Thar Shaddin

Ree nodded.

"Really!"

She lifted her glass and touched it to his. "Adventure!"

When Nasku held out his hands, Ree looked at them quizzically at first. But, then she sat her glass down and placed her hands in his. She nodded.

"I will trust you."

The road to Keltaris had been uneventful and Nasku was glad for it. As much as he wanted the adventure to really be an adventure, he could definitely do without being attacked or robbed or whatnot. And he was certain that the same was true for Metarie as well as the handful of people Nasku had gathered to accompany them as their escort. The men were obviously under strict instructions to bugger off and do their own thing until Nasku called them while Metarie and he were off doing their thing.

It was their luck that the weather was superb. Nasku brought his horse closer to Metarie’s and once again had to smile at the memory of her putting her hands into his and admitting that she trusted him. It had probably been one of the best moments of his life.

Pointing to the horizon, he urged Metarie to follow his glance. “Can you see that faint glitter in the distance? That will be our destination. The fabulous beaches of Keltaris!”

Every step the horses took brought them closer to their goal and Nasku was starting to get a little giddy himself to finally reach Keltaris. Having never been there himself made the whole voyage all the more interesting, though the best part still remained the fact that Metarie had agreed to let herself be spoiled in such a manner. Nasku counted himself incredibly lucky to have been given the privilege to take the woman on this trip and he had sworn to himself that he would do his utmost to satisfy her desires.

Nasku let little time pass before they began their trip. Long enough time for her to put in for time off with Dr. Gerunkind, but not much after that. The approach was a good one. In the light of new day and without benefit of a bottle of wine, Ree spent many hours wondering what had possessed her to accept the offer. It had been impulsive. Not, mind, that she was opposed to the company or the trip, only that it was an impulsive thing to do and when she did impulsive things... well, her history with impulsiveness had not been stellar thus far.

They had a carriage for porting the luggage and for when riding a horse became tiresome. Metarie had sheepishly informed Nasku that she rode horses rarely. Either she walked or took a cab, if it were necessary. A look had crossed Nasku's face, but it hadn't been one of censure. He'd just smiled at her, almost dotingly. Her seat wasn't bad, though, and Nasku had made sure to provide a docile enough creature for her, though she was admittedly nervous. Yet another first Nasku had given her.

The weather was perfect for the season, as perfect as it could get on the Plains. Ree drank in everthing she saw: the scrub plains, the mountains in the distance, and finally, as Nasku pulled his horse close and pointed, the glitter of sunlight on sea. Ree braved releasing one hand from the death grip she held on the reigns to shade her eyes.

Her eyesight was excellent and she could make out the shapes of houses, too. Letting her hand fall, she looked to Nasku. Ree wore a look of wonder and excitement. The tone of her voice was tinted with those emotions and gratitude, too.

"The sun looks like spun gold on the water." Right now, the water did not look much different from sunlight on the Ofriyu Mar, but still... it was some place new and different. The gratitude showed in her eyes. She looked at Nasku as if he had presented her with a gift too precious to articulate with words.

"Thank you for this Nasku. Thank you." She kept her gaze on his for a moment before looking toward their destination. They would arrive by evening.

After all the worries he had had about not being able to provide for all of Metarie’s needs or making a wrong decision about anything regarding this trip, he felt a huge weight drop off his heart when she looked at him like that, all smiles, excitement and gratitude. Happily, he returned the smile with a warm one of his own. It was rare that he could please someone this much, especially since everything he ever did for his family was never good enough, but with Metarie... Things were completely different!

“I cannot tell you how much it means to me that you’re enjoying yourself,” Nasku replied, looking away briefly before she turned her face forwards again as well. “You’re more than welcome!” The words were spoken in a low voice but carried over to her nonetheless. It was odd how scared he suddenly was that she was going to throw it all in his face and mock him for the efforts he had made. But sadly, it was what he was used to and now that there was no alcohol influence to make them both act slightly more spontaneously than usual, matters could go awry. Though he hoped that wouldn’t be the case.

“I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying this,” he continued, his voice picking up more swing after he heaved a deep sigh and straightened himself in the saddle a little. “There isn’t all that much road ahead of us from the looks of it and with a bit of luck, the temperatures will hold and we can comfortably dine on the beach tonight with a few over the sea.”

