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The Ties that Bind	By : Lady_Kae Category: +M through R > Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Views: 2280 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters used from the game Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. All characters and game related material, plus any lyrics, save for original content is property of their respective owners and no money is being made from this

Chapter List
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Book I: Link

Chapter 2: The Mountains Cry in the Dark

A Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Fanfiction

Amara looked about alertly as she and Gascon trudged further north. They had yet to find the path that would lead them down the cliff and Amara was growing worried they had missed it entirely. " Stay on your guard. It's much too quiet here." She whispered.
Gascon nodded. He had noticed it as well and he was on edge with the prospect of danger looming over them again. To his credit, Gascon had not once told Amara to make a break for it the last few times they had been waylaid by ogres and as she promised, she was a more than capable fighter. He checked behind them to make sure they weren't being followed and the two continued on their trail.

The two were forced to come to a skidding halt when they happened upon a sleeping pack of wolivards and Amara motioned for them to backtrack a bit. They didn't stand a chance against a pack at full strength. They tried to put as much distance between them while heading north, though if they had awoken any of them, there was no chance that they would outrun the beasts. Gascon stiffened a bit when a resounding howl sounded off to their right and he looked at Amara worriedly.
" Get to the highest branch you can! HURRY!" He ordered, shoving Amara towards the nearest birch. He lifted her with ease to help her get her hold and he jumped up just as she cleared the branch. Gascon climbed up directly behind her and both of them looked down. They had to be at least twenty feet up.
Amara looked down as the creatures began surrounding the tree they were in and she narrowed her eyes. There had to be something she could do besides sit there. " I have an idea..." she said. She drew her wand and cast the spell Second Self on herself and smirked. Her doppelganger jumped down to the ground and took off running, leading the pack away from them. " Come on."

