Raven’s Personal Log 12<\/p>\n
We arrived in the warehouse. Cufaen’s arms wrapped around me. I kissed him briefly before calling out, “Any one here?” He squeezed me lightly as I spoke softly unto him, “Guess I best check on Josho.” I moved from his arms slowly. I turned quickly gaining speed and jumped high on a vine. The vine swung wide and I release to fly to the next. The new vine moved to my weight as I grabbed it and I was on the beam to my hut. I looked back at him watching. So strange an elf that knows not the way of his kin but he was my dream and I love him. Maybe he will learn.<\/p>\n
Linda peeked out of my hut and looked down at Archer, “SHHHHHHHH”<\/p>\n
He had pulled an orange off the tree, peeled it and had started to eat the slices. Archer whispered, “Am I chewing too loud?” I checked on my beloved one. He was asleep in his cradle. Linda and I made our way down to my love, which now rested with his boots beside him. I took to the vines and landed in front of him as Linda went for the rope ladder. “Have you got her climbing vines too?”<\/p>\n
“Not yet. She has much to learn of the way of the flame.” I spoke as he wiped the juice of the fruit on his pants. He rose to his feet. Linda approached she was a young of sixteen years, with mouse brown hair and eyes.<\/p>\n
I presented her proudly, “Linda this is Lord Cufaen, Cufaen this is Maiden Linda.”<\/p>\n
Linda stood away and responded, “Hi dude.”<\/p>\n
Archer bowed slightly “Perhaps you should just call me Archer.”<\/p>\n
“Like a guy that shoot a bow or something?”<\/p>\n
Archer smiled wryly, “Yeah, just like.”<\/p>\n
Linda looked to me, “Are all the dudes going to be Indians or something?”<\/p>\n
I giggled, as Archer answered, “No, some of us are elves.”<\/p>\n
Linda shrugged her shoulders “What ever”<\/p>\n
Archer forever with his questions asked, “How do you like it here so far, Linda?”<\/p>\n
“The kid is cute and no one bugs me. Guess its okay.” Linda shrugged her shoulders and added, “Could use a nice steak or even some hamburgers. This all nature food gets to you.”<\/p>\n
“I am a meat eater myself. What would you like?”<\/p>\n
Linda brightened up “How about a steak and fries and a bottle of Pepsi?”<\/p>\n
“You got it…desert?”<\/p>\n
“Yeah, I want to try this boy pie Raven likes.”<\/p>\n
Archer laughed, “Boy pie, huh? How did you want that steak?”<\/p>\n
“Just leave it mooing and warm it up.”<\/p>\n
Archer agreed, “The only way to eat ’em!”<\/p>\n
Linda gave a half grin, “Think you can add a beer to the order?”<\/p>\n
Archer raised an eyebrow at Linda. Cufaen took my hand “I am going to get us meat eaters some food, would you like me to bring you back something, or would you prefer to come along?”<\/p>\n
“I guess I need to change my diet… How about a donut.”<\/p>\n
Archer smiled, “A donut. Heck of a change. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” As he kissed me the door opened and William walked in. William’s smile faded as his eyes fell upon us. Archer glanced over at the young man. “What about you, William? Care for a steak?”<\/p>\n
“Yeah sure. Need help getting it.” His eyes looked through Archer to me.<\/p>\n
“How do you want it?” Archer was still in a bright mood. “You can come along if you’d like…but it’s not necessary.”<\/p>\n
“Med. Well the only way to eat ’em.”<\/p>\n
“Not according to Linda and me.” Archer smiled<\/p>\n
William shrugged, “Can’t help if you don’t know good food.” William spoke to me, “Sugar pie we need to talk.” I nodded.<\/p>\n
Archer raised an eyebrow and murmured “sugar pie?”<\/p>\n
“He said it is another name like you have.” I answered the question he murmured, “One endearing to another.”<\/p>\n
Archer softly mentioned to me, “It is normally a term of endearment, love…like ‘love'”<\/p>\n
“Oh,” I whispered to Cufean, “He didn’t tell me that”<\/p>\n
Archer lightly kissed my ear “he wouldn’t.”<\/p>\n
William walked up to us. “Is there something NEW that is UP?”<\/p>\n
“Not that I know Sir William, What is new thing do you ask about?” I asked not understand his words.<\/p>\n
William eyed Archer. “Guess nothing if you say so. So are you going for that food or what? I am a little sick of all these veggies.”<\/p>\n
Archer asked, “Anxious to eat, or what?”<\/p>\n
“Isn’t like I can get her to eat anything.” William pointed at me. “She is becoming nothing but skin and bones. Come on babes we got to talk.”<\/p>\n
