A Discreet Meeting (Briana)

[Alexander]

Her laughter as he pinned her made Alex smile as he struggled to keep her pinned. He never cheated, they simply never laid down ground rules. Kissing was never excluded from the rules, at least never explicitly, so it was a perfectly legitimate strategy. Besides, the outcome of the fight was never one of actual combat.

Recoiling as Briana headbutted him, he let her go, allowing her to roll away. Slowly getting back onto his feet, he felt the full effects of both the alcohol and the headbutt. He was dizzy, the ground was spinning, but he recovered by the time she offered him a final challenge. Pin her one more time and she'd finally concede? Oh, he could do that.

Alexander began to circle her, searching for another spot to strike. One more pin... That's all he needed. After that, she would be his entirely... His thoughts distracted, he did not notice the bottle he had laid on the ground earlier and suddenly placed his foot on it, losing his balance and slipping onto the ground. He groaned as he laid there on the ground, putting his hand on the back of his head, trying to soothe the hit, forgetting for a moment the fact he was still in a half-fight with Briana.

[Briana Talon]

The Maker must be smiling down on her for Briana saw victory as Alex fell down to ground due to his own blunder. Immediately she advanced on him, though not very gracefully as she practically fell on top of him as she struggled to pin him. “Ha!” She yelled while grinning ear to ear.

Briana managed to straddle him and her hands grabbed his wrists as she pinned him. “Looks like I’m going to have to go shopping for a frilly apron.” She chuckled as she stared at the guardsman who looked about ready to concede. “And before you go saying anything else that will get you into trouble…” Briana slowly lowered her head and captured Alex’s mouth with her lips, drinking him in as she kissed him softly then deeper as seconds past.

Her hands moved from his wrists down his arm and to his chest where she could feel his heart beating. There was something soothing about it; even it was beating rather fast. It matched hers and that was a good sign, at least to her. Her hands moved further down to his sides and she began to tug at his shirt, pulling it upward revealing his abdomen. Guiding his shirt up even further, she finally broke the kiss. “Give up?” Briana asked teasingly as she brushed her lips over his. As fun as grappling with Alex was, the passion they had for each other was building and she would rather indulge in that than fight with him further. Besides fighting was something they would do more of later anyways because that was just the nature of their relationship.

“Well?” Briana gave him one last chance before making the decision to kiss him again or proceed to try to lock him into a hold and force him to admit defeat.

[Alexander]

Almost immediately Alex found himself tackled and held down by the tempting templar as he tried to get back on his feet. For a moment he just looked up at her grin, captivated by the fact that she was laughing and smiling as she straddled him. Maker.... Those eyes, those full lips, that soft blonde hair. The way she teased and kissed him. Part of him still wanted to resist, to not let her win. She was taunting him, daring him to take action against her. How could he not take up the challenge!?! But as she kissed him, slowly at first, then increasing passionately as each second passed, he found his will to fight her waning. Dammit, she was using his tactic against him... And succeeding.

As Briana moved her hands up his arms, he moved his hands up her legs, grabbing onto her thighs and then her hips while she tugged at his shirt. With each passing second, Alex wanted her more and more.

He had given up the fight, and she knew it. Damn it all...

Biting his lower lip and looking up at her, his lover, the woman he was very much falling in love with, he grabbed her by the neck with one hand and kissed her again, as passionately as she had been kissing him before, then pulled back after a few seconds just enough to whisper. "I think it'd be best if I was simply not allowed to talk the rest of the night. Agreed?" He grinned up at her as he untied her belt around her waist and put his hands under her shirt, relishing the touch of her soft skin against his fingers as he leaned up to kiss her again. This was the closest Briana would ever get of a surrender from him.

[Briana Talon]

With a smirk and nod she covered Alex’s lips with hers before he did decided to speak again. It wasn’t that she didn’t love the sound of his voice; it was that Alex had a talent of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. It was a victory though, she had won but there was no gloating. It was hard to think on that when all she could think on was Alex’s touch as his hands moved up under her shirt.

