Post by Orin Evans on Mar 26, 2020 18:49:18 GMT -5
[ORIN] He quietly walked next to Cassandra down the halls, not knowing what to say, what to do, where to go. Whiskey sounded really good right now....despite how awful it had made him feel afterwards. But he just wanted to fall into a drunken stupor to slip away from all of these emotions that were plaguing him right now. He needed to get away from that library, afraid that he'd see his sister emerge heartbroken, because Aric said or did something that would end up hurting her or their relationship. She saw that darkness in his eyes, like he had lost all hope with seeing Eoin's return, like Alexandria would just suddenly forget he existed and go running back to him. He had been hurt by him suggesting that he'd be like his brother and cheat on Alexandria. But he couldn't see or remember how much he meant to her? He understood though. Really, he did. And the whole situation was just horrible. But there was nothing more he or anyone could do for them. It was something they would need to work out. With a sigh, he finally looked to Cassandra. "Well, then...." He spoke quietly. "Wasn't expecting the evening to end like this..." For a brief moment, he had worried for Alexandria and if she would be okay with him in that angered state. But Aric had promised he would never harm her in any way... And he needed to trust that. He truly hoped he was nothing like Edward.
He looked her over, knowing she had been upset and was crying during this whole fiasco. "Are you alright?" He gently questioned her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] What was there to even say after all of that? The day had swiftly escalated into madness and now she, and some of the others, would need to remain in the dark. Alexandria and Aric had to work this out on their own without any help, as much as Cassandra wanted to. But she just blindly walked, not even sure where she was going even when Orin's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "You Aralorians...really know how to throw a party..." Her voice was quiet with only a hint of humorous sarcasm. It felt wrong to even joke about it. Green eyes cast over her shoulder down the hall where the library had been, so far away now. She couldn't seem to get the look on Eoin's face out of her mind now. "Of course," she answered him, her attention drifting over him before resting in front of her. Cassandra felt like she had no right to be remotely emotional about anything right now, as silly as that might seem. "I just...know where Aric's mind went. After his brother's antics and now...this man?" She didn't know the whole story on Eoin, but she really didn't need to hear it now. It had been blatantly obvious in that room. "He feels guilt when he shouldn't." Cassandra was shaking her head, trying to clear it. Again, this wasn't her problem to solve or get into the middle of and she had to stop. It just strangely hit home for her. [d]
[ORIN] She was really making a joke about this? If he wasn't so upset himself, he might have laughed. But he couldn't help the own guilt that ate away at him. He had been the one to find Eoin's necklace he wore, on the charred ground in the forest. He looked everywhere, to no avail... So he assumed Eoin dead. And he told his sister he had died. But he had been wrong, and because of his call, Eoin had suffered....for a year, only to come back and find his love in the arms of another man. A man that Alexandria loved now.
When she spoke, it dragged him out of his own thoughts. "Where did Aric's mind go?" He did not know this man's story or anything, just that he was from Tresteria and had been unhappy about something until Alexandria came along. Though when Edward spoke and mentioned him kissing his wife and child? Or something like that? He could only imagine from the anger in Aric, that he had struck a nerve. "Guilt for what?" He was curious. He wanted to help, but he wasn't sure how, and it wasn't anyone's place except for Aric and Alexandria. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Drawing in a long, deep breath when he inquired about it, Cassandra didn't answer right away. Perhaps she was wrong, but that man was the closest thing she had to a brother. He had put up with her fluctuating moods, and she his own. She knew him at his lowest, recognized when he was beginning to go back to that dark place. This was just slightly different now...but he feared loss again. Who wouldn't? "He...probably feels like he stole her from him now." A wave of her hand, she was already dismissing how stupid it sounded. Eventually her steps slowed down, drawing him to a halt along with her. "This is probably not my story to tell..." she began, but knew he would not unnecessarily repeat it. Alexandria already knew, though. "He was married before...to one of the kindest women I ever met." A pause, she felt her throat begin to tighten and realized she was fighting off her stupid emotions again. She silently blamed it on the wine. "Maria died giving birth to their child...and the baby didn't make it either." Fingers nervously toyed with the rings adorning her fingers and she lightly cleared her throat. "Were that me...I'd be afraid of losing another love all over again." It was a strange situation. Cassandra hoped Aric realized that, just because Eoin returned, didn't mean his wife was going to leave him. Then again, no one knew Alexandria's heart any better than she herself did. And they couldn't judge. [d]
[ORIN] He quietly listened to Cassandra as she explained how she saw things and how Aric was, and what the man had lost in his life. It all started to make a little more sense to him-- perhaps why the two had been so drawn to each other. He just nodded in understanding. He could understand the guilt that Aric was probably feeling for Eoin now--he'd probably feel the same. But that torn feeling of not wanting to lose the one you loved. Again.
He sighed heavily and shook his head. "I wish there was something I could do. I feel like this is all my fault... I was the one who assumed him dead... I was the one who told her he was dead. I was the one who let him into that room...." His gaze fell downward. [d]
[CASSANDRA] "No, Orin," she was quick to say, shaking her head. "This is, unfortunately, no one's fault." A hand moved to his arm, and she tilted her head while green eyes tried to find his gaze and draw him from this downfall before it got out of hand. "How could you have known? How could anyone have known?" It had just been a mean twist of fate. This kingdom and all of their lives seemed to be plagued with so many problems, but they would overcome them. They managed to thus far. And as Alexandria had told her, she was Aralorian now if she wished it...so Cassandra was actually willing to carry some of these burdens if she could at all help. Even if the thought of imminent war frightened her. She never had to see it first hand because Tresteria never had war on its doorstep. But ever since her own capture, she was quickly realizing how horrible and cruel the world could be. "This will all work itself out," she promised, silently hoping to herself. "It's...just a minor setback." And a sad one at that. [d]
[ORIN] He couldn't have known, honestly. It had looked so obvious that Eoin had burned to death, so what else was he supposed to assume? With a heavy sigh, Oirn just nodded to Cassandra, not knowing what else to say. "I hope so," was all he could manage to mutter under his breath, though loud enough for her to hear.