Archer quickly asked with a new tone in his voice, “About what, “babes”<\/p>\n
“It’s seeker stuff. Thought you where leaving.”<\/p>\n
“So, I wouldn’t understand, huh?” Archer smiled. ” William.”<\/p>\n
“YEAH what?”<\/p>\n
“If I find you taking her anywhere near drugs again.”<\/p>\n
“I’ll take her where she wants to go.” William stood his ground, “and I will take care of her.”<\/p>\n
I was lost and confused, “Me thinks you two are talking in a different language. Care to explain what you two are going on about?”<\/p>\n
Archer’s voice was cold, “I see. And how about from the cops?”<\/p>\n
“I am not afraid of them or you”<\/p>\n
“To bad.” Archer stared at William with a look that frightened me and a dark smile sweep across his lips.<\/p>\n
“STOP IT!” I demanded, “You two are disturbing the peace of my forest.”<\/p>\n
“Spock…Delmonico’s.” Archer dematerialized.<\/p>\n
“Good that ass is gone!” William sounded off, “Come on babes we have to talk and you should really give up on that jerk That Nick guy is much nicer, and he’s not one I would want for you either. ”<\/p>\n
“William, Cufaen is my love.” I took him to my hut and he told me of things I needed to know and I told him of the seeding.<\/p>\n
His face grew red and he sprung to his feet. “That good for nothing Bastard. He put you through all that and than laid you.” William stormed out of the hut and headed to the front door screaming, “Just wait till JOHN hears this!”<\/p>\n
Cufaen returned with many bags and boxes. He sat them on the grass, the aromas of grilled steak and hot pies filling the area. Linda jumped to the food and we began to eat.<\/p>\n
I could only eat a few bites before my tummy rumbled but Linda scarfed down all the fries and tore into the steak.<\/p>\n
The front door burst open with a loud bang. John stormed in. William closely followed. In John’s hand he had a shotgun “YOU BOY!” John shouted as he took aim on Archer, “What do I hear about you de flowering my little girl?”<\/p>\n
Archer popped a piece of crab in his mouth. Again I did not understand this play that was unfolding. I stood turning to John, “John? What are you doing?”<\/p>\n
“Green thing, love.” Archer stood in a fluid motion.<\/p>\n
“YOU BET! She is in the green and so are you.” John voice was strong. Archer glanced over John’s shoulder at William. William smirked back. John continued, “I am going to give you two choices BOY. You make an honest bride of her or I shoot you dead.”<\/p>\n
“Okay,” archer was calm, “And does she know what a bride is?”<\/p>\n
I spoke,” Bride?”<\/p>\n
Cufaen glanced back at me; “It more or less means you would belong to me.”<\/p>\n
“Like in the picture, Raven, of my wife,” John added, “He will belong to you too. So what’s it going to be?”<\/p>\n
“First of all.” Archer stepped closer.<\/p>\n
“No first anything.” John pulled back the hammer.<\/p>\n
“Don’t call me ‘boy’, I am three times your age.” He was still moving to John, “and second, you better get a bigger gun.”<\/p>\n
I demanded, “Will someone please explain what is going on.”<\/p>\n
Archer spoke calmly, “It is called a ‘shotgun wedding’, Love. John feels that you and I should be married now that we have …”<\/p>\n
“You better believe it. Her land might not care about bastard kids but I do!” John voice shook for the first time, “I ain’t going to have any grandkids with no daddy.”<\/p>\n
Archer explained, “To be married, Raven, would mean declaring ourselves to the world that we would stay together forever.”<\/p>\n
I looked at the Cufean and moved between them, “But I will always be yours.” I told Cufean and turned to John; “John put that thing down.”<\/p>\n
“But it must be by my choice, not his….” Cufean stated. “In this world two cannot be together ‘legally’ without a marriage.”<\/p>\n
I spoke to all, “I need not tell the world.”<\/p>\n
Cat bounded in saying, “Am I hearing right?”<\/p>\n
Chameleon came in “Little sister you are becoming a bride?”<\/p>\n
Cat pointed at me; “You and” then he pointed to Archer “you did it?”<\/p>\n
John hands shook a little; “You just don’t understand girl. All the pain he put you through than to get the milk and not buy the cow.”<\/p>\n
I went to John, “He did what I begged him to do. I have no right to ask for more than what he is willing to give me.”<\/p>\n
Archer shook his head, “I did not do it because you begged, love.” He placed his hand upon my shoulder and squeezed lightly.<\/p>\n
