I watched the proceedings, the hustle and bustle of getting ready, alongside Kelem, ever observant eyes, noting the proceedings of women readying for travel. There seemed to be a plethora of things to take into account; what were they wearing on the road, wearing there, what was pious and yet worth enough for a proper temple offering. Kelem and I had simply packed, in relative silence on his part at least, picked mounts out of the stable for each of us and for the girls, and we were ready whenever they determined they were.
Though it was Cat's house, Avelyn was naturally in charge, running around and making herself fully at home like it was her duty in life to see this household had anything and everything we needed to make the rest of the trip. Much giggling was interspersed with the general chatter out of Cat's main bedroom. I peaked in a few times, to see what was going on.
Women were so hard to read though; it looked like an indeterminate mess of clothes and other nonsense. Only once did I catch Cat's eyes.
Through all the chaos, I could see the want in her eyes; her curiosity of me had not diminished.
I couldn't wait until I could finally grab a piece of her when we were alone. If we were ever alone, that is.
I found myself hungry; the girls had planned it seems through lunch. This time yesterday, Jaliya and Marsoi had been here; I vaguely wondered what hijinks they could be up to back in the city. I wandered into the tornado of clothes and giggles, silently waiting in the corner, until Cat noticed me.
"You girls have worked right through lunch; I don't know about you, but Kelem and I are hungry. Could you at least point me towards a kitchen?"
She blushed visibly, and turned to Avelyn and Aurienne, who were throwing a skirt back and forth at each other, giggling mirthlessly.
"I'll be back guys, Zaish needs me for something."
Aurienne nodded through the giggles, as Avelyn pulled her to the floor and under an increasingly bigger pile on the ground. Grabbing my hand, Cat led me out of the chaos.
Shutting the door quietly, she turned to look me in the eyes. So much emotion swam behind them, so much confusion at her feelings, so many thoughts and hopes centered on me. I took a breath in consciously; she was falling for me, whether she knew it or cared or not.
"Zaish, I..." Her voice briefly faltered, wondering perhaps what she was exactly trying to say herself. "I'm sorry, I'm getting a little carried away with Ave and Auri, but..."
I rolled my eyes slightly, and blushing furiously, she stopped, looking a bit hurt. I immediately felt bad, and I caught her hand just before she tried to grab it away from me. She looked back up at me, and I collected her gaze again.
"No, Catryine. I'm sorry. It's just..." I thought for a moment. "You know a man's got to eat when he's hungry, drink when he thirsts..." I'm sure my intonation had become especially husky all of a sudden, and I found myself leaning in to kiss her, lusting for her with a blazing need.
Our lips met, and sparked. I'd never felt anything like this, and silently, I thanked the gods for not taking away all emotion from within me. I could hear her murmur softly, as she yielded to me, wrapping her arms around my neck, pressing closely to me. I let one arm wind around her waist, as the other went to the nape of her neck, up into her hair, tugging the hair piece out gently, and letting her long blonde hair cascade down her back. I sighed at her beauty, as we separated for a brief moment, needing to breathe.
Looking into my eyes, she ran a hand gently from my cheek, down my neck; it sent shivers down my spine. She finally was tugging at the neck of my shirt, and I could see the question in her eyes, though she was afraid to voice it. It was I that had to find the words, though I had none.
