Dragomir Omake

[Bean Bandit]

"Oh...perfect." he managed, sighing. "Just what I need to make me more nervous..."

He shot a glance at Asrana, and stood a little straighter. "Ok...Let's get it over with, then..."

[Asrana]

Asrana giggled and kissed Wraith, "They're nowhere near as bad as my father..."

She guided him down the left corridor, into several turn and past many more until they finally reached a large wooden door. Asrana reached down to open the large doors, opening them just enough for her and Wraith to make it through.

Inside was a long table lined by elderly soldiers, each wearing the black and metallic green colors of the guild.

A pair of chairs were set at the end of the table, sitting in one, Asrana gestured to the other for Wraith.

[Bean Bandit]

Wraith sat down in the proffered chair, eyeing the older men warily, pulling his cloak out of the way.

Despite Asrana's assurances...father figures were ALL overprotective. He wasn't letting his guard down.

[Asrana]

They all smiled mysteriously, the women glancing to Wraith and glancing back to Asrana, smiles of approval and underlying mirth dancing over their faces as the men peered at Wraith for a moment.

The man heading the table cleared his throat, "Ahem...if we are done inspecting the youngsters we may begin this brief session..."

He turned to Wraith and Asrana, smiling as he did so, "Since the point of this council is the safety of the Jadania Family, we'll get straight to the point." He looked seriously at Wraith, "What are your intentions and feelings relevant to the Crown Princess?"

[Bean Bandit]

Wraith felt as through he wanted to crawl into a hole. Every instinct he had rebelled at being the center of this much attention.

Still...He stayed where he was, because avoiding the question now would be making everything he felt into a lie.

He set his jaw, and spoke steadily, despite his flaming cheeks.

"I love Asrana-dono," he said calmly. "And, my intentions..." he caught himself, smiled wryly and then started again.

"My intentions are...honorable."

[Asrana]

Asrana blushed crimson at the declaration, her hand creeping back into Wraith's and squeezing it.

The man chuckled, "We wouldn't question your honor...we were wondering however...how far do you plan to take this?"

[Bean Bandit]

Wraith groaned inwardly, though he was slightly cheered by the feel of Asrana's hand in his.

They were pressing the point...He didn't want to ask her like this. He tried again, pleading with his look for them not to push it.

"I intend to take it as far as Asrana-dono permits," he said quietly, meeting their gazes firmly.

[Asrana]

All smiled, some chuckled, "Then we have nothing more to talk about. You have proven your loyalty as a bodyguard, so her safety with you is of no concern...dissmissed."

Asrana stood, her cheeks still flaming but her hand remaining in Wraith's, she silently slipped out of the room before looking at Wraith, her eyes questioning for a moment before she began pulling him back down the path they had used to come in.

[Bean Bandit]

Wraith's face held a bemused look. He grinned at Asrana's questioning look, and simply follwed her as she walked out, his hand still firmly in hers.

[Asrana]

Asrana swiftly led Wraith out of the building, barely noticing how the man at the front desk began to chuckle upon seeing Asrana's scarlet blush.

The guards outside smiled knowingly and nodded to Wraith.

Asrana stopped inside a grove of trees only a dozen feet from the private entrance to her quarters.

[Bean Bandit]

Wraith looked around, suprised,  as she stopped.

"What's up?" he asked, concerned.

[Asrana]

Asrana smiled and slipped her arms around his neck, resting her head against his chest, "Nothing...just wanted to be alone for a bit..."

[Bean Bandit]

Wraith smiled down at her.

"Sounds good to me." He relaxed for a long, silent moment, then spoke up again.

"Tell me," he asked wryly, "Are there any more questioning periods I should look forward to?"

[Asrana]

Asrana giggled and snuggled Wraith, "No...my parents did it for the Dragon Guild, and they cover the rest of my bodyguards..."

She idly massaged Wraith's neck muscles, kneading knots out with gentle but firm fingers, "Hmm...."

[Bean Bandit]

Wraith nearly jumped out of his skin, but restrained the instinctive reaction. Aside from Asrana's kisses and teasing...he couldn't remember ever being touched, especially skin to skin contact.

It was...nice.

"Asrana...what are you going to do about the others? I did promise them I'd call them when I found you..."