#norelle

She laughed softly and nodded her head, “Yes, the offer is very kind. I’m doing well enough for now, though - while I hail from the greener part of the Shroud, my family and I visited Coerthas quite regularly.” “A pity we did not meet sooner, then!” “Indeed.” Estinien was pointedly paying absolutely no mind to their conversation, arms crossed over his chest, a vague air of annoyance surrounding him. He knew Haurchefant meant no harm, but did he always have to be like that? Of course… who was he to deny N’orelle pleasant company, he supposed… His gaze shifted over to her, taking her in at length, paying special mind to the easy smile she wore. It suited her. And then he thought of all the times she’d smiled at him like that… and all the other expressions he’d seen her make. Gods now was not the time to be picturing the way her expression contorted as he entered her, the way her lips parted, her brows knit. Without realizing he was now simply staring at her completely zoned out. “Cat got your tongue, Estinien?” He snapped out of it immediately, piercing gaze shifting to Haurchefant with his standard look of irritation. “What?” “I was just remarking, N’orelle would look all the lovelier in House Fortemps colors, don’t you think?” Estinien could not help but feel like Haucherfant was somehow… teasing him with this question and he pursed his lips, dodging his gaze sidewards. “I really could not care less.” But his eyes could not remain off N’orelle for very long, and he chanced to meet her curious glance, holding each others vision for a short but meaningful moment. ’Why did my pulse just skyrocket?’ they both asked themselves mentally. “Well you’re as fun as usual, Estinien,” Haurchefant chuckled, but overall seemed like he was satisfied by that answer. Estinien tore his lingering gaze away from N’orelle and cleared his throat turning on his heel, “Excuse me a moment.” N’orelle raised a brow at him, watching him leave the room, before she looked back at Haurchefant. Color her curious. “You know, actually, I think I might use the restroom before everyone else gets here.” she said with as inconspicuous of a smile as she could muster. “Oh of course, go ahead and head out that door he just left through then, there’s one just down the hall. It shouldn’t be too difficult to find.” “Right, thank you,” she dipped her head in a thankful bow before she excused herself and made for the exit Estinien had just taken. No sooner had she walked through the threshold of the doorway was she accosted by Estinien who hadn’t made it more than a few feet beyond the door. She was only slightly startled, and easily let him pull her along, into the first open room - which happened to be the bathroom, ironically. As soon as the door clicked behind her he was pinning her against it, mouth descending upon hers. A muffled gasp escaped her, though she was not that surprised. She could tell by the way he looked at her what was on his mind, and she was of a similar train of thought. Once was clearly not enough for either of them. If anything it made the pair of them more needy. His hand fumbled with the lock for a brief second before his hands were on her, pulling at laces, haphazardly tugging her pants down her hips. She wiggled as best as she could to be of help shimmying out of them while she busied herself with the same task, only on him. They had to be efficient, lest the others wonder where they’d gone off to. They didn’t even bother ridding him of his pants, just pushed them far enough down that they were out of the way, coupled with his undergarments. One hand found it’s way to his jaw, the other all too eager to wrap around his half-hard cock. A groan caught in his throat, lost against her lips. She broke away, chest all but heaving, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. She urged him back a step before dropping down to her knees. “N’orelle-” he began but was immediately cut off as he sucked in a sharp breath at the feel of her lips wrapping around the head of his cock. “We don’t really have time for all this-” his tone gruff and hurried, though he did not put up much of a fight. His hands quickly found their way to her head, pressing his fingers into her scalp with one while the other absentmindedly fondled one of her ears. “Lemmeh haf muh fuhn-” her voice was absolutely muffled by his dick in her mouth which would have been truly amusing if he wasn’t so distracted by the feel of her tongue rolling over him. His knees nearly buckled as she slowly took in his length, and did a damn fine job for someone not overly experienced in such acts. Drawing back just as slowly, his hips jerked as she paid special mind to the tip, sucking hard, swirling her tongue over him. “N’orelle,” he grunted again, a little more commanding. He was enjoying this, but he had full plans to fuck her, and they could do all of this when they had more time. She pointed her gaze