He didn't want to think about this anymore, though he knew it would be impossibly not to. His mood had been killed with Edward's stunt, and he was just fuming. He needed to find a way to calm down--to release this anger he was feeling. "Do you want your first lesson in defending yourself?" He quickly changed the subject, hinting at that it might be good for them to both take out their aggressions on the dummies. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She understood him. Delivering that news to his sister couldn't have been easy...and now to find that Eoin was indeed still alive? No one had been sent to look for him because he thought there was nothing left to search for. And this guilt very well may eat away at him. His next question made it obvious that he was trying to forget about it, so she wasn't going to mention it again. It also made her brows lift up in some surprise. "After I've had a few glasses of wine?" she asked. She wasn't inebriated, but those emotions couldn't be the only reason why her mind was all over the place. "Sure, that sounds like a brilliant idea." That was sarcasm, but she wasn't saying no at the same time, either. [d]
[ORIN] He laughed at her sarcasm and shrugged his shoulders. "It was either that.... Or go find somewhere private and have my way with you... But my mood for that has been completely destroyed." He shook his head. First with his conversation with Aric about his brother's infidelity, and his sudden guilt for Henry. Then with Edward's outburst...And then with Eoin. Maybe it was just best he go to bed now. [d]
[CASSANDRA] He finally managed a small laugh out of her as the thoughts of the evening were beginning to drift to the back of her mind. Until morning, most likely, when they'd come barreling back to the forefront. And despite his words that would normally make that fire spark, her hand moved to his face in a more affectionate than passionate way. Those thoughts of his had mirrored her own; perhaps she had been holding onto them for far longer. Suddenly, she was realizing how much she had berated Edward for his actions, the way he treated his wife...but wasn't she doing the exact same thing? It was like that thought suddenly slammed the air from her lungs; a gentle gasp slipping passed her lips as she withdrew her hand. "I'm...not much different from Edward, am I?" That was, quite possibly, the worst thing she could imagine. Her voice was so quiet, speaking as if she was expecting Orin to immediately understand where her train of thought had gone. [d]
[ORIN] As soon as her hand touched his face, he was looking around to see if anyone else was around them. His gaze fell back to hers as she spoke, a frown forming on his lips. She was worrying the same he was, and he didn't really know what to say. He took her hand from his face and slowly lowered it, but not letting go. He wanted to console her and convince her that she wasn't, but how? He just shook his head. "I wondered the same thing... But about myself..." He admitted. "I am helping you hurt your husband...whether he knows or not..." He sighed, "But you're far from being like the king... You're not abusive and you take care of your husband..." He noticed how she did, like he was one of her patients. "You care for him... I've seen it..." He reached to tuck a strand of her hair from her face. "And... He's so old.... I um... assume he cannot be too intimate anymore?" He tried to tread lightly regarding this, but there was no nice way of putting it. "Edward seems to do it for sport... To flaunt he is king and can do as he pleases... You don't do that." He sighed again, not knowing what else to say and hoping that whatever he did say, helped ease her mind, if only a little bit. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She was already trying not to cry, but those stupid, annoying tears were beginning to glint in her eyes. The realization struck her so quickly and hard that it was a wonder how she was even still standing. It was the absolute worse feeling in the world. Edward's cruel words echoing in her mind even as Orin made an attempt to console her. What was worse, was that despite this guilt...she didn't want to stop. How could she feel guilt without the remorse? How did that make any sense? Henry knew she did not love him as a wife should, but that didn't mean she didn't love him. He was a good man and probably one of her dearest friends, as strange as that seemed. At the intimate comment, she laughed lightly. She hadn't meant to, but it seemed so ridiculous. "We never were..." she quietly confessed something so personal, because it would have been blatantly clear to Orin that she was far from virginal. And that was insinuating things that it shouldn't. There had been no one in such an intimate way between Henry and Orin, and she didn't know why she couldn't just say that. Only before her husband, and that had been such a long time ago. "I just wish that sometimes...I would feel as guilty as I should about it." And the fact that she wasn't wallowing in her sin made her question herself. [d]
[ORIN] When she admitted that she and her husband had never been intimate, he rose a brow slightly. His mind started to form various questions. Ones he wouldn't dare ask, because it wasn't any of this business really. But as she admitted she did not feel as guilty as she should about it, he shrugged his shoulders. "You were forced into an arranged marriage and don't have any intimacy in it..." He stated so simply, as if it were obvious why she didn't feel all that guilty. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Maybe that was a later conversation if he ever wanted to know. For now, she was simply at a loss for words. "Right..." She trailed off, only sounding half sure about it. Slowly drawing away from him she began to walk again with no real direction still. Maybe it was to go to the training room. Maybe it was to find a drink, or two...or three, because she was suddenly craving it. Or maybe she planned to just wander until she was too tired to. Perhaps it was whatever came first. [d]
[ORIN] He watched as she moved away from him and began walking. To where, he wasn't sure. He wasn't entirely sure if she knew either. Unsure if she wanted him to follow her or not, he just stood there for a moment before he decidedly moved to follow after her, grabbing hold of her wrist when he caught up, and he whirled her around to face him. "What makes you happy?" He asked, so randomly, but maybe he had a purpose for the question. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She was losing herself to her own thoughts, not really knowing what she wanted anymore. He was always welcome to follow, but perhaps she should have voiced such. What she wasn't expecting was for him to take her wrist and spin her to face him, asking a question she wasn't sure how to answer. It snapped her out of whatever trance she had been in; eyes looking up at him in confusion. "What...?" She tried searching his face, attempting to figure out where this was coming from, if perhaps she had angered him. What made her happy? So few things these days, but it was still a lot more than before Aralore. [d]
[ORIN] He looked down at her as she questioned him, confused. "What makes you happy?" he repeated, as if saying it a second time would make it make more sense. "Just answer the question... What makes you want to live every day? What makes you want to get out of bed in the morning? What do you hope for?" He was pulling at strings now, trying to get something out of her, maybe to prove some kind of point to her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was such an out of the blue question that she was almost panicked to try and answer. She didn't know. As a woman with a high class upbringing, it had always been the need for wealth, of a large and beautiful house, a good status amongst society...but she had had those things, and it barely changed anything. She simply lived with it, accepted it...until she came to Aralore. Cassandra saw how these people struggled, even those of higher status. It was different. Everything about her had started to change. The question was heavy on her shoulders and she didn't realize that she was beginning to tear up, something she was once again chalking up to the wine. But she no longer felt that buzz from it. "A warm day," she began, her voice so quiet that he would have missed it if he wasn't standing right there. "A cup of tea..." These were probably sounding so ridiculous to him, but he may not understand that their simplicity was what surprised her the most, and why it was so important. "Alexandria's friendship, the idea that I could stay here...that I might have a purpose for once in my miserable, pathetic life." She was talking too fast now, but it would all end in a single, whimpered word, "You." [d]
[ORIN] He had a very different upbringing. His parents had been nobles and friends of the king and queen, but when they had to flee the kingdom, he was only ten. They had to protect the princess, and make sure she'd never be found, until she was old enough to return and retake her kingdom. They had lived as commoners, and that's what Orin remembered. But when his parents were killed, he was forced to grow up quickly so he could take care of Alexandria and carry that heavy burden of making sure she went back to Aralore. Though he wished he never had.
So he did not know what it meant to have that high class upbringing, and what was expected. He just simply lived his life. It was all a shit show anyway.
When Cassandra began to list off the smallest things that made her happy, he didn't say anything. Those little things made a bigger picture. And so he listened, and she brought up being friends with Alexandria and staying there... finding her purpose... He was about to say something, but she finally uttered that last word. Indicating that he was one of the things that made her happy. He stared at her, then, his eyes as if they'd burn into her. He leaned in and spoke to her quietly. "This is what makes you different than Edward... You care about the simple things... And the bigger things, like friendship... and purpose..." He paused, hesitating for a moment, but he leaned in closer to her. "Edward uses people to make himself happy... To use. I don't see you in that light." He shook his head and finally leaned in and pressed his lips hard against her own. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She didn't know why her heart was pounding so erratically. Maybe this was the first time she was truly realizing all of it. Her desire to remain in this kingdom was not something very new, but it felt different now when she had said it. And now, Cassandra was truly crying when he was explaining to her how she couldn't possibly be anything like Edward, even if what was between her and Orin was wrong. It was wrong, yes, but it was different. She shouldn't have been so blind as to not see that. A hand had drifted to his chest, those few small tears were more out of happiness and relief than anything else now, even while those eyes seared into her, daring to take her breath away. And very well may have. Fingers were curling into the fabric of his shirt as he leaned in even closer, then dared to kiss her out in that hallway. Maybe she had forgotten they were out in the open, or her muddled mind didn't care, but she was rising up onto her toes to deepen the kiss; arms wrapping around his neck. [d]
[ORIN] It was a daring thing to do...to kiss her like this out in the open. Anyone could walk down these halls at any moment. And yet, Orin didn't care. He held her face in his hands as he kissed her back, but after several moments, he pulled back and looked at her, a look of desire in his eyes. She had stolen his breath from that kiss, so he was catching his breath before he spoke. "We can't do this out here..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] Her tears were about dry once that kiss ended, one she almost didn't let him break. She was clinging to him desperately, unwilling to let go, even when he pointed out the very obvious. Fortunately, to her knowledge, no one had noticed them, or cared to let their eyes linger for too long. This affair, this whatever-it-was, wasn't something she could throw around aimlessly, no matter how much she wanted to not care what others thought. And the last person she wanted to know was Edward. That very idea actually frightened her. She felt like he was far more unhinged these days. "Then where?" she whispered breathlessly. She didn't care if all she felt were his lips tonight. Right now, she wanted to forget the hell that tomorrow would inevitably bring. [d]
[ORIN] He looked down at her as she breathlessly asked him where they should go. He hadn't a clue, honestly. Her room was too risky, and so was his--if anyone came looking for him. That guest room they had occupied a couple of times now, would start to become suspicious-- especially since Aric had already seen her coming out of there once before. He thought about Aric's damn comment about the locks, and how someday he would realize how he felt. The thought managed to make him laugh slightly, and he took her hand and headed down the hallway with her. He stopped when they came to a door, and he opened the door, holding it for her as she entered. He'd follow behind her and wander around the room to light some candles , before moving to his door and locking it. Because his door had a lock...and he was smart enough to use it. If people were going to bother him, they typically checked in the armory hall or in the military building. He was usually left alone when he stayed in his room in the castle. Once they were inside, he grabbed Cassandra and backed her up against the wall, pressing his lips hard into hers. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was strange, wasn't it? That, after everything, she didn't actually know where his room was? Following behind him as he swiftly led them down the halls, she actually became curious when the door shut behind them, and he was busy lighting a few candles. She stood there, examining things in the dark as if this very room would help her understand him a little bit more. Her curiosity would have to wait, however, when he was grabbing her, and she felt the hard wall against her back. A gasp was muffled against his mouth as she returned that kiss feverishly. [d]
[ORIN] His room was simple, without a lot of embellishments or décor. There was a bed, of course, and a wardrobe, a chair or two, and a desk and bookshelf with lots of papers and books stacked on top of it. He wasn't a very organized person, but he knew where everything was. The only thing that may have resembled any sort of decor were the swords and shields and various other weaponry he seemed to have collected.
