Tavaar - 42nd Edition

Getting decent at keeping this short, although the story doesn't move along too well at 500-word episodes. If you would like I can up to 1,000-words or less. Let me know. (Assuming anyone is actually reading this.)

The two warriors had watched her with intent. When she sat they turned to each other and spoke. Then they walked toward her. Tavaar didn't move.

They were about the same size and wearing identical clothing. The one of the left was slightly taller. The one on the right was more stocky. Both walked with a cool arrogance which could only have been born from great skill. When they reached her, they threw back their hoods to reveal pleasant smiles.

“Welcome,” she said. “Like all hunters, I hoped you would stay. I feared you were leaving.”

“You just needed to put out the right bait,” said the one on the right.

She smiled. “Thank you.”

“What? You do not welcome us with a kiss?” asked the taller. “And here we have given ourselves into your hand.”

He held his arms open. For a moment she was tempted. How she did long to be in those arms again. But she was afraid. He sensed her fear. He would. So, he coaxed.

“Come on, Tavaar. Please.”

She felt herself sliding off the rock, though her will had not commanded it. As she stood to her feet she rushed forward into his arms. They closed protectively around her as she squeezed him to herself.

He did not try to kiss her. He let her rest her head against his. She was appreciative of his honor. He had always been honorable. Well, mostly. Unable to resist, she moved so their lips could come together. She had meant it to be a kiss of greeting, but as she had feared, it was more than that. She could tell he had not meant to respond, but he did, just for a moment, and in that moment she took in new life as dry ground laps at new falling rain.

Strong, firm hands pried them apart. With a last kiss she turned to the other. Now there was no pretense. There was nothing to hide. It had been too long since they had kissed at all, much less like this. It might never happen again. She feared that it would.

They did not need outside help to break away. Khaiu had much greater control of himself than his younger brother. When they did break, she took each by their hand and kissed their fingers.

“I have missed you both so much,” she said.

“As we have you,” said Khaiu. “You made the years lengthen between us.”

She bowed her head. “I – I’m sorry. I – I’ve been a bit confused about things. But they’re coming together now, I think. In any case, I am so happy to see you – even if you did defeat my plan.”

Khaiu’s eyes widened. “Ah! It is as I suspected then. You were the architect of this strategy. I would never have believed Kelenbah would listen to you this far. To tell the truth, I was surprised you were able to convince him of our plan.”

“So you knew it was me?”

“Who else?” laughed Shello. “Kelenbah? No way. No. The only concern we had was you. Khaiu said you would know our plan as soon as you heard our starting point, but we weren’t convinced he would even show it to you.”