A soft moan escaped her and the urgency to feel his bare skin against hers had her stripping him of his shirt and tossing it to the ground next to them. Her hands ran across his chest, toned and muscled from years of training and fighting; a warrior’s body. The feel of his bare skin added to the spell Briana felt she was under. Only Alex could elicit such feelings from her. Briana had fallen for Alex, more than she could ever let on. Templars were not allowed such luxuries as love. They were duty bound to the Chantry… to Andraste. But right now Briana wasn’t a Templar. She was just Briana and she was Alex’s.

Her shirt soon found its place next to Alex’s on the ground. Following Alex’s lead, she began to work on the fastenings of his belt.

[Alexander]

With each passing breath, with each moment his lips met hers and his hands ran along her sides, he longed more and more to be with her. Time seemed to stand still as though the only event going on in the world, if only for that night, as Alex focused solely on Briana and everything about her. Every curve, every goosebump. As she took off his shirt, revealing his old army tattoos and scars, he smiled up at her and began to slip his hands higher on her shirt. Tonight, he was not a guard, he was not a soldier, he was not the same stubborn man. He was her lover. After her shirt was off, his hands moved back down her sides and began to undo her pants, an act she soon followed in suit, and Alex found it difficult to contain how badly he wanted to become one with her. Not that he thought she would mind that of course...

FADE TO BLACK....


The sun was slowly peaking up over the hill as Alex wearily opened one eye to see what was around. The clearing was empty of all humanity but the two of them, covered by their cloaks, and the peaceful scene was not lost on him. Were it up to him, they'd stay there all day.... But it wouldn't be unsurprising if that caused the templars to send out a search party for Briana, assuming naturally the guard with the loud, anti-templar mouth had harmed her in some way. Were they to find them, aside from a few light bite marks on her lower neck (low enough that it'd be covered by armor and the cloak), Alex was more than certain they'd find her entirely unharmed.... If only in a very awkward situation that would require a lot of explanation.

Laying closely next to him was Briana, still sleeping soundly. Alex took the moment to simply look at her and smile, noting how peaceful she looked when her mind was unburdened. Not wanting to disturb her, he kissed her lightly on the forehead and moved in a little closer to her, holding her close to him, not wanting to have to truly wake up, get dressed, and be away from her again. Placing his hand on her stomach again, he leaned up to her and tried to fall asleep again and delay the inevitable return to the city of chains.

Please Maker... A few more hours of this bliss is all I ask... He thought to himself. He knew it was asking for too much... Still, didn't hurt to try.

[Briana Talon]

Briana felt a small shift next to her, enough to pull her from her slumber. She felt the warmth of Alex’s body and she moved closer to him; positioning herself so that she could nuzzle into his neck. A smile formed briefly before her eyes shot open with realization. This wasn’t a dream; she was really lying next to him…

“Maker!” Briana gasped as she pulled away from him. Realizing that she was still nude she began to frantically search for her clothing. “It’s morning. How is it morning?” Mumbling to herself she started to put her shirt on, the first article of clothing she could find.

She looked over at Alex. “Where is the rest of my…” Briana spotted her pants and started to walk toward them. There were several somewhat intimate pieces she was still missing though. “Why didn’t you wake me? I should have been back at the Gallows by now.” She was somewhat disoriented from her sudden waking and the after effects of the alcohol from the night before. Briana shielded her eyes from the approaching sunlight. Sighing in frustration she looked expectantly at Alex. “You could help me you know.”

[Alexander]

Oh here they go again... She never could simply just lay down and enjoy the few moments they had together could she? Did she have something to do at the gallows today that was so important that it had to be done right away? As soon as Briana got up from their resting place Alexander immediately felt her absence, and longed to have it again for just a little while longer.