I looked back and smiled at my love. “I love him John. Please stop this.”<\/p>\n
“Your dam lucky.” John lowered the gun, still looking at Archer “If you hurt her one more time I will come hunting for you.” John pulled me into his arms dropping the gun and whispered in my ear “Don’t let him hurt you.”<\/p>\n
Cat collapsed to a sitting position. Then spoke in a worried voice “What about Sable? Raven do you mind staying with Archer or me whenever you leave here? You’ll need a guard.”<\/p>\n
Archer nodded, “Already may have someone doing just that…”<\/p>\n
William picked up the gun; “Hey this thing isn’t even loaded!”<\/p>\n
“Damn you Boy, I was bluffing him and was called out. ” John held tighter to me as if he needed me.<\/p>\n
Archer reached into a pocket and pulls out two 12-gauge shells. “Want a couple, William?”<\/p>\n
“Yeah, they probably blow up in the gun.”<\/p>\n
Archer slipped them back into his pocket. “You’re right, just the kind of trick I’d pull.” The ice hung on his words as he glared at my first mate.<\/p>\n
Josho cried loudly and the play ended. Linda called every one for food. William went for the baby and the peace was restored. John lost his smile. They teased him of my home and it saddened him even more. I knew I could not take him back. He was too bound to this world but the gift of youth would stay his. I would tell no one of my decision.<\/p>\n
My love left to gather more steaks for the growing party and I went to William. William disagreed with me again. He handed me Josho. His eyes where filled with pain and I had no words to help him. William walked away from me and went to his space. Archer reappeared with more food. Valoki had taken to Kara. I returned my son to his slumbers and joined the others. I told the tradition of the forest mating at John’s request with Archer interrupting every other sentence. As we spoke the great one and his lady came to us.<\/p>\n
Nick spoke, “Greetings all.”<\/p>\n
“Good day Great one and love of his.” Was how I greeted them.<\/p>\n
Archer glanced at Rogue and smiled, then at Nick and scowled. Rogue narrowed her eyes at Archer, giving him a warning look, almost sisterly, her smile faint but still there. The great one kissed her on the temple. Rogue nodded at me in a delayed reaction.<\/p>\n
“Great one would you join us in food.” I offered<\/p>\n
Nick asked, “Raven, how is thy house?” Archer pulled out two steak dinners presenting them to the newcomers.<\/p>\n
“It is perfect.” I answered. “Have you met Maiden Linda yet? She has join my mates.” I motioned to Linda who was still eating yet another pie.<\/p>\n
Nick had a pleasant expression as he looked unto his Lady; “I wanted Rogue to see it, now that it is in full bloom.” He looked to Linda, “I don’t believe I have had the pleasure.” Nick dropped his hand into Rogue’s. Rogue smiled softly, twining her fingers within Nick’s, as she looked around the room.<\/p>\n
Linda looked nervously at the couple. “Guess I am full. I think I will go visit William.”<\/p>\n
Linda stood up and quickly left to the rope ladder and made her way to the boy side of the beams. Nick watched the girl, his eyes seeming to bore into her. I watched the great one as he looked upon her.<\/p>\n
Nick glanced at me then back to the girl, then quickly back to me “You have changed, Daughter.”<\/p>\n
“Yes, my burning is eased.” I looked lovingly at Cufaen. I retrieved some bottles of trade and gave them to Cufean.” In honor of your visit to my home Lady Rogue. I am not sure how to open them.”<\/p>\n
Rogue tilted her head, confused, but her smile honestly touched in some strange way<\/p>\n
Archer took the bottles and tried to read the faded label.<\/p>\n
Nick glanced at the bottle. “Very nice..1893.” Archer pulled a corkscrew from no where, opening the bottle. Nick murmured a word and a tray of perfect crystal goblets appeared.<\/p>\n
Small talk was slipping from the lips of all. William dropped to the ground from the loft and headed out the door. I watched the great one. He had another reason; they always had another reason. Finally he revealed it, thanks to my questioning love.<\/p>\n
Archer spoke plainly, “What brings you here, Nick?”<\/p>\n
“Oh, just a little message for Raven …”<\/p>\n
I was taken back, “A message from who?”<\/p>\n
“From me.” Nick grinned a dragonish grin.<\/p>\n
“Is it one for my ears only? Or can I share with my love.”<\/p>\n
