Servants of the Black God Chapter 9, a green rider fanfic

Chapter 9

They had been talking for a while, but when she didn't answer his latest question, he turned to find her leaning over the table, head resting on her arm with eyes closed.

She jolted awake when he touched her shoulder. "Shh, it's ok, it's me." After the reassurance her body relaxed again. Fastion debated leaving her there and quickly decided against it. There was only one adult-sized bed in the house, so he picked her up and walked towards his bedroom.

*o*o*o*o*

Karigan was first aware of the softness. She wasn't in her straw bed. She wasn't sleeping on the ground. It was so comfortable she knew the mattress must be feather. The thought was exhilarating and she snuggled deeper into the blankets. Never again did she want to sleep in a forest, not when such comforts existed. And the smell…Then her mind snapped fully awake. She was in someone else's bed. She moved and saw a long white sleeve covering her arm. Sitting up fully, she saw that she wasn't wearing her own clothing, but a male's large dress shirt. It only came to her thighs and her legs were bare beneath. Looking down at her attire made her blush. She didn't remember anything after resting her head on the table and knew that Fastion must have undressed her for bed. The experience was more intimate than anything else she'd ever done with a man and SHE HADN'T EVEN BEEN AWAKE. With a weird feeling of disappointment, she went in search of her own clothing. When she found the dress, she couldn't blame Fastion for taking it off before letting her sleep in his bed. The chest of the finely woven satin was flecked with blood and the bottom appeared to have been soaked through. Her inspection ended when she turned it over and saw how it was utterly ruined. Instead of figuring out how to untie the complicated corset, it looks like Fastion had just cut it apart. Wryly she said, "Well there goes the hope of ever wearing that again."

With nothing else to wear, she left the bedroom and walked down the narrow hallway. She could hear food being prepared and the smell was making her mouth water. She stopped in the Kitchen's entrance to watch her hosts. Lily stood beside her uncle, giving the much larger person strict preparation instructions. The image was so comical and endearing Karigan couldn't break it. So she stood there until Lily noticed her.

"Karigan!" She exclaimed and bounded over to her newest friend exclaiming, "I made you breakfast. Well, Uncle Fastion helped too I guess."

Karigan smiled down at the beaming young face and assured her, "I'm sure it's going to be great." Then she looked up at Fastion, "He's lucky he has such a good helper."

Fastion looked down at the little girl, "Lily, run downstairs and see if Mrs. Applebalm is willing to watch you this morning."

Lily's shoulder's slumped and as she walked away, Karigan could hear her complaining about being sent away again. Karigan watched as Fastion watched the child disappear from view, then he looked at her. She was suddenly very aware of how the morning air felt on her bare legs. The shirt sleeves came down to her knuckles and she toyed with them as she returned his gaze.

He gulped and after glancing down once, she noted how he resolutely fixed his eyes on her face. "You look good." He blurted. His tan cheeks took on a red hue.

She walked towards him and when she was close, stopped. Holding his gaze, she raised an eyebrow and accused, "You undressed me."

She saw his throat work as he swallowed. His eyes didn't leave her face. In a voice that had become strained, he stated, "It was either the shirt or you were going to be sleeping in your underclothes."

"I'm curious. Did you join me in bed?"

He swallowed again. "I slept on the floor."

She reached up to run her hand down his cheek. His eyelids drooped as if they wanted to close, but he continued to stare at her. However, when she pulled his head down to meet hers, he didn't resist. The kiss was reluctant at first, but when he ran his hands down her waist, she wrapped both arms around his neck. Her body rubbed close against his and he groaned deep in his throat, grabbed her and lifted. Instinctively wrapping her legs around him, she rested her weight on his hips. He backed her up against the wall and the kiss became more intense.

Just then a voice rang through the house. "Uncle Fastion!" Groaning, they each leaned their heads back. Slightly breathless, he yelled back, "What'd she say Lily?"

"That it was fine. And that I should just yell up to you. And that I wasn't supposed to go upstairs. And that I was to come straight back. And not interrupt you and Karigan."

Karigan leaned her head back against the wall and shook with silent laughter.

"All right. Go play with the other kids, I'll see you later."

When they heard the light footsteps run back out the front door, Fastion rested his head on Karigan's shaking shoulder and he joined her in laughing.

After a minute, she regained some control over herself. Still chuckling, she unwrapped her legs and lowered herself back to the ground. Karigan stepped back and said in a more serious voice, "We really should stop. I need to find some clothing. You butchered my last pair."

Equally serious, he said, "I really don't mind how you're dressed now."

It surprised another laugh out of her. "No doubt, but I insist we find me some clothing."

*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o* *o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o* *o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*

Letter from the Author:

If you want more, then please private message me! :) The rest of this story is getting used for bigger things and if you're interested for some extra reading, I'm currently looking for readers for my novel-in-progress. Or if you just want some friendly conversation, I love having discussions about other stories we've all read. Look at my profile for a list of some favorites.

For all of those people who had read the "original 25 chapter" fanfic, thank you for your reviews and your feedback. Your encouragement has meant everything and your responses are the sole reason why the plot eventually became so intricate. The original fanfic story had Words: 108,000 - Chapters: 25 - Reviews: 172 - Favs: 36 - Follows: 66 You guys are amazing. I never expected so much support. Truly, I thought I would be the only one enjoying this story.

