Loralei was worried about Ryker not liking her. That was why she had a hard time phrasing it. She saw the color leave his face and sat there in silence while she waited for him to come back. He was having a hard time dealing with this too. “I’m not worried about you looking.” Lora raised her voice a bit at him. “I’m worried about you not liking me.” Her face flushed up once more as she thought about it. “I mean you have had more experience and know what you like.”

He was trying so hard and Loralei knew she had to bite the metaphorical bullet. At this rate, he wouldn’t know what to do with her. He was already flustered. So while he was standing there trying to make a point to her she slid off the bed and undressed herself. Her face was bright red as she walked up behind Ryker and pressed her naked form to his. “I’ll be okay Ryker… I just don’t know what to do and am nervous. I’m worried I could disappoint you.”

She pressed her face against his back as her arms tightened around him. “But if you will be patient with me I’m sure I could learn… Right?” Her bi-colored eyes turned up to him. Knowing he would be looking at her at that moment. “I’m just scared you won’t like me.”

Once more it was Lora who let go and turned him around. She looked away shyly for a moment or two but finally met his gaze. “See?” Biting her lip she pulled him with her towards the bed. If someone didn’t start this no one would. Her mother could have a reason to end the marriage if they didn’t and then they would have to fight for what her father wanted. Lora saw this as the only course of action.

The girl was confident but it took much guidance from Ryker who wanted to show her so much more. Afterward, the girl curls up to him and pulled the blankets around her. She didn’t know what to think but she knew that the day had made her exhausted. “Do you think you’ll be happy with me Ryker?” She was still worried as an arm wrapped around his waist. Her head against his chest. There was no point in shying away from him. He was warm too.

If there was a higher power, then it was clear that he was being tested by them. He frowned when he heard Loralei’s words; why did she doubt herself so? Yes, she was just reaching womanhood, but she was beautiful, no doubt about it. It just never reached him until after the announcement; until then she had always been the same girl he met nearly a decade ago. Now, as he had thought before, he was forced to admit that she was not only a woman but would be his partner for life now. His chest heaved with every breath as he waited for her to prepare, only to be surprised when he felt her body pressed against his back. His head lifted up and turned slightly to catch a glimpse of her. “Loralei…you…” His lips went to say that she didn’t have to worry about that, but she was persistent in what she had to say.

“Don’t be silly. It’s all new for both of us.” Ryker sought to control his breathing as he felt her hands turning him around, it was sure to be a shock considering how lithe she was in comparison to him. There was some strength in her he hadn’t expected, but now he would have to help with her confidence, something he didn’t think would be shaken until recent. As he looked onto her, his eyes widened as this was the first time ever that he had seen her in all her glory. He stood there looking at her for a bit before finding the strength to speak again. “You are a quick learner at times, and I’ll help you as best as I can.” He followed her to the bed willingly and before they settled down, he took her by the hand and pulled her towards him. Ryker swooped in and kissed her softly at first but soon started to open up a bit more as he showed her that she wouldn’t have to be worried, that she wouldn’t have to be afraid of this.

It had helped that in his youthful years, there had been an experienced worker at one of the brothels he would soon visit every now and then that saw that he wasn’t just another brute that would just sate himself and not his companion. No, she taught the young werepanther many things on how to treat women he would bed later on in life. Bless that woman, for now, he would pour all her teaching onto his wife. Picking her up in his arms, Ryker laid her onto the bed and put those lessons to work on her, studying her reactions to gauge what to do and what not to do.

By the time they were through, time was irrelevant as far as he was concerned. Spent and tired, he looked over to Lora as she laid on him, just as tired as he was, perhaps more since it was her first time. “Yes, will you be happy with me?”, he returned to her. Her scent filled his nose, mingled with his own through their first lovemaking session. “I did promise to see you happy and protected, and that’s exactly what I will do, Lora.”

It was weird to see her childhood friend in such a new light. The fact that it had been so rushed almost took the breath away from her. Loralei knew the reason they needed to marry so fast and in as much secrecy as possible. After all, her mother was crazy and would have gotten in the way. As Ryker taught her the young woman paid as much attention to detail as she could muster in the middle of it all. She wanted to learn and it had to be him that taught her.