up at him, something akin to a playful glare, before she drew back. “Just prepping~” her voice was sing-song as she stood herself up, licking her lips. Estinien once again demonstrated his upper body strength as he took hold of her at the hips and lifted her off the ground with obvious ease, shifting one arm under her to hold her up, pressing her against the door. Perhaps not the wisest choice for venue, but absolutely none of this was a wise choice to begin with. She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding tight there, but letting her legs hang loosely for the time being. He took himself in hand, guiding himself into her without any further dallying. She yelped a little and he quickly moved to cover her mouth with his now free hand. “As much as I enjoy the sounds you make, you’ll have to be quiet this time.” She nodded a little, though truth be told she wasn’t sure she could make such a promise. His hand dropped back down to her hip, fingers grasping firmly to help keep her steady as he began at a much less forgiving pace than the first time they had done this. She squeaked, biting her lip, trying desperately to stifle herself. She wrapped one leg around him, helping to urge him deeper with every thrust. Her head tilted back against the door, brows furrowed, eyes shut tight, trying frantically to swallow the moans and sighs threatening to escape her. Estinien took her bared throat as an opening, burying his face against her neck, kissing the hot, tender skin haphazardly. It took almost too much effort to keep her from hitting against the door as he sank himself into her with vigor. “Estinien--” she gasped, a whimpering sound trailing after his name, “You’re not… making this easy on me…” Her hands tangled in his hair in desperation, tugging more than she had honestly meant to. He didn’t seem to mind, a growl of a moan catching in his throat. “Then I’ll just… have to make it up to you… won’t I?” There was an obvious struggle in his voice as well to keep from groaning against her skin. “Mmmnn…. Hells, Estinien,” she whined quietly, tilting her chin back down and drawing her hands along his jaw, bringing his mouth to hers, her only hope at muffling the sounds escaping her as she grew closer and closer to the precipice. He obliged her hungrily, the kiss haphazard and messy. He had never felt the need to curse his stamina before but they really needed to hurry up before everyone else arrived and wondered where they were. Her hands had wound their way back into his hair, fingernails scraping against his scalp sending a shiver down his spine. N’orelle on the other hand was barely clinging on, wanting to savor it just a little bit longer. The tension was almost painful, at least in her legs, from their position, and soon enough she could bear it no longer. She drew back with a gasp, quick to bury her face into his shoulder where she could muffle the cries that escaped her as her body shuddered in ecstacy. Thankfully it didn’t take much more than that for Estinien to follow her, his legs all but shaking, holding not only himself but her up. He swallowed the moan that threatened to escape him, slowing until he halted entirely, hands trembling where they held onto her as he came down off his climax. Drawing out of her slowly, he let his hold on her loosen until she slipped down onto her feet, where she promptly just about fell over had he not caught her by the waist. “.. m-my legs are asleep,” she commented sheepishly, still obviously breathless. He simply made a straight face and shook his head a little. She could tell he was trying not to laugh. “Well get ‘em moving and get dressed, you head out first.” “Mmmph, okay okay.” she pouted a little, rubbing at her thighs, trying to shake the sleep from her legs. He straightened himself back up quickly enough, stepping back and watching, a bit mesmerized, as she pulled up her panties followed by her pants, and managing to only wobble a little bit as she did so. He damn well didn’t know what he was getting himself into... but by the Fury was he enjoying it. His gaze followed her as she moved past him, deeper into the bathroom, looking into a large, beautifully decorated mirror, fixing her hair a bit. At which point she glanced over her shoulder at him and gestured vaguely at her hair, “You uh, might want to do the same. I got a little carried away…” Estinien pursed his lips before moving over behind her and straightening out his own hair as best as he could without disturbing anything else in the bathroom. “Better,” she nodded with a slight chuckle. “Alright, see you out there.” She moved to walk away but paused, took the couple of steps back to him and pulled him down to kiss him one more time. One brow shot up, but he was happy to oblige her. She released him, making her way to the door and out into the Manor proper. Once she got to where the meeting was being held, it seemed everyone else