I'm sorry if the removal of the rest of the story (chapters 10-25) disappoints you. It was a tough decision to make. As the chapters progressed (especially after chapter 9) the story became less and less relevant to the GR world. I had a lot of ideas for the story which I was unable to incorporate into the plot because of its label as fanfiction and I was trying to stay true to Karigan and the GR world, along with finishing the plot Kristen Britain had started in book 4 Blackveil. Now, those many plot details and problems I had added into the story can be fully expanded because I'm handing them off to other characters in another world, one of my own making.

I'm in the process of writing the story (4 books in this series, and more series to come set in the same world). This fast-paced story doesn't have riders with special abilities, eletians/elves, or great evils, but it does have adventure, intrigue, pain, loss and love. It will pay homage to all those amazing fantasy writers who have come before our generation and who have inspired the imaginations of the world. As a writer I've been inspired by the works of Tamora Pierce, George RR Martin, JRR Tolkien, Robin Hobb and Kristen Britain. If you would like to discuss these great fantasy works, or if you would like to read and comment on the novel(s) I am currently writing, shoot me a message.

Thank you for reading,

Mellyrian

*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*

A special thanks to those who have reviewed the story (I am only citing one review from each person):

Mystic777 "Congrats on finishing the story! I must admit that I'm going to have a hard time reading and not looking for hints of Fastion/Karigan. XD Thanks for pushing through to the end!"

NaomiMiller "Oh, I can't wait for the next chapter. I wonder, is Fastion going to go after Karigan and be her rescuer? Although this is Karigan and he's more likely to ride in on her making a getaway. ;) This story has really developed a lot and the plot keeps me guessing at ever chapter. It just gets better and the only thing I can say is that you need to update soon."

Kimackay "Best chapter yet! Excellent intrigue and plot insights. This is working into a very good read!"

Shiary "amazing story and lovely ending! I adored it!"

Harm Marie "Liked this."

Melime14 "His story is amazing! I' m very impressed! Update as soon as possible please!"

Aereal "A beautiful chapter. I loved the description of the city and the lights, and you made me believe in KxF and their developing relationship. Very nicely done ;)"

Owlkin "Now I see Jim Cavaziel from the Count of Monte Cristo when I imagine Fastion :) . . . .*purrs* So sweet, and the way events have played out feel very natural. You didn't have to turn the original plot inside out to find Karigan her man."

Emmalilly21 "dun Dun DUN! Karigan ya canny ole fool! Either save yourself or be prepared for Fastion!"

Canisleepnow "Well done, excellent story!"

LaRire "A-mazing! Love the story and the way you tell it. _ Keep up the good work!"

Chaosassassin1 "wow this is an amazing story and i hope you keep on writing this!"

Jully Reed "I love it! I love it! I really love it! Seriously, it would be awesome should something like this happens in the books!"

BrightAngelofDarkness "Aw I don't want this story to end but looking forward to the next chapter! Great work Mellyrian :)"

Jesspanda "Wow, what a great fic you have here! I decided to fill my life with some Green Rider fanfics while I wait the month or so for the next book to come out and I'm glad I ended up here! I really can't wait to see what happens... this fic kind of has me hoping for a Karigan/Fastion ship in the books! Ha! Keep up the great work!"

natwriter "I really hope you update! I loce tgis story and want to know what happens!"

TreeRowan "AAAh! I just found the fanfic page. Loving your Servants of the Black God! Got to the end of this chapter and i want more. why did you stop?"

HeyHeyHey "This is such a good fic! I really hope you continue it!"

Blood is heaven "Hey, I love this story, please continue it"

MelilotProudfoot "Story is building ... Loved how Karigan dealt with the situation, shows how she is maturing. I don't generally like OCs but lily and Elwin recall add to the story"

redtoadstool "Nah I like Fastion liking Karigan -if that makes sense- it's really sweet and makes me feel happy:) But I don't understand what she is talking to the second empire about?"

Emily "Nope, not too sensitive! Just right. Can't wait to see what happens at the meeting. Oh, and I hope Karigan and Estora make up. They could both use a friend."

IRZBV "Please write more soon i love the story so far. And the part at the end is a very interesting twist that you did."

Fire's Fury "I am really happy to see this story continuing, it is great to see a good Karigan/Fastion story. And you are doing a very good job of writing Astoria as a pissed off Queen Regent. Can't wait to see more of Westerion."

Mary "Please please please update! This story is well written and has so much potential :)"

Just Nine Letters "Please keep writing this I beg of thee. This is awesome."

sparrow5 "MORE"

G "Wooooop! Great story. there is very loud appaluse on thi side of the internet. Although id hate to see how the public reacts to the news of Zachary/Mornhavion's death. I mean how do you convince thousands of people that their king was possesed. A great story anyway you slice it."

Wallariel "I hope the next will be release soon! It's a very good story. (Sorry but i'm french, i m not good enought to develop an argumentation about your story :p but I really love your story)"

AifetheWit "Ha usually I'm not a fan of Karigan being with anyone other than Zachery, but I must say I am liking this. Good job."

GracieFox "hhahaha love this story i love the pairing too keep up the good work"

DarkAngelLida "Go fastion, its really interesting to see the mundane human side of the weapons and how they also have personal lives of their own. Good job on this chapter, looking forward to reading more."

Zealith "Looks good so far, I look forward to reading it."

cazzam "Lily, you are such a little sweetheart. Fastion's reactions were well written and extremely easy to visualise."

WikidThoughts "Wahhhhh! Update soon!"