He hadn't given her much of a chance to look around, because he wanted to continue that kiss from out in the hallway. One hand held her face, fingers combing through her hair. The other hand pressed against the wall next to her head. He pressed his body up against hers and deepened that kiss, not wanting to let her go, and suddenly forgetting all about the rest of the day. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was a wonder how his lips were enough to cease all doubt and worry, filling her head with far more interesting things. Just moments ago, she felt like the worst woman in the world. She felt like a cheater, a whore, a nobody that was trying maybe too hard to actually be a somebody. And none of that mattered right now. It never did in his arms because she was just, simply, a woman. Not a pawn. Not having to pretend to fit into whatever society labeled her as. The fire with which she had kissed him back had subsided only a little bit; her lips slanting against his own with a newfound appreciation, a headiness and desire subtly different than before. There was always this painful need to move passed this after a moment, but Cassandra seemed rather content and occupied with this mouth this time; those fingers once again curling into the fabric of his shirt as she remained happily trapped between him and the wall. [d]
[ORIN] He held her there, against the wall, kissing her hard with desire and need. Her lips were like a whiskey, that he so badly wanted to get drunk off of--to melt away the guilt and upset he had felt throughout the night.
Reluctantly, he pulled back slightly, eyes glancing down at her as he caught his breath. He didn't know why he was pulling away, or what he wants to say to her, but he smirked slightly. "Sorry-- I couldn't control myself." He backed up a little, allowing her to move away from the wall. And he moved to sit in one of his chairs, sighing slightly. [d]
[CASSANDRA] He was taking her breath away when he eventually pulled back, and she thought she would suffocate if he didn't return. The sudden stop made her dizzy, perhaps even a little crazed, and it would take her a moment to gather herself together. Cassandra remained leaning against the wall, seeking air while fingertips brushed across her lips in quiet remembrance. "Quite alright..." she finally murmured, soft amusement in her tone. After a moment, she pushed herself off from the wall, and decided to take the time to idly wander, desperate to find her self control. A finger trailed along the spines of books with a bit of curiosity, but she wouldn't look at any of the papers, in case it was none of her business. She'd stop at some of the random weaponry, though, tilting her head with intrigue as she picked up a small blade. "This is a strange assortment of things..." she commented. "How do you find anything?" [d]
[ORIN] He slouched in that chair, tired and worn out. He didn't know why he ended that kiss--because he didn't want to. But still, he felt somewhat guilty. For lecturing Aric on not cheating on his sister. Or for the hurt that Henry might feel if he had found out. His eyes lifted as he heard her voice again, as she was going through his things. He smirked slightly. "I don't know. I just do, I suppose?" He shrugged his shoulders as he glanced around his room. Yes, it could perhaps use a little cleaning and organization. His gaze fell back on her and he spoke quietly. "Am I not so different than Edward, myself?" [d]
[CASSANDRA] His question gave her pause, and she was quick to look over at him, her brows furrowing. It would seem the happenings of tonight were to continue plaguing them in some way. Just when she was willing to forget about it, he was reminding her of it. Still, just as he had consoled her on it, she'd do her best to reassure him. Drawing in a soft and slow breath, Cassandra wandered her way closer, draping her arms over his shoulders as she half-embraced him from behind while he sat in that chair; her cheek resting atop his head. "You've never, ever made me feel inferior, Orin. You've never made me fear for my safety when alone with you...you're far different from that man. Don't ever think otherwise." Her voice had grown stern, because it was the worst feeling in the world, to think you were anything like the king of Tresteria. "You've never made me feel like-" she began, pausing for a moment as her voice got quieter. "An empty vessel that can be pawned off to the highest bidder." In other words: a whore. Which was oddly funny in a dark sense, considering how they've been spending their time together as of late. And even if that was all this was and wound up remaining, it was still different for her. "I feel...human and more alive than I have in quite awhile," she confessed. [d]
[ORIN] He watched her as she moved towards him. As she draped her arms around him, he placed one of his hands on hers. He listened as she spoke, convincing him that he was not like Edward. He had begun to worry that his dominance may come across as abusive. But she was stating otherwise. When she finished, he took her hand and urged her around the chair and onto his lap. His fingers reached up to brush strands of hair out of her face. "I... Can get carried away sometimes.... Forget my own strength... So if I've hurt you, or made you feel nervous... It's not my intent." Most women would have perhaps felt scared or inferior by him. "I am happy to hear you feel more human and alive, though." He pulled her closer and pressed his lips against her neck before whispering in her ear, "I feel the same way..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] Sure, the markings upon her neck had made things particularly challenging for her, but even still, she couldn't complain. Nor had he exactly been sober at the time. But humorous thoughts aside, she wondered why he was even worried about any of this. And before she could ask or figure it out on her own, he was drawing her around to his lap to explain. A grin curled up a corner of her mouth. "I am not a prudish woman," she told him so matter-of-factly. And she would also not be entertaining any of this if she feared for her safety. She wasn't a stupid woman, albeit not thinking as clearly when she felt his hot breath at her ear. Cassandra bit down on her bottom lip, her eyes fluttering as her fingers curled into the shirt at his shoulder. "Do you now..." she managed to say. She was almost embarrassed by how easily and quickly her voice quivered. Perhaps it wasn't wise to be doing any of this tonight, but she had no will to object. [d]
[ORIN] His lips, for a brief moment, moved away from her neck so he could laugh at her comment about not being a prudish woman. He didn't think she was, but one could never be too sure. But soon after, his lips were busy again at her jaw, and he pushed the fabric around her neck down so he could see and feel the beautiful skin there. "Mmm.." He mumbled his response to her quivering voice, and he pulled her down closer to him, claiming her lips once again. His hands were starting to wander now, but that form fitted dress she wore was restricting him. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Aye, this blasted dress. Personally, if she didn't need something to walk out of there in, she would have torn it off. It was restricting, by so many definitions of the word. It was the dark, steely colors of a land she wanted no association with, it was like a damned curse right now. As he pulled her further into that kiss, she was reaching up to undo the single button of the collar at the base of her neck, leading one of his wandering hands to the laces of the corseted bodice along her back, if he felt so inclined. That dress was suffocating, nearly covering every inch of her like a blasted chastity belt. Chaste- she didn't know the meaning of the word. [d]
[ORIN] He grinned through their kiss when she moved his hand to the laces along her back, but it was quick to fade as he deepened the kiss. Fingers of that one hand slowly worked to loosen and untie the laces. His other hand moved slowly to her thigh, working to inch the hem of that dress up her leg.
So many emotions in one night. He had hoped for this, then it was the last thing on his mind, and now... well, he wasn't expecting the night to end this way with all that had happened.