“I think it matters not.” Nick said matter of factually.<\/p>\n
I spoke quickly, “Than I pray thee speak.”<\/p>\n
“I have my payment.” He took a long sip of his wine.<\/p>\n
“What is it?” I could not think of what he wanted, “I have not given.”<\/p>\n
“Haven’t you?” The great one glanced at Archer.<\/p>\n
Archer spoke, “One day, Nick, you will learn to speak English.”<\/p>\n
Fear welled inside me, “You know the seed has been claimed.” I had to clarify just in case the seed took root. The seed was not mine to give to any.<\/p>\n
Nick pulled Rogue closer, his cheek resting on her head. “That is not my meaning, Daughter.” Rogue sighed, taking a sip of the drink, her expression a cross between a wince and a smile, Nick’s touch bringing out the smile just that much more.<\/p>\n
I pushed my only fear away, I tried to put things together in my mind. “So we are paid in full?”<\/p>\n
“I think so.” He finished his wine.<\/p>\n
“Than I thank you for the greatness of your gifts.” I was sure I was missing his meaning but than I might have been right. My conclusion was he meant my union to Archer was my payment since I gave my dream all I was thus he had nothing he could retrieve from me.<\/p>\n
Nick whispered softly to Rogue “And now, my dearest heart, I fear we must depart to catch the Noe in Tokyo.” Nick climbed gracefully to his feet, offering Rogue a hand.<\/p>\n
Rogue sighed softly, with a nod “I hate to leave, but I know it’s true … I’m so sorry all …” Her hand took his, as she climbed to her own feet. “I wish you a well night.” Nick pulled her into the circle of his arms, holding her gently.<\/p>\n
“May the flame guide you on your journey.” I bid them farewell, “Farewell great one.”<\/p>\n
Nick kissed Rogue very soundly and disappeared before the kiss ended.<\/p>\n
I announced, “The night is on us and I must seek.”<\/p>\n
Archer argued, “You must sleep, not seek.”<\/p>\n
“I need no rest yet. You have given me strength, “I paused to think of my run tonight and asked, “Sweet Cufean, William is not here to seek with me.”<\/p>\n
“Then I will seek with you.” His smile was great upon his spirit<\/p>\n
“Do you not need to hunt?”<\/p>\n
“The hounds do not call tonight, perhaps later.”<\/p>\n
“You of course may come with me, please never let my task interfere with yours” I looked at my little sister as Archer stood changing his clothes to grays and blacks.<\/p>\n
“Kara, would you like to travel the allies and rivers?”<\/p>\n
“Sounds very romantic.” Kara remarked.<\/p>\n
Archer smiled. “Perhaps if you took Cat?”<\/p>\n
“Valoki get my things.” I ordered. Valoki looked at me and hissed angrily.” Valoki she will come with us.” He flew up retrieving my cloak returning to bring me my mailman’s pouch.<\/p>\n
“I just wish I could be intimate with anyone!” Kara sighed heavily<\/p>\n
Ghost Archer poked himself in several spots. “Someone is probing just those possibilities.” He looked at me as I tossed the pouch over my shoulder covering it with my cloak. “What is the pouch for?” he asked forever with the question on his lips.<\/p>\n
I left his question lingering as I spoke with Kara, “If you wish I can leave Valoki here with you. You need not come unless you want to. But you can see what I do.”<\/p>\n
Kara seemed to wake from a trance she had with my friend, “Can’t both of us come with you?\u00a0 If not I will take care of our little friend.”<\/p>\n
I smiled. If only she knew how he felt for her, “He just wants to be with you. Let’s go. I walked out the door following a path that I knew by heart; the two followed with my Valoki in flight. We came to the first stop of the night. I had them wait as I ducked into an alley and gave a package to the young boy.<\/p>\n
I again asked the orphan, “Are you ready yet?” My heart sadden when he shook his head no but in time, I just had to prove myself to the hurt little flame within.<\/p>\n
I returned to Kara and Archer and we walked further down the way. Two men maneuvered into our path.<\/p>\n
The one in front of me brushed a lock from my eyes as he address Archer. “How much for the company of one of your ladies. This one looks prime.”<\/p>\n
The other man circled Kara; “I like this one better.”<\/p>\n
“How much to keep you balls?” Archer growled.<\/p>\n
The man removed his hand from me, “Hey, were just looking for a good time.”<\/p>\n