Gascon heard the howl all to late as they ran at a breakneck pace to the north again, and he pushed Amara out of the way as he was suddenly tackled to the ground by a wolivard that had caught up to them. He gave a hoarse shout of pain as the beast's fangs pierced through his shoulder, and he quickly grabbed his gun with his left hand and shot the creature point blank in the chest.
Amara gave a short scream as she helped roll the beast off of him and helped Gascon to his feet. Her blue eyes went wide as she forced both of them to the ground as another wolivard made to pounce and she summoned a sabre to her left hand just as it made to attack her. Cutting the bastard down, Amara felt Gascon grab her hand and the two took off running again.
The sound of a pursuing party soon reached their ears from behind them and Gascon swore as his shoulder throbbed in pain. Another call answered the wolivards and Amara felt her heart sink.
" Don't stop running!" she exclaimed, her blue eyes wide in fear. How the hell had she led them this far?! If they died here it would be all her fault.
" What was that?!" Gascon demanded, keeping his eyes to the front as they kept their pace. He was having a hard time tuning out the pain as his shoulder burned where it was bleeding profusely now. Even if they hadn’t been tracked before this, the wolivards would find them now.
" Goblins! We're farther north than I anticipated!" Amara cried out, her breathing labored. She stumbled a bit as she tripped on a root, but Gascon’s sure hand steadied her and pulled her forward beside him again.
The sounds of arrows whizzing past made itself known and Amara gasped sharply as one sliced her arm as the arrowhead grazed by. More howls and the goblin’s calls were echoing behind them as the two ran into the sinking darkness, the wood surrounding them becoming blacker and blacker yet.
Without warning, Gascon heard the all too familiar sound of a chamber being loaded.
" Get down!" Came a man's voice from in front of them.
Gascon slid to a halt, bringing Amara down to the ground with him as he covered her body with his own to protect her and a gunshot rang out into the night no sooner than when they had hit the dirt.
" Come on! This way, hurry now!" Came the voice again as he hauled the two to their feet and rushed them to an opening in the mountainside not too far from where they were.
Gascon heard a door slam shut behind them and soon light filled the tunnel they had found shelter in. The click of a chamber being loaded found their ears again and Gascon pushed Amara behind him protectively even as he leveled his own gun on the man before them. His brown eyes were narrowed due to the pain and adrenaline coursing through his veins and both stared one another down. Neither seemed willing to move or speak first.
" What are you doing so far north, humans?" his voice had a rich brogue to it that sounded a bit familiar to Amara. Where had she heard that voice before?
Amara looked out from behind Gascon and her eyes went wide in shock. There was a dwarf standing before them with the barrel of his rifle aimed at them. Amara remembered him from when he had been at the palace a few years ago. " My name is Princess Amara Debrotane of the kingdom of Evesta and my companion is Prince Gascon Moritan of Hamelin. As for why we are so far north, we have been traveling on foot towards the Bright Briar." Amara explained, holding her hands up for him to see as she stepped out from behind Gascon. Her left hand gently lowered Gascon's right to bring his gun down and he shot her a glare as she did. The look Amara shot him in turn was enough to stay him however and Gascon holstered his weapon as Amara turned back to the dwarf. " We must have missed the path leading down the cliff three or four days ago. We only ask that you allow us to stay in the halls of the dwarf king for a few days so that we might rest and replenish our food and ammunitions."
" Well met your highnesses. However princess, you know as well as I that no human has looked upon the halls of Uzrathane in over three hundred years. I will take you before his majesty, King Thaden Fineblade, and he will determine if we will grant you the asylum you seek for the next couple of days." the dwarf said as he lowered his gun. He only stood about four foot four, and had a long, well groomed beard that was tucked into his belt. Both his beard and hair were a rather shocking shade of auburn and the dwarf gave the two a curt bow. “ If you both would please follow me.”
“ Your name first, if you are amicable please.” Gascon said, his eyes narrowed on the shorter man. He stepped in front of Amara again, unwilling to chance this dwarf was actually going to let no harm befall them. For all they knew, he could be part of a band of thieves.
The dwarf gave Gascon a sharp bark of laughter and bowed low before them again. “ My name is Tarin, son of Thaden King of the Underhalls. You are in good company, young prince. I promise no harm will come to you or your princess while you travel with me, lest my beard fall away if I’m a liar.”
Amara placed a hand on his good shoulder tentatively in an effort to calm Gascon. “ We can trust him. I vaguely remember that Tarin here visited my father about twelve years ago when my father looked into having my tiara made. The dwarves are renowned for their skill in metallurgy and gem crafting.” she whispered. “ Before we leave, might I please have some medicinal herbs and hot water so that I can tend to Gascon’s wounds?”
Tarin smiled broadly. “ But of course, your highness. If you would follow me this way, there is a bunker where you both can heal and rest for a spell. The hour is getting late after all.” Tarin boomed kindly.