At first his movements were slow, but as their kiss continued, he started to become more ravenous with his hands, pulling on the laces until that damned bodice was completely loosened. He wanted to free her from the suffocating restrictions of that dress. He wrapped his arms tightly around her torso and then stood up with her and carried her towards the bed leaning her against it so he could work on peeling that dress off of her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] This probably wasn't a good idea right now, but then again...who would be interrupting them after everything that happened? Everyone was supposed to be celebrating a wedding, but instead, they were headed back to their homes. So, why not have their own little party right now? She allowed him to lift her over to that bed; that damned skirt even restricting her legs from wrapping around him. So, she took out her frustrations with that kiss, gripping his face between her hands as her mouth slanted hard against his own. It'd take her a moment to realize they had stopped moving, and she drew her face back enough to murmur while he began to remove that horrid gown. "How much...do you want me to stay?" Perhaps it was a random question, and she certainly wasn't talking about this evening...but she was letting her mind wander back to what he had said before. [d]
[ORIN] He didn't even know where to start with this dress. So he just started to pull it up her body, never removing his mouth from hers until she did and asked him that question. "Hm...." He kissed her continuously, only breaking to let out a few words here and there. "Are you threatening.... To leave me now? After you've already made me want you?" Of course, he was only thinking of right this moment, having already forgotten and moved passed that conversation. "That's very cruel. He smirked and finally got her arms out of the dress before he'd pull the rest over her head and off of her, tossing it behind him on the chair he had previously been sitting in. He glanced down at her to see what he had left to remove, before looking back to her face. "Or do you mean in general?" He gripped the back of her neck with his hand and pulled her back into another kiss for a quick moment, before he'd answer that question without her needing to. "Who else would I have to irritate the living hell out of me?" He grinned, kissing her again. Ok, so it wasn't really an answer, but that's all he had for now. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Welcome to the world of ridiculous women's fashion, vagabond. It took her forever just to get into that thing, and she didn't even care for it. She had worn it simply to show the Tresterian colors...a home she didn't want to go back to. And the more he kissed her, the more she desperately wanted to stay and burn that blasted dress. But he wasn't answering her question, or he was purposely avoiding it as that dress was pulled over her head, leaving her in that fitted shift. Cassandra wanted to forget she even asked it when he kissed her again, yet she found herself pulling away just enough to press her fingers to his lips to possibly keep herself from claiming his mouth for a moment. And she stared at him. She thought about asking him again, thought about saying anything, but decided against it. Silently, she was telling herself to just let it be this and nothing more, because maybe it had to be. So after those fingers moved to brush across his cheek, Cassandra leaned in for his mouth once more, and simply gave in. [d]
[ORIN] He growled when he finally got that dress off and saw there was yet another layer to remove. Damn women's fashion. When she pulled away and held her fingers to his lips, he looked back at her, looking as if she wanted to say something. But she was kissing him again. His hands moved to both sides of her face, fingers weaving into her hair, and he kissed her back for a moment before it was his turn to break it. He could sense his answer wasn't obvious enough... Not good enough for the dutchess, so he spoke again, his lips lingering, still, dangerously close to hers. "Do you want me to tell you that I wish you were all mine? That I could have you all to myself? Because I do..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] She shouldn't have stopped him. It was a fleeting moment of weakness after a night of so much confusion and emotion, and it was just best to simply let herself become lost in him. He was good at making her forget everything she needed to. Helped her forget who she was. Hands were making quick work of his shirt, taking care this time not to pop any buttons off, but his words gave her pause. It was only a second before she continued to slowly finish her task, her lips like butterflies wings brushing against his own. "It's alright," she murmured. "I don't need you to say things to try and appease me..." Cassandra wasn't sure why she didn't fully believe him, but at the very same time, it wasn't stopping her. Hands slid up the bareness of his chest and to his shoulders, urging that shirt off while his words had managed to make her heart pound faster; echoing in her head. [d]
[ORIN] He kissed her after she made it quite obvious that she did not believe his words. After she managed to get his shirt off, he pulled away from her lips and began kissing her neck. More careful this time, as to not leave her with anymore marks. When he reached her ear, his breath was warm against it as he whispered to her. "I don't say things to appease..." And she should know that about him by now. He was not one to say things people wanted to hear. In fact, he did quite the opposite-- always telling things as they were--always a brutal honesty. So why would he simply say things that were not true? He reached down to slide that damn shift off of her, hands wandering back up her leg, wondering if there were any other articles of clothing he'd need to remove from her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was more the Duchess defying herself, trying to ignore the thoughts that were trying to run rampant in her head. All the while so very aware of his presence. Cassandra tilted her head back as he trailed kisses along her neck, over those healing marks he had left not so long ago. And it wasn't the sudden cool air that rushed across her skin from the absence of her shift that made her shiver. It was his words. He'd find no more articles of clothing; her shoes had been haphazardly left in the library after she kicked them off during the dance...so it was only his lower half still being clothed that was impeding on this party. So, slowly she began to assist with that while her face lingered so close to his. She hadn't realized the smile that curled her lips then, before she was gently drawing in his bottom lip between her teeth. "I am no one else's," she whispered. "Not like this." Not in anything but a surname and vows said before God, as unwilling as they had been back then. It did not make things better or easier, but she wished it was as easy as that to denounce all else to have and keep what she really wanted. [d]
[ORIN] As he felt her fingers move to undo his trousers, he was quickly kicking off his boots. Eyes watched her though as she grabbed his lower lip between her teeth and whispered to him that she was no one else's. But she was, and before he could argue that, she was clarifying. He took in a deep breath through his nose, a hand raising up to push hair behind her ear and he looked at her, staring at her. After a moment, he finally spoke. "And.... Do you want to be mine?" His other hand moved to let fingers lightly brush against her skin on her outer thigh before he rester it on her hip, massaging her skin with his calloused hand, [d]
[CASSANDRA] For a second, when he tucked her hair behind her ear and watched her, she thought he was stopping this, and she didn't know why. For the second time, she wanted to take that stupid question back but he was asking her something now that suddenly made her stop breathing. What started off as mild affection, as trust, as sex had begun to change for her. And she was trying to deny that fact. But now she was staring back at him, goosebumps rising across her skin from his touch, and she was almost speechless. She whispered a single word breathlessly, "Yes." [d]
[ORIN] His hand moved up her leg and rested on her hip as he stared back at her, wondering what she would say to his question. Part of him wasn't expecting anything, maybe she would ignore his question. But in his tone, he made it sound as if he didn't care what her answer would be. So when she uttered that one word, it nearly took him aback. He leaned forward against her, urging her to lay back on the bed. He said nothing yet, and he finished what she started with his pants, removing them slowly. His expression a thoughtful one. He climbed over her and looked down at her face, his hand allowing fingertips to brush along her side, perhaps tickling her. "Why?" He suddenly questioned her before leaning down and kissing along her collarbone. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Well, shouldn't she not care? It didn't matter that she was dreaming of staying here, but she wasn't sure if it would even be possible. If it even made sense. It didn't matter what he had said before. And yet, it did. It all mattered, and she wasn't liking what it was doing to her. On top of it, her little question had suddenly sparked a conversation at the worse possible time. Cassandra was dealing with fluctuating emotions again now as he urged her back onto the bed, decorating her collarbone with his lips; his fingers making goosebumps rise up on her skin. She squirmed lightly as it had, in fact, tickled her, but his one-worded question was lingering heavily up in the air. While her own hands gently traveled over the muscles of his back, she was at a loss for what to say; more than half her mind was too busy wanting something else. She also didn't realize there were the beginnings of tears glinting in her eyes until one fell down her cheek, so cold against her now burning skin. "Because..." she tried to speak, her voice breaking because it was so quiet now. "I never feel alone or empty when I'm with you." If he hadn't actually cared to console her all those times when she was crumbling. If it had just been this carnal attraction and nothing more, she could have lived with it simply being that. But now? This damned vagabond had managed to get beneath her skin in more ways than one "And I know my heart will break if I am to leave you." Cassandra was foolishly trying to hate him for it, but knew she could only hate herself. [d]
[ORIN] He could hear her voice breaking as she answered his question. An answer that made him pause, his lips remaining on her skin, and he didn't move. Not until she admitted her heart would break if she left. He slowly lifted himself up to hover over her and glance down at her. His green-blue eyes stared at her, as if he were trying to think of something, an excuse, perhaps? A reason to make him leave. She shouldn't feel this way about him-- no one did. Was she playing with him? Torturing him like he was one of her subjects to torture and play along with his heart, for fun? His eyes nearly burned into her before he spoke something he already had once, in the infirmary. Only this time, his words meant a bit more than they did then. "Then stay." He leaned down, pressing his lips into hers again, but more gentle and caring, yet passionate--something he hadn't yet expressed in his previous kisses with her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was the wine. It had to be. Had she even had that much to drink? Cassandra had better control over herself than this, but it was like she was putty in his hands, unable to hold anything back anymore. She never cared about what the next day of her life would bring until so very recently. And now, she feared it. Then stay. How simple a concept that was. But instead of denying it, instead of worrying that it may not even be possible, she let those words draw her further into that kiss. Her lips did not work feverishly against his own this time, but it was deep and needing; fingers digging into his back to keep him there with her before she was wrapping a slender arm around his neck. [d]
He looked her over, knowing she had been upset and was crying during this whole fiasco. "Are you alright?" He gently questioned her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] What was there to even say after all of that? The day had swiftly escalated into madness and now she, and some of the others, would need to remain in the dark. Alexandria and Aric had to work this out on their own without any help, as much as Cassandra wanted to. But she just blindly walked, not even sure where she was going even when Orin's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "You Aralorians...really know how to throw a party..." Her voice was quiet with only a hint of humorous sarcasm. It felt wrong to even joke about it. Green eyes cast over her shoulder down the hall where the library had been, so far away now. She couldn't seem to get the look on Eoin's face out of her mind now. "Of course," she answered him, her attention drifting over him before resting in front of her. Cassandra felt like she had no right to be remotely emotional about anything right now, as silly as that might seem. "I just...know where Aric's mind went. After his brother's antics and now...this man?" She didn't know the whole story on Eoin, but she really didn't need to hear it now. It had been blatantly obvious in that room. "He feels guilt when he shouldn't." Cassandra was shaking her head, trying to clear it. Again, this wasn't her problem to solve or get into the middle of and she had to stop. It just strangely hit home for her. [d]
[ORIN] She was really making a joke about this? If he wasn't so upset himself, he might have laughed. But he couldn't help the own guilt that ate away at him. He had been the one to find Eoin's necklace he wore, on the charred ground in the forest. He looked everywhere, to no avail... So he assumed Eoin dead. And he told his sister he had died. But he had been wrong, and because of his call, Eoin had suffered....for a year, only to come back and find his love in the arms of another man. A man that Alexandria loved now.
