Rhylana was the one Damon went to for guidance.  Her words of wisdom had always been a guiding light for him ever since he came to her shrine.  The goddess was a pillar for the once wandering phoenix.  He was grateful for her support.  Therefore, as he sat in the beautiful garden listening to her words of wisdom, he shook his head.  He listened carefully to the story that belonged to Alairia’s past.  All the while, he stared down at the lush green grass beneath him.  Her words floated through the air, and into his ears; he could not understand what was being said.  Just as Rhylana imagined, Damon was filled with hot anger.  He sat with head hanging between his knees and back arched over.  Flames began to lick off of his back into the air.  Hot blue flames rose as he continued to think of what had happened to Alairia in the past.  What would push a man to do such a thing to a child?  Most off, how was she able to get through all of that?
 
“Then I should leave her be, and not cause any more harm than I already have,” he lamented.  Damon kept his eyes down as he stood up and brushed the dirt off his pants.  Sorrow filled his blue eyes as he stared at the ground.  Eyes shot up when she suggested treating her like the whore she was used as.  Look of disbelief was written over his stubble face at the mere suggestion.  “That may be what she is used to, but I could never do that!  It is not in my nature.”  He rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to make sense of it all. 
 
Lips pressed tightly together and arms crossed over his chest at the last suggestion.  “You are not funny, milady.  I am quite capable in the bedroom.  There is no need for compensation there.”  Damon knew that part of her words were for her own amusement.  With a heavy sigh, he turned away from the goddess towards the main portion of the temple.  The Captain was unsure of what he was going to do, but something had to be done. 
 
Another deep exhale was made as he walked through the temple until he stood before Alairia’s door.  Hand was raised as he was about to knock, but it froze just before the door.  What was he going to say?  What was he going to do?
 
He opened the door.
 
“Alairia, I’m sorry.”  That was all he could get out when he saw her.  She was still in his shirt, standing in a corner of her room looking distressed.  He had done that to her.  His affections were breaking the young woman that stood in front of him.  The person that he had feelings for the first time in a long time.  Damon was causing her pain.  The words of Rhylana echoed through his mind.  Should he treat her like a whore as she expects? 
 

The Captain closed the gap between them and without asking permission wrapped her up in his strong arms.  Again he kissed her lips.  This time there was more passion, though it was still sweet. He refused to be thought of as those men from her past.  He would show her what love was supposed to be.  A hand reached up to run through her raven locks.  What would she do? How would she react?

Alairia had been son confused, so distressed at what had transpired that she hardly knew what to do with herself. So, naturally she had run, for she had never received a kiss so sweet, so loving as that. Love, she wasn’t allowed to love, no, on the contrary, she was supposed to avoid love at all costs, for love and sex had nothing to do with one another. Sex, such as it was, was a need that must be met, a business like any other. Some people needed smithies to reshot a horse, others needed the mercantile, and some needed a warm body to have at the end of the day. Alairia had been that warm body, she had been the purveyor of needs and dreams…not love. Love was not for the likes of whores, whores that had been held by many and used by more. No, love was for proper girls who waited until their wedding nights for such things, for betrothals and such things.

Never for whores.

Alairia had taken to a bath and had soothed the anxiety from her, calming a racing heart and questioning mind as she moved to lay in the bed, enjoying the soft silk sheets against her nude form. Lady Rhylana treated her nicely, had healed her wounds, but there was only so much the goddess could do. She had heard Damon’s steps before he arrived, her heart pounding as she stood to get a shirt on, the shirt he had wrapped around her body. Just then, the door opened, and he was there, beautiful, the scars on his body only adding to his appeal.

She looked away, the apology was ill placed, but before she could respond in truth, there he was. Around her, tasting her lips with a demanding yet somehow gentle kiss. This man, despite knowing the truth of her, treated her thusly. He was warm, so warm, the goose pimples on her flesh from the cool air on damp skin seemed to vanish as she tilted her head up and into the kiss.

His lips were sweet from the wine that had been served with their snack, the slight ferocity adding to her curiosity. Would he treat her as the others had? His words said one thing, but the past said all men wanted the same thing…she was so uncertain. His actions were new to the young woman, surely that spoke positively. “You smell of sulfur” Alairia whispered, looking down, “I have made you angry,” it wasn’t a question, Alairia could sense anger in the legendary creature, knew that he was cross and was certain that he would react accordingly. sulfur meant that his fire had risen, and it hadn’t been so very long that they had been apart.