had finally arrived. All attention turned to her as she entered and she smiled sheepishly. “Got a little lost on my way to the bathroom… sorry. Oh and I saw Estinien skulking about as he’s wont to do… he should be here shortly I think.” They all seemed appeased by this information, but the bright beaming smile on Haucherfant’s face made her almost… uneasy. Like he knew a little too much. Not that it really mattered to her, she didn’t care if everyone knew she was banging the Azure Dragoon, but he was much more of a keep it to yourself kind of person… so she was fine with not shouting it from the rooftops. She took a seat near Dreyll who smiled at her, not a bit of suspicion on her face. Sweet… sweet girl. N’orelle smiled back, though her attention shifted as Estinien joined them a moment later. Everyone else took note but were quick to move on without any fuss. Though Haucherfant still wore that knowing grin, even as the rest of the room shifted into more dour expressions, fitting the matter at hand.

“Is that so?” He leaned a little closer, and she surveyed him. In his defense he was not a bad looking man. Elezen, as most were in Ishgard, and looked rather well manicured, unlike the usual company the Forgotten Knight kept. She wasn’t interested, but it could be worse she supposed. “Well why don’t we invite her along and have some fun?” A laugh escaped N’orelle. Oh dear, he was really not playing hard to get at all. “Mmm, I’m rather certain she’s enjoying her beauty sleep.” “Ah well, can’t blame me for trying. You look like plenty of fun on your own anyway.” N’orelle was admittedly a bit deep in the cups at this point, so she might have been persuadable if he wasn’t in such a rush. “Oh, I am,” she replied with a click of her tongue, “But I think I’m gonna have to pass this evening.” Little did she know, with her attention elsewhere, Estinien had taken it upon himself to watch this little back and forth. As soon as he had heard her voice his gaze found her, and watching the scene unfold only drew him in more. N’orelle was more than capable of handling herself, he knew that. So why did he feel this burning desire to step in? He watched as the man reached a hand out to brush some loose strands from her face and the way N’orelle tensed where she stood, tail flicking. It made him bristle. The man was insistent, as N’orelle had feared, and she straightened her posture. Now she had no desire to start a bar fight, but she damn well would if he touched her again. Just when she was about to tell him as much she felt a hand on her shoulder which almost made her jump and react violently considering the mood at the moment, but the familiar voice put her at ease. “Let’s go.” Estinien’s voice was low and gruff, and his gaze was icily directed at the man across from her. Not everyone would recognize the Azure Dragoon out of his armor, but the look on the man’s face suggested he just might. “Oh, Estinien,” a relieved laugh escaped her and she offered the other man a shrug, “Seems I’ve got somewhere else to be, actually. Thanks for the chat.” Estinien released her shoulder only to take her by the wrist and begin dragging her off, towards the stairs. They didn’t speak the whole walk to his room, which he pulled her into without any real thought. It was dark inside, darker yet when he shut the door behind her. She relaxed back against the door and he let go of her, leaning over her with a very typical frown. She looked a little too pleased with herself. “I hope that wasn’t some ploy to get my attention.” “It wasn’t,” she was much too quick to put her hands on him, one anchoring her against his shoulder, the other idly playing with the tips of his hair, “But if it had been, it worked like a charm, didn’t it?” He clicked his tongue derisively, looking away from her, feeling his face warm. Why was she so good at that? “Hey,” she began, her tone softer, a little more serious, “Thanks.” His gaze slipped back to her slowly, waiting for the catch. There wasn’t one. “You could have handled it yourself,” he said, as if to refuse to acknowledge her gratitude. “Mm.. probably with some bloodshed, though.” The hand that toyed with his hair slowly shifted up the side of his neck, her thumb sliding over his jawline, tipping his chin down towards her. It was certainly rare to have a moment alone like this, she intended to take full advantage. “My hero,” her voice was quiet, almost sultry, her teeth tugging at her lower lip after speaking, her gaze expectant. Hells. He could never tell if she was just toying with him or if she… meant it. But the way she looked up at him, that sparkle in her eyes from the little bit of moonlight that filtered in from the window, the way she bit her lip. He could hear the blood pumping in his ears. “... N’orelle.” “Estinien,” she replied with a brow raised. After a moment of silence in response she chuckled a little shaking her head, “Now tell me you