A savage grin took over Archers face as he addressed the one by me, “I’ll give you one.”<\/p>\n
The guy stumbled on his words; “I don’t swing that way.” The man’s buddy nudged him and they stepped away half-watching Archer. They moved across the street and approached another female.<\/p>\n
I chuckled and softly spoke to my companions; “William usually gets the money before I disappears. He would say serves them right to be out a few bucks for insulting me.”<\/p>\n
Archer face was now a blank, “I think William and I are going to have a little talk.”<\/p>\n
“Please wait till he calms down.” The last thing I needed right now was for those two to fight.<\/p>\n
Archer changed the subject, “What did you give the boy, love?”<\/p>\n
“Money, fruit, and candy.”<\/p>\n
Archer slipped an arm around my waist, his hip bumping mine as we walked. “Why isn’t he ready to join you?” he asked with his lips near my ear and his breath warm on my skin. I felt my blood react.<\/p>\n
“He says he doesn’t trust me. I have to keep my word to him before I can gain trust.”<\/p>\n
“And what is it you must do?”<\/p>\n
“Show that I really care.” It seemed so obvious to me. “So many need my care.” We came to Jesse’s place. Slick was standing guard tonight. “Please wait here.”<\/p>\n
Archer looked at the thug and firmly spoke, “No …” He became formless to the eye but I felt him still near to me.<\/p>\n
Slick greeted me, “Hey Raven. Just you two gals tonight?”<\/p>\n
I lied and it felt strange to do so but somehow not, “Yes, I hope you don’t mind allowing her in too.”<\/p>\n
Slick eyed Kara slightly as not to stare, “She is one hot item. Sure you want to take her in?”<\/p>\n
I smiled at his concern, “I am sure she can handle herself.”<\/p>\n
Slick smiled and joked, “DAMN! Thought I might have company tonight.”<\/p>\n
“Kara would you like to go in or wait here?” I had to give her the choice as not to make her think I was trying to control her.<\/p>\n
“Go in I guess.” Little sister said.<\/p>\n
“I think she would rather be with me.”<\/p>\n
“Okay sweet cheeks.” Slick smiled and winked at Kara, “Go on in with Raven.”<\/p>\n
I felt my love with us but not. I whispered to Kara, \u00a0“He is fond of you. He likes your cheeks.” For a moment I thought I heard Cufaen let a chuckle slip.<\/p>\n
We walked into a crowded blind pig, gambling, drugs and drink flowing. I made my way to a door across the room. “Kara just wait here. I won’t be long.” I felt the presents of my love as I opened the door and slipped in.<\/p>\n
There was several mating rites going on at once. One of the guys looked up and said, “Fresh Meat” but Jesse pushed him back into the group of wanting females.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think so. She’s mine.” She left the mates and took me into the refresh room. I was sure we where followed by a ghost of a man. I delivered her package and she passed me my cash. She stroked my hair playing with the ends. “Sweetie, I still don’t understand why you want someone like me in your home but I will think about it. Hey, I still can get you that job at the strip joint.” Jesse eyes followed my body up and down and shook her head, “With your limbs you will make a bundle.”<\/p>\n
I knew where this was going. Jesse so did hate me doing trade. “No thank you, I have enough things to tend to in a day.”<\/p>\n
Jesse sighed heavily as she spoke; “Well, you best get your sweet ass out quick tonight. We are going to be raided. One of those guys we are fucking is a cop.”<\/p>\n
“Thank you for the warning.” I turned to the door and she laid her hand on my shoulder. I felt she wanted to say something yet didn’t. She walked me to the exit of the room. I emerged to find Kara still intact, unbothered and waiting.<\/p>\n
“Ready to go? We need to take a different way out.” I took Kara with my gloved hand and lead her to the panel on the back wall. I pressed it and a door sprung over and three of us entered the hall that led to the stairs to a window. Out of the window was a fire escape that led down into the alley.<\/p>\n
As my feet hit the ground I saw two young males brutally beating on an elder. I took to the aid of the elder. I dropped my hood, “So what are nice boys like you doing with that old man?” I smiled at them.<\/p>\n
Archer had become one to the eye, still standing upon the fire escape. His bow was in hand. He slipped an arrow from the quiver and covered the boys.<\/p>\n