Nerves bundled up deep within the pit of his stomach as he stood outside of that door.  It felt like he had stood outside the wooden door for hours instead of the seconds it truly was.  What was she thinking of behind that door?  Was she angry with him for pushing himself upon her?  Was she upset that he had not treated her the way she thought was the norm?  Or was it a depression that he sent her into.  Each thought made him feel worse about himself, but there was no turning back.  At that point, there had to be something done.
 
Moving through the door, he could smell the oils that she had used in her bath.  As he stood there looking at her wrapped up in his shirt, he finally realized he was still shirtless himself.  The scent of her skin and the feel of her against him brought a calmness he was not expecting.  It was as if his body had been craving the nearness he had not known in such a long time.  Alairia was filling an emptiness he had not known was there. 
 
He could feel her answer him back in the kiss, and it made him relax.  She was not rejecting him this time…at least for that moment.  When their lips parted, the young woman could not look up at him.  He frowned with head tilted to the side.  I smell of sulfur?  Damon could not smell such things since it was a part of him.  Confusion riddled his face, but then it occurred to him.  For the first time in a long time, his inner flame had escaped from deep within into the world.  It had been a lengthy period of time since he had last become his true self.  The flames had always been hidden deep inside.  “It was not you that made me angry,” he responded softly.  A light touched lifted her chin up to look at him in the eyes.  His gaze was soft as he took in her visage.  He wanted to heal what had been hurt long ago.  “I was upset at something our lady told me.  My anger is not because of you.”  He lightly stroked the side of her cheek with his thumb.  “Never because of you.”
 
His head lowered to rest against her forehead with eyes closed.  There was much else he wanted to say, but the phoenix was not good with words.  He could never properly convey what he wanted to.  Fighting was what he knew best.  When it came to his own feelings, there was little success for him.  It had always been easier to stay away from it all.  He would die one day, but be reborn unlike those that surrounded him.  Making deep connections had never worked out well for him since they all died and fell away.  It hurt too much to take repeatedly.  What if it happened with Alairia?  What if he had to watch her grow old and die just like others in the past?  This time, he was unsure if he could handle that sort of loss.  Memories had fallen away from him to help cover up the pain.  Damon did not want to lose the memory of the sorceress. 
 

The Captain swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat as he pulled away slightly from her.  A moment passed before he picked her up carefully in his arms.  She was lighter than he had thought, though she was thin as it were.  In the past he had carried her in the same way, but it was due to injury…not walking her over to the large bed.  The silk sheets were warm and welcoming.  Laying her down upon them, Damon sat on the edge looking down at her.  He would not go any further without her permission.  He would not dare be like any of those form her past.  She would know the touch of love and passion.  

The touch was so gentle, near feather-light as he leaned his forehead against hers. She knew, she had always known eventually the goddess would tell her secrets, her past, to the guard. After all, she was a risk, a broken toy in the ivory court. It was why she was the many to the young prince, a nanny to him and nothing more truly. Too much power in a mind that was damaged would shatter and fragment those around her. Thus, Rhylana was working with her slowly, and as each secret came forward, it was easier to work through. Ebony hair, so dark that even the blue undertones were lost, slipped down her back in near pin straight wet waves, Damon’s hand gently beneath her chin as he explained his anger.

“I…am sorry she angered you so.” Once more, a soft voice, meek as she stood before a being that was too powerful to want her, too precious and kind and ruthless when the time called. There were so many exotic beauties here, a goddess here, why was he here with her? Would there be silver on her nightstand and an empty pillow in the morning? These questions were all swept aside as the legendary bird scoop her up, her captain, her protector.  Being laid on the bed, Alairia watched him, the soft shirt riding up on her thighs and exposing old scars she usually kept hidden. Though, for some reason, she did not mind the captain seeing them.

The sheets were brilliant blue silk, offsetting her eyes and ebony hair, pale skin seeming to glow with it. She knew why he was waiting, either uncertainty or shame..but she could not tell. “Damon…” his name was spoken with sacred reverence, “What do you desire of this?” It was an honest question, if he desired her, her body, they would work with it, where it went from there- she was uncertain.  Slowly, she crawled closer to him and sat on her knees, it was not that she had expectations, no, she was uncertain of how this evening would go.

With gentle touches, she ran her fingers along his back, tracing the scars and where she knew wings would be as if she could see them without ever having seen his true form. He was stunning, and the muscles of his back, even now at rest, were so beautiful that she thought of licking them, tasting their strength and caressing them with kisses. She let herself steal a kiss to his lat muscles, mortal men called them their wings, though she knew that, for Damon, the term meant so much more.

There were people that had hurt this creature before him, and it baffled him completely why they would want to do such a thing.  It did not matter any longer.  She was there now, safe in his arms where she belonged.  Damon would not allow her to leave his side.  Now, he knew how he felt about the young woman.  The phoenix could admit to himself that it was the term called love.  The realization was not easy to let into his depths, but that was truly, where it came from. 
 