Watching her put on her shirt and walk towards the rest of her clothing, Alex sighed as he continued to lay there, slipping on his pants. As he tied them, he heard her ask why he hadn't woken her. Alex rolled his eyes as a small, devilish grin began to form. He didn't want to go back... Not yet anyway. He still had her for a little while longer...

"I'm coming... hang on..." He grumbled. Getting up, he trotted up halfway to her position, then broke into a full run, trapping her in a strong bear-hug from behind, his arms around hers to prevent them from striking back. He then fell backwards, landing on the ground seated, with Briana still firmly in his arms on his lap.

One of the rather fun things he had learned over time was this. Briana, the tough, indomitable templar, the woman who stood between all of mankind and the evils of blood magic, was extremely ticklish. It was something Alexander doubted few knew, but he used to his full advantage as he began to tickle her stomach and sides relentlessly as he kissed the side of her neck. After a few moments, still holding her tight and chuckling lightly, he said. "Do you really want to go back already? Must you be in such a hurry to go back to that dreary building of stone? Here you've got the soft green grass, the air of freedom... Me." He grinned as he began to tickle her some more. Every time she squirmed, he held a little bit tighter and tickled a little bit more.

"The tickling stops when you agree to stay!" He laughed.

[Briana Talon]

It wasn’t until Alex’s arms wrapped her pinning her arms that Briana realized his ploy. “Oh no you don’t. Alex don’t you…” That was all she was able to say before fits of laughter erupted from her as she tried to fend him off. The more she struggled against him the stronger Alex’s grip on her became. Briana gasped and yelled between her giggles but Alex had her. So unfair!

Briana couldn't believe how she had let on how ticklish she was. But Alex had caught her off guard one day and realized how sensitive she was. Ever since he used it to his advantage, not that she really minded since most of the time it worked out in her favor as well. It was just her being helpless that drove her nuts.

Finally Briana stopped struggling and leaned back against Alex. “Ok, I concede.” She was too weak to fend him off even if she wanted to. She didn't care for the tickling but she did like being in his arms. Briana knew she should be heading back to the Gallows, but time with Alex was precious. Besides, he had a point. She would rather be there in meadow with him than in the cold stone fortress.

“But no more tickling. I swear Alex, if you do I will be relentless in my payback.” Briana grinned while turning her head to the side to look at him. She loved it when he smiled like that. It warmed her heart to see him happy. Briana kissed him sweetly before pulling back. “Can I be released now? Or do you plan on pinning me the whole time?”

[Alexander]

She conceded! Briana actually conceded!!! Why didn't he just try tickling her last night instead of fighting (and losing) the honorable way? Alex simply smiled and kissed her shoulder. The 'defeat' ended rather favorably for him anyway, Alex doubted he'd be forgetting that night any time soon. Wrapping his arms around her waist, enjoying the fact that she was seated on his lap. Smiling at her, he returned her soft, sweet kiss and even leaned in for more as she pulled back, not wanting his lips to part from hers so soon. The thought of relentless payback was amusing, but at that moment he was much more content at simply looking at that fire she had in her eyes, a fire that warmed his very soul.

"Hmm.... Well, see, I could let you go... Or I could keep you here, in my arms, and never let go." His fingers this time gently went up her sides inside her shirt, then gently gliding down her chest on the surface of her skin towards her stomach as he kissed her neck. "I'll release you on the promise of good behavior." Alex's hands gently dropped away from her, his hands tracing her curves until they finally reached the ground, allowing him to lean back a bit and look up at her. He smirked a bit, and he knew she would decide to stay a little bit longer. They rarely had days like this, and they wanted to squeeze as much of this out of this as possible. Maker only knew when it would happen again.

[Briana Talon]

It was such a blissful thought; to have Alex never let go of her. But such romantic notions had no place in a life such as hers, or his for that matter. They were soldiers and would always be that first. It did not change how she felt for Alex, but happily ever after wasn't something she could ever hope for. But these moments here, they were the closest thing to it.