didn’t drag me up to your room for no reason.” Shit. He had done that hadn’t he? Why hadn’t he just tossed her in her room and locked the damn door? He swallowed hard. Fury forsake him, he wanted her and he was denying it at every turn. But here, alone, without threat of death and destruction looming… “Estinien,” her voice snapped him back to reality with it’s assertive tone, “If you don’t kiss me I swear I will go back downstairs and reconsider that nice man’s offer.” He huffed out his nose but didn’t waste another moment before he leaned down occupying her mouth that she might not speak another word. A pleased little sound escaped her as she wrapped one arm around his neck, letting her other hand tangle in his hair. This damn height difference was a pain as she stretched her neck to meet him, eventually laughing as she pulled her lips away. “You’re too damn tall.” “Or maybe you’re just too damn short.” His words were tinged with a grin, seeming to have relented finally and let this be whatever it was going to be. She was caught off guard as his hands found her hips and lifted her off the ground with obvious ease. Musical laughter fell from her lips as she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, peppering his face with playful kisses now that she could finally reach. He pressed her back against the door for a little added security as he slipped one arm under her ass, the other hand cupping the side of her face and drawing her lips back to his. This went on for a long moment, her tongue parting his lips, his returning in kind, heads tilting this way and that. Eventually they broke apart, each breathing out in pants. “I’ve wanted to do this again since the Shroud,” she breathed out, gaze heavy lidded. “Mmm,” he hummed, lips finding their way to her jaw, kissing a slow trail down her neck. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes, savoring the feeling. Just as she thought for the briefest moment, ‘oh he’s surprisingly gentle’ she felt the sting of his teeth pulling at her skin. She gasped, the hand tangled in his hair closing into a fist. He paused for just a moment, reading her body language and her lack of reprimand as an okay. He kissed the tender spot before continuing down her neck until he reached the base, at which point he pulled her skin between his teeth once more, a little more roughly, a little more determined to leave a mark. She hissed but her body’s response was to tighten her legs around him and pull him in closer, if it were possible. “Ha… mm…” the moan that left her was more than enough encouragement for him. His gaze shifted around the room, it was meager in it’s comforts, but there was at least a bed, that seemed implicative, and a well worn desk, too short, a creaky dresser, that might work. He straightened his back, pulling her away from the door, carrying her over to the dresser and urging her onto the surface. She unraveled herself from him, leaning back for a moment, taking in the sight of him with a wicked looking grin. “You look pleased,” he placed either hand against the edge of the dresser, leaning into her, kissing her slowly. “I am,” she took his lower lip between her teeth, tugging playfully. “Aren’t you?” Her question gave him pause and he drew back just enough to really look at her, considering his answer. “You… complicate me.” She didn’t seem dissuaded by this answer. Her head tilted to the side and she reached a hand up to brush her fingertips through his bangs. “Doesn’t have to be complicated.” She wound her legs around his waist once more, pulling him closer, flush against the dresser. “Can just be a bit of fun, can’t it?” “Fun,” he repeated with a snort of laughter, “Mm, I’m not known for fun.” “Not too late to start, I think you’ll enjoy it.” He leaned into her once more, kissing her, though it was brief. “... well I am enjoying it so far.” “Good.” Moving to claim his lips again, she busied her hands, pulling at the fabric of his tunic, urging it up until he moved his arms to oblige her in removing it. She tossed it aside and immediately let her hands wander this newly exposed skin. Both hands pressed to his chest, one smoothed up his neck, getting lost in his hair, the other slipped down, exploring his musculature. Her hands were a little rough, as they should be, considering her skillset. But they were warm, and his muscles tensed beneath her touch. “Y’know the armor is sexy and all, but I prefer this.” She grinned, kissing at his jaw, down his throat, offering her own playful little nip, mindful of her fangs. “That is not the point of the armor, but I’ll take it as an added benefit,” he chuckled, letting her have her way with him for a moment. Both hands dropped down the hem of his pants, at which point he chuckled a little again. “Someone’s in a hurry.” “Well,” she spoke against his throat, “We have such limited free time.” “A fair point.” That said, his hands found the edge of