She wrapped herself more around him with her leg go over his now as she got as close as she could. Her bi-colored eyes were closed now as she hummed a bit before she answered. “I think so. You are patient with me and have always been kind. Even if it was your job to do it… Many others aren’t and don’t care as you do.” Her eyes peeked up at him and she held a smile on her face. “I’m glad.” She pushed herself up enough to press her lips to his cheek before settling back down on him. Pulling the blankets over her she nuzzled herself against him before falling asleep without any other words. Lora was exhausted and for good reason.

In the morning, Lora woke up and it was his scent that brought her back to the living world. A yawn left her lips as a hand abandoned him to rub at her messy blonde hair. The woman rolled away from him for only a second before the warmth she had been using all night disappeared. Half sleepy eyes widened just a bit as she shook the sleep from her. There was a long stretch before she literally rolled to the side of the bed and slipped off of it. She could see Ryker from the mirror at her new vanity and it made her turn to look at him for only a moment before she got dressed.

The knock at the door spooked her as she had been tiptoeing around to avoid waking him. “Yes?” She opened the door only a tiny bit.

“Your father wishes for you and your husband to join him down in the parlor. He’s going to explain everything to everyone else.” It was a trusted servant who bowed and left her be. So much for letting Ryker sleep.

She came over to his side of the bed and tilted her head. “How long have you been awake and spying on me?” The little half-elf put her hands squarely on her hips. “I know you didn’t sleep through all of that.” Unless he did and then she would feel bad for accusing him. “Father wants us to go down to the parlor I guess…”

Once they were both ready and dressed for the day they headed down the long way to meet her father. Looking into the parlor there was everyone that was working at the estate. From enforcing like Ryker to the kitchen workers and maids. Shyly she hid behind Ryker and pushed him into the room before following him.

“Ah! There are the people I needed to see.” Edahril kissed his daughter’s forehead and looked Ryker over. “I brought everyone here to tell you the plans for the Desdemona family. I’ve moved in secret for a little bit now as to hide it from certain people in this house. Due to not finding a suitable husband for my dear Loralei, I have decided to adopt Ryker and marry him to her. From here on out Ryker will attend Jayou business with me and help me run this until I die. At that time Loralei and Ryker will work together to keep this family in one piece. It’s very important that we not let outsiders who do not know Jayou in. Which was my primary reason for asking Ryker to do this.”

Loralei finally came out of hiding from behind her father and husband. Her hands were clasped in front of her as she bowed softly. “Please continue to take care of me.” Edahril smiled as it looked like Loralei had caught on quickly.

“This is good news though! We will hold a party in a month’s time as to allow Ryker and Loralei the time they need to adjust. This will keep everyone else off of our backs for not announcing it sooner. I’ll also send out letters letting them know of their marriage. Everyone should do their best to keep this family on track. Everything is for the family and that is the only way to survive in Jayou. Anything else to add Ryker? Loralei?”

Loralei shook her head as she didn’t have the first clue on what they needed to hear.

“Don’t be silly, I’ve cared about you since before it was my mission to protect you.” He cocked his head to the side a little before giving her a smile. Not too many people aside from her could see this side of him, else his reputation could go down the drain. He didn’t blame her for thinking that way, but unlike a good deal of people around, he genuinely cared about her and her family. Well, most of them anyway. He still didn’t like her mother, but as long as she didn’t get in their way, he would tolerate her as much as he usually did. His arm wrapped around Loralei’s body, though touching her like this still felt a bit off but in time he would grow used to it. He was sure that they would be happy together, just take it one day at a time. Slowly Ryker felt himself travel down the same sleepy path that his new wife had stumbled onto and he sank comfortably into the bed and drifted off.

The werepanther felt her warmth up until she escaped him, which stirred him a bit, but he continued to sleep. Rolling over to the other side, he was half awake when the knock came and he listened in on the conversation. While he would rather deal with this later, there was no point in staying in bed all day if they were needed. One eye opened up and glanced dazedly at Loralei. “I wasn’t spying on you, Lora. That would imply that I didn’t have permission to look at you.” He sat up and yawned with arms stretched up and out. Rubbing his eye, Ryker started to become more awake and looked around the room for some pants. “No, I heard plenty enough. Probably going to make the announcement of our union to the rest of the family.”