“So I have to promise good behavior?” Briana turned and faced Alex while he leaned back grinning at her with that particular grin. She hated that grin, but she also loved it. “I am not the one who took us to the ground.” Slowly she leaned forward, bringing herself closer to him until she could feel the heat radiating from his body. “But you've made one serious flaw, Alexander.” Briana’s soft lips curled upward as she leaned even closer to him; his chest pressed against hers and her lips feathered his. “You let me go before I promised such thing.” Before a response could be made, and Briana was sure Alex had one because he always did… Briana silenced him with a sweet kiss.

Her left hand moved up his bare chest, and she smiled against Alex’s lips when she felt his muscles tense under her hand. Briana pulled back from the kiss, her eyes glinting playfully at him. If he knew what she was planning he was too slow to react. The Templar moved quickly to position herself behind him, her legs gripping round his waist while she used her arms to lock Alex’s behind him.

“I’m not the only one who is ticklish Alex.” Briana let her breathe play on the back of his neck and this time it was her who was grinning wickedly when he reacted to the tickling affect it had on him. But she wasn't done and intensified the sensation with lips and tongue while keeping him locked in her grip.

It was a struggle to keep Alex’s arms pinned the longer she teased him. Her own laughter didn't help with her concentration either and it wasn't long before she could feel her hold on him slipping. Instead of just waiting for him to break loose Briana abruptly let him go and pushed against him while she tried to stand and make a run for it.

[Alexander]

Kissing her back as sweetly as she kissed him, Alex completely forgot about her comment and was taken in entirely by the moment. His hands wandered up her shirt, resting on her hips as her chest met his own. She was not a soft woman, she was a warrioress and had the body of one. But at the same time it was both firm and soft, rough and tender. And the way she had learned to use it with him made him putty in her hands.

Suddenly, without him even realizing what she was doing, she had swung around him and clamped down with her legs on his waist, his arms pinned. Teasingly, she began to kiss his neck, and immediately Alex tightened up. That happened to be one of the few places he was very, very ticklish, and her tongue knew exactly how to exploit that weakness. He wiggled and squirmed under her grasp, laughing as she exacted her beautifully executed revenge. In truth, he didn't mind being trapped by her. He knew it'd lead to something greater.

Finally, as he began to free himself, she decided to make a dash of it and broke off her pin. Moving quickly, Alex rolled onto the ground, jumped back onto his feet, and moved after her, quickly catching up to her and grabbing her arm, then pulling her close and kissing her passionately as his arms enveloped her under her shirt.

After a few moments Alex pulled back, wanting once more to have her bear skin touching his. Slowly lifting up the shirt, he stopped as the cloth reached her breast, then held her close again. As one hand began to drift down her side again he spoke in the sweet tone he only used with Briana. "Fine. Then how about we have one more hour of bad behavior until we have to go back hmm?" Leaning in to kiss her neck, his hand continued to drift to her lower stomach, slowly inching its way down.

[Briana Talon]

As Alex’s arms wrapped around her again, Briana didn’t bother to put up a fight. Instead her arms moved up around his shoulders, pulling him closer to her. In truth, this was what she wanted, to feel him against her and for them to enjoy this time they had with each other a while longer.

“You are very persuasive.” Briana murmured against Alex’s lips before kissing him again. With each second passing their passion intensified. His touch ignited a flame within her as he roamed her body and when he moved his hand lower down her stomach she moaned in anticipation. She yearned to feel more of him against her and It wasn’t long before he had her breathless.

Briana pulled the tie on Alex’s pants, loosening them so they slid off his waist easily. “You are such a bad influence.” Briana stated huskily before pushing him on his shoulders, a silent demand for him to take to the ground. She followed him; straddling him as she brought her lips to meet his again. She loved kissing him, she loved the way he felt against her, and she loved the way he made her feel when they were together. But more importantly, she loved him.

They were words never spoken but it could be seen in the way she looked at him when no one else was around; when she didn't have to wear the mask of propriety. Briana often wondered if Alex knew how she felt, especially during times like these when they were able to become lost in each other.