He could not help but laugh at her words.  “I can forgive her this time,” he replied.
 
They were both upon the bed in silence.  Scars became visible on her upper thigh, and without thinking, he lightly traced the soft skin.  Who had given these to her?  What was the reason for them?  It does not matter now.  They are there, and you will heal her.  Damon exhaled heavily as he let the welling up anger fade away.  Truthfully, if he ever did meet those responsible it would not be good.  The flames would be difficult even for Rhylana to put out on their bodies. 
 
Despite the scars, her skin was soft to the touch.  His fingers were rough and calloused from the constant use of the bow and battle.  Everything she stood for was the opposite of him.  Alairia was soft and sweet, while he was course and unrelenting.  On many occasions, he had been described as uncaring by his cadets.  It made him wonder if the young woman had the ability to see past his rough exterior. 
 
Eyes lifted from the sheets up to the sorceress as she kneeled beside him.  No one had said his name with such elegance before.  It made him cherish their moment that much more.  What did he desire of it?  The light touch sent a small shiver down his spine.  How long had it been since he had had the touch of a woman?  Was this a trained touch?  Or was it genuine where she did as she wanted in order to be close to him.
 
Did it matter?
 

The Captain shifted in his position to face Alairia.  He looked into her eyes, hesitating, and then he kissed her with more passion this time.  Carefully, he adjusted her so she would be laying back on the bed with him above.  All the while, he continued to kiss her, his hands began to trace her soft skin.  Damon was not sure when it happened, but he had removed the shirt that had once belonged to him.  His mind had gone blank, and now he was completely instinctual.  Hands moved from her sides to her ample chest, to her hair.  Everything seemed to happen all at once; Damon never wanted it to stop.

Damon’s touch was intoxicating, never before had a man been intoxicating to her, no- it had always just been a job. He had noticed the scars on her thighs, a reminder of a story she would never tell him, she looked down and let out a shuddering breath. He was here, he was wanting her, and yet…and yet there was no discussed price. So, perhaps Damon was here for more than just giving into physical desires, mayhems he did have feelings for her…Alairia breathed gently, letting him move her to lay beneath him their kisses erupting in controlled passion. Gingerly, Alairia let her hands caress the bare chest of the delicious captain above her, studying him in wonder and awe, her heart pounding as she felt his heat so close to the surface.

“Have….have you been with her highness?” It was something she had to know, she had to know for certain, for often times grief was coupled with passion, for one tempered the other and the goddess had been acting oddly lately…could it be that she had had Damon and now he had forsaken her? Alairia nuzzled into him, enjoying the hot scent of his flesh as she awaited his answer. She found that he loved him, and her ice blue eyes searched him to know the truth.

“Damon, I…do not know what pleases you, you have not told me what you desire.” She was so used to men ordering her about, rather than leaving her to her own devices and allowing her to explore their bodies. She wanted him, she desired him, and it was the first time she could claim that- to have desire. Her fingers, even now, seemed incapable of being still as she traced each scar, each ripple and roll of muscle, he was such perfection that it could make a girl cry. Was he just here for her charms?

Only the times would be able to tell though for now Alairia enjoyed rubbing her leg up and against his thigh, treasuring the touch.

Without any thought, he buried his face gently into her neck to take in her scent.  He could not get enough of the grown woman that was before him.  Every inch of her felt fragile with how small she was.  Damon had never truly realized how tiny she really was until his large hands covered large portions of her skin.  For a moment, he pulled back to hover just above Alairia; to take in the vision before him.  Her hands were upon his scarred chest as if memorizing his flesh.  It was then she asked a question that confused him greatly.  Hands were on either side of the sorceress as he held himself up.  “Have I ever been with Rhylana?”  Damon retreated his face from her’s a bit further in shock as the question finally sunk in with its meaning.  A smile crept to his lips as he cupped the back of her neck to lift her face up to his.  “No.  I have not been with our queen in that way.  My position is to support her in the physical manner…meaning her safety.  She does not treat me as a concubine.  Though she has beauty and grace that would tempt many men, it is not her that has captured my attention and heart.”  Damon smiled before kissing Alairia once more, and this time there was more urgency.  Finally, he knew what had been bothering her. 
 
“I want you to enjoy yourself.  I want you to do as you please,” he answered with whispered words hot against her ear.  Free hand reached for her shirt and skillfully he removed it to expose her completely.  In the back of his mind, he was in complete disbelief that they had finally come together as they were.  In that moment, he allowed himself to take in her visage and smile.  She had grown much in the last few years into a grown woman from the frightened child he had first met.  Though it had been misfortune that had brought her to the Court, Damon was grateful to fate for bringing her.
 