The taller boy raised his eyes taking the fullness of my form in. “OOOOh Ooh Ooh look at what we have here. I think we are going to have a party.” His eyes seemed to recognize me once he finally looked to my face; “You’re that religious freak aren’t you.”<\/p>\n
Chameleon piped up “You slobs going to party with us? I don’t think so.”<\/p>\n
“OOOO another babe.”<\/p>\n
Archer vaulted off the fire escape railing, dropping almost silently behind me, bow held at the ready.<\/p>\n
“Shit!” exclaimed the boy.<\/p>\n
Archer smiled. “Exactly.”<\/p>\n
The boy turned tailed and ran leaving his buddy behind. Archer took aim at the boy and let lose with his arrow. The ropes sprung out and entangled him making his skid across the ground. The boy winded, “Hey, man I didn’t mean anything.”<\/p>\n
Archer slipped a second entangle arrow to the string. I smiled at Archer and I went to the man laying on the ground. He would deal with the young and I could deal with the elder. It was nice feeling to have the roles switched, at least on this night.<\/p>\n
Archer asked, “How is he, Love?”<\/p>\n
I pulled a bottle out of my pouch, giving the injured man a long drink. “He is pretty badly beat up.” I pulled cloth from my pouch. I bound his wounds the best I could.<\/p>\n
Archer grinned at the other gangbanger who stood frozen in fright. “Too bad.” Archer let loose with the second arrow, entangling him. He knelt beside me, looking closely at the man and grimaced. The old man is drinking heavy off the bottle I had handed him. “That doesn’t help, Love. It will only kill him faster.” Archer ran his hands gently over the man, watching the man face as it betrayed the pain of his wounds. I said not a word and just watched.<\/p>\n
The old man spoke, “It kills the pain. This angel of the night is a god send.”<\/p>\n
“Relax …”Archer closed his eyes, his senses turning inward on this old man. Archer winced. His eyes drifted to mine, “Is he one?”<\/p>\n
“No.” I understood, “Do not over task yourself my love we have many more to tend to. I aid for I am a protector too. I have to do all that I am.” I stood as Archer closed his eyes and a pale green light forming on his hands and creeping over the mans body.<\/p>\n
“We are behind schedule.” I stated looking into the sky, “I have to get to the rail yards.”<\/p>\n
Archer nodded and stood at my side. “He’ll be okay.” I smiled softly at my love. How strange this night did play. He stepped over to the two thugs and picked up one in each hand, glaring at them. The boys squirmed in the ropes and in his hands. Archer murmured “Spiderman is going to be mad at me.” he lifted them into the air and hung the pair from the railing of the fire escape … about three stories up. I stiffed my giggles. He spoke, “I put ’em up higher but the buildings too short.”<\/p>\n
I pulled back my amusement, “I normally just let them run off.”<\/p>\n
He pulled me close, holding me tightly against his chest. “This way, they may think next time.” His eyes danced as he spoke, “and the cops might find them.” He grinned. “Where too, love?”<\/p>\n
“The rail yard under box 748.”<\/p>\n
Archer held out an arm to Kara “Need a lift?” She took the hand as they both jumped to flight.<\/p>\n
I stroked his hair as the wind blow through it, “Now this is fun.”<\/p>\n
He pulled Kara close, holding us both as if we were as light as air. “What’s at box 748?”<\/p>\n
“It is a box on the rails. I need to go there.”<\/p>\n
We reached the yard and the yard was blanketed in the darkness. The place looked forbidding and loomed just yards from where we landed. I walked up to the box and tried to open the box car door. “Curse the dark ones, it’s stuck.” I pulled again. Archer firm hand was upon the latch and the door slide open. “Lucky I brought you along.” I smiled at him as he smiled back. I kissed his cheek gently.<\/p>\n
I backed up taking a running jump up into the box. I landed soundly but my eyes filled with tears and I cried. Cufaen was beside me, he held out his hand a ball illuminated the interior. Two bodies laid on the floor, one man, and one woman.<\/p>\n
“Son of a bitch.” He lipped as he looked down at them.<\/p>\n
Through my tears I informed him, “They said tonight they would come\u00a0 …” I fell back to the tears. I had failed again. I failed to protect my new mates.<\/p>\n
