Thread: The Diverted Path (DareToDream & Hahvy)

Caleb was a patient man when he wanted to be and thus he sat with her until darkness fell, never moving from her side. Though his experiences with women had been few and far between over the years, he had been raised a gentleman and that meant that he couldnt have left her side even if he had wanted that. She was injured, badly from what he had been able to see, and she needed further care. The memory of her soft creamy skin, cold to the touch as he ran his hands over her body, brought a slight flush to his face and he quickly shoved those thoughts to the side. It had been obvious that she was attractive at least to his eyes but to think of her as anything other than an injured citizen was wrong and he would not allow himself to go there. As he watched her in the light of the fire, the shadow of the flames dancing across the ground, he smiled. Her coloring made it clear that she was an outsider to Alaria, most likely a traveler from the northern lands. They always seemed more pale than folks from his land but he had little experience in that area so he wasnt sure. Her breathing was slow and steady as she lay near him and he couldnt help but let his gaze wander over her form. She was a shapely lass, that much was clear, but what was she like on the inside. Was she a meek, simpering woman, who was nothing with a man to protect her or was she a strong willed woman of independence? As he watched, he realized that he was actually curious about those things and that confused him. She was nothing to him, just a stranger in a strange land, so why should he care? Closing his eyes to clear the thoughts, he didnt see her move though he heard the gasp of her breath. He waited in silence for a moment, tracking her movements by sound, trying to keep the smile off his face. Awakening in the night with a fire going and a strange man nearby would clearly frighten her and he didnt want to make it worse. When her words rang out, her voice strong if slightly weakened, he opened his eyes and gazed at her. Bless her heart, the poor lass had moved in a way that implied defense but little did she know he could have killed her where she sat with barely a flick of his wrist, the hunting knife resting against his back in quiet assurance. His gaze flitted over her again, seeing something new now that she was up, some quiet thrum of energy that infused her and filled her with strength. A smile played across his lips then as he realized his question had been answered and with a nod of his head, he spoke. I am called Caleb, milady he said, keeping his voice low and soft. These woods are my home but you are out of place. I have dressed your injuries and mean you no harm. With his foot, he eased a tin across the rocks towards her, letting her see the food that was inside it. I dont take kindly to brigands attacking anyone, much less a woman from another land. Please, eat and build your strength. I have a cottage nearby and will offer you shelter and care until you are healed then safe passage to whatever destination you want. It is the way of my people. It was true too, all the things that he offered. He would do that for any injured traveler that he met the fact that she was a woman only made the effort that much more attractive.