Intensity [ENG]

Ok, something for those, who don't understand Polish. My first short story in English. Enjoy! :)

Intensity

She grabbed both of her daggers and pointed them at Fenris’ chest.

‘Train with me.’ It didn’t sound like question.

‘No, thanks,’ he answered immediately, reacting to her declarative tone.

‘Please…?’ Her voice became gentler.

Fenris had no idea why was she so stubborn about it. With a heavy sigh, he reached for his huge, two-handed sword. He just couldn’t refuse her when she was asking like that.

Aurelie took a few steps back, getting ready for a fight and waiting for him to do the same. Then, without warning, she attacked. He took a swing at her, but she effortlessly dodged his blow using her own dagger to change the course of his blade. At the next moment, she was gently pressing her blade against the skin on his neck.

‘You’re not taking this seriously.’ She was obviously mad.

‘That’s not…’ He wanted to deny it, but she interrupted him.

‘Don’t lie. If you’re scared of hurting me, don’t bother. You won’t be able to do so. But if it comes to me hurting you …’ She gently run the blade across the skin on his neck, causing a few drops of blood to appear and smiled mockingly. ‘I suggest you to start taking me seriously.’

He knew perfectly that she was trying to provoke him. And yet he felt anger building up inside him. Not only at her, but at everything. And this feeling of stupid rivalry… How come he felt this way? And Hawke… just a few minutes ago, she was so… charming… and now?

Mad at himself and at her, he strengthen a hold on a sword handle and now he was the one attacking with a spark of determination in his eyes. Hawke happily advanced towards him holding her sharp daggers lowly.

They didn’t spare themselves. Their skin became covered with small drops of sweat and wounds – not serious, but bleeding.

Rush of adrenaline.

Happiness mixed with tenacity.

Excitement.

Heat – because of effort and because of intense emotions.

Almost imperceptible shivering of bodies.

Intensity. Compounded by the storms of emotions inside them.

Fear. Rage. Guilt. Longing. Pain. Uncertainty.

They were no longer fighting with each other… they were facing their own demons, destructive emotions… or maybe each others’ emotions?

They weren’t thinking. Only feeling…

They forgot themselves.

The upcoming sunset lengthened their shadows, which looked like they barely could keep up with the bodies. It wasn’t long before the only thing they could see were reflexes of moonlight on their blades. They froze at the same time. Aurelie’s dagger an inch, perhaps two from his neck, his two-handed blade almost touching her flank. Absolutely motionless. Meeting each other’s gaze. Finally seeing each other. Their hearts racing, thumping against chests’ walls, as if in desperate need of escaping from excess of emotions. They were panting. Every breath bringing them closer to the reality. They were trying to understand what has just happened. Something strange, extraordinary happened to them, which made them feel... lighter, calmer... fuckin' good! As if they got rid of a huge part of emotional burden.

His emerald eyes. Her piercing stare.

Desire.

Yes, they both desperately wanted to throw themselves into each other’s arms and kiss,  touch, feel the warmth of the bodies. To forget about everything, completely throwing themselves into the wave of pure emotions. They wanted to break free... And in the same time, were so scared of it.

They couldn’t move, as if held captive by their stares, in the cage of hesitation and ambivalence. Very slowly, without taking her eyes off Fenris, Aurelie put aside one of her daggers and reached her hand to his face – slowly, just a little shaky, with uncertainty.  As if she was afraid of breaking some kind of spell, provoking these untamed, strong emotions that could take control over her any minute.

He felt her gentle touch on his cheek, her fingers drawing the path from the outer corner of his eye… through high cheekbone… alongside the jaw line… to the place just below his lips, where the two lyrium lines were visible. She tenderly traced them with her thumb, barely touching his skin, fascinated by moonlight dancing on them which make them glow.

Her touch was so delicate, yet so electrifying. Fenris couldn’t remember anyone touching him like that… ever. He let her do that, reconciling to this feeling of closeness, which he didn’t know, which he desired and… was so afraid of.

And Maker, she was so beautiful! Her big, emerald-shaped eyes were sparkling, her delicate features so perfect, her slightly parted lips… oh, they must taste so sweet… so damn sweet… he wanted to taste them so badly that…

Suddenly, Aurelie took her hand away and stood away, startled by the intimacy of this moment and her own boldness. She smiled nervously and whispered:

‘Thank you, Fenris. Have a good night.’

And without waiting for his reply, she turned on her heel and ran away, leaving him alone with his thoughts.