Archer knelt beside the bodies, check for a pulse. I watched on as he looked upon the skin. He raised the arm to show me a mark. “This is the drugs you would visit on your people, love?”<\/p>\n
“What do you mean?”<\/p>\n
“This bumps.” He pointed at the tracks. I looked at all the old scars and the one very fresh looking one.<\/p>\n
Chameleon shook her head, “Wasted life on drugs.”<\/p>\n
“That is from injecting heroin.” he scowled.<\/p>\n
I protested, “NO! They where stopping.”<\/p>\n
Ghost Archer looked at the man’s arm seeing his arm was also all old scars except the one.<\/p>\n
“How does one inject?” It was my turn to ask him the questions<\/p>\n
“Syringe, a needle.”<\/p>\n
“What does it look like?”<\/p>\n
He created an image of a syringe in the palm of his hand. I began to search for the needle.<\/p>\n
“Wait.” Archer stopped me, “Don’t move anything.” He looked around to see nothing in the way of drugs with in the box. He ran his hand over the skin of the dead and moved the joints. He looked on different parts of the body and spoke, “I also figure they were injected with an OD. Who were they?”<\/p>\n
“They helped me get things I needed. They had lots of connections.”<\/p>\n
“Raven\u00a0 … what things?” he demanded as he took me by the shoulders.”<\/p>\n
I looked up and answered, “Mainly drugs.”<\/p>\n
“They were murdered, love.” He hugged me. I spoke of my failure to them and he reassured me that it wasn’t my fault. In his arms my pain faded. I promised to myself that this would not happen to another mate. He kissed the top of my head.<\/p>\n
“I have one more to go to, than I will stop.” I pulled my self to center.<\/p>\n
“Okay, where to?”<\/p>\n
“The river bank under this bridge.”<\/p>\n
Kara shook her head, “I have to get back, night you two.” She left the yard and head home. We watched her disappear in the darkness and left the dead behind as we traveled to the living. I melted in his arms. I felt so right there. I had never felt so whole in my life as when I was in his arms.<\/p>\n
We arrived at the homeless community. The children ran and played around the fire barrels and in out of the makeshift tents. Several ran to me even though I had a stranger with me. I removed my pouch and laid it on the ground. The kids merged on it grabbing the money, the boxes, the food, the cloth. Archer was counting as a little boy hugged my leg. I bent down and hugged him back. I slipped candy to him and he ran off, with his share of the treasure from the pouch. Each child ran to an adult giving the bounty to them. I picked my bag back up and replaced under my cloak.<\/p>\n
“Some might join me.” I commented.<\/p>\n
Cufaen was lost in his own thought as he requested to the air, “Damn … Spock, get me 75 sleeping bags and a dozen of those Rats boxes and beam them to me. And get me 10 first aid kits … I’ll get some MRE’s down here as soon as I can.”<\/p>\n
“William and I have been trading for green paper to get the gifts.” I added to him, “I will need to trade tomorrow.”<\/p>\n
“Trade what?”<\/p>\n
“Many things.” I was not sure what he was asking for.<\/p>\n
“More specific, Love.”<\/p>\n
A little girl carefully walked up to us with a chipped mug. “Here mister want some soup?”<\/p>\n
Archer nodded as the bags, and food boxes appear taking the mug, and kneeling beside the child. A new onslaught of children ran in, ripping in to the new goods.<\/p>\n
“Share it, kids.” He seemed happier, “Be fair. If anyone doesn’t get a sleeping bag. Come back and tell me …”<\/p>\n
The little girl eyes shone brightly in the firelight, “Are you Raven’s boy friend?” She bounced from one foot to the other.<\/p>\n
He looked at the grubby little face and smiled, “Yes, honey, I am.”<\/p>\n
She giggled, “You are handsome.”<\/p>\n
“Thank you, sweetie and you are adorable.” I saw a parent in him as he spoke so loving to her. From a pocket he pulled a Teddy bear out and gave it to her.<\/p>\n
She hugged her first new toy lovingly. “Thank you Raven’s boyfriend.” She turned around and skipped back to the adults.<\/p>\n
He smiled as he watched her join the group. “How many will join you, Love.”<\/p>\n
“If I am lucky four or five. Most think I prepare to send your government on them for the children.”<\/p>\n
“Is that all?”<\/p>\n
“The adults don’t trust.” I pointed at a small clustered, “They are the ones that trust me.”<\/p>\n
