young woman staring off into the distance. She seemed interesting enough to pass the time at least.
___“It’s beautiful,” Nina responded, shifting her attention to the merchant before her. Her eyes never lost their dull complacency, but her tone was respectful. That much the elderly deserved.
___“Ya’ know, I haven‘t seen anyone like you in a long while.” the aged woman sighed.
___Her voice was just as tired as she appeared, yet Nina‘s striking eyes touched her. They sheltered a very familiar pain. If only for a moment, she wanted to converse with this beautiful stranger.
___“It’s rare to see someone who appreciates the beauty of my fabrics.” she continued, now holding Nina’s full attention. “I started making these many years ago, right after my husband passed. I was left completely alone, without a single child to care for me in my old age. I had to fend for myself... Fortunately, the needlework soothed my soul and also managed to keep it fed.”
___“I‘m sorry for your loss,” Nina flatly replied. It was the obligatory statement.
___“Don‘t be, it was long ago and affected nothing more than my old heart. I should be the one apologizing; no one really likes to hear the elderly ramble.” She conceded, warmly smiling. “It‘s sweet to see you care though.” Her eyes danced with youth. The words she used and the truth she meant were slightly different, but Nina understood.
___“Thank you,” Nina managed, slightly surprised at the compliment. She took a step back preparing to depart, but apparently the woman had one last thing to do.
___“Here sweetie, take this. You’re going to stick out like a soar thumb without a scarf. It‘s the least I can do for wasting your time.” she kindly explained, pulling a beautiful green silk cloth from behind her kart. She warmly handed it to the young woman and held no doubt her charity was appreciated.
___As predicted, the gesture meant far more than the gift. Nina was even moved to decline the offering, her lips parting in explanation as the widow turned to leave. She only winked at the young woman and waved for her to go. She knew all that could come from her pretty mouth was a reason she couldn’t accept and wouldn’t dare be refused.
___Looking down at the jewel in her hands, Nina could almost hear the faint echoes of her past. There was once a time when something like this had been all she'd ever wanted; a rare treasure from a place she'd never been. Wrapping the gift around her head she easily mimicked the common style, proceeding onward through the maze of stalls with her past quickly silenced once again. For the moment she was alone though, Alex having darted off while the kindly stranger stole her attention.
___Searching with only minimal urgency for her companion, Nina walked through the city, a strange new silence surrounding her without him. Friendly conversation and arguments alike ceased as all paused to comprehend her. Everything about Nina, besides her obvious beauty was a paradox. Every step she took was full of purposeful uncertainty, her expression proudly humble, gaze menacingly kind. One couldn’t help but try to understand this magnificent enigma; only a precious few realizing the truth of her emptiness.
___She proceeded like this for quite awhile, heedless of her impact until a brilliant red flash caught her attention. She turned to find a street performer showcasing his skills. This handsome man, who looked to be in his twenties, was entertaining a growing crowd with his fire breathing. Clothed in only white pants, their length wide and flowing, with thick gold armlets on his biceps he made quite a statement. In Nina’s instant assessment, she easily ascertained the forgone shirt and shoes wasn‘t for lack of funding. Gleaming from the heat of the fire surrounding him, his tanned brawny muscles were just as much a part of the show as his stunts.
___Nina walked to the outside of the mass and quickly scanned for her lost child. In the midst of the crowd of tired travelers and dirty merchants, her beauty radiated like a beacon. The fire-breather easily picked her out, watching her lips purse ever so slightly in the most seductive pout. Unable to turn away, he couldn’t help but blush a bit as she stared up into his eyes, her gaze so piercing it almost hurt.
___Realizing she would have to walk through his crowd of spectators, Nina was only slightly irritated. Alex was undoubtedly somewhere on the other side of the market. She slowly made her way through, everyone hardly even noticing her, captivated as they watched the young man blow large columns of fire over their heads.
___The closer she came, the stronger the desire to impress her grew within the young fire breather. Placing one hand on the ground, he thrust himself into an amazing upside-down spin, simultaneously breathing a circular wave of fire. The crowd went into a frenzy, yelling their approval and jostling Nina in the process. She almost decimated them all, an elbow carelessly jabbing her in the back. Still tender from her self inflicted wounds, it was decidedly painful. The young woman actually stopped and cringed for a moment, a staggered sigh all she released as her rage vanished, the vortex swirling at her feet doing the same. She would not be deterred. For some reason, she simply felt incomplete without Alex presence, wearisome as it might be, and so continued on.
