Notes: This is a tale. As with many first chapters, the content is high on character development, less so on explicit scenes, though nevertheless hopes to sow the seeds of some tantalizing sexual tension. By all means, I hope you enjoy this introduction to Ariana’s world, just don’t say I didn’t warn you!
*****
Ariana screamed.
Rafe jumped several steps back as his partner launched her attack, the war cry still echoing around the courtyard despite it now being filled with the strident clangs of steel. Years spent training together meant this latest flurry of blows was familiar– Ariana was frustrated – though he still had to work to block each sword stroke. The muscles in his shoulders burned and he gritted his teeth as a tiny rivulet of sweat ran between his skin and the leather jerkin he wore, maddeningly tickling its way down his spine.
Luckily, he saw the loose stone before she did, and he maneuvered the duel towards it. Ariana’s left boot slipped momentarily on the uneven ground, though she deftly regained her stance. As Rafe could predict however, she over-extended on her next swing, giving him the opening he needed. Dodging the blow he slammed his knee into her stomach, simultaneously bringing the flat of his sword down across her wrist. Her hand released its grip on the weapon and a grunt escaped her lips as she landed hard on her back in the gravel.
Rafe stood over her, the blunted end of his training sword leveled at her throat. He remained tense, watching her keenly, though her eyes were closed.
Just what is she up to now
, he thought. His gaze shifted involuntarily downward, to the rise and fall of her chest. Her breasts were usually well masked by the jerkin she wore – her clothing identical to his own - though after the hard practice session, and the winding he had given her, her ample bust strained at the leather thong binding the top half of the garment.
Rafe shifted his weight, easing the tension his leather trousers were causing between his legs as he gazed down at Ariana. Her body had always been svelte. She was no less fit than he was, even before they had stopped using communal baths after training once they reached adolescence. Today, at almost the height of the shorter men in the Darian fighter-class as well, she was now truly marked as an outlander. Rafe still towered over her, though whilst his masculine frame bulked with powerful muscle, Ariana gained her advantage through a lean, cat-like agility – a quality that didn’t go unnoticed by any of his Darian comrades. And, despite being of higher station than himself and Ariana, Rafe was sure he had even caught a few Torian noblemen sneaking a sidelong glance at Ariana’s lithe figure as they passed the training yards in recent weeks. There were times lately when even Rafe could not totally block her blossomed femininity from his mind.
This was one of those times.
Rafe’s thoughts drifted back to the situation before him. Ariana’s eyes were still closed.
