((Yes its shorter as sin, I had to put something before the larger part. So just bare with my crazyness. Thank you))

A hand dragging slowly down War’s face, he hadn’t a reply for what she spoke, not a word. Siana had somehow stunned him completely with the mere idea that he should of not only said something, but perhaps should of looked displeased in what his eyes feasted on. It was preposterous to say that least.

The woman had to of lost her mind. Thinking it would of been better had he not liked looking upon her flesh like so, but instead scowl brows to her feminality. Yes the woman had lost her mind, perhaps that stallion kicked her in the head and he’d missed it while speaking with his comrade.

It was the only explanation War could come up with.

Taking his first real step towards the manor, War caught the feeling of eyes set aboard him. Like burning prodes he found the pair, once noticed the figure pushed back into the shadows allowing only his sword to flicker sunlight off its silvery hilt. Giving a low grunt War pushed on, ignoring the bad taste rising within his throat.

Margaretta met him at the door, her eyes filled with a knowing of something he too would need to know. Following closely War closed a door leading into the kitchen, a few cooks nodded leaving swiftly as Margarette swished them out.

“What is it?” War asked in a bit of a huff. Margarette wiped her hands on her apron looking at the other door which still lay open, she moved to its side closing it gently.

“Saban is going to let Siana keep her mount?” She asked slightly hesitant. War nodded.

“As long as she passes his test.” Her lips twisted to his words.

“Not surprised” Mumbling softly as to not be heard from anyone poking about outside the doors. He gave her a confused look, willing her to go on.

“Saban has taken a sudden interest in Siana, and I suspect he will use her mount as a way to get closer.” War grunted folding board arms over an even broader chest, his imposing look begging her to further dive into her suspicions.

Margarette rolled her large eyes dropping into a large chair.

“Do not look upon me in such a manner, I am not fabricating lies in order for you to take her as your own….though that would be the smartest thing you have yet to do” She mumbled looking out a window when he gave her a warning snarl.

“Watch it Margarette.” War hissed, shifting a chair for him to sit down in.

“You know I speak the truth. Besides.” She waved a hand dismissing his argument altogether. “As much as I like Saban I don’t think he’d be a good choice for her, he is much too passive and Siana would destroy his very essence. “ War’s lips twitched knowing her words were true.

“And this is your reasoning to why she’d be better off with myself?” He didn’t like this conversation, but he was amusing to see where Margarette would end it.

“Part of it” She mused catching the glint of interest in his eyes. “But more so because Saban will go for her if she’s not claimed on harvest, as well many others.” To stop himself from seeming annoyed, fingers gripped both biceps.

“What are you babbling about?” He pushed her on without making it seem he was fully giving Margarette his attention. She brushed some flour off her dress before raising dark eyes to his.

“There has been talk, seem Siana is the most valuable among female within the manor. Most even those happily taken are in agreeance she would better than a shield maiden. Both beautiful on and off battlefields, she won't last long if unclaimed before the harvest moon.” A spark of something flash across Margarette’s eyes slowly fading away with the ever growing spark rising within  War’s chest.

“She isn’t going to be participating in the Harvest. So there won't be a need for any...claiming” It grinded against canines, sounding more like to vipers battling. Margarette gave him a suspicious look.

“Has Siana agreed….” War’s chest pumped out a low warning, ending her words softly in nothing more than a whisper.

“I will be be in my quarters, Siana and I will be training during darkness. She’ll need to learn her movements on a steed, our meals will be outside till Saban’s test.” Without giving her a change he left, nearly taking the door off its bindings. Margaret groaned, she swore he was thicker in the head than in muscles at times.

He moved without to much thought, each step taking him just a little further than the last. Deciding to train Siana in darkness wasn’t just so others wouldn’t be sniffing about, but more so because one would have to pay closer attention to their surroundings without the aid of light.

Teaching her the ways Saban would be looking for wasn’t going to be hard, but rather time consuming. Something they did not have much of. Saban would only give her three days, a normal time limit for a test.

Their sleep cycles were going to have to change, at least for the time being.

War pushed his door open finding a leaning Siana against the far window, her arms were crossed while keeping her back to him. He closed the door gently as to not startle her.

“Get some sleep” His voice calmer as he kicked his boots off while watching her with one eye.

“I’m not tired” It snapped off her tongue, almost making War flinch to its harshness.

“You need to sleep, were training at night for the next few days.” She turned to face him, eyes puzzled with the hearing of his words. War rubbed his face tiredly.

“Saban is going to give you three days to train for his test, best we do your training at night till then” He replied hoping that would suffice her interest.

“Why at night?” She didn’t seem pleased, in fact she looked redder than a hen caught by tail feathers. War gave off a groan knowing he’d have to explain better.

“Less eyes, less distractions.” His eyes closed while dropping into his favorite chair by the fire place. He could hear her moving towards him, feel the heat off her glare as well.

“Is that the only reason?” She was poking for more, he found it amusing. Deciding it would be appealing to vex her some, War’s lips turned up slightly.

“Are you frightened I will take advantage of you within shadows?” Her breath caught, and for a moment he’d thought she would say nothing and venture to bed. He should of known better.

“Your not my type, goodnight” His fingers clenched making fists on his lap, feeling his own words bite his ass wasn’t something he was prepared for. War opened an eye every so gently as to see her without knowing. Siana had already crawled into bed, her boots at its foot. Why he ever said that to her as a child, he’d not know. But it seemed he shouldn’t of done so, as now she was beginning to be something of his type.

Along with so many others.