her blouse, and she was happy to allow him to lift it up over her head, leaving her bare chested. He ran his hands up her sides pulling her forward to the very edge of the furnishing. With increased urgency the pair of them both fumbled around getting his pants undone, and hers had a simple tie at the front and were easy enough to tug off, her shifting where she sat to make it possible. Both reduced to their undergarments, they took a moment to appraise one another. Neither seemed disappointed, to say the least. “Should have just taken you to the bed after all,” he remarked with a huff of laughter. “It’s okay, you were being coy. It’s cute.” His expression shifted to a look of unamusement. “Cute…” he muttered with a shake of his head. Regardless, he took her by the hips, bringing her off the dresser. With a giggle she tossed her arms around his neck and let him carry her off again, though she was caught a little off guard by the way he virtually tossed her onto the bed with a thud. He smirked down at her, the way she was splayed out before him, enjoying the view. Stupid, frustrating, obnoxious, beautiful woman. She scooted back on the bed, it wasn’t the most comfortable place, but she wasn’t in the least bit concerned about that. She was more intrigued by the borderline ravenous look he gave her - she was relieved to see him finally give in. He crawled over top of her, pinning her to the bed. She took his face in her hands, pulling him down to her, claiming his mouth with passion and fervor. He returned her enthusiasm, kissing her hard, hungry. Whatever complication he had felt was overruled by a growing need to feel her, all of her, to hear her gasping and moaning his name. Her legs wrapped around him once more, pulling his hips flush to hers, grinding up against him, a low groan rumbling in his throat. He returned the motion in kind, pressing her into the mattress rubbing his steadily hardening cock against her, though fabric still separated them. A pathetic little mewl of a moan escaped her and he was certain he’d never heard such a sweet sound before. He drew back with a gratified chuckle, trailing kisses down her neck, over her collarbone, between her breasts. A purr of sorts left her mouth as her back arched into it, hands grasping at bed linens. One hand slid down her belly, beneath the fabric, his fingers quick to find their mark. She was hot and wet already and he sank them within her heat making her hips flex and a gasp fall from her parted lips. “Estinien… mmm..” she whined, chewing on her bottom lip, mourning the loss of his. “You’re always so in control,” his mouth roved over one breast, tongue rolling over it’s stiff peak causing her to wiggle a bit beneath him, “I enjoy hearing you coming unraveled.” Her hips rocked against his delving fingers, wanting him so much deeper, wanting him to fill her. “Estinien,” she mewled pathetically, “Stop teasing me~” “Oh, you’re one to talk,” the pad of his thumb found her clit, rubbing against it in slow circles which drew a gasping sigh from her. “You seem to relish teasing me, I think it only fair to return the favor.” Ah, so this was retribution, then. She would ‘suffer’ it gladly. But her body ached for so much more. She brought a hand up to his side, tracing down to his hip, and though it was a bit of a reach from this angle, her hand found it’s way to the hardened length beneath his undergarments, stroking haphazardly, making his otherwise graceful movements elsewhere fumble and his hips buck. “Mmmn… you really are needy.” “Call me anything you like if it gets me what I want,” she panted out, continuing to tease him through the fabric until he began to pull away, drawing his hand out from her panties which caused a desperate little whine to escape her, but she knew even better things were on the horizon. He pulled her underwear down enough that they weren’t in the way, she went ahead and just wiggled out of them the rest of the way, and dropped his down to his knees, kicking them off. He ran his still slick fingers over the length of him, sending a shiver down his spine as he readied himself. He took a moment to look at her first, her face flush, gaze heavy lidded, lips parted, waiting. An image he was certain would conjure itself at the most inopportune time, but for now it was the most beautiful thing he’d seen all day. Without any further delay he slowly but surely pressed himself inside her, easing into it, feeling the way she tensed the further he sank. “Ahhh, Estinien,” she breathed, the rise and fall of her chest more labored than before, “Shit...” she cursed under her breath unable to find enough brain function to say anything worthwhile. He too was far too overcome with feeling in the moment to say anything that made much sense, some jumbled ‘you feel good’ muttered as he then drew back and set a slow steady rhythm to begin. One hand anchored him, pressed into the mattress beside