Demons and Heroes

"They are perfect." He smiled at her and gently led he into the trees. "We stay behind the bushes so stay downwind of the prey so they won't know we're here until we strike. They're up ahead." Gharanth's voice had dropped to a whisper.

 

Twilight stayed close and low, only nodding, knowing that it wouldn't be good to talk. Her dagger was clentched tightly and she realized she wanted nothing more than to make Gharanth proud of her.

 

Gharanth smiled as he watched her. She was a natural and certainly had an animal-like grace. He pointed out the prey, one herd beast that had got separated. It was most likely old or injured. Survival of the fittest, that was what the world ran on. "Your kill" he whispered.

 

Twilight's jaw worked up and down and she blocked out the voices in her head so she could concentrate.
She held her dagger looser and glanced at Gharanth as if to ask if it was alright. She breathed, drew back her arm and tossed with a lightning fast movement.

 

"Good shot. A killing blow. You are good. I am proud to be with such an accomplished hunter." Gharanth smiled at her and hugged her. "Now we finish the job and get meat for our next few meals and also to trade." He beamed with pride at how quickly she had learned.

 

Twilight grinned widely, eyes sparkling. Then she looked down and her face turned scarlet.
"Thank...you..." She swallowed, not able to meet his eyes.

 

"Are you alright? This is not too much for you?" Gharanth raised her chin with his hand, gently gazing into her eyes. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about."

 

Twilight shivered under his touch, her stomache doing flips. "No...not...too much..."
She felt so self concious. He was so...wow. She tucked her hair behind her ear, looking back at him nervously.

 

"Please tell me what is unsettling you. I cannot help unless you tell me. You have no need to fear me. I will only protect you. I would do so with my life."

 

"I don't think..." She frowned in thought. "You wouldn't understand the..." She tried a third time. "I don't think i can tell you..."

 

"It's alright. Try to tell me and you will be amazed at what I do understand. I have enough experience to know that very little can shock me and I will always be here for you, solid as the mountain.You cannot run and hide from what is troubling you and occasionally being daring gets you a reward. You can reach for the moon and you will never touch it, but you might get a low hanging apple for your efforts. Take the risk."

 

Twilight swallowed. "Well that's just it. Nothing is wrong. In fact, things are even better than they've ever been. But im still so confused and...i guess you could call it afraid in some ways of..."

 

"What are you afraid of? I would move Heaven and Earth to make you happy and if there is anything I can do I will. You need only click your fingers and I'll come running." Gharanth smiled at her. He was telling the truth.

 

Twilight clutched his arm tightly, face tight and afraid. "I...I don't think i should tell you. I want to and yet I dont want to. Im scared that if i do...you'll leave and you will hate me. And i don't want you to leave...and if i tell you..." She bit her lip and shook her head, breathing hard as if she'd run a mile.

 

"I promise I won't leave you no matter what. Nothing you say could ever drive me away. Please tell me what is upsetting you so badly." He hugged her against him, holding her close and shielding her from the outside world with his body.

 

Twilight burried her face into Gharanth's chest, trembling as she clung onto him.
"You will hate me for it. You will hate me..."
Tears filled her eyes as she clutched at his jacket. How could she possibly tell him how she felt? How could she find the words to say it? Not in front of him. He was always strong and impassive and wise and...she couldn't say it.

 

"Tell me. I won't hate you, I could never hate you. Please believe in me as I believe in you." He held her close and kissed the top of her head.

 

"Gharanth..." She whispered quietly into his chest. "Gharanth i think..." She swallowed and squeezed her eyes shut. Her heart was pounding painfully in her chest and her brain was numb. The voices had almost disappeared, along with everything else, except for Gharanth who still stood waiting, watching her. She didn't look at him but she could feel his eyes on her head. Finally she muttered in a voice that she could barely hear herself. "I think im in love with you."

 

OOC: Wow! This is really intense!

 

Gharanth held her against him. "In truth I share the same feelings for you but I wanted to protect you from the hatred and recriminations of my past. That is why I will always stand by your side and protect you. Lately emotions have been reawakened in me and for you that has been a deep and pure love, one that I would carry for eternity, even if you did not love me back."