___The best was yet to come though, the male attraction launching into a string of back flips, still somehow managing to breathe his continuous inferno. His act was crafted for maximum interest, slowly building up to his finale with steady pace. Nina knew the ruckus would only get worse, and slowly began to make her presence known, firing warning glances to all around her. Before the fire-breather was done, the crowd was almost ready to worship him, having watched him do aerials, somersaults, and a number of things they couldn’t even name for lack of exposure. For his final trick, he startled the crowd, actually thrusting his right hand into his billowing inferno. His entire face was one devilish grin as he winked at those near him, as if to prove he was invincible. Peering over at Nina, it was obvious she didn’t care though, his bravado fading immediately. His lips slowly turned downward in a grimace, his mood transitioning in preparation.
___Nervously furrowing his brow, he suddenly panicked, yelling out in excruciating pain. Dropping to his knees, his entire body was consumed by roaring flames. A gasp echoed through the sea of people surrounding him, Nina excluded, all caught in a state of confusion.
___Nina was almost at the fore of the crowd by now, bordering on the empty space everyone had left him. The sudden change of events merited only a slight feeling of irony within her. She calmly continued, completely ready to extinguish the flames with her power. Breaking into the clearing, air already being drawn to her palm, she peered through the wall of fire surrounding her target and noticed… he was smiling?
___Their eyes locked, and in the instantaneous eternity they spent together, they were somehow connected. Neither could name the feeling, but there was something, unnaturally binding them together as they neared. As this attraction invaded them, the young man noted Nina's barrier of wind, invisible but present, easily deflecting his embers and Nina the fact he used neither oil nor alcohol. It seemed they both held secrets.
___The young fire breather soon disappeared behind an explosion of dark smoke and the silent exchange was cut short. Nina, knowing without any doubt he was fine, simply continued on her way. She didn't need to see him emerge from the billowing cloud behind her, arms raised in heroic triumph.
___The fire breather finished his routine to the energetic roaring and thunderous applause of the crowd, belatedly noticing Nina walking away. Her slender frame was poetry, each curve of her body imprinting itself on his mind.
___"Who is she?" he whispered, captivated beyond his wildest imagination, especially since he knew she wouldn't look back. He quickly wiped off with a ragged towel and picked up his earnings. He would normally have stayed for awhile longer, using his smile to drain a few last coins, but that girl... he just had to see her again. He quickly jogged after her, prepared to spew the usual lines of conquest.
___"So, did you enjoy the show?" he asked, flashing a coy smile as he approached her from behind.
___Silence ensued.
___The young man found himself, nervous... silently walking beside this beautiful foreigner. It went on like that for awhile too. When Nina finally gazed in his direction, her expression was simply blank. The young man wasn't sure she even recalled him.
___With a calm sigh, "Not really,” fell from her lips. Her attention never really rested on him either. As she steadily searched for Alex he was more nuisance than anything, standing in her line of sight.
___"I don't get that too often?" he muttered, stopping dead in his tracks. "I actually don't know what to say…"
___Nina left him behind while he tried to regroup.
___The fire thing works with everyone, he thought, quickly realizing he didn‘t have time to be lost in thought. It only made her all the more intriguing anyway.
___"Miss, my name’s David!” he called out behind her. “If you’re willing, meet me tonight at the Lion's Den! I promise you‘ll have a good time!"
___Making the offer was about all he could do for now. Eventually, he would find a way to get to her. A challenge was never something he backed away from.Conversely, Nina went about her business with no new found resolve. Catching sight of Alex, the bachelor’s words were all but completely forgotten. Her little one was waiting at a toy stand, staring intently at some bright red cloth. His small hands held it tenderly, a melancholy sparkle in his eyes. For a short moment, Nina could almost see his regrets. He was different, and there was nothing he could do about it. The thought to ask why never even occurred to her though. She had found Alex and confirmed he was safe. That was about as far as she felt her duty went.
___Silently stepping behind him, she placed a firm hand on his shoulder. Alex quickly whirled around, startled, his face moving through a dozen frenzied emotions. There was of course terror, followed by a calmer recognition, topped off by an incomplete transition from confused depression to forced happiness. It all took place in the span of a few seconds, but nothing escaped her notice.
___“We need lodging.” Nina stated, easily dismissing it all. A small nod of agreement from Alex was all the reply she needed before the two headed off once again. Nina led the way this time as Alex silently followed, struggling to understand the odd red thing from before. He was probably the only child for miles who had no inkling what it was.

