Outcast Among the Reeds

Chapter Eight

   Ice penetrated the illusory warmth, weaving its way through her veins from her feet. A startled cry burst from her throat even as her ravaged body reacted, twisting and clawing at whatever held her. Her legs fell free, plunging deep into the glacial expanse with a splash. She whimpered, wrapping her limbs tightly around the only source of warmth near her. It twined around her in response but did not pull her away from the freezing water. Gradually, the ice melted, leaving behind waves of cool relief.

   Slowly, the fiery heat fogging her mind receded, allowing her to realize three important facts. One; the source of warmth she clung to was a living, breathing body. Two; the body was completely deprived of even a stitch of clothing as was she. Three; this bare, warm body belonged to none other than the same elf she had attempted and failed to kill. She did not need to lift her head from his muscle-bound shoulder to recognize the feel of his body against hers. Even without the barrier of clothes, she could not mistake the slim, hard figure within her grasp for any other.

   "Lemarra, I'm going to step deeper into the river. It will be cold but we need to cool down your body before the fever worsens."

   Fever? What is a fe-Did he say river?

   Her head turned on his shoulder, looking out into the darkness surrounding them. Glimmering beneath the pale light of the moon, her river stretched out, welcoming them. Swift currents parted around their obtrusive bodies, tickling her legs and feet playfully, coaxing her to join them in their eternal games. How had he managed to venture so far into her river without falling prey to those mischievous currents? When had he carried her out here? Where were the two humans and Ta'shiki?

   Lifting away from him, she gazed down into the eyes of the man who held her. The lunar light cast harsh shadows on his upturned face, gleaming against the paleness of his skin. He had brought her out here to her river, alone...but why? Thinking back to what he said, she recalled him mentioning her fever and cooling her down. Her skin still burned with vengeance, despite the chill breeze ruffling her hair. Could this heat that she felt be the fever he had spoken of?

   His muscles contracted as he stepped out farther, sinking the both of them deeper into the swirling water. His arms constricted around her, carefully avoiding the aching scratches lining her back. Protectiveness thrummed through his touch. His fingers curled around her hip and braced her neck, keeping her upright as though she might float away if he did not hold her.

   Another step and she arched reflexively away from the contrasting cold. Her head fell back, pleasurable sensations prickling her submerged skin. Her body began to quiver, desire to immerse herself within the familiar territory combating with her weakness to the comfort of his touch. Her panted breaths puffed in the night air, obscuring the star dappled void stretched out endlessly above her.

   Fiery trails raced down her back, fighting back the soothing cold. Paths echoed outward from the inside of her thighs then settled heavily in the pit of her stomach. Flames flickered across her skin, feeding the desires to both draw him closer and submerge her body to gain a brief respite. She squirmed, attempting to slide down his body without letting him go. His arms contracted, holding her in place, defying her wishes.

   Lowering her gaze, she frowned at him, unable to understand why he would resist her. His longing coursed through her but it felt repressed, buried beneath an intense focus. Avidly, he avoided looking at her, watching upstream with evidently forced interest. Crouching, she sacrificed some of their proximity in order to nuzzle his neck, just below his jaw. He sucked in a quick breath and she felt the answering surge of need that he painfully tried to deny. She grinned.

   "Lemarra," he breathed, "please do not move like that."

   "Why?" She inquired, repeating her gentle encouragement. He shied away, turning his face to press against hers, keeping her away from his sensitive neck.