When she spoke, it dragged him out of his own thoughts. "Where did Aric's mind go?" He did not know this man's story or anything, just that he was from Tresteria and had been unhappy about something until Alexandria came along. Though when Edward spoke and mentioned him kissing his wife and child? Or something like that? He could only imagine from the anger in Aric, that he had struck a nerve. "Guilt for what?" He was curious. He wanted to help, but he wasn't sure how, and it wasn't anyone's place except for Aric and Alexandria. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Drawing in a long, deep breath when he inquired about it, Cassandra didn't answer right away. Perhaps she was wrong, but that man was the closest thing she had to a brother. He had put up with her fluctuating moods, and she his own. She knew him at his lowest, recognized when he was beginning to go back to that dark place. This was just slightly different now...but he feared loss again. Who wouldn't? "He...probably feels like he stole her from him now." A wave of her hand, she was already dismissing how stupid it sounded. Eventually her steps slowed down, drawing him to a halt along with her. "This is probably not my story to tell..." she began, but knew he would not unnecessarily repeat it. Alexandria already knew, though. "He was married before...to one of the kindest women I ever met." A pause, she felt her throat begin to tighten and realized she was fighting off her stupid emotions again. She silently blamed it on the wine. "Maria died giving birth to their child...and the baby didn't make it either." Fingers nervously toyed with the rings adorning her fingers and she lightly cleared her throat. "Were that me...I'd be afraid of losing another love all over again." It was a strange situation. Cassandra hoped Aric realized that, just because Eoin returned, didn't mean his wife was going to leave him. Then again, no one knew Alexandria's heart any better than she herself did. And they couldn't judge. [d]
[ORIN] He quietly listened to Cassandra as she explained how she saw things and how Aric was, and what the man had lost in his life. It all started to make a little more sense to him-- perhaps why the two had been so drawn to each other. He just nodded in understanding. He could understand the guilt that Aric was probably feeling for Eoin now--he'd probably feel the same. But that torn feeling of not wanting to lose the one you loved. Again.
He sighed heavily and shook his head. "I wish there was something I could do. I feel like this is all my fault... I was the one who assumed him dead... I was the one who told her he was dead. I was the one who let him into that room...." His gaze fell downward. [d]
[CASSANDRA] "No, Orin," she was quick to say, shaking her head. "This is, unfortunately, no one's fault." A hand moved to his arm, and she tilted her head while green eyes tried to find his gaze and draw him from this downfall before it got out of hand. "How could you have known? How could anyone have known?" It had just been a mean twist of fate. This kingdom and all of their lives seemed to be plagued with so many problems, but they would overcome them. They managed to thus far. And as Alexandria had told her, she was Aralorian now if she wished it...so Cassandra was actually willing to carry some of these burdens if she could at all help. Even if the thought of imminent war frightened her. She never had to see it first hand because Tresteria never had war on its doorstep. But ever since her own capture, she was quickly realizing how horrible and cruel the world could be. "This will all work itself out," she promised, silently hoping to herself. "It's...just a minor setback." And a sad one at that. [d]
[ORIN] He couldn't have known, honestly. It had looked so obvious that Eoin had burned to death, so what else was he supposed to assume? With a heavy sigh, Oirn just nodded to Cassandra, not knowing what else to say. "I hope so," was all he could manage to mutter under his breath, though loud enough for her to hear.
He didn't want to think about this anymore, though he knew it would be impossibly not to. His mood had been killed with Edward's stunt, and he was just fuming. He needed to find a way to calm down--to release this anger he was feeling. "Do you want your first lesson in defending yourself?" He quickly changed the subject, hinting at that it might be good for them to both take out their aggressions on the dummies. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She understood him. Delivering that news to his sister couldn't have been easy...and now to find that Eoin was indeed still alive? No one had been sent to look for him because he thought there was nothing left to search for. And this guilt very well may eat away at him. His next question made it obvious that he was trying to forget about it, so she wasn't going to mention it again. It also made her brows lift up in some surprise. "After I've had a few glasses of wine?" she asked. She wasn't inebriated, but those emotions couldn't be the only reason why her mind was all over the place. "Sure, that sounds like a brilliant idea." That was sarcasm, but she wasn't saying no at the same time, either. [d]
[ORIN] He laughed at her sarcasm and shrugged his shoulders. "It was either that.... Or go find somewhere private and have my way with you... But my mood for that has been completely destroyed." He shook his head. First with his conversation with Aric about his brother's infidelity, and his sudden guilt for Henry. Then with Edward's outburst...And then with Eoin. Maybe it was just best he go to bed now. [d]
[CASSANDRA] He finally managed a small laugh out of her as the thoughts of the evening were beginning to drift to the back of her mind. Until morning, most likely, when they'd come barreling back to the forefront. And despite his words that would normally make that fire spark, her hand moved to his face in a more affectionate than passionate way. Those thoughts of his had mirrored her own; perhaps she had been holding onto them for far longer. Suddenly, she was realizing how much she had berated Edward for his actions, the way he treated his wife...but wasn't she doing the exact same thing? It was like that thought suddenly slammed the air from her lungs; a gentle gasp slipping passed her lips as she withdrew her hand. "I'm...not much different from Edward, am I?" That was, quite possibly, the worst thing she could imagine. Her voice was so quiet, speaking as if she was expecting Orin to immediately understand where her train of thought had gone. [d]
[ORIN] As soon as her hand touched his face, he was looking around to see if anyone else was around them. His gaze fell back to hers as she spoke, a frown forming on his lips. She was worrying the same he was, and he didn't really know what to say. He took her hand from his face and slowly lowered it, but not letting go. He wanted to console her and convince her that she wasn't, but how? He just shook his head. "I wondered the same thing... But about myself..." He admitted. "I am helping you hurt your husband...whether he knows or not..." He sighed, "But you're far from being like the king... You're not abusive and you take care of your husband..." He noticed how she did, like he was one of her patients. "You care for him... I've seen it..." He reached to tuck a strand of her hair from her face. "And... He's so old.... I um... assume he cannot be too intimate anymore?" He tried to tread lightly regarding this, but there was no nice way of putting it. "Edward seems to do it for sport... To flaunt he is king and can do as he pleases... You don't do that." He sighed again, not knowing what else to say and hoping that whatever he did say, helped ease her mind, if only a little bit. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She was already trying not to cry, but those stupid, annoying tears were beginning to glint in her eyes. The realization struck her so quickly and hard that it was a wonder how she was even still standing. It was the absolute worse feeling in the world. Edward's cruel words echoing in her mind even as Orin made an attempt to console her. What was worse, was that despite this guilt...she didn't want to stop. How could she feel guilt without the remorse? How did that make any sense? Henry knew she did not love him as a wife should, but that didn't mean she didn't love him. He was a good man and probably one of her dearest friends, as strange as that seemed. At the intimate comment, she laughed lightly. She hadn't meant to, but it seemed so ridiculous. "We never were..." she quietly confessed something so personal, because it would have been blatantly clear to Orin that she was far from virginal. And that was insinuating things that it shouldn't. There had been no one in such an intimate way between Henry and Orin, and she didn't know why she couldn't just say that. Only before her husband, and that had been such a long time ago. "I just wish that sometimes...I would feel as guilty as I should about it." And the fact that she wasn't wallowing in her sin made her question herself. [d]
[ORIN] When she admitted that she and her husband had never been intimate, he rose a brow slightly. His mind started to form various questions. Ones he wouldn't dare ask, because it wasn't any of this business really. But as she admitted she did not feel as guilty as she should about it, he shrugged his shoulders. "You were forced into an arranged marriage and don't have any intimacy in it..." He stated so simply, as if it were obvious why she didn't feel all that guilty. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Maybe that was a later conversation if he ever wanted to know. For now, she was simply at a loss for words. "Right..." She trailed off, only sounding half sure about it. Slowly drawing away from him she began to walk again with no real direction still. Maybe it was to go to the training room. Maybe it was to find a drink, or two...or three, because she was suddenly craving it. Or maybe she planned to just wander until she was too tired to. Perhaps it was whatever came first. [d]