Gascon and Amara sat on separate cots as Tarin went to gather the three of them some food and ale from the larder. Amara gently washed the bite on Gascon’s shoulder using the medicinal herbs that she had requested and slowly the pain from it was leaving with every rinsing. Amara pulled her wand from it’s holster and cast her spell. Her brow furrowed slightly as she willed the light gathering at the tip of her wand to settle into her palm and her fingers barely grazed the open wounds as she worked her gift.
Gascon was watching her, positively enraptured by her sure and steady movements, and his eyes chanced a look at her face. The soft glow of the spell had embedded itself in her sapphire colored eyes and the light brightened her fair face in the dim room. A lock of her chestnut colored tresses had slipped out of place and rested serenely against her cheek, framing her face invitingly. She looked nothing short of angelic. Her lips were slightly parted in her concentration and Gascon had to resist the urge to steal a kiss from her. Hell the last time he had kissed her was four years ago and she had punched him for it.
Finally Amara’s fingers finished their work and she checked over any other wounds the porcine prince may have sustained. “ You got lucky.” she said softly, her eyes falling back to his shoulder. Despite her prowess, there was still the very fine sheen of a scar where Gascon had been bitten. “ If the beast had honestly tried, he could have ripped your arm right from the socket.” Her fingers traced the scar he had sustained under their own volition and Gascon grasped her hand with his.
“ I’m lucky because I have you here with me, Amara.” Gascon said honestly, his tawny eyes leveled on hers.
Amara blushed slightly at his words and turned her head to the side. “ Let me guess, your lucky I’m the one with you because of my talents in the healing arts?” she bite out a little harsher than she intended.
“ No...” Gascon began, tipping her chin up so that he could look her in the eye as he spoke. “ Because you are an extraordinary woman who perseveres in the face of danger. Most I know would have been reduced to terrified wails where as you were steadfast in your courage. You pulled my ass out of the fire back there, Amara. I don’t know if we would have made it if you hadn’t thought of the distraction with your spell either. You were nothing short of amazing tonight, and I want you to know it.” he explained softly, his hand still holding hers. His other hand had moved to the back of her neck, his fingers teasing the short, wispy curls that weren’t long enough to tie back.
Amara blushed brightly at his praise and found herself unable to turn her head away as Gascon pulled her in even as he leaned forward himself. By the ancients...He’s going to kiss me?! she thought, though her eyes were closing of their own volition as her grip on his hand tightened a bit.
Tarin was singing a bit loudly and off key as he returned to the room, and both prince and princess broke away from one another before their lips could connect. Amara quickly jumped to her feet and looked at the dwarf.
“ Thank you, Tarin. Is there a tub here by chance? I find myself in dire need of a bath.” Amara said, hoping she was hiding the nervousness in her voice. She was actually trying to escape Gascon’s company for a little bit.
“ Of course there is. Thankfully you’re not much taller than I am, so you should fit alright. However, young prince, I don’t think you’ll fit too easily in the tub.” Tarin said mirthfully. His eyes were twinkling like gemstones as he leveled them on Gascon. “ Them legs of yours would be high against your chest if you catch my meaning.”
Gascon could not help but chuckle at the thought. “ I guess I will just have to take what I can get then. I won’t be able to do much until Amara is done however.”
Tarin nodded knowingly and looked over at Amara with an amused smirk. “ If’n you’ll follow me, princess.” Tarin said genteelly, guiding the evestan princess from the room.
Gascon held his head in both hands the moment he was alone. What the hell was wrong with him? What was he thinking for that matter? Kissing Amara? That was more of a death wish than staying out in the wilds with the goblins and wolivards on their tails.
What was he going to do?

Amara sighed contentedly as she sank a little bit lower in the tub. She stood at five foot five, only a foot higher than their dwarven friend, so fitting in the tub was not such a burden for her. She had made sure to pack her favorite shampoo and soap in the event that they found themselves in a town and Amara was more than enjoying a nice, hot bubble bath at the moment. She washed her hair with relish, the soothing scent of lavender filling her with with a calm that she hadn’t felt in weeks while the peppermint she had used as well made her scalp tingle as her concoction did it’s work. It didn’t hurt that the two scents paired very well together.
Amara grew pensive as her thoughts turned to Gascon. It was as if they had reached a silent truce since the time a week and a half ago that they had been waylaid by giants, and if she were to be honest with herself, it was like she was looking at a completely different person than the one that she had known for almost her entire life. A blush rose to her cheeks even as she recalled how she had stumbled upon him during one of his more personal moments. The way his voice had sounded when saying her name was enough to make her knees weak.
Amara groaned as she sank a little deeper into the tub. By the sun, moon, and stars, she knew that Gascon was still the same man who had tormented her during their formative years. Knew that it was he who had hurt her so badly she would rather turn to creatures for companionship. Amara held no trust for people in the slightest. Not after everything Gascon had put her through. But out here in the wilds of the evestan continent, Amara realized that she trusted Gascon with her very life. And the more time they spent alone, the more she realized that he was honestly trying to bury the hatchet between them. The more she realized that maybe they could have settled this sooner.
Amara recalled her sixteenth birthday and sighed a bit. Instead of accepting the call for a truce as Gascon had asked, she had taken the opportunity to fight with him instead. The outcome of that particular argument still had her scratching her brain. Why had he kissed her then and why had Gascon nearly kissed her a bit ago after she had finished healing his wounds?
The last question on her mind before she finally stepped out of the tub was why had she been all aflutter at the prospect that he would?