He had sent a couple of his servants ahead of the troop to secure lodging for all of them and a nice place for Metarie and himself to have dinner. One of them had already returned with news that he had found an amazing little place – apparently the smells were speaking for themselves – with a small patio with a handful of tables looking out over the beach and the sea. Quiet, not too clustered, beautiful view, good food – what more could Nasku hope for to woo Metarie? If he dared to go down that line, though he very much wanted to. There was just something about her...

Ree heard him clearly. Eflin hearing was much better than human hearing and he had not pitched his voice that low. She gave him a look from the corner of her eye, part kindness, part contentedness and wholly full of understanding.

"That sounds wonderful. I can't wait to fully view the sea."

Ree fell silent again. "I will never forget this trip for as long as I live."

She gave Nasku another sunny smile before focusing on the road ahead of them. Every step toward their destination was remarkable in some small way. Even simple things, such as the change in the topography from scrub brush plains to low-country grasslands, and finally sloping hills. The way the shadows lengthened and curved in shapes with the changing scenery moved her as well. She wanted to remember everything and experience everything.

Ree wanted to close her eyes and surprise herself with the view of the setting sun on the sea. It was silly thing and impulsive, but she did it. She did it despite the rock and sway of the horse beneath her. She scrunched her eyes closed tight and waited until the scent of the sea filled her nose. When it was strong enough, then she would open her eyes.

It took Nasku a while to figure out what it was Metarie was doing riding with her eyes closed, but when it finally dawned on him, he couldn’t help but smile. Keeping an eye on her horse, though there was nothing to fear, he stayed quiet for the reminder of the journey so Metarie could fully concentrate on her senses.

When they drew close and she might start being tempted to open her eyes, he cautioned her to wait a little longer. “We’re close, but not very well positioned,” he explained while sending their escort on its way to take care of matters.

“Here, give me your reins,” he requested as he dismounted from his own horse. Leading both their horses the rest of the way, Nasku carefully picked his way down to the beach and up a small path to the top of a cliff to provide Metarie with the best possible view, or so he hoped. "No peeking!"

Once they were stationed on top with the slowly setting sun lighting up the beach and water for a last hour or so, Nasku couldn’t help but sigh happily at the sight that presented itself to him. And not just the sight. The smell of the water, the bit of vegetation on the cliff itself, of the sand... it call combined into something wonderful.

“Your destination, my Lady,” Nasku said, lightly touching his hand to Metarie’s to nudge her into opening her eyes again, though she probably did not need the prompt. His eyes stayed on her, drinking in her expression, her reaction. It was worth more to him than the fabulous view that presented itself before them. "I hope it is everything you've dreamed it would be." He certainly couldn't complain about his dreams starting to be fulfilled.

Ree bit her lip a little, concentrating on not falling off the horse. Nasku's voice came to her and she almost opened her eyes. That is, until she realized he had figured out what she was doing. Pp

Ree ducked her head. Her smile part sheepish, because she'd been caught, and part pleased because he'd figured it out. The pleased part showed more than the sheepishness. It was a strange and wonderful feeling to be understood with so little effort on her part. Bowing her head a little, she nodded as he asked to take the reins.

Ree gasped in surprise as the horse tilted forward, then backwards. Her hands clung to the saddle horn. She gave a soft laugh when Nasku teased her to keep from peeking.

Finally the crazy, rocking motion of the horse ceased. The moment was suspended in sound and sensation - the warmth, breath, and scent of the horse beneath her, a constant wind, the "hush, hush" sound of waves lapping on the short as the tide came in, the sharp tang of the salt air, the woody scent of sea grass, and a warmth tinged with the chill of the wind - all combined to tantalize her senses. Far above them, a sea hawk called as it hunted the water and gulls called back and forth to warn of the hawk's presence. The sunlight looked red behind her eyelids. Ree stilled everything, breathing deeply to center herself and be part of this moment of natural wonder.

Nasku's hand touched hers and she clasped his, the first attempt a little clumsy, to make another connection to the world around her. Ree slowly opened her eyes to find the sun, giant and sinking into the horizon. She blinked to acclimatize her eyes to the light. The look of wonder on her face spoke volumes. So did the tightening of her hand on his.

"My imagination could never do this justice." Her voice was soft, awed.