___David’s serene smile was still in place as he neared his small apartment. Nothing could ruin his mood, except maybe the gentleman waiting at his doorstep. Keeler, dubious and shifty, had somehow found the time in his busy schedule to travel down to Lars. With his back against David's door and a look of total nonchalance, he waited. Up and down a golden coin floated, tossed from his calloused hand as he roguishly smiled at the passersby. It was useless running. David knew it would only make things worse, and so he squared his shoulders and walked on.
___"Good noon Keeler. How, ya' doing…?” he weakly offered. “Didn’t expect to see you so soon…”
___Keeler merely smiled, a transient hunger in his eyes and motioned toward the door with his thumb.
___Finding himself staring at the ground, David shuffled by and gracelessly unlocked the door. Walking in before him, Keeler sprawled out in the nicest of the few threadbare chairs, contentedly sighing as if the place belonged to him. Didn’t matter where or how but he’d always be comfortable. He gave no hint of intention, drinking in the sight of David’s sparse home like an old friend. A nervous wreck by comparison, David barely stepped foot inside. The performer just hovered in the doorway anxiously waiting. In almost every way, he was aware of Keeler. His eye caught the slight rise and fall of his chest as he breathed, the insignificant emblem on his gold buttons, and even the way the light from his single window illuminated the slight gray hair on his hands. A folded sheet of paper from within Keeler’s coat seemed to occupy the gentlemen’s attention for the moment, and as he read David didn‘t even notice his own bated breath. Every slight expression Keeler made, as he read over whatever it was, made him cringe.
___"Haven't exactly been keeping up on your payments…” Keeler eventually announced.
___David almost jumped as the silence shattered.
___“An amazing six months behind!” Keeler sighed, placing the parchment back within his coat. He turned to look at the young man behind him, eerily confident. “This life you lead, I must say it seems… fun? You literally play with fire every day, and then have your choice of women for the night.” Keeler just shook his head in mock disgust. It almost put David at ease to see him grin admiringly at his accomplishment. “My advice is to enjoy it. You’ve only one month left to pay off your debt before we take it from you… this pleasant existence of yours."
___As dry and simple as the words were, it still took a few moments for the ultimatum to register. David barely even noticed Keeler brush past him; nonchalantly pause at his side. It wasn‘t until the lackey smiled, an unnaturally kind smile, that David came back to reality. He reached to shake Keeler's hand, actually happy with the outcome. He could have sworn his deadline was for tomorrow.
___Keeler extended his hand as well, his smile never faltering, as he slammed his fist into David's gut.
___Immediately, the fire breather found him self hobbled over, hazel eyes bulging as a small cough escaped his quivering mouth. It was only a single blow, from an old man but he still had tears brimming in his eyes from the cheap shot. He barely even recognized the rough hand touching him, an unnervingly sultry course being traced around his neck. Keeler’s fingers, with expert cunning, were soon poised perfectly beneath the wells of pain under his jaw and applied just enough pressure to force his attention from one pain to another. David had no choice but to look up.
___"Dear boy, these next few weeks are a gracious gift. Be smart and ensure your own survival." he kindly warned, never losing his calm.
___Hands in his pockets, he left, strolling down the crowded street without a care in the world. The sound of his whistling was all he left the poor fool.
___“And the day started so well…” David mumbled.