Gascon watched as Amara rejoined Tarin and himself and a jovial smile was on his face. The dwarf had been more than kind to share some of his ale, and Gascon had already drained a tankard. “ Amara, take a sit and get some food and drink. I daresay you probably need it more than I.”
Tarin boomed. “ I’d say. You both have been full of worry nonstop. Please, drink a tankard or two of ale if not more, and eat some food. You both are safe for the night. Only another dwarf could find that entrance in the mountainside. Not only that, I’m the one in charge of the rangers in this here northern quadrant and three of my siblings take care of the rest. You are well protected this evening, my lady.” the dwarf prince said kindly.
Amara gave him a slight smile and sat beside Gascon at the table. “ Pray tell how much have you had so far?”
“ Only a tankard, though I may be tempted to have one or two more.” he said with a chuckle. “ Why do you ask?”
Amara smirked. “ Bottoms up then.” she cooed, taking the mug full of ale that Tarin had slid her way in hand and downing half in a single go. The dwarven ale was nothing that she would have thought it to be, as it was rich and had a pleasant nose to it. There was an underlying sweetness to it that made it all the more easier to drink. She quickly downed the second half of her drink and pulled a few of the sandwiches towards her. If she was going to be tying one on with these two, she needed to pace herself.

Laughter boomed through the tunnels leading to the bunker and Tarin watched mirthfully as Gascon and Amara both raced to finish what was left in their mugs. If the princess hadn’t earned his respect already with what Gascon had told him about their flight from the goblins and wolivards, then she was certainly earning it now as she proved that she could more than handle herself amongst the two men when it came to drinking.
Gascon slammed his tankard down first, but only by a slim margin as all three laughed again. His cinnamon eyes were bright as they leveled on Amara. She was talking animatedly with Tarin now, her blue eyes full of happiness and light that hadn’t been there earlier in the evening. A slight flush from the drink was on her cheeks, but the rosy hue did nothing to hamper how beautiful she looked. Her chestnut colored tresses were hanging free tonight, draped over her shoulder as Amara fought to keep from sitting on them and for the briefest moment, her eyes met his in a moment of sheer happiness. Gascon couldn’t remember the last time he had seen her look so open and inviting before. So free. This was the real Amara he was looking at. He wanted to keep it that way.
“ I think that’s more than enough for tonight.” Tarin said, belching slightly as he stood. “ If’n you’ll follow me please, your highnesses, I’ll take you to the barracks were you can choose a bed to sleep in for the rest of the night.”
“ I saw where it was earlier Tarin.” Amara interrupted, swaying a little due to the ale. “ If you have rounds to conduct, then don’t allow us to stop you. I’ll take us there.”
Tarin looked at Amara consideringly. “ Are you certain you remember where they are?”
“ Three doors up from the room you took me to on the right.” Amara replied as she tried to catch her balance. She hadn’t drank that much in years. Not since she had tied one on with Aden for the first time.
Gascon chuckled as he steadied Amara at her shoulders. “ Come on then. I have a feeling I’m going to sleep like the dead tonight.” The food and drink had done wonders to relieve him of his stress.
Tarin watched with a smile as the two went down the corridor. They were safe for now. Hopefully his father would allow them to stay for the time they asked.