After they got dressed and headed off for the parlor, he could see that everyone involved with the Desdemona Family was here and felt her standing behind him. Edahril wasted no time and went over the details of their arrangement and what was to be expected from here on out. Ryker wasn’t surprised to learn that he would be helping to run the business since he was already second in command only to their boss. Nor was it shocking that Lora and him would run things once her father passed. He was proud of Lora once more as she took the initiative to try and stand on her own two feet. She had the makings of leading, she just needs some encouragement and support, both of which he was sure to provide.

He cleared his throat and looked around the crowd, “Let’s continued to be united under this banner and thrive. I will do my best to see that we remain strong, and all I ask for is the loyalty that is already present among us.” He really didn’t need any fancy treatment and just wanted to maintain the respect that he had earned from them over the years.

Lora gave him a smirk as he spoke to her. Permission? Maybe but still he was so tired that she forgave him for it. Still, it looked like he had paid attention enough to know what they would be doing next. However, she was right that he hadn’t slept through all of it. That was just like the family enforcer, always ready.

There was a collective sigh of relief from not only Lora but also from the family as well. They had no idea what the meeting had been for today. It could have been bad or it could have been good. One could never tell when it came to the family. Lora looped her arm with Ryker and gave him an encouraging smile. This was their job now and they would both have to do better. A flame was sparked in Loralei and that was to learn what her father had been trying to teach her. At least… she would try harder.

A few weeks went by and Edrahil was walking with Ryker to go see a little problem child. “So have you thought about how to win Lora yet? You two will have to court each other now. I see the effort but I know that both of you haven’t ever been in this situation before.” That was part of being in this family being about to be so happy about something else while about to do something dark.

In the dark and dreadful room they entered was a muscular man tied to a chair. He had fingers missing that had looked to have been cut off and he was gagged. “I was in love before Syviis but her family owned a mine and the other woman’s family was a rather poor noble house. For the family as my father would say. It’s gotten me my daughter though.” Edrahil offered up the tools as they ungagged the man.

“I’m telling you I don’t know anything about what Jae is doing,” for as big of a man as he was this one was howling and screaming his head off.

“Funny, I told my people not to tell you who it was we were looking for information on.” Edrahil motioned his head to Ryker. “Get the information out of him. Jae is pretty sore about Lora. I don’t intend on her being used by him to start a war down here.” It wasn’t safe to speak about plans in front of those you intended to keep alive which meant one thing and the thug they were beating knew it too.

After a few hours of this torture, the door opened and Loralei came in. With her foot, she shut the door. She avoided the blood on her skirts almost like she had done it before. “I brought you some tea. You’ve been in here a while.” She offered up the two glasses to her father and husband.

“You need to get help. Look what they are doing to me,” the coward was crying for Lora’s help.

There was pity on her face for a moment. “Why would I do that?” She shook her head when it was obvious the pity wasn’t her feeling sorry for him.

It never really occurred to Ryker of how marriages worked out. The only real experience he has seen was that of Edrahil’s to Syviis and aside from making sure that he treated Loralei better, there wasn’t the slightly clue on how to go beyond that in the least. “Courting? Doesn’t that really happen before the marriage part?” He gave his boss a side glance before shrugging. “I suppose getting her things like flowers and stuff?” He never had to worry about these things before, but then again, it was all still too new for the werepanther. His mind went elsewhere as he was led to their daily dealing, which today brought to them a lowly grunt from another family, one that was particularly peeved at his union.

Seeing the tortured man, Ryker seemly look at him without a second thought. Nor did he mind the scent of blood and the muffled screams that reach his ears. This was, after all, their business and he hadn’t winced at these scenes since he was fifteen. At least this fellow wasn’t being carved alive, just missing a few fingers. “That much of the story, I didn’t know about”, he spoke as he removed the gag and paid more attention to Edrahil than the man who was now pleading for his life. Then again, it would make sense for him not to talk about some woman he had once loved in front of his wife and daughter…might be a conflict of interest.

With all that screaming, he had wished to shove the gag back into his mouth, but they needed him still to reveal what Jae was scheming. “He’d best just leave well enough alone; if he touches so much as a strain of hair on her, he will be a dead old man.” His eyes stared harshly at his captive before he took one of the daggers and plunged it into the middle of the man’s hands. He gripped roughly at the now howling man’s head and brought it close to his face. “Start…talking.”

Ryker wasn’t known for his patience when it came to interrogating and in the next few hours, he made his life a living hell. He had lost track of time as the slow and painful bloodshed continued and he milked as much information as he possibly could. When he could smell a lie, the punishment grew worse yet he made sure to not strike at vital organs or points where death could occur. His ear twitched when the door opened and he could smell his wife coming in, ceasing in the torture for now. It was unfitting to continue such actions with her present, at least for now.