[ORIN] He watched as she moved away from him and began walking. To where, he wasn't sure. He wasn't entirely sure if she knew either. Unsure if she wanted him to follow her or not, he just stood there for a moment before he decidedly moved to follow after her, grabbing hold of her wrist when he caught up, and he whirled her around to face him. "What makes you happy?" He asked, so randomly, but maybe he had a purpose for the question. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She was losing herself to her own thoughts, not really knowing what she wanted anymore. He was always welcome to follow, but perhaps she should have voiced such. What she wasn't expecting was for him to take her wrist and spin her to face him, asking a question she wasn't sure how to answer. It snapped her out of whatever trance she had been in; eyes looking up at him in confusion. "What...?" She tried searching his face, attempting to figure out where this was coming from, if perhaps she had angered him. What made her happy? So few things these days, but it was still a lot more than before Aralore. [d]
[ORIN] He looked down at her as she questioned him, confused. "What makes you happy?" he repeated, as if saying it a second time would make it make more sense. "Just answer the question... What makes you want to live every day? What makes you want to get out of bed in the morning? What do you hope for?" He was pulling at strings now, trying to get something out of her, maybe to prove some kind of point to her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was such an out of the blue question that she was almost panicked to try and answer. She didn't know. As a woman with a high class upbringing, it had always been the need for wealth, of a large and beautiful house, a good status amongst society...but she had had those things, and it barely changed anything. She simply lived with it, accepted it...until she came to Aralore. Cassandra saw how these people struggled, even those of higher status. It was different. Everything about her had started to change. The question was heavy on her shoulders and she didn't realize that she was beginning to tear up, something she was once again chalking up to the wine. But she no longer felt that buzz from it. "A warm day," she began, her voice so quiet that he would have missed it if he wasn't standing right there. "A cup of tea..." These were probably sounding so ridiculous to him, but he may not understand that their simplicity was what surprised her the most, and why it was so important. "Alexandria's friendship, the idea that I could stay here...that I might have a purpose for once in my miserable, pathetic life." She was talking too fast now, but it would all end in a single, whimpered word, "You." [d]
[ORIN] He had a very different upbringing. His parents had been nobles and friends of the king and queen, but when they had to flee the kingdom, he was only ten. They had to protect the princess, and make sure she'd never be found, until she was old enough to return and retake her kingdom. They had lived as commoners, and that's what Orin remembered. But when his parents were killed, he was forced to grow up quickly so he could take care of Alexandria and carry that heavy burden of making sure she went back to Aralore. Though he wished he never had.
So he did not know what it meant to have that high class upbringing, and what was expected. He just simply lived his life. It was all a shit show anyway.
When Cassandra began to list off the smallest things that made her happy, he didn't say anything. Those little things made a bigger picture. And so he listened, and she brought up being friends with Alexandria and staying there... finding her purpose... He was about to say something, but she finally uttered that last word. Indicating that he was one of the things that made her happy. He stared at her, then, his eyes as if they'd burn into her. He leaned in and spoke to her quietly. "This is what makes you different than Edward... You care about the simple things... And the bigger things, like friendship... and purpose..." He paused, hesitating for a moment, but he leaned in closer to her. "Edward uses people to make himself happy... To use. I don't see you in that light." He shook his head and finally leaned in and pressed his lips hard against her own. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She didn't know why her heart was pounding so erratically. Maybe this was the first time she was truly realizing all of it. Her desire to remain in this kingdom was not something very new, but it felt different now when she had said it. And now, Cassandra was truly crying when he was explaining to her how she couldn't possibly be anything like Edward, even if what was between her and Orin was wrong. It was wrong, yes, but it was different. She shouldn't have been so blind as to not see that. A hand had drifted to his chest, those few small tears were more out of happiness and relief than anything else now, even while those eyes seared into her, daring to take her breath away. And very well may have. Fingers were curling into the fabric of his shirt as he leaned in even closer, then dared to kiss her out in that hallway. Maybe she had forgotten they were out in the open, or her muddled mind didn't care, but she was rising up onto her toes to deepen the kiss; arms wrapping around his neck. [d]
[ORIN] It was a daring thing to do...to kiss her like this out in the open. Anyone could walk down these halls at any moment. And yet, Orin didn't care. He held her face in his hands as he kissed her back, but after several moments, he pulled back and looked at her, a look of desire in his eyes. She had stolen his breath from that kiss, so he was catching his breath before he spoke. "We can't do this out here..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] Her tears were about dry once that kiss ended, one she almost didn't let him break. She was clinging to him desperately, unwilling to let go, even when he pointed out the very obvious. Fortunately, to her knowledge, no one had noticed them, or cared to let their eyes linger for too long. This affair, this whatever-it-was, wasn't something she could throw around aimlessly, no matter how much she wanted to not care what others thought. And the last person she wanted to know was Edward. That very idea actually frightened her. She felt like he was far more unhinged these days. "Then where?" she whispered breathlessly. She didn't care if all she felt were his lips tonight. Right now, she wanted to forget the hell that tomorrow would inevitably bring. [d]
[ORIN] He looked down at her as she breathlessly asked him where they should go. He hadn't a clue, honestly. Her room was too risky, and so was his--if anyone came looking for him. That guest room they had occupied a couple of times now, would start to become suspicious-- especially since Aric had already seen her coming out of there once before. He thought about Aric's damn comment about the locks, and how someday he would realize how he felt. The thought managed to make him laugh slightly, and he took her hand and headed down the hallway with her. He stopped when they came to a door, and he opened the door, holding it for her as she entered. He'd follow behind her and wander around the room to light some candles , before moving to his door and locking it. Because his door had a lock...and he was smart enough to use it. If people were going to bother him, they typically checked in the armory hall or in the military building. He was usually left alone when he stayed in his room in the castle. Once they were inside, he grabbed Cassandra and backed her up against the wall, pressing his lips hard into hers. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was strange, wasn't it? That, after everything, she didn't actually know where his room was? Following behind him as he swiftly led them down the halls, she actually became curious when the door shut behind them, and he was busy lighting a few candles. She stood there, examining things in the dark as if this very room would help her understand him a little bit more. Her curiosity would have to wait, however, when he was grabbing her, and she felt the hard wall against her back. A gasp was muffled against his mouth as she returned that kiss feverishly. [d]
[ORIN] His room was simple, without a lot of embellishments or décor. There was a bed, of course, and a wardrobe, a chair or two, and a desk and bookshelf with lots of papers and books stacked on top of it. He wasn't a very organized person, but he knew where everything was. The only thing that may have resembled any sort of decor were the swords and shields and various other weaponry he seemed to have collected.
He hadn't given her much of a chance to look around, because he wanted to continue that kiss from out in the hallway. One hand held her face, fingers combing through her hair. The other hand pressed against the wall next to her head. He pressed his body up against hers and deepened that kiss, not wanting to let her go, and suddenly forgetting all about the rest of the day. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was a wonder how his lips were enough to cease all doubt and worry, filling her head with far more interesting things. Just moments ago, she felt like the worst woman in the world. She felt like a cheater, a whore, a nobody that was trying maybe too hard to actually be a somebody. And none of that mattered right now. It never did in his arms because she was just, simply, a woman. Not a pawn. Not having to pretend to fit into whatever society labeled her as. The fire with which she had kissed him back had subsided only a little bit; her lips slanting against his own with a newfound appreciation, a headiness and desire subtly different than before. There was always this painful need to move passed this after a moment, but Cassandra seemed rather content and occupied with this mouth this time; those fingers once again curling into the fabric of his shirt as she remained happily trapped between him and the wall. [d]
[ORIN] He held her there, against the wall, kissing her hard with desire and need. Her lips were like a whiskey, that he so badly wanted to get drunk off of--to melt away the guilt and upset he had felt throughout the night.