Gascon and Amara were silent as she managed to take them to the barracks, though she was weaving ever so slightly as she tried to walk straight. By all rights, she needed to stay up and wait the alcohol out so that she wouldn’t have the mother of all hangovers in the morning, but knew the moment her head hit one of the pillows, she would be out like a light. The two looked at the short beds. Even Amara would have trouble sleeping in one of them.
“ I’ll help you push a couple together and we’ll have to share. Can I trust you to keep your hands to yourself?” Amara slurred, her eyes leveled on Gascon.
“ Yes Amara. I know better. Besides, I’m starting to feel positively knackered now.” Gascon said with a yawn.
The two worked quickly and silently, and Amara took the side she wanted as she laid down. She couldn’t help the blush that formed as Gascon’s weight settled on the other side and he turned over to lean over her a moment. Amara gasped in pain as his hand settled over her wound and she bolted upright.
“ What’s the matter?” he asked, his tone worried at the obvious distress that had settled over her.
Amara saw blood start seeping through the sleeve. “ I had completely forgotten about that...I was grazed by an arrow when we were fleeing.” She suddenly felt stone cold sober due to the pain she was in and Amara pulled her wand from her sleeve. She healed the wound and spelled away the blood, shaking her head ruefully as she laid down again. She had been so wrapped up in what had nearly happened between them that she had forgotten to heal it once she had bathed.
“ I’m sorry, Amara.” Gascon said sincerely. He looked away and turned away from her as he laid back down. Now was certainly not the time to apologize for his past transgressions. “ Good night.”
“ Good night.” came the tired reply.