“Thank you.” Ryker got up and took one of the glasses. There was some blood in his shirt with more of it on his hands than anything but he sipped on the drink. The thug’s pleas wouldn’t do him any good- the best he could hope for was that he spilled everything and then was given a quick death. Things would only get worse for him if he didn’t. It was that very reason that he didn’t speak against him when pleading to Loralei, who probably wouldn’t help even if she could. She knew well of this side of the business and how necessary it was.

Edrahil smirked. “In a situation that goes smooth yes… You are supposed to do those things before marriage. However, you and Lora didn’t really get that chance. Outings, candy, flowers, and giving her things she likes goes a long way. I can see her effort from her side. She brings you all sorts of things to make sure you are in the best shape you can be. I will admit that she has never seen that from her mother or myself but she has probably caught on to it being that way from watching the house help. If there’s anything that girl has always been good at it… It’s watching others.”

Once into the room, they went to business with the man. Ryker was his top enforcer and it showed with how perfect his technique was. “Aye, Lady Sonya from House Covette. Lora reminds me a lot of her now… Funny how that works eh?”

Edrahil crossed his arms. “If I so much as think he is moving against Lora I will make sure he is a dead old man.” The father was truly protective of his daughter. Together the two men began what would become hour long torture for the man in the chair. Both were brutal in their own way but to protect Loralei they would have to do what came all too natural to them. This wasn’t an area where normal noble houses were. This was a series of syndicates waging war for control. There were of course alliances and that part didn’t change.

Lora held the platter to her as she watched both men drink the tea she had brought. “It’s no problem. I just thought you both were working really hard and could use a break. You’ve been in here for hours.” She offered them both a smile. Loralei had learned from an early age to ignore the things she saw because in Jayou they were normal. She also knew the difference between Jayou and other places. The hierarchy in Jayou was something taken by force and that’s all there was too it.

Somehow the man in the chair had managed to get loose and lunged at Lora who had gotten what seemed to be all too close. Instead of panic or fear in the girl, she took the platter and smacked his head with it rather good. All of the trauma to the man’s body was finally hitting him as he convulsed on the floor. “He bent the good silver…” Loralei had a frown on her face. “Did you find out what you needed too?” She was all too used to it, it seemed. However, it didn’t seem like the man was dead just yet.

Blood and death didn't come naturally like how it was suppose to for Ryker, given his heritage and everything. He had no pack of his own and there weren't any panthers like him in these parts, so he had to gradually work on both his hunting and getting used to the family business in a hurry. Fortunately he was a great killer only when it was truly required for him. The same could be said about his methods in getting information out of stooges, which had to do from learning from Edrahil. Survival was the key in Jayou, no matter if you were lucky to be brought into the wealth or if you were in the slums. Both scenarios helped to steel him greatly and before he knew it, he was the one cracking skulls. Still, it wasn't to say that he was merciless, but he could be when it came to the wellbeing of this family. 

Jae, no matter his status, would feel such cruelty if he had plotted against Lora or Edrahil. He thought of him as a stupid old man, but the possible depths of his stupidity was the real trouble if he sought for "revenge". 

He wasn't keen on just how long they had been at work; it was fairly usual for these sorts of things to go on for hours without end, only feeling it when the deed was finished. The man seemed as though they would let up, but that sort of thinking had lead to his current folly. Perhaps it was a lapse in judgment, but before Ryker knew it, the fool had the audacity to break free and go after Lora. He was about to retaliate when she beat him to the punch. Sighing, he didn't let him have any time to recover as his heel was pressed against his throat, slowly starting to crush it.

"Don't worry about it, his carcass will soon be floating up the river. I'll get you a new platter", he spoke in a controlled voice despite his actions. He suppose that he would have to follow her father's advice and start gifting her with things, at least to help start off their relationship. That and being…romantic, something that was still out of custom from him and made him slightly wince, but not enough to be noticed easily. "Depends on if your father is satisfied, or not. I can probably still go another hour or so if there's anything he thinks he's still hiding from us. "  

What the moron didn’t know was that Loralei had been trained somewhat to defend herself in certain situations. Most didn’t seem to notice that she carried a dagger hidden on her person. Edrahil made sure his daughter wouldn’t be a victim and at the very least she would hurt the person pursuing her. A chuckle had left his lips at the sight of his little girl beating the man with a platter. “At least you are using your training… Though the dagger would have worked better don’t you think sweetheart?”