her head, the other came to sit at her jaw, his thumb running over her lips. As if by some instinct she took the digit between her lips, sucking gently, then nipping at it. Drawing it away he replaced it with his mouth, kissing her hard and heavy as he steadily picked up the pace. She was certainly not a quiet lover, which he didn’t mind in the least, let the rumors spread about someone having a very satisfying evening, it’s not like anyone would know it was them. Unless of course she decided to shout his name rather than her softer moaning of it. He was too lost in the moment to truly be worried about it, entranced by every whimper, the way one of her legs pressed desperately against his hips trying to push him harder, deeper, with every thrust. “Mmmn….” she mewled, her hands winding around his back, fingers digging into his shoulders. “M-more,” her voice shook, pleading. As if doing the opposite of what she asked, he slowed to a stop and she all but cried out in frustration, but soon enough she realized he was simply repositioning her a bit. He grabbed her at the thigh and urged it up so that her knee bent over his shoulder, allowing him a better angle as he resumed, burying himself fully in her heat. “Good,” her voice broke, “Mm, fuck it’s good…” His chest heaved, blood pumping so loudly in his ears he almost couldn’t hear her praise. Almost. He wore a confident smirk, slowing a bit just to make her writhe that much more. This went on for a while longer, the sounds escaping her more and more desperate and separated only by the quickest of breaths. Her heel pressed into his back, toes curling as pleasure rolled over her in cresting waves, her body reaching maximum tension before shuddering release. He couldn’t withstand the feel of her quaking around him, his pace quickened and haphazard as sensation overwhelmed him, a growling groan in his throat as he met his end. His hand bunched into the fabric beneath his hand, while the other remained wrapped around her thigh, holding her in place a moment as he came down from the high. Panting heavily he slowly pried himself away from her and unceremoniously collapsed onto the bed beside her, staring up at the ceiling as he struggled to catch his breath. A final gasp escaped her at the feeling of loss, her leg tingling slightly as she let it flop down onto the bed, similarly staring up at the ceiling for a long moment. She was the first to speak up, “That was…” “Good,” he finished her thought for her, though she was quick to make an addendum. “That’s putting it mildly.” “Mmm..” Silence filled the space between them once more, both lying there, seemingly bewildered by what had just transpired. But it was so good, really her imagination paled in comparison. She might have insinuated this was just a one time occurrence with her comment about ‘just having fun’, but damn… She looked over at him finally, the heaving of her chest finally mellowing out. She was exhausted and the expression on his face said he was as well. She wasn’t… normally much for cuddling, especially considering they didn’t really have that sort of… relationship, but… she did siddle her way over closer to him, her body temperature dropping quickly against the perpetually chilled Ishgardian air. His gaze shifted sideways, almost looking a little suspicious as she curled up beside him. A yawn escaped her and he felt trapped by it - he couldn’t rightly make her get up and get dressed now, now could he? That little sound might as well have been her asking to stay. Instead of saying anything he shifted away just a little, which made her immensely self conscious for the briefest moment, until she realized he was just moving to get the blankets out from under them. Pulling them up over them he shifted onto his side towards her. “You can go in the morning.” “Mmm… sounds good to me,” she purred, keeping near but she did not reach out to tangle herself with him, instead just let her eyes fall shut with a satisfied smile. He watched her for a few moments, her hair a mess, that sleepy smile drawing him in. He almost reached over to brush his fingers through her hair but he stopped himself. That was a sort of intimacy he wouldn’t allow himself. Before much longer, without even realizing he’d shut his eyes, he slipped into a deep comfortable sleep. When morning came, N’orelle found herself alone in bed, he’d slipped out without even waking her. A little depressing, but not unexpected. If nothing else, she had the very vivid memories of last night to soothe that brief ache.