Amara felt safe and warm the next morning as she started coming into wakefulness. Her head was clear; which was a blessing in of itself considering the amount of alcohol that she had consumed with Gascon and Tarin last night, and she found herself unwilling to open her eyes yet. She didn’t get a chance to have such a deep restful sleep anymore and Amara snuggled deeper into the warmth behind her. Her fingers laced themselves with the hand draped over her waist and then Amara’s eyes shot open. By the ancients! No no no no no!!! she thought hastily as she tried to gauge if she felt any different. How much did she drink last night? Please, by the ancients, let her still be clothed. Amara would never forgive herself if she had lost her virginity in a drunken tryst with the man she had been at odds with for most of her life.
Gascon’s hold on Amara tightened a bit in his sleep and he nuzzled her neck a bit to get her hair out of his nose. Amara was blushing from head to toe here, but could not bring herself to wake him; not that Gascon would wake immediately as it was, and she shivered a little as his breath wafted warm against the hollow of her neck. “ Amara...” he whispered in his sleep, nuzzling her again before his lips planted a feather light kiss just behind her ear.
If Amara had been standing, her knees would have given out right then and there.
Amara sighed a little and decided there was nothing for it. He wasn’t waking any time soon and Tarin had yet to come rouse them. She would just have to wait him out. Another kiss was planted against her neck, soft, sweet, and nothing short of heady in it’s effects, and Amara sighed at the contact. What was he dreaming of? Her name was breathed against her ear again and Amara shivered once more as his lips caught her earlobe between them. Damn Gascon and that voice of his. Well, that was one question answered. He was obviously dreaming of her, and if what he was doing in his sleep was any indicator, the activity he was partaking of with her as well was fairly apparent as well.
Amara blushed a bit and hissed as his lips latched onto her neck this time, licking and suckling at the sensitive flesh there. As much as she wanted to wake him, Amara was losing herself in Gascon’s honest desire here. He had no clue he was doing this to her, and Amara found that she didn’t want him to stop. She had to admit, it felt nice to be wanted and she gasped as she was pulled flush against Gascon’s hard, lithe body. She could feel his arousal pressing against her back and she had to hold back a groan that would have been sure to wake him as he ground himself against her. Gascon stiffened behind her a moment and Amara was thankful her eyes were already closed as she feigned sleep.
Gascon breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Amara was sleeping and he slowly lifted his lips away from her skin. “ By the ancients, you’re beautiful...” he whispered, chancing a kiss on her temple. “ I’ve got such a long ways to go before you’ll ever believe me though.” Gascon had been dreaming of the woman in his arms without fail since the night they had been waylaid by the giants. And every time he said the same thing to her...
A single tear fell from Gascon’s cheek to Amara’s as he thought of it. Every time he told her dreamself that he loved her. If he were to even try to approach Amara now how he felt for her, she would call him a liar and probably close herself off to him completely. But by the ancients, he did. Amara could be vivacious, witty, and nothing short of charming. She was extremely talented in the ways of magic, more than he could ever hope to be, and her thirst for knowledge was refreshing as well. She was always trying to better herself. Now if only he could get her out of the fortress she had erected around her heart.
“ I only hope you can find it in you one day to forgive me.” he whispered painfully as he rested his head against hers. “ It’s my fault you shut everyone out, my fault that you can’t bring yourself to be yourself. I got a chance to see the real you last night, Amara...If you hear me in there in your sleep...Don’t hide that side of you again. I much prefer the real you as opposed to the mask you always wear.” His eyes were screwed shut as he held her as tight against him as he dared to without waking her and a few more tears hit Amara’s cheek. “ Just be happy. That’s all I want for you now...”
Amara could feel her heart welling up with his honest words, knowing full well he would have said things differently if he had known she was awake. Something in her had healed a bit as he spoke true, and Amara finally felt as she could finally start to move on from their past. She made a great show of sighing in her sleep as she snuggled deeper into the warmth he exuded. Goodness, that warmth was addicting. A girl could get used to it, she mused. She made a face as she turned over to face him and had to school her features when Gascon stiffened in a panic. He sighed in relief when Amara nestled closer against him and she felt him press another kiss into her temple.
Gascon felt Amara yawn a bit and looked down at her bemusedly. She had curled up tightly against him in the end. “ Sleep well?”
Amara made a great show of looking shocked. “ How long have you been awake?” she demanded.
“ Long enough for you to pin me down. I haven’t been able to move in the last five minutes or so. I tried to get out of bed and you trapped me here.” he fibbed slightly.
Amara blushed a bit, though she gleefully noted that she knew the truth.
Gascon felt Amara fist the material of his shirt as their eyes met. How could he have ever called her ugly? Every angel in the heavens could not compare to the vision in his arms. Both of them seemed unwilling to move first, as Gascon had yet to remove his arms from around her. He couldn’t help but notice that she felt nothing short of perfect in his arms. Slowly, he began leaning in to her again, to hell if she hit him for this.
Amara gasped as Gascon drew closer, her eyes closing expectantly as she waited on baited breath for his lips to caress hers.
“ Rise and shine, your highnesses!” Tarin boomed, forcing both of them to bolt up in the beds they had shoved together. “ It’s well after ten in the morning! Time to head into the city proper now!”
Gascon could not hold back the glare that leveled on their dwarven host. That was the second time he had managed that! Looking to his right, Amara was already climbing from the bed and Gascon groaned. If only the dwarf had not interrupted. Things were getting interesting between them now.
Well, there was always later, Gascon mused, his eyes leveled hotly on Amara’s back. She didn’t know it yet, but since Gascon had admitted to himself that he not only wanted her; but loved her as well, Amara was a marked woman. Gascon had no qualms in going after a woman who captured his interest. Yes, they had a tumultuous past, but Gascon knew that if he could move past it, in time so could Amara. In time, not only would he get her forgiveness, but win her heart as well.

Tarin led the two through the tunnels leading to the city of Uzrathane and he gave them a bright smile as he opened another hidden door. “ Feast your eyes on the Underhalls, my friends. The dwarven citadel of Uzrathane.” he said, allowing the two to drink in the splendor the silver lit city made.
Gascon’s eyes were wide in wonder as he looked about, wishing for all the world that he had three hundred and sixty degree vision so that he could see everything at once. He felt pressure on his right hand for a moment and looked down. Amara’s fingers had laced themselves with his own in her excitement. Gascon looked at the woman beside him, and he couldn’t help but smile at the unbridled joy he saw in her eyes and on her face.
Her hand never left his as Tarin led them towards Thaden’s palace.

