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

Tiernans eyes widened as the men approached, their attire and brutish manner only serving to frighten her more than she already was. The men surrounded her, glowering, glaring. She didnt like the way they looked at her and suddenly she felt her stomach begin to churn. Just then, one of the men slapped her hard, yelling at her in a language she didnt understand. Trembling, cowering, the man struck at her again causing her to scream. Seemingly angered by her reactions, he picked her up and pressed her into the hard, unforgiving wall. She knew shed be bruised further from this and from the way the man pressed up against her, she knew other parts would soon be bleeding as well. Again, Tiernan cried out, terrified of what was to come. She was far from stupid. Shed seen what theyd done to her friends and loved ones back in her village. The things they did. The things they took. Sobbing, Tiernan let out yet another scream and as she did, the man was suddenly off her. She crumpled to the floor, trembling and crying a bizarre mix of both fear and relief trying to consume her whole. As she looked up to see what had happened, she saw a few more men suddenly joining in the circle that surrounded her, trapping her. Only these men were stopping the others? It was difficult to tell since she couldnt understand them, but it was clear that the one man was angry, his mere presence causing the man whod been holding her, pressing his body against hers, to release her in a sudden instant. Swallowing, Tiernan glanced at all the men standing above her. They were strong, fierce and she knew any one of them could snap her neck if they so chose. Snap her neck or take her virtue, whichever it was they preferred. Still shivering, she clutched her knees to her chest and watched the men yell back and forth at each other until finally the one man, the one whose sudden presence caused everyone pause, punched one of the barbarians in the jaw. Tiernan let out a loud gasp as the large man went down, sprawled on the floor like a beast whod been put in its place. She then looked up at the man whod done the job, the one whod saved her from a fate she was happy had not befallen her, whether it had been intentional or not. Just then, he shouted out once more and suddenly everyone, herself included, were given the fine cloaks the men had all been donning. The gesture surprised her, taken her off guard slightly. Looking up at the man, she wasnt sure what to think or feel. Kneeling beside Tiernan, the strange man spoke into her ear as he wrapped the cloak about her slim yet shaking body. Stay warm storm is strong Tiernan nodded as she held tightly onto the cloak. Thank you, sir, she spoke, her voice faltering a little as she did. I owe you my life. My virtue. Tiernan looked into the mans eyes and placed a cold, delicate hand upon his cheek. Still frightened, but so thankful for what hed done, she leaned toward him and gently pressed her lips against his cheek. His skin was rough, no doubt hardened and chiseled from the living the life of a warrior. But she wondered how a man such as he, one who obviously had some sense of moral compared to the rest, came to be with such a crew. She wondered if shed ever learn how or why but she was getting ahead of herself. She needed to focus and figure out how she was to get home. If she was ever to get home. I wish I could repay you, sir. But Tiernans voice trailed. I have nothing now. Nothing of value to offer. Just then, Tiernan bit her lip and averted her eyes. There was one thing she could give him, but the thought of doing so terrified her. The only thing of value she had left was her virtue. And though, if she offered, she knew he could very well take it. But that didnt mean hed value it as she did, truly see it as the gift it would be in her own eyes. Looking back up at the man, Tiernan then added, Im so sorry, sir. You seem a worthy man, I truly wish that I did. Again, Tiernan gently caressed the mans cheek and then pulled it back so that she could better hold onto the cloak. Cuddling deeply within it, she wondered what would become of her now. Now that this man had altered the fate that had seemed so inevitable only moments ago.