Reluctantly, he pulled back slightly, eyes glancing down at her as he caught his breath. He didn't know why he was pulling away, or what he wants to say to her, but he smirked slightly. "Sorry-- I couldn't control myself." He backed up a little, allowing her to move away from the wall. And he moved to sit in one of his chairs, sighing slightly. [d]
[CASSANDRA] He was taking her breath away when he eventually pulled back, and she thought she would suffocate if he didn't return. The sudden stop made her dizzy, perhaps even a little crazed, and it would take her a moment to gather herself together. Cassandra remained leaning against the wall, seeking air while fingertips brushed across her lips in quiet remembrance. "Quite alright..." she finally murmured, soft amusement in her tone. After a moment, she pushed herself off from the wall, and decided to take the time to idly wander, desperate to find her self control. A finger trailed along the spines of books with a bit of curiosity, but she wouldn't look at any of the papers, in case it was none of her business. She'd stop at some of the random weaponry, though, tilting her head with intrigue as she picked up a small blade. "This is a strange assortment of things..." she commented. "How do you find anything?" [d]
[ORIN] He slouched in that chair, tired and worn out. He didn't know why he ended that kiss--because he didn't want to. But still, he felt somewhat guilty. For lecturing Aric on not cheating on his sister. Or for the hurt that Henry might feel if he had found out. His eyes lifted as he heard her voice again, as she was going through his things. He smirked slightly. "I don't know. I just do, I suppose?" He shrugged his shoulders as he glanced around his room. Yes, it could perhaps use a little cleaning and organization. His gaze fell back on her and he spoke quietly. "Am I not so different than Edward, myself?" [d]
[CASSANDRA] His question gave her pause, and she was quick to look over at him, her brows furrowing. It would seem the happenings of tonight were to continue plaguing them in some way. Just when she was willing to forget about it, he was reminding her of it. Still, just as he had consoled her on it, she'd do her best to reassure him. Drawing in a soft and slow breath, Cassandra wandered her way closer, draping her arms over his shoulders as she half-embraced him from behind while he sat in that chair; her cheek resting atop his head. "You've never, ever made me feel inferior, Orin. You've never made me fear for my safety when alone with you...you're far different from that man. Don't ever think otherwise." Her voice had grown stern, because it was the worst feeling in the world, to think you were anything like the king of Tresteria. "You've never made me feel like-" she began, pausing for a moment as her voice got quieter. "An empty vessel that can be pawned off to the highest bidder." In other words: a whore. Which was oddly funny in a dark sense, considering how they've been spending their time together as of late. And even if that was all this was and wound up remaining, it was still different for her. "I feel...human and more alive than I have in quite awhile," she confessed. [d]
[ORIN] He watched her as she moved towards him. As she draped her arms around him, he placed one of his hands on hers. He listened as she spoke, convincing him that he was not like Edward. He had begun to worry that his dominance may come across as abusive. But she was stating otherwise. When she finished, he took her hand and urged her around the chair and onto his lap. His fingers reached up to brush strands of hair out of her face. "I... Can get carried away sometimes.... Forget my own strength... So if I've hurt you, or made you feel nervous... It's not my intent." Most women would have perhaps felt scared or inferior by him. "I am happy to hear you feel more human and alive, though." He pulled her closer and pressed his lips against her neck before whispering in her ear, "I feel the same way..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] Sure, the markings upon her neck had made things particularly challenging for her, but even still, she couldn't complain. Nor had he exactly been sober at the time. But humorous thoughts aside, she wondered why he was even worried about any of this. And before she could ask or figure it out on her own, he was drawing her around to his lap to explain. A grin curled up a corner of her mouth. "I am not a prudish woman," she told him so matter-of-factly. And she would also not be entertaining any of this if she feared for her safety. She wasn't a stupid woman, albeit not thinking as clearly when she felt his hot breath at her ear. Cassandra bit down on her bottom lip, her eyes fluttering as her fingers curled into the shirt at his shoulder. "Do you now..." she managed to say. She was almost embarrassed by how easily and quickly her voice quivered. Perhaps it wasn't wise to be doing any of this tonight, but she had no will to object. [d]
[ORIN] His lips, for a brief moment, moved away from her neck so he could laugh at her comment about not being a prudish woman. He didn't think she was, but one could never be too sure. But soon after, his lips were busy again at her jaw, and he pushed the fabric around her neck down so he could see and feel the beautiful skin there. "Mmm.." He mumbled his response to her quivering voice, and he pulled her down closer to him, claiming her lips once again. His hands were starting to wander now, but that form fitted dress she wore was restricting him. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Aye, this blasted dress. Personally, if she didn't need something to walk out of there in, she would have torn it off. It was restricting, by so many definitions of the word. It was the dark, steely colors of a land she wanted no association with, it was like a damned curse right now. As he pulled her further into that kiss, she was reaching up to undo the single button of the collar at the base of her neck, leading one of his wandering hands to the laces of the corseted bodice along her back, if he felt so inclined. That dress was suffocating, nearly covering every inch of her like a blasted chastity belt. Chaste- she didn't know the meaning of the word. [d]
[ORIN] He grinned through their kiss when she moved his hand to the laces along her back, but it was quick to fade as he deepened the kiss. Fingers of that one hand slowly worked to loosen and untie the laces. His other hand moved slowly to her thigh, working to inch the hem of that dress up her leg.
So many emotions in one night. He had hoped for this, then it was the last thing on his mind, and now... well, he wasn't expecting the night to end this way with all that had happened.
At first his movements were slow, but as their kiss continued, he started to become more ravenous with his hands, pulling on the laces until that damned bodice was completely loosened. He wanted to free her from the suffocating restrictions of that dress. He wrapped his arms tightly around her torso and then stood up with her and carried her towards the bed leaning her against it so he could work on peeling that dress off of her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] This probably wasn't a good idea right now, but then again...who would be interrupting them after everything that happened? Everyone was supposed to be celebrating a wedding, but instead, they were headed back to their homes. So, why not have their own little party right now? She allowed him to lift her over to that bed; that damned skirt even restricting her legs from wrapping around him. So, she took out her frustrations with that kiss, gripping his face between her hands as her mouth slanted hard against his own. It'd take her a moment to realize they had stopped moving, and she drew her face back enough to murmur while he began to remove that horrid gown. "How much...do you want me to stay?" Perhaps it was a random question, and she certainly wasn't talking about this evening...but she was letting her mind wander back to what he had said before. [d]
[ORIN] He didn't even know where to start with this dress. So he just started to pull it up her body, never removing his mouth from hers until she did and asked him that question. "Hm...." He kissed her continuously, only breaking to let out a few words here and there. "Are you threatening.... To leave me now? After you've already made me want you?" Of course, he was only thinking of right this moment, having already forgotten and moved passed that conversation. "That's very cruel. He smirked and finally got her arms out of the dress before he'd pull the rest over her head and off of her, tossing it behind him on the chair he had previously been sitting in. He glanced down at her to see what he had left to remove, before looking back to her face. "Or do you mean in general?" He gripped the back of her neck with his hand and pulled her back into another kiss for a quick moment, before he'd answer that question without her needing to. "Who else would I have to irritate the living hell out of me?" He grinned, kissing her again. Ok, so it wasn't really an answer, but that's all he had for now. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Welcome to the world of ridiculous women's fashion, vagabond. It took her forever just to get into that thing, and she didn't even care for it. She had worn it simply to show the Tresterian colors...a home she didn't want to go back to. And the more he kissed her, the more she desperately wanted to stay and burn that blasted dress. But he wasn't answering her question, or he was purposely avoiding it as that dress was pulled over her head, leaving her in that fitted shift. Cassandra wanted to forget she even asked it when he kissed her again, yet she found herself pulling away just enough to press her fingers to his lips to possibly keep herself from claiming his mouth for a moment. And she stared at him. She thought about asking him again, thought about saying anything, but decided against it. Silently, she was telling herself to just let it be this and nothing more, because maybe it had to be. So after those fingers moved to brush across his cheek, Cassandra leaned in for his mouth once more, and simply gave in. [d]