___The sky just began to turn reddish orange when Nina found an old rickety inn on the edge of the city. It was obviously one of the cheapest they’d find. After paying with the little money she’d brought, they were led to a dull bedroom on the second floor. It was small, with barely any furnishings to speak of, but clean at least. It did boast a window, its view looking over the market from which they’d just come. Drawn to it, Alex rested on the sill, recalling the day’s events as he peered over the cityscape.
___Nina spared no time before rummaging through her things for the necessities of the moment. A bath was of the highest priority. Fortunately, the small room had a basin full of nearly lukewarm water sitting in the corner. Without any warning, she began to undress, stepping behind the room’s cloth partition with Alex completely unaware. The sloshing water was the only thing to finally clue him in. The gentle sound merited only a slight shrug as he settled down on the single bed. He stared up at the ceiling, hands clasped behind his head as he mentally replayed the strange conversation from before.

-----------------

___“Hey big man… yeah, you there! I have something perfect for you!” a random merchant called. He merrily waved Alex over. “You look just big enough to handle it.”
___“Handle, what?”
___“A kite of course! I bet you‘ll have the time of your life,” he explained, handing a bright red contraption to the child. His smile simply beamed, even as he turned his back on the boy to return to yet another customer. “No ones got ‘em any cheaper! I got any color under the sun…”
___Alex small fingers traced the brilliant pattern, following the course of the painted bird’s wings, but for the life of him he had no idea what he was holding. He didn’t even have the heart to ask with it being so obvious he should already know. It wasn’t like he could afford it anyway.

-----------------

___He drifted back to reality, remembering how Nina had such perfect timing. She probably didn’t even care, but she’d rescued him from getting embarrassed. Alex couldn’t help but gaze toward her, peering at the tattered cloth between them with a small smile. Her slim figure was hazily outlined by the flickering light of the candle beside her. I might as well ask…
___“Nina, what‘s a… kite?”
___He sat, listening to the sound of the splashing water filling the silence. The room was filled with the warm red glow of the setting sun, and felt oddly comfortable now that he was used to their dynamic. It was constant, reliable even, and surprisingly he was okay with that.
___“A child‘s play thing,” she finally said, giving it only the slightest thought.
___She was no help at all. He almost laughed at the irony. All in all though, it was just another reason to like her. Neither of them really belonged here, surrounded by all these normal people and their equally normal lives. How could anyone else begin to understand them?
___“Nina,” he called once again, watching her emerge in a new set of clothes. “I have to search for another Element. We still have a little time before it gets too late.”
___Sitting on the edge of the bed, he felt Nina’s gaze envelope him. Looking into her eyes, it never ceased to amaze him that nothing was there. A purely simple void where any emotion should be. A small nod of her head signaled her agreement though and Alex understood it was time to go. Hopping down, he left for the market with his beautiful companion yet again.