He so wanted to save them all. He tried in a moment to do what I have set up over weeks. The ones that trusted me did not trust him. He spoke and his words fell to deaf ears. Janine was rough on him but nearly, as she was when I first came to them. I saw in her eyes and those around we had stayed to long this night even though we brought many gifts this night.<\/p>\n
“Sweet love, please they are not ready yet.” I whispered in his ear and he sighed. I reassured him, “In the fullness of time.”<\/p>\n
He looked into my eyes and I was lost unto him. He nodded understanding, “I’ll get some clothes, food and water down here by noon.”<\/p>\n
I kissed him, a loud roar of cat calls and whistles irrupted from those around as the sweet young girl danced around his legs chanting, “Raven has a boy friend, Raven has a boyfriend\u00a0 …”<\/p>\n
He looked upon the child with his eyes smiling at her; “Found out … rats.” He hugged me close. “Spock … home please …” His hands slide under my cloak touching my skin, it was hot but not burning.<\/p>\n
“Not bad a whole day with you and touches,” I smiled still feeling what the heat meant, “This is good.”<\/p>\n
We arrived in his chambers. I laid my lips to his and opened them to receive the exchange. He was smiling under the heat of my lips and returned in kind.<\/p>\n
He commented as we ended the kiss. “It’s been a long day.”<\/p>\n
“I so love your touch.” I stroked his hair with one hand; “I so love you.” I released the clasp of the cloak allowing it to fall.<\/p>\n
He brushed a lock of my hair back behind my ear with a fingertip. His finger caught the edge of it, sending tingles through me. “I have much I want to talk to you about your nocturnal adventures and such, but somehow, they don’t seem important right now.”<\/p>\n
I looked deep into the green eyes of my only love. “I can never refuse you.” He took my hands and held them to his lips. I took one away and brushed his hair to reveal his lovely ears, then stroked them to start the fire within him. I confessed to him, “Such sweetness, was never told.”<\/p>\n
“Some weeks ago … I sat on the edge of a bathtub and fought the urge to bathe you … to touch you …” he started.<\/p>\n
My eyes where locked in his, “and all I wanted was your touch and still do.” He smiled softly. I ran my free hand along his shoulder and down his arm.<\/p>\n
“I think I will no longer deny myself that pleasure. Come with me.”<\/p>\n
My smile grew at the sheer thought of his touch and gave my hands to him. As he led me to the bath I pledged to him, “I will follow where ever you take me.”<\/p>\n
He grinned, “Best watch what you say, lover, I go strange places.”<\/p>\n
I spoke from spirit, “As long as I am with you, I care not where.”<\/p>\n
Archer pushed the door open and stepped back, allowing me to enter first. The bathroom was darkened one wall and most of the ceiling was now open to the stars. Candles provide a warm softly light and a myriad of flowers scent the air.<\/p>\n
I turned to the mirror and looked at the reflection of his darken form. “The glow of the lesser light is nice.” I placed a candle in front of me and the mirror became a window to a dream.<\/p>\n
His form moved into the light as he touched my cheek. “There is something … sensual about candle light … The way it reflects in your eyes, like emerald fire.”<\/p>\n
I stared into his eyes through the mirror, the flashes of green that matched the ones of my life dream. I was filled with warmth and an overwhelming feeling I could not deny. I turned to him to see the flashes real in his eyes. “All the whole of my life I have seen you and your eyes. If I still be dreaming let me never awake.”<\/p>\n
Cufaen smiled down at me, the light of the candle flickering in his eyes. I pulled myself up to his lips. I hungered for his lips. He encircled my waist, lifting me from my feet as our lips meet. His strength held me as my hands moved across his shoulders and through his hair. I pulled him into the kiss as my passion grew inside. I wrapped my legs around his waist. He slipped his arms under me to hold me up. I pulled back enough to see his eyes, my own eyes I knew was filled with the wants of my spirit and my heart.<\/p>\n
“I like this night better.” I said playfully, “but are we not suppose to get undress? Or are you going to tell me of taboos.” I giggled.<\/p>\n
“No, I think we are past taboos….”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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