Damon ran his fingers through her raven hair as he lowered himself closer to her.  He could feel her leg up against his thigh, which made him moan low against her skin.  Passion took over as he could not hold himself back any longer.  The Captain was not sure when he had removed the remainder of his clothing, but he could not hold back from the woman of his affections.  He would make love to her like none other before, and he would not allow her to feel the pain she had previously. 
 
—————————— 

A deep yawn escaped the Captain as he began to wake up.  Blue eyes blinked once, and then twice as he attempted to gain his bearings.  Glancing over, he smiled as he saw Alairia still asleep upon his arm and chest.  Damon reached down to grab the blanket that covered them to pull it up over her shoulder to keep her warm.  How long had they tossed around in the bed together that night?  A soft chuckle started deep in his chest as he pulled the woman closer to him in a hug.  Lightly, the phoenix placed a kiss upon the top of her head.  

Alairia had ben jealous, yes, worried that the captain had been more than just a captain and a guard to their Empress. It was not a true title, so she had been told, of the lady of their home- but it there was more than enough power to give the woman whatever title she wanted. The girl blushed as he the realisation hit Damon, seeing the light go on and the amusement flicker through his eyes. Had he not realised she had been jealous? His touch sent shivers down the girl’s spine, she shuddering as she gave into his intermittent kisses. She had never been kissed in such a way, held so gently, or been told ‘I want you to enjoy yourself.  I want you to do as you please,’ he had truly surprised her with these words, and with them, opened up a portion of her heart that had otherwise been closed.

Alairia surrendered to Damon, kissing his body and running her hands over each scar, muscle, and tendon. Knowing him as she knew herself, no detail too minuscule for her attention, praising him as others praised her goddess. He was truly a magnificent beast. So long had she been without a bed mate that she had thought to have forgotten how to proceed, never had one been gentle or caring and not once had she ever been given leave to do as she had pleased. Not that she would have known what would have pleased her, but it was nice to have the option. For the first time in her life, Alairia would be able to enjoy a coupling, and without fear. Each kiss, each touch, each caress- it was all intoxicating.

As he lowered his body over hers, she breathed a sigh of relief, passion, cooing for him as she surrendered completely.

————-

How many times had she been with him? The sun had moved across the sky, the temperature had cooled and the humidity had gone down. It was dark, the goddess would awaken soon if she had not already. Would they be in trouble, would this be seen as insubordination. Or fraternisation? She hadn’t even opened her eyes, these thoughts intruding upon her mind and laying claim to her peace. The gentle kiss soothed her mind, letting her sigh and snuggle deeper in against the pheonix fitting perfectly against his side, head upon his chest. Did she care?

“Our goddess will awaken soon…” she said softly, knowing that she didn’t care, but half hoping that the sweet guard would have the day free from duties. She did not want to move from this spot, his arms, his graces. She feared, so badly, that this would be the last time she would be with him, or that she would end up being paid…

'dear goddess let this not be another John. Not another job,' She thought frantically. 

Unwittingly, her hand fell over his heart, feeling that beat, and the warmth bellow. It was so unearthly to think that he was what he was, a magical beast that would, could, transform himself. To be reborn. But all she was was a lowly human, a sorceress, she would die and never return. So was this a tryst that would be but temporary, something to stoke his flame while he could?

Laying there in the dark with Alairia in his arms made a feel of completion fill the Captain.  If he had been asked how long it had been since he had last opened his heart, Damon would not have been able to answer.  Right there and then, he felt more himself than he had in years.  Constant living and rebirth after death was all he could remember.  With each life lived, he could only remember taking up the mantle for the sake of someone else.  As he glanced down at the small woman in his arms, he knew that she was a decision made selfishly for himself.  Damon had no regrets of that choice.  As her form tucked in closer and deeper into his grasp, he knew that it had been the correct decision.

 

Damon lifted his gaze up to the ceiling as the thought of responsibilities washed over him.  The guard were on training duty that morning to sharpen their skills.  Patrols were needed to push out further from the temple in order to watch out for slavers.  In all truthfulness, Damon did not have any desire to leave the bed he shared with Alairia.  “I guess she will be.  I know that my soldiers are already awake and changing guard.  I have training to conduct today,” he said with a slight whine. 

 

With a smile, the phoenix placed his hand over her’s.  “What do you have to do today?  Anything out of the norm?  Or same as usual?”  While waiting for a response he rested his check on the top of her head.  All Damon wished to do was keep her wrapped up in his arms, but he knew reality was coming for them sooner rather than later.