___Even with the day drawing to a close, the streets were still rather full, merchants, travelers and thieves alike all looking for rest. Feeling himself draw seemingly closer and further away to the power he felt before, Alex zigzagged through the slow herd of people. Back in Mintt the pull had been unnaturally strong, but now it just seemed to get lost in the mess of the city. Energy was simply everywhere, spilling from all the careless inhabitants and clouding his judgment. This was definitely going to be much harder than he’d expected.
___The pair were only out for little more than a few minutes before the darkening sky was beckoning them to return. Too weary to suppress it Alex adorably yawned praying Nina didn’t notice.
___“Let‘s retur-” she began, familiar desire suddenly blooming in her chest. A sudden halt was all her tired body would allow, forcing her to peer toward the fascination nearby.
___A sleepy building with the door open to the public lay before her. It wasn't overly grand, a simple inviting exterior spilling a warm cozy light and random cheerful laughter. Glancing upward she noticed a sign hanging near the door just as Alex read it aloud. The words were in bold regal red letters.
___“The Crimson Lion's Den…? Do you want to go in?” Alex asked, wondering why it seemed to captivate Nina so. He didn’t even wait for an answer, rightly assuming he’d get none, and simply proceeded inside. Anywhere he went at this point could possibly bring him closer to his target.
___Nina dutifully followed, knowing full well this was probably the place David meant, but her only thoughts where of Alex‘s surprising ability to read. She was also one of few lucky enough to learn, taught by a random scholar who found his way to Mintt, but where would a wandering child like hers learn such things? It was an interesting question, but Nina’s general lack of concern left her without need to literally ask.
___Stepping through the threshold, she quickly took note of the growing force beckoning her to continue, almost irritated by the insistence. Inside, every conversation slowly ceased, each patron pausing to gawk in turn like before. There weren’t very many, but for the moment they were all relishing in her beauty. The slight difference between her creamy pale brown skin and light auburn hair naturally brought attention to her eyes. They sparkled, like exquisite rare emeralds, almost floating separate from her face. Alex still got lost in them occasionally.
___Only one person didn’t seem to fully appreciate her. Another woman of course, presumably a whore, was cutting her the most evil glance she could manage. Sadly, none of it really mattered to Nina with Alex feeling uncomfortable for the both of them. He quickly placed himself at her side, cowering in her shadow as the chatter slowly began once again.
___“You actually showed up!” David announced, making his way over, “I honestly didn‘t think you’d come.”
___He wore a white vest, held closed by golden rope ties, with yet another pair of white flowing pants, both with gold trim. The outfit was similar to before, but obviously fashioned better. It suited him well.
___Perplexed, Alex stared at the new stranger. She actually has friends here? His gaze shifted from Nina to the fellow, then back again as he tried to find any light of recognition in her eyes, but of course it was pointless.
___“And, who‘s you little friend here?” David asked, noting the odd addition of a child.
___“I‘m Alex, but who are you… and how do you know Nina?" he replied, ignoring the fact the question was directed at his companion. He was finding himself feeling extremely protective all of a sudden. As if to prove he was her guardian, he stepped in front of her, his reserve somehow lost from before. It was pathetically adorable to watch, especially since Alex was about nine inches shorter than Nina, who was only five three herself.
___“Well, my name is David, and I really don‘t know ‘Nina’ at all…” he replied, stifling a grin at the giant personality before him. As he said her name, he stole a glance up at her eyes, realizing it was the first time. How sad he had to learn it from the young boy instead of her? Extending his hand, he gestured for a handshake, which Alex wearily accepted. It was a greeting between men and the boy just had to be okay with that. David’s gruff hand engulfing the child’s, they made contact, and soon after a mild heat erupted in the boy’s chest.
___“Come on, let‘s sit down. We can learn a little something about each other.” David propositioned, receiving no terribly negative response from either.
___With his mind more focused on the warmth spreading down to his stomach, Alex easily accepted. By the time he settled into his chair, next to Nina of course, he was finding it almost difficult to breathe. The enveloping fever was in his face and fingers, and felt like a raging fire in his torso. He started to sputter coughs and randomly gasp for air, cheeks flushed pink.
___Nina stoically cast him a glance and without any change in demeanor took in his condition. She raised a delicate hand to Alex's forehead and felt the wafting heat before she ever grazed him. Emotionless or not, a temperature this high was obviously a problem. She leaned in, forming her lips for a kiss it seemed, but stopped short and blew a refreshing mountain breeze over the small boy's body instead.
___David watched in mild confusion, wondering what had the child so choked up, but soon found himself lost in Nina’s lips as she pursed them for her gale. There was nothing she did without being attractive. And Alex was equally cute, squinting his eyes before her with his bangs flailing in her icy breath.
___Luckily for the small boy, the fire coursing through his body disappeared as quickly as it began leaving him a little flustered, but fine nonetheless.
___"Better?" Nina tonelessly asked. She held Alex in her empty gaze, already making her assessment.
___"I feel fine now. Don't worry!” he replied, reinforcing his words with a small smile. He was supposed to be protecting her and here he was being the burden.
___"This prolly ain’t the best place for him. The smoke in here can be tough on a lil’ guy." David suggested.
___Nina never responded, merely raising her hand to Alex head once more to be sure. As the child had said, he felt perfectly fine. Had she the capacity, she would have found it odd, but instead Nina simply let the moment fall from her mind. Alex on the other hand was in a state of quandary, looking around to find no one smoking anything at all. What was that about? Is the surface making me sick?