“Well, I didn’t have time to pull it out,” Lora puffed her face up at him. “Platter seemed like the better call. I didn’t want blood on my dress…” Edrahil was amused that was what she had been worried about as Ryker put his boot over his head.

“No, I’m done with that fool. We know all he has or enough. Lora can you leave the room so we can give this man a proper Desdemona send off?” Lora tilted her head and nodded as she walked up and over the man’s back hearing his grunt.

“I’m going to take a bath,” the way her words lingered to Ryker spoke of an invitation at the very least as she kissed his cheek and made her way out of the room. The invitation had been whispered so Edrahil could barely hear it.

He didn’t know what it was for but the father shrugged. “Go spend time with her after this. We can at least give him a good send off and have one of the lower grunts do the disposal. I don’t know what she told you though so don’t be worried.” Though knowing Lora, it was probably something she didn’t want Edrahil to overhear anyways. “There is a family friend up on the east end… Does little boat rides for couples. Should take her on it. She’s always loved the rivers in Jayou. Maybe that would be a good start for you two? Would also give me time to try and figure out what to do with Jae and on the surface I don’t think he would do anything if you two went out in public together.”

Meanwhile Lora was setting up the bath and she was blushing wondering if he would join her. She sunk into the herbal water and let the flowers and leaves surround her. It was a good and healthy bath that she happened to enjoy whenever the shipments of herbs came in. Her blonde hair was pulled up away from her and her bi-colored eyes were glued to the door. She could hear people on the outside and could listen to the footsteps but she wanted one of the sets to be Ryker. Though the thought brought redness to her cheeks.

It seemed like time was up for their little friend though it was going to have to end one way or another for the poor sap. By now he probably recovered enough to hear the boss judge his fate and was fearful for his life. Ryker held little sympathy for him- he chose this life, and this is how it ended for many. One day, even he would succumb to it, but he would make sure that it wouldn't happen for a very long time. He heard Lora speak of taking a bath and he nodded, though there was something in how she presented it especially since her father didn't hear it. He felt her warm lips pressed against his cheek and watched her before she exited. 

His attention then turned to Edrahil while his foot was still resting on the lad's neck, "Sure thing. Can you hand me that knife? I have something in mind for Jae for later, just in case." As gruesome as it was, that old man would have to get the message one way or another and it took a bit of time before Ryker was sated with his work. "Made a bigger hole in him than I thought." He looked at the bloody chest with a now gaping hole in the center as he held onto his prize- the heart. "I know someone that will keep it fresh until Jae decided to do something. Then he will receive it." Although he would have much rather done it now, they didn't need to go to war necessarily. If the message was crystal clear and he ceased any more tomfoolay, then all would be well. "Boat rides? Not really my thing, but it's a good start to get us more comfortable with all this." Using a worn rag, he wiped off the excess blood from his hands before patting his boss on the shoulder on his way out. "She will be safe from him, I can guarantee that."

He closed the door behind him and sent someone to go ahead and take care of the body before it started to reek through the rest of the house. From there, he decided to go and see Loralei. It was only until he had reach the door to her bathing room that he figured out what she had proposed. Really? He couldn't…imagine…that she would have suggested something like that. He never heard of couples bathing with each other, but then again it wasn't the cup of tea he was familiar with either. His hand went to the knob and slowly twisted it. The creaking as it made way gave away his position like a sore thumb and he step through to quickly shut it from possible prying eyes. "Uh…hi." Ryker gave Lora an awkward wave as he approached her with care. Despite having already seen her naked more times than he had thought he would in his life, this time seemed a bit more different, more intimate he supposed as he started to get undressed. First his shirt and then his boots and trousers before climbing into the waters and sat opposite of her. Bits of blood were washing away from him as the soothing warm felt wonderful. Reclining a bit, his eyes closed briefly as he thought about the boat rides her father mentioned. 

"Sorry it took a while, but you have my undivided attention, if you wish", he spoke, one eye opened up and watched her. "You keep looking like that, you gonna end up like a lobster. Don't think red looks too well on your face", he joked. Not that he could blame her for it though.