Estinien moved back over, standing behind her. He placed his hands on her shoulders, directing her posture. She could easily feel the strength in his hands and it almost gave her goosebumps. She took in a much sharper breath than she ought to have. “While your power comes at the shoulders, you generate your momentum at the waist,” his hands released her shoulders, making her whine mentally, but then he pressed his palm to the small of her back causing her spine to tense. Was she really so touch starved? Or perhaps it was who was doing the touching that had this effect. “Anchor yourself,” his hands now wandered to her hips, urging her to shift slightly where she stood. She could do this all day. And she couldn’t help but feel like he lingered here and there just a little overlong. Or maybe that was just in her head. Either way, she mourned the loss of his touch when he drew back. “Now try.” She glanced at him and bobbed her head in a slight nod. It was odd, having the reach of a lance, but still being… so close to her target. If she was this close with her bow, that was usually a bad thing. She didn’t want to be close but it wasn’t always avoidable. She felt a little silly facing off with this dummy as she thrust forward, easily meeting her mark but unsure of where to aim. She continued with a few more jabs, feeling the weight of Estinien’s gaze on her. “So… like that?” “In the most basic way, yes. You have to be quick on your feet too - it’s always best to flank your enemy. You often find more vulnerabilities from the back side.” “Mm…” she nodded again, shifting on her feet to dodge around behind the mannequin. Not that it mattered now she was sure. She made a few more apprehensive thrusts, and she caught him shaking his head a little. She felt weirdly self conscious with him scrutinizing her every move. “You’re not confident and I can tell.” “Well of course I’m not confident, I just started!” He chuckled a little and walked back over to her, standing behind her once more and correcting her posture again as it had already begun to slip. He ran a hand down the length of her arm, hells it was like he was teasing her at this point, and took her hand in his again grasping her forearm in his other hand. “Push from here,” his grip was firm as he thrust the lance forward. She could have melted under his guiding touch. “Use your other hand to direct your aim. This hand for power, this one for precision.” “Right,” she all but squeaked, swallowing hard. It was only then, that little sound escaping her as she spoke, that Estinien might have begun to realize he was having some effect on her. He was still behind her so she could not see him, but he quirked an inquisitive brow. His hands pulled away slowly, and she shut her eyes a moment, savoring the feeling that lingered. “Again,” he directed, stepping back out of her way. This went on for some time until she was landing more precise blows, and he taught her some very simple maneuvers beyond just hitting the target. She was, in the very least, a rather quick study. “Okay, I think I’m ready for a moving target.” She looked at Estinien expectantly. He raised a brow and tilted his chin upwards. “Do you, now.” “C’mon, it’ll be fine. Just go easy on me!” He looked unconvinced but moved over to grab an extra training lance. “Trial by fire it is, then.” She looked pleased, and somehow that pulled at his chest. She just… radiated light when she was happy. And it was strange to think that… he had anything to do with making her that way. He twirled the lance effortlessly and took his stance. She grinned and fell into her stance as well. She rushed forward at him, and he made it seem so easy as he dodged aside, she pulled back and swept sideways, which he ducked around as well. This went on for a while, and he made no move to hit her, he simply moved out of her way each time. “Oh, come on, you’re not even trying!” she pouted a little, and that almost distracted him as she pressed forward, narrowly avoiding a hit to the abdomen. In one swift movement he disarmed her, her lance tumbling away from her onto the ground. He pointed the tip of his at her, just below her chin and she looked up at him with eyes as wide as dinner plates. “I’d say you’re not even trying,” he tilted his head, drawing back, letting her go collect her lance. “Okay, two out of three?” She was quickly ready to go back at it. He sighed and shook his head a little. “You are awfully energetic and eager to lose.” She shrugged, still seeming pleased with herself regardless. “Look, how about, if I disarm you… you have to uhm…” She glanced upwards, thoughtful. “Well, I’m not sure yet, but I get something from you.” “... well I suppose that’s fine, because you won’t disarm me.” “That’s the spirit!” she grinned wickedly, readying herself once again. Estinien shook his head once more before he fell into position as well. He managed to disarm her a few more times, but she was getting better with each consecutive go. He was actually a little impressed. They clashed here and there and he got more serious, lunging at her, but she was quick to avoid. Really the only reason it was so easy to disarm her was because she wasn’t used to handling a weapon like that. It was easy to set it off balance, for someone extremely acquainted with them. She