Thread: The Warrior's Claim (Rivine & darkangel76)

Tiernan licked her lips and nodded as the strange man with the peculiar accent, the one in which she owed her life, spoke to her. She found his voice oddly soothing despite her circumstances and the terror she found herself surrounded by. Focusing on him, his face, it made all that was frightening disappear. She didnt quite know why and couldnt even come close to explaining it. It just was and given everything shed been through, she wasnt about to question that. Instead, she decided to follow her instincts and accept the strange sense of comfort he offered her, whether it was his intention or not to do so. As Tiernan held the mans gaze, she went over his words to her in her head. Hed told her plainly that she was his, his responsibility. That hed care for her. As she continued to look into his eyes, she believed it. In her heart, she knew she had to. His voice had been so very sincere. And his eyes Oh those eyes. There were no words that could describe what she was feeling inside. None at all. The one thing she did know and could put words to was that he meant what hed said. She had absolutely no doubt in her mind about that. Again, Tiernan licked her lips, swallowing rather audibly as she did so. She felt her breath suddenly catch and the urge to avert her eyes was suddenly so very strong. But, for some reason, she had the feeling that he wouldnt want her to turn away. Not in that moment anyway. So, despite the urge, she refused to drop her eyes, keeping them locked onto his. She then gave him another nod, one letting him know that she truly understood and accepted that hed take care of her now, that she trusted him with her life. Her virtue. Her everything. At that, the man turned away and left. Tiernan just watched him as he walked away, an odd sense of warmth growing deep within the pit of her belly. Wrapping the cloak tighter about her body, she found a spot that was safe based on what shed been told and huddled there trying her best to stay warm. The air was bitingly cold and the way the ship rocked in the choppy waters was making her tummy feel somewhat ill. Shed been told by her brothers that life at sea took time for the body to adjust to, that it was rough and hard and not for most. Given how she felt, she found herself wondering why shed doubted their words. More than likely, it was probably her stubbornness, her want to prove her brothers wrong that made her defiantly claim she could manage it if the opportunity to go out to sea ever presented itself. Oh how wrong shed been! Cold, body aching, tummy slightly upset, Tiernan curled up underneath the cloak. She dozed on and off for what felt like hours. Eventually, the sound of footsteps reached her ears and she found herself perking up just a bit. Turning her head to glance in the direction of the footfalls, her pale eyes caught sight of the man whod claimed her as his own. The moment he reached her, she knelt beside her and asked her if she was well along with informing her that soon shed be given something to eat. Tiernan nodded and smiled weakly, Im all right, she began, her face pale and giving away the fact that she was somewhat seasick. Despite that, Tiernan tried her best to stay strong and hide the way her tummy was feeling. This man had already done so much that she didnt want to worry him, if her being ill would even instill that sort of emotion within him. It was hard to tell, though she hoped there was at least a small part of him that did. Reaching out and placing a delicate hand on the mans cheek, Tiernan continued. Some food would be most kind, sir. Again, I thank you. She paused a moment, that feeling of comfort growing the longer he stayed near, her sick tummy almost forgotten. Then, without knowing why, she rested her head against his chest for a moment. Im most grateful for everything youre giving me, sir. Pulling back, she looked up into his face and gave him a smile. Her face turning thoughtful, she added, You dont belong with these men. Suddenly, Tiernan gasped loudly. She brought her hand up to her mouth and covered it as her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. Embarrassment and fear washed over her entire being just then at having spoken so boldly. Though this man seemed worthy and honorable, she was still a prisoner. Surely, shed been out of line. Oh, she hoped not for she meant what shed said. She truly didnt think he belonged. But, it wasnt because he was strong enough or brave enough or skilled enough. No. It was because in her eyes, he was a true warrior. A true man. The sort everyone else on board the ship should be looking up to, not calling him their equal. I apologize, sir, if I spoke out of turn, Tiernan then said, her voice shaky as her eyes welled with tears. I didnt mean to offend, sir. I At that, she looked into his eyes once again, desperately hoping to see that he understood. Barely finding her voice, she said, My name is Tiernan, sir. Tiernan Carney.