Amara stiffened for a moment and leaned in close. “ Listen well to me, I nearly forgot to mention one very important thing.Tarin knows about our betrothal, meaning our fathers have already made the announcement. More than likely, the dwarf king knows as well. He will not speak to me directly unless you permit it. It’s dwarven etiquette that the men speak to a woman’s husband first unless otherwise told they are allowed to speak to the women directly.” she whispered.
“ But we’re not married, Amara. What does that have to do with any of this?” Gascon hissed. He hated being forced into a diplomatic situation. Marcassin was much better than he was at them.
“ We’re still affianced! That’s close enough in their books. Not only that, make sure you listen well to everything I have to tell you as we make our way. It might just help us win over the king.” Amara replied softly. She began telling Gascon every little thing she knew about dwarven etiquette and only hoped that he absorbed everything in the short time he had.
“ Ah here we are. I need to be getting back to my quadrant as it’s almost time for my subordinates to check in. Be on your best behavior, and by my very beard, please do not say anything stupid.” Tarin said warningly.

Thaden was in the midst of inspecting some jewels when Amara and Gascon were brought before him.
“ Announcing their royal highnesses, Prince Gascon Moritan of Hamelin, and Princess Amara Debrotane of Evesta!” the herald cried.
Thaden looked up curiously at them at the announcement and stood from his throne. He nodded in approval as Gascon gave him a courteous bow coupled with a grand sweep of his arm towards himself while Amara curtsied deeply, her knees nearly touching the floor. “ Debrotane?” he wondered aloud, looking over to Gascon expectantly.
“ Yes, your majesty.” Gascon replied. “ But first, on behalf of my intended and myself, allow me to thank you for gracing us with your presence, oh king of the Underhall. May your beard grow ever longer, and your wealth ever larger.”
Thaden smirked here. “ You are from across the sea, so I was not expecting you to know anything related to the dwarven way. However, your betrothed on the other hand...” Thaden said, drawing closer to the two of them.
“ You are more than welcome to address her yourself, your majesty. Amara does not need me to speak for her. In fact, I’ve been deferring to her judgement since we started traveling together and she has yet to steer me wrong.” Gascon said, his gaze averting to Amara as he spoke. He only hoped she knew how sincere he was.
“ How much time did you have to teach him, princess?” Thaden asked her with a chuckle.
“ Only a few scant moments as we made our way here, your majesty. I trust Tarin has already appraised you to the request we made?”
Thaden circled the two and he took notice on how Gascon instinctively placed himself between Thaden and Amara protectively. Oh, the princeling was fiercely covetous of his bride it seemed. “ He has, and I must admit you have come at a most opportune time. We are celebrating all through this week one of our most treasured holidays. I would be honored if Tamarion’s daughter were to be present for such an auspicious occasion.”
Amara curtsied deeply once more. “ Your hospitality is most generous, Fangrimson, which we accept without hesitation.”
Gascon’s eyes went wide. Tamarion? Amara’s mother was elvish? Well, that certainly explained Amara’s natural talent in the healing arts. The elves were renowned for their skill. He looked over to Amara covertly. Now that he knew, he could definitely see characteristics of the elven king Dagaron. They shared the same nose, and cheeks, though without a shadow of a doubt Amara had her father’s eyes. Upon closer scrutiny, Gascon realized that Amara’s ears had a slight tip to them as well.
He also realized his mistake with her. Gascon had incessantly tormented and teased Amara as children, not knowing her elvish heritage. Once they closed their hearts off completely to someone, there was no reopening it. He and Amara were dismissed, and Gascon strode strongly away from Amara and to the courtyard. He couldn’t bear to look at her now, not with his guilt weighing on him so heavily. Not only that, Gascon felt that he didn’t stand a chance anymore in capturing Amara’s heart. She would never be the same to him because of the abuse she had suffered at his very hand.