She looked at Nasku, then, to find him watching her. The smile returned to her lips. Her eyes shone with everything she was feeling. She was unguarded and un-self-aware. The horse shifted in discomfort as Ree dismounted incorrectly, sliding off the horse face out instead of face in. When her legs hit the ground, her knees buckled and she grabbed for Nasku. A gasp of surprise left her.

When Metarie clasped her fingers around his, Nasku’s breath hitched a little. It felt like sensory overload. Every little nerve ending in his fingers seemed receptive to her touch. It was almost painful, yet at the same time it felt wonderful.

He caught her easily when she almost tumbled off her horse and inadvertently caught a whiff of her smell. Every sense seemed incredibly heightened all of a sudden and Nasku almost felt light-headed with all the information he was getting. Even his ears picked up every little sound her clothes made when she moved or when the breeze ruffled them.

“Falling for me already?” The joke came out in a much lower voice than it should have when truly meant as a joke but Nasku did not want to break the almost magical atmosphere surrounding them. The setting was almost too perfect, yet he could not bring himself to pay attention to anything but Metarie. She was all that existed and all his senses were fixated on her.

He wanted to tell her that he was happy that she enjoyed the view. He also wanted to tell her how much it meant to him that she had agreed to come on this trip, allowed him to try and fulfil one of her dreams. But words were not coming to him. Instead he remained in silence, watching her, revelling in the fact that for once, her guard seemed to have dropped. And it was marvellous.

As she gasped and stumbled, Nasku reached for and caught her from falling. His body was slim, yet strong, and she was pressed against it. Truly, she hadn't been aware of him as a man until just that moment. The thought caught her by surprise. But, he was a man, wasn't he?

Ree let out a shaky, embarrassed laugh. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. It's just riding... I hadn't... muscles..."

Her words faltered as he spoke. Surely he meant it as a joke, but the husky undertone belied that thought. Ree blinked a few times, her mouth open slightly to speak but nothing came open. She closed her mouth and swallowed hard. He was just looking at her. Her heart skipped a beat and started pounding in her chest. Why? Could her feel her heart beat pounding?

Her hands were on his shoulder and chest. She shifted, straightening, and found he was taller than she was by a few inches or maybe more. She had to look up at him. She hadn't noticed that before either. The setting sun was casting shadows on one side of his face, leaving the other side gilded in light.

The horse made a sound and shook its head. The metal on the harness jingled. Stone and sand crunched under its hooved feet. She was confused, uncertain, and attracted all at once. She felt vulnerable suddenly. Color began to bloom on her cheeks as she flushed, both from embarrassment and attraction.

Ree moved to step away from his arms, pulling away from the hold he had on her. She let out another shaky laugh and ran a hand through her hair.

"Are the accommodations far from here?" She glanced shyly at Nasku with a smile, taking up the reins. "I think I should walk to work out the stiffness in my legs?" Why was she so uncertain? She was older by at least 60 years!

He couldn’t stop. He just couldn’t stop looking at her. And with every second they were pressed against each other, he become more and more aware of her curves against him, of her in his arms. Could she feel his heart pounding in his chest, under her hand?

The mere thought that she might be extremely aware of how nervous he was made him even more nervous all of a sudden. He didn’t have to worry about this for too long however as Metarie took a step back. It was a relief to know that she wouldn’t hear the crazy pounding of his heart any longer but at the same time, the space between them all at once felt wrong and Nasku only barely managed to fight down the urge to touch her again.

Clearing his throat, he finally tore his eyes away from her and unconsciously imitated her gesture by running a hand through his own, slightly dishevelled hair. He shook his head in response to her question. “Not far at all. See that building down there at the edge of the beach? That’s where we will be staying.”

The hotel was indeed not far but the descent was going to be an interesting endeavour for sore muscles, but it would definitely ease the stiffness – at least after the first few steps, who were most likely going to be painful.

And just like that, they were back to reality. What a shame, Nasku thought as he watched Metarie clutching the reins of her horse.
“I think a little bit of leg-stretching will do the both of us some good. We’ve been on the horses for quite a while after all. Just be careful on your way down,” he cautioned, not wanting her to slip on a loose stone or other.

The way down the dune was quicker than the way up at least and the horses were rather enjoying the pace and the fact that there was no load to be carried. They were tired as well but also knew that the end of their journey had arrived.