___"What'll it be," an elderly bartender asked, tearing everyone away from the moment.
___"A Torch for me," David easily replied, looking to Nina to see what she desired.
___The young woman gave no response again, only letting her stare linger on David’s face for a moment. In a situation such as this she knew better than to accept his amorous gifts. David though, assumed she was merely too innocent to know of anything to request. Her silence was cute from that perspective, and left him a simple choice.
___"How about, a Phoenix for the lady, and…" he lingered, turning lastly to Alex. "What will the big man beside you have?" David joked, Alex bashfully smiling in return. The young boy, as expected was elated to be treated like an equal, almost believing he truly was.
___"Um, I'm tired of rum and beer all the time.” he responded, trying desperately to be cool. “I'm in the mood for a cold glass of milk, and I'd like it on the pebbles."
___"Heh, you mean, on the rocks, right?" David corrected him, almost as enamored with the boy as Nina.
___"Yeah, that's what I meant!" Alex quickly replied, still feeling all grown-up despite the slip.
___David suppressed a chuckle once again, having no problem playing along.
___The bartender silently noted everything, pertly disappearing behind his counter to mix and pour all the necessaries. As he crushed the handful of red berries for Nina’s Phoenix, he couldn’t help but grin at David’s choice, knowing the drink wasn’t half as fiery as it sounded. It was only a few minutes more before he appeared with their drinks; Alex's milk and ice included.
___“Thank you!” Alex giggled, picking up his oversized mug with both hands. The glass was terribly cold but the milk tasted heavenly.
___David only smiled and paid the old bartender a little more than he deserved. He didn't have much money, but he could at least pretend. It was worth it as he watched Nina peer down at the elegant goblet before her. With one random movement, she raised her empty gaze to his, gently grasping her cup as there eyes made contact. David couldn’t help but hold his breath, drowning in those green orbs as he watched her gracefully lift the glass. Those adorable pink lips, glistening as she sipped the pale red wine, were all the thanks David needed.
___“Why you staring at Nina so much?” Alex blurted, turning to peer at Nina himself. He was having trouble understanding all the weird expressions David kept throwing across the table. Ironically sporting a white mustache from his drink, he asked, “Is there something on her face?”
___“Cuh uh,” David sputtered, almost choking on his liquor. He’d been caught gawking, and by a child no less. Innocent as a kitten, Alex was undeniably clueless too.
___“No, there‘s nothing wrong with her face Alex,” he sighed, quickly regaining his composure. “In fact, I’d say she’s perfect…“
___A dazzling smile followed the smooth words, but it was all really a waste. Nina was staring out through a window, her mind blank and drifting after Alex outburst. She noticed, but ignored the carriage stopping outside, instead letting the bitter strawberry flavor settle in her mouth.