managed to put him on the defensive, jabbing and swiping, getting closer and closer to landing a blow. He was exhausting her, however, and she could tell he was wearing down too, if for no other reason than having to dodge her absolutely wild attempts at wielding the lance. But he had so much of an unfair advantage, his skillset was vast, and he finally began to use it, leaping up above and behind her. She wanted to learn how to do that, she decided mentally in the split second she had to react. She spun around so quickly she almost tumbled backwards but just barely managed to maintain her footing and block his swipe. Now she was on the defensive, backing up steadily as his onslaught grew more and more relentless. Wood clashed against wood and with one decisive strike he sent her lance flying. N’orelle’s back hit the tree she hadn’t even realized was behind her until that moment. Estinien thrust forward and she just managed to shift her waist sideways to avoid taking the hit, which landed so close to her she could feel the gust it generated. Despite the dull tip of the training lance the bark splintered at the force of the impact. He lurched forward, pressing his opposite hand just above her head, pinning her to the tree, head tilted down, mere inches from hers. “I didn’t realize we were going ‘to the death’,” she panted out, her breathing labored. Her mismatched gaze drew up him slowly, landing at his which was intense to say the very least. But she did not shrink back. She wasn’t scared of him. Far from it. “It was never my intention to hit you,” his breathing was about as heavy as hers - though she might not have been adept with the lance, she was quick on her feet and would be a dangerous opponent when armed with something she was accustomed to. “I know your reflexes by this point. I knew you’d avoid it.” “Is that right?” her chest heaved as she struggled to catch her breath, “So you’re saying I can’t surprise you then?” “Mm,” while it wasn’t as declarative as a ‘yes’, it was an affirmative hum. His gaze wandered her face for a moment, so close he could feel each rough exhale, his mind was beginning to wander when she pulled her next stunt. “Watch me.” She didn’t give him time to respond before she was tugging at his collar and standing on her toes, closing the gap between their mouths. Estinien nearly snapped the lance in half when his grip tightened around it in shock. He was deathly still for a moment before he gave into it - he had forcibly avoided thinking about it, but the want to do this himself had crossed his mind. Several times. He dropped his lance to the ground and both hands found their way to her face, cupping either side as he leaned into her. Relieved her shoulders relaxed from a tension she had not even realized she’d been holding. A little laugh caught in her throat as she tossed an arm around his neck, jerking him downwards so she didn’t have to stand, wobbling, on her tippy toes. Her other hand slid up his jaw tangling in his hair, something she’d wanted to do for a very long time. He deepened the kiss, one hand dropping down to her waist, pulling her into him, which warranted a soft little gasp out of her. The moment went on until they were both even more out of breath, the pair of them panting against each other's lips in a moment of silence. “You won’t catch me off guard like that again.” His voice was gruff, a low rumble she’d come to very much enjoy. “Ooh, I love a challenge,” the smirk was evident even in her voice, her fingers brushing some hair from his face. “I know,” now the smirk was evident in his voice, very clearly goading her. “And look,” her gaze shifted sideways and down to where his lance lie on the ground, “I’ve managed to disarm you.” He huffed out his nose and broke free from her hold, straightening his back. “Do you pull that stunt often, then?” It wasn’t entirely joking as he said it, almost as if he was actually just a little curious if this was really just some ploy to mess with him. Saddened by the lack of his hands on her she slumped back against the tree, her expression was almost serene however, locked in a daydream. She’d clearly gotten what she wanted. “Only on overly serious dragoons who need to lighten up a bit. And only just the once.” He cleared his throat and scratched at the back of his neck. He wasn’t sure what he was going for with his question, but that answer seemed to both satisfy and bewilder him a bit. “Right, well.” He wasn’t sure what to do now. She’d certainly derailed whatever lesson he was attempting to teach. She could tell he was floundering a bit, especially by the way his face began to flush all the way to his ears. “Well,” she stood up straight and pushed off the tree, moving passed him to pick up her long discarded lance. “Why don’t we go back to the basics for a little while, I’m clearly not ready to face the Azure Dragoon.” “Fine,” he acquiesced, “Back to the basics.”