A nice meal and a couple of drinks would be the best remedy for all of them, two- and four-legged, and it would surely be waiting for them.

Ree stepped near again to see where he pointed. "Ah! Yes." She nodded. Nasku's heart had been pounding as fast as hers. She smiled at him shyly again.

"I'll try not to fall on you," this with another shy laugh.
~~~

She managed to not fall all over Nasku on the way down, for which she was grateful. When they arrived, hotel staff greeted them, relieved them of their luggage, their horses, and showed them to the suite of rooms that had been let for them.

They each had their own room, ensuite, that lead to a common area with couches, a table, bookshelves, a fireplace, and a variety of other items. A patio connected all three areas and each room had access to the patio. On the patio, lounge chairs beckoned, along with a little outdoor firepit. From the patio, the beach stretched unimpeded down to the sea. Ree could smell the see and hear the waves shushing on the the sand, but the sun had set. Stars twinkled above, so large and close she thought she could touch them.

"Nasku...." Ree gasped softly, lifting her hands to her mouth. It was so beautiful. He was spending too much!

A staff member waited patiently by Ree's door, ready to open it for her. When Ree approached, the staff member opened the door,

"Your room, my Lady." The room elicited another soft gasp. Ree was not poor and she had been to Kaledin Manor. She just did not expect the Hotel to attempt to mirror such fineries. Her clothing had already been hung in the wardrobe. The bedding had also been turned down. "We hope all is to your satisfaction, my Lady."

"Oh, yes, thank you."

"My Lady? I couldn't help but notice your lack of swim attire. If you will stop by the Salon at the main building, we can fit you for a swimning ensemble."

"Oh, my... Yes, thank you."

Another servant had provided the same courtesies for Nasku and was speaking softly with him.

"Sir, would you care to have your meal on the patio or in the room? We do offer room service."

Nasku had expected the place to look nice after hearing the reports and after what he had ordered to be found, but this suite exceeded even his own expectations and he had to admit that his personnel had outdone themselves in finding this spot.

The place was stunning to say the least. While he had wanted a room with ocean view, he had really not expected the rather large patio, and the fantastic view. Seeing Metarie’s reaction, hearing her whisper his name, was worth any price he had to pay – not that it mattered to him any way – and he was once again glad that the wine had given him the courage to make the offer of taking her on this trip.

“Dinner on the patio would be wonderful, thank you,” Nasku replied after another quick glance at the view. “Feel free to bring us the chef’s suggestions of the day; I’m sure the lady will be pleased with those. And if we could have a bottle of champagne brought up beforehand? We would merely require a little time to freshen up if you please.” He cast a quick glance over at Metarie who was currently admiring her bedroom before returning his eyes to the hotel servant.

“Of course, Sir. Everything will be ready when you require it, do not trouble yourself and you will not notice us,” was the quick, knowing reply.
Nasku nodded in thanks before stepping back into the common area, where another servant was already arranging fresh water, a couple of glasses as well as some fresh fruit on the table. When she disappeared out the door, Metarie and Nasku were on their own.

“I took the liberty of ordering refreshments for after we have freshened up a little. I assumed you might want to take a minute to wash the trip off. I certainly know I would like to,” he quickly added, not wanting her to think he thought she smelled.

“I hope you don’t mind I also arranged our dinner plans, though I have left the choice of dishes in the chef’s capable hands.” Or so he hoped, but one of his servants had taken the liberty of sampling a little something earlier and apparently it had been a delight – whatever it had been.

A light knock sounded on the door preceding the entrance of three hotel staff members.

Ree had moved back into the main room with Nasku and nodded as he spoke.

"A bath would be ... perfect." Something to soothe tired muscles.

Two of the staff members split, a woman heading into Metarie's room. The other, a man, headed into Nasku's room. The sound of water followed almost immediately. The third moved to the table, placing a bottle of champagne beside it. The champagne stood in its own stand and a mist curled up from the stand. Runes glowed softly on the outside of the bucket. Here, magic was used regularly and without censure.

The soft pop of the champagne being opened accompanied the staff's words, followed by the sound of the bubbly liquid being poured into tall, thin glasses. The glasses were placed on a tray and served one to Metarie and one to Nasku.