___Outdoors, a rather wealthy gentleman was studying her, slightly inebriated as well, but far more full of sorrow than spirits which said a lot considering. Nina’s face was eerily similar to someone dear to him, at least in his present condition. It was someone his heart desperately yearned for too, and thus he instantly decided Nina would be his. In any other state of mind it wouldn’t have made sense, but tonight, he was going to ensure his love be returned.
___Stepping out, he bid his servants leave him. He would have no fuss surrounding him in the commons. Their blank, helpless stares would do nothing to halt him. How could he stop, when his heart ached like this?
___Hastily, he entered the small inn, righting his perfectly tailored jacket per his habit before strolling directly to her table. He didn‘t even seem to notice the buzz he was causing, everyone’s eyes following him; this noble with his perfect posture and billowing cape.

“What’s he doin’ here?”
“Huh?”
“I dunna know…”

“Kinda rare to get his kind,”
“Handsome though…”

“Ya’ wanna rob ‘em?”
“Don‘t be an idiot,”

___The last one to notice anything, Alex followed David‘s gaze and peeked up at the new arrival. A tiny new mustache dripped from his face. The gentleman, appearing to be in his twenties, was dressed in full regal regalia. He even carried a beautifully glistening silver cane. Like David, he stared at Nina as if something were ‘wrong’ with her face. He watched the beauty take another sip of her drink, struggling to see through his shifting haze. After a pause far longer than reasonable, he announced, "I’ll have your seat! I shall honor this lady with my presence." His words were addressed to David, but uttered awkwardly without his gaze ever leaving from Nina.
___No one moved.
___“Are you talking to me?” David asked confused, looking around. It took a moment for the noble’s words to actually sink in. “Ya’ know what, I’m sorry, but we‘re already comfortable the way we are.” he eventually explained, smiling as he raised his mug as proof, completely ignoring the rude command. His tone was exceptionally warm and friendly.
___“Feel free to sit anywhere else you like." He offered, turning his attention back to Nina and his mug. Imitating him, Alex followed suit, silently dismissing the new arrival as well while Nina never really paid him much attention to begin with.
___Baffled, the noble uncomfortably hovered at the fore of their table. Do they not realize who I am?
___Tapping the table twice, ensuring he was the center of attention as he should be, he bent down to David‘s level, nearly losing his balance in the process. "I don't think you understand…” he slurred, hurriedly righting himself, this time speaking directly to his supposed rival. “I requested your seat!”
___David almost wanted to laugh, recognizing the rank stench of liquor on his breath. He had no desire to quell a drunkard, especially while in the company of Nina. He could only shake his head in mild annoyance before replying. "I heard you the first time, but I really don‘t have time for this. She’s not the kind of girl you just walk away from…” He was trying his best to keep the situation from getting out of hand. “Look, you‘re probably better off going home. Some rest would obviously do you good. I‘m sure tomorrow she’d be just as willing to accept your offer."
___Alex couldn’t help but smile at the obvious subversion. It was plain to see that Nina wasn’t very interested in anything, much less some random idiot. He highly doubted tomorrow would be any different from today.
___Unlike Alex, their new arrival didn’t find the suggestion amusing. The gentleman actually became exceedingly angry with David’s words. The seemingly subtle diversion had accidentally triggered something. His groggy haze was abandoned, replaced by a startling focus as he remembered why he’d come in the first place.
___“If I can’t have her now, in this instant, I swear by my honor as Erik Timothy Sergeant On’dui I’ll kill anyone who stands in my way.” His words were heated and passionate, his eyes filled with a sad certainty. Having said this, he peered intently at Nina’s face, once more seeing only his love.
___“I can’t let you leave me again...” he proclaimed, his voice no less sincere. His expression was of the purest sorrow, his longing so evident it even garnered her attention for a brief moment.
___Nina knew only one thing to say in reply. Peering with equal intensity into the pitiable man’s eyes, she softly whispered, “I don‘t know you.”