Zasha's Capture (manxman)

Chapter 15

The door closed behind them as they entered Zasha's quarters. It was a strange moment for Gowron, stepping into the area that his mate called his own. Everywhere were little pieces that mirrored Zasha's interests and everyday life.

The main room appeared to be a study area and was strewn with books, dried plants, and other odds and ends that he did not recognize. It was warm and inviting, the walls a shade of burnt orange and the room a mixture of warm reds, and browns. A small table and set of three mismatched chairs was placed near doors that opened to a small balcony. The doors to it were closed, but generous glimpses of foliage were visible from the outside garden. 

There were several different chairs in a group in one corner of the room. Though they were of obvious quality, they were also mismatched and appeared well used. The left wall was covered from floor to ceiling with shelves full of books. The right wall mirrored the left, only the bookshelves were interrupted by a door in the center.

A platter of cheeses, meats, and fruits was placed on a small table in the main room, along with a pitcher that was dripping with accumulated moisture. The room was lit with numerous small orbs hanging from tiny silver chains. He remembered that he had seen such a thing before, during his first encounter with Zasha. 

The orbs hung quite low to the floor, low enough that he would have to navigate around them. He supposed they must be that low so that Zasha would be able to reach them in order to activate them.

Dodging the hanging lights, he walked towards the small table that contained the food. He carefully placed Zasha in one of the chairs before choosing the largest for himself. Zasha looked at him quizzically. In answer, he reached out and selected a slice of meat for himself, watching as Zasha did the same with a piece of fruit. Gowron watched as Zasha lifted the pitcher, carefully pouring the liquid into two glasses.

He had a strong suspicion that this was why the Queen had disappeared so quickly. He also suspected that Zasha had taken no nourishment that day. He watched as Zasha ate, his desire on hold for the moment.

They continued to eat in silence, Gowron watching his mate all the while. Zasha would look at him and then glance away nervously, his antennae twitching erratically. When Gowron had drained his glass, Zasha reached out to refill it. Once he had set the pitcher back down, Gowron reached for the small hand, catching it by the wrist and bringing it to his mouth. He slowly kissed each fingertip, the sweetness of fruit and the tartness of the cheese mingling on his tongue as he licked at the small digits. When he sucked on the soft flesh between the thumb and forefinger, he could hear Zasha's breath quicken. When he nipped it, there was an audible gasp.

A familiar sweet scent, remembered from long ago, filled the room.

He stood, taking the small hand in his own before pulling Zasha to his feet. He looked at Zasha, the question in his eyes clear. Zasha nodded towards the door on the left wall.

The room was dimly lit by the same low hanging orbs, but even so the difference from the other room caused him to pause for a moment. The main room was obviously meant to be shared with others; this room was arranged for solitude. The color of the room was quite different from the warmth of the other room also. All the fabrics were deep blues, with splashes of silver and black. The scheme gave Gowron the impression of coolness, and perhaps a touch of sadness, too.

Everything seemed to have its place in this room, no books or odds and ends strewn about here. A large desk sat in a corner with a set of ink, paper, and writing instruments, and a tidy stack of books. Under it was the only chair in the room. There was a huge window on the same side as the garden. It arched out, offering a panoramic view and allowing room for a cushioned seat along the edge. 

He could easily picture Zasha sitting there and staring out on the view it offered. Black curtains, currently tied back with silver ribbon, fell from the ceiling to the floor, offering a way to shut out the light. A few pillows were placed on the seat in a perfect arrangement. On the opposite wall was another door, he suspected it lead to a private bath, but at the moment he was more interested in another area of Zasha's quarters.

Across the room was the bed. It was enormous, considering Zasha's size. It also had the same black curtains hanging from the ceiling on each corner. A single orb hung down near the center of it, currently it was inactive, the light from the window lighting the room. 

The bed was turned down, offering a glimpse of sumptuous deep blue linens. However, the item that drew the most attention was the heavily embroidered cover. It was deep black velvet, and on it was a mass of silver lines swirling and branching in impossibly intricate patterns. As he looked at it, it seemed to shift and shimmer, morphing into visions of plants and animals depending upon where he rested his eyes. Another marvel of Faer embroidery. He was anxious to see Zasha spread across the sheets underneath it.

He turned to pull Zasha into his arms once more, before moving towards his goal.