"Thank you," Ree murmured. The staff member inclined his head. Thanks were not expected nor were gratuities. Gratuities were to be given at the end of their stay. This ensured the staff stayed motivated to do their best until the guests left.

Ree looked to Nasku and lifted her glass. She wore a bemused smile as if the whole experience wasn't quite real.

"To adventure and to you for your kindness."

The bath attendants had moved back into the individual rooms, allowing the couple their privacy. The sound of wardrobes being opened followed. Inside the rooms, the attendants laid out two sets of clothes. One set, pajamas and robe for Nasku. The other set, casual evening attire for eating on the patio.

In Metarie's room, a nightgown and wrap were laid out on the bed. For dinner, the attendant picked a soft, flowing dress with slim straps.

"My Lady, your bath is ready."

"My Lord, your bath is ready."

The titles were an affectation used by the hotel to ensure every guest felt like nobility, but there was an assumption that someone who could afford the suite and its perks was most likely on par with the title.

The attendants waited patiently to assist as valets unless dismissed by the couple.

Taking the glass of champagne which was offered to him, Nasku inclined his head. “To adventure and to you for allowing me to make this a reality for you.”

The alcohol left a particular sensation along his throat, unusual after the trip, but it was a welcome change in taste and texture. Unfortunately, it also had the side-effect of being far more effective on an empty stomach.

With another smile at Metarie, Nasku turned towards the attendant and nodded his thanks. He took the few steps towards his room before looking back. “I will see you shortly.” To the servant, he added: “You may take your leave. I have everything I require, I’m sure. Thank you.”

The bath itself was a little piece of heaven almost. Nasku sank into the hot water and sighed happily as he slowly felt the tension leave his body. It wasn’t as though he wasn’t used to riding but the physical effort had taken its toll on him as well after all.
Once he had sufficiently scrubbed himself and enjoyed the hot water, he got out of the bath again, enjoying the soft towel before slipping into the evening clothes which had been prepared for him. The attendants had paid attention and selected the garments he felt most comfortable in and which were incidentally also very presentable. Basically, they were his usual attire; black trousers, white shirt and a sort of puff-tie he casually tied around his neck. A jacket had been laid out as well but considering how wonderful the weather was and the fact they were on their own, he didn’t bother with it.

As soon as he was dressed, he picked up the champagne glass he had left out in the room – and which was surprisingly still quite chilled – and went out onto the patio. Before he noticed anything else, his attention was instantly captured by the amazing view that presented itself to him. Sighing happily, he leaned against the balustrade and just soaked up the scenery.

Ree smiled and touched her glass to Nasku's. "Thank you once again." She held his gaze with hers for a moment before looking away to take a sip.

"Indeed. I'm looking forward to the bath." The champagne was heady and Ree felt as if she floated to the bath instead of walked. "Oh, thank you. I ... am used to seeing to myself." The staff member inclined her head.

"As you wish, my lady."

Like Nasku, Ree sank into the bath with a sigh. The warm water was effervescent with some sort of mineral soak, designed to refresh the muscles. Ree stretched down to her toes and took another sip of champagne. This was truly decadent! She soaked for a little while before washing the travel from her skin. Knowing someone was waiting on her was the only motivator for her to exit the bath.

Water ran in rivulets down her skin as she stood and reached for a soft towel. She wrapped the towel around her and stepped out onto a soft, absorbent rug. Ree wiggled her toes. Everything here was lush. She felt a little guilty for it, knowing there were so many in Marn who had nothing.

Ree let the towel fall, keeping hold of a corner, before lifting it to her hair to towel it dry. The attendant had laid out undergarments along with a light dress in keeping with the location. Ree padded to the bed and slipped on panties before moving to pin up her hair, loosely. Wavy strands fell around her face and neck. As the dress slid over her skin, her skin pebbled. The fabric was silk and linen. The cut of the dress did not allow for a breast band. It was thin strapped and fell low on her back. Ree was self-conscious about the lack of breast band. Even she worried that her figure showed her age. It didn't and At 95, she was in her prime. But that did not keep her from worrying.

Moving back into the main room, she saw Nasku leaning on the railing. Again, realization that he was a man struck her. How had she ever not thought so?

Carrying her glass out to the patio, she joined Nasku. The glass dangled from her fingertips as she rested her arms on the railing. A little smile curved her lips.

"It's beautiful."