After having Gascon at her side for the last month, Amara felt odd walking the dwarf king’s halls alone. A soft smile was gracing her features at the thought of the Hamelin prince and finally she felt the spell connecting them tug her arm backwards as she got too far from him. “ Show me.” she intoned. She couldn’t help but wonder why Gascon had run off as fast as he had from the throne room.
Gascon was beating against a training dummy as he fought to work out his frustration, guilt, and now grief before he saw Amara again. He didn’t feel the spell pull his hand back a bit he was so wrapped up in his thoughts. With an enraged bellow, Gascon punched as hard as he could and he smirked when he heard the post supporting it crack. That smirk was quickly turned into a grimace when Gascon realized that he had broken two knuckles with that punch.
Amara had just arrived when she heard Gascon’s bellow and she jumped at the force he had hit the training dummy with.
“ Damn it all to hell!” Gascon seethed. Damn, he needed to set them back into place.
“ What did you do now?” came Amara’s voice as she rushed over. Thaden had sent her with a tailor so that she had some simple gowns to wear while she was in the city and she was wearing the one that had most appealed to her. It was a rather fetching shade of sage green that looked wonderful against her sun kissed skin.
“ Got a little carried away is all, Amara.” Gascon replied softly. His eyes swept over her and he hissed a bit as Amara set both knuckles into place. “ Damn!” He soon sighed in relief as Amara whispered a healing spell, her fingers running over the back of his hand. “ Thank you.”
Amara gave him a soft smile even as she nodded. “ Why did you take off so quickly earlier? You looked quite upset about something.” she asked, her fingers caressing the back of his hand again.
“ Never you mind why I was upset Amara. It’s a bit too personal to speak so candidly about in the open.” Gascon pulled his hand away from her and walked over to the nearby workbench where his shirt and jacket were. He felt her hand on his shoulder again and Gascon felt Amara turn him to face her.
“ What is wrong, Gascon? You need to be completely honest with me...No hiding things in half truths, or in riddles and answering a question with a question anymore. I can see as plain as day there is something troubling you, and you can’t keep bottling it up lest it explodes. I would know that better than either of us after all.” Amara whispered this last part. She had been doing just that for years.
“ A fat lot of good it’s going to do me if you can’t find it in your heart to forgive me Amara.” Gascon retorted hotly. “ I didn’t even realize you were a half elf until Thaden mentioned that you were Tamarion’s daughter. I had no clue that your mum was elvish. I've only known her as Marion! The damage I’ve caused is probably irreversible now. What’s the point? Once you elves close your heart off to someone, it’s impossible for them to open up again.” Gascon sat down hard on the bench and put his head in his hands. He didn’t want Amara to see him lose it like this.
Amara now understood why he was being as stubborn as he was. Like her mask of propriety back home, his stubbornness was a shield he erected to keep everyone at an arm’s length. He was having trouble doing that to her because of his conflicted feelings for her. Amara sat down beside Gascon and pulled his hands away from his face. Maybe she needed to let him know not all hope was lost. He had tears shining unshed in his eyes and Amara cupped his cheek gently in an effort to sooth him.
“ I guess you should be thankful for that stubborn streak of yours.” she whispered, smiling a little ruefully. “ It was your constant presence that kept me from closing it off to begin with. You can’t close something if it feels, Gascon.”
Gascon sighed visibly in relief and let go of all the pain and uncertainty that had gripped him for the last couple of hours. Amara gently pulled him into her arms, her fingers running through his locks soothingly as his arms wrapped tightly about her waist. He wasn’t sure how long they stayed that way, but he knew it was a definite start at healing for both of them.
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The Ties that Bind