JonFreeman: Costs of a Relationship

There are dangers in the mortal world that Launa can face with ease and then there are dangers from the Mystical Underworld that can really be a make or break for the sorceress. One is the case of Thantor. 20 years ago the once over-eager runt of a tribe of warrior werewolves grew of high interest to Launa but wasn't interested in him.

That decision would come back to haunt her now with Thantor being chief (after his father died of "mysterious" circumstances" and personally stalked Launa for hopes to be his mate. Which led to the kidnapping of her boyfriend Rolo. This was evident when Launa visited his place and discovered police surrounding the place and the entire house looks like a tornado hit it. Looking into the house herself she finds writing on the wall in the language only Launa can understand from Thantor.

The letter states that he took Rolo to the underworld and insists that she watches as he kills Rolo for her hand as per tradition among his pack. In total fury she ported herself to the tribe only to discover too late Rolo is in a lopsided battle against the stronger and more brutal Thantor. Launa comes in to save him but instead gets brutal punch in the stomach and falls to the ground by High Lord officer who dares not interfere with the challenge. Launa tries but the High Lord will not allow it or listen to reason for this was done under duress, indicating that he's in on this as well for his transgressions from Launa.

However just when all seems lost and Launa is about to loose her lover, Rolo comes out on top and despite his own build and size, he wins. But in a nasty low blow, Thantor strikes him down and brutally beats him before Launa finally smashes down the High Lord and kicks him off. Holding his battered body in her arms, Launa hysterically sobs hoping for Rolo to have any sign of life. Rolo will live but as they walked away Thantor gets back and runs for Launa in the "if Ican't have you, no one will" ideal ending in him getting a brutal knockout by Launa with one backfist to the face.

Launa then turns to the High Lord telling him harsly that his actions will not go unpunished for if his fellow lords don't discipline him for his actions, she will. And the two leave the High Lords did get wind of this, his fate is unknown. Meanwhile back home Launa has spent sleepless nights hoping for him to wake up even after healing his body to peak condition. After ten days of waiting, Rolo wakes up to a teary eyed Launa crushing him in a tight hug happy to see him out of the coma.

But this is where she gets the message of having someone like Rolo into her world and the dangers it has. Leaving her no choice but to ask Rolo to never see her again for fear that the next time he would be killed and will never forgive herself if that day comes. Rolo mustered the strength to get it through her thick skull that he loves her too much for this to collapse and reminds her that he had just defeated a mallet-yielding werewolf. If that doesn't prove to her he's tough enough, what does? Launa tears up and holds him up close. Rolo really does love her and no one will get in his way to show that. Launa wondered where did he learn how to fight like that and his answer: From watching Launa in training for years.

Art (c)