[ORIN] He growled when he finally got that dress off and saw there was yet another layer to remove. Damn women's fashion. When she pulled away and held her fingers to his lips, he looked back at her, looking as if she wanted to say something. But she was kissing him again. His hands moved to both sides of her face, fingers weaving into her hair, and he kissed her back for a moment before it was his turn to break it. He could sense his answer wasn't obvious enough... Not good enough for the dutchess, so he spoke again, his lips lingering, still, dangerously close to hers. "Do you want me to tell you that I wish you were all mine? That I could have you all to myself? Because I do..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] She shouldn't have stopped him. It was a fleeting moment of weakness after a night of so much confusion and emotion, and it was just best to simply let herself become lost in him. He was good at making her forget everything she needed to. Helped her forget who she was. Hands were making quick work of his shirt, taking care this time not to pop any buttons off, but his words gave her pause. It was only a second before she continued to slowly finish her task, her lips like butterflies wings brushing against his own. "It's alright," she murmured. "I don't need you to say things to try and appease me..." Cassandra wasn't sure why she didn't fully believe him, but at the very same time, it wasn't stopping her. Hands slid up the bareness of his chest and to his shoulders, urging that shirt off while his words had managed to make her heart pound faster; echoing in her head. [d]
[ORIN] He kissed her after she made it quite obvious that she did not believe his words. After she managed to get his shirt off, he pulled away from her lips and began kissing her neck. More careful this time, as to not leave her with anymore marks. When he reached her ear, his breath was warm against it as he whispered to her. "I don't say things to appease..." And she should know that about him by now. He was not one to say things people wanted to hear. In fact, he did quite the opposite-- always telling things as they were--always a brutal honesty. So why would he simply say things that were not true? He reached down to slide that damn shift off of her, hands wandering back up her leg, wondering if there were any other articles of clothing he'd need to remove from her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was more the Duchess defying herself, trying to ignore the thoughts that were trying to run rampant in her head. All the while so very aware of his presence. Cassandra tilted her head back as he trailed kisses along her neck, over those healing marks he had left not so long ago. And it wasn't the sudden cool air that rushed across her skin from the absence of her shift that made her shiver. It was his words. He'd find no more articles of clothing; her shoes had been haphazardly left in the library after she kicked them off during the dance...so it was only his lower half still being clothed that was impeding on this party. So, slowly she began to assist with that while her face lingered so close to his. She hadn't realized the smile that curled her lips then, before she was gently drawing in his bottom lip between her teeth. "I am no one else's," she whispered. "Not like this." Not in anything but a surname and vows said before God, as unwilling as they had been back then. It did not make things better or easier, but she wished it was as easy as that to denounce all else to have and keep what she really wanted. [d]
[ORIN] As he felt her fingers move to undo his trousers, he was quickly kicking off his boots. Eyes watched her though as she grabbed his lower lip between her teeth and whispered to him that she was no one else's. But she was, and before he could argue that, she was clarifying. He took in a deep breath through his nose, a hand raising up to push hair behind her ear and he looked at her, staring at her. After a moment, he finally spoke. "And.... Do you want to be mine?" His other hand moved to let fingers lightly brush against her skin on her outer thigh before he rester it on her hip, massaging her skin with his calloused hand, [d]
[CASSANDRA] For a second, when he tucked her hair behind her ear and watched her, she thought he was stopping this, and she didn't know why. For the second time, she wanted to take that stupid question back but he was asking her something now that suddenly made her stop breathing. What started off as mild affection, as trust, as sex had begun to change for her. And she was trying to deny that fact. But now she was staring back at him, goosebumps rising across her skin from his touch, and she was almost speechless. She whispered a single word breathlessly, "Yes." [d]
[ORIN] His hand moved up her leg and rested on her hip as he stared back at her, wondering what she would say to his question. Part of him wasn't expecting anything, maybe she would ignore his question. But in his tone, he made it sound as if he didn't care what her answer would be. So when she uttered that one word, it nearly took him aback. He leaned forward against her, urging her to lay back on the bed. He said nothing yet, and he finished what she started with his pants, removing them slowly. His expression a thoughtful one. He climbed over her and looked down at her face, his hand allowing fingertips to brush along her side, perhaps tickling her. "Why?" He suddenly questioned her before leaning down and kissing along her collarbone. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Well, shouldn't she not care? It didn't matter that she was dreaming of staying here, but she wasn't sure if it would even be possible. If it even made sense. It didn't matter what he had said before. And yet, it did. It all mattered, and she wasn't liking what it was doing to her. On top of it, her little question had suddenly sparked a conversation at the worse possible time. Cassandra was dealing with fluctuating emotions again now as he urged her back onto the bed, decorating her collarbone with his lips; his fingers making goosebumps rise up on her skin. She squirmed lightly as it had, in fact, tickled her, but his one-worded question was lingering heavily up in the air. While her own hands gently traveled over the muscles of his back, she was at a loss for what to say; more than half her mind was too busy wanting something else. She also didn't realize there were the beginnings of tears glinting in her eyes until one fell down her cheek, so cold against her now burning skin. "Because..." she tried to speak, her voice breaking because it was so quiet now. "I never feel alone or empty when I'm with you." If he hadn't actually cared to console her all those times when she was crumbling. If it had just been this carnal attraction and nothing more, she could have lived with it simply being that. But now? This damned vagabond had managed to get beneath her skin in more ways than one "And I know my heart will break if I am to leave you." Cassandra was foolishly trying to hate him for it, but knew she could only hate herself. [d]
[ORIN] He could hear her voice breaking as she answered his question. An answer that made him pause, his lips remaining on her skin, and he didn't move. Not until she admitted her heart would break if she left. He slowly lifted himself up to hover over her and glance down at her. His green-blue eyes stared at her, as if he were trying to think of something, an excuse, perhaps? A reason to make him leave. She shouldn't feel this way about him-- no one did. Was she playing with him? Torturing him like he was one of her subjects to torture and play along with his heart, for fun? His eyes nearly burned into her before he spoke something he already had once, in the infirmary. Only this time, his words meant a bit more than they did then. "Then stay." He leaned down, pressing his lips into hers again, but more gentle and caring, yet passionate--something he hadn't yet expressed in his previous kisses with her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was the wine. It had to be. Had she even had that much to drink? Cassandra had better control over herself than this, but it was like she was putty in his hands, unable to hold anything back anymore. She never cared about what the next day of her life would bring until so very recently. And now, she feared it. Then stay. How simple a concept that was. But instead of denying it, instead of worrying that it may not even be possible, she let those words draw her further into that kiss. Her lips did not work feverishly against his own this time, but it was deep and needing; fingers digging into his back to keep him there with her before she was wrapping a slender arm around his neck. [d]
***
[CASSANDRA] It would be a few moments until her heart stopped pounding and she could breathe properly; his touch up and down her spine quickly lulling her into a quiet calm. "Oh?" she murmured after his words at her ear. After a moment, she let herself slide off him and to the bed where she could curl up against his side. A finger was now trailing invisible designs across the spans of his chest and she propped her head up while leaning on an elbow. "Sometimes I hate hiding," she suddenly admitted, but her lips curled up into a faint smirk. "But there's something about keeping you a dirty, little secret..." Cassandra meant that as a term of endearment, of course. [d]
[ORIN] Her fingers trailing along his chest was soothing, and he closed his eyes for a moment until her voice nearly startled him. He laughed quietly at her and shook his head. "Oh is there, now? Must be my vagabond nature... makes you a vagabond by association?" There was a teasing smirk on his face then, as he pulled her closer against him and held her there in his arms. He wasn't going to let her leave. Which reminded him, "Did I show you well enough?" How much he wanted her to stay. [d]
[CASSANDRA] There was amusement in her eyes, but her smile was soft and small; a simple, wry curl of a corner of her mouth. That hand lifted from his chest to very lightly smack his cheek in amusement. "For your information, Mr. Evans...I am a lady." Although, not a very proper one. She didn't fight him when he drew her closer, and she sighed softly in contentment, resting her head upon his shoulder. Cassandra laughed a little. "Hm, I'm still trying to decide..." She didn't even try to pretend to be serious, playfully biting his chest in her amusement. [d]
[ORIN]He laughed when she called herself a lady and grabbed her wrist after she slapped him in the face, moving it above her head. He glanced down at her when she admitted she hadn't decided yet if he has shown her well enough with how badly he wanted her to stay. He laughed slightly, though. "Ok, then leave," he said with a joking tone. "I'll just go find another vagabond lady. He emphasized the word lady this time He was joking however. It wasn't worth the energy to try and find someone. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Green eyes rolled into white, but the humorous glint remained. "Pssh, you should be so lucky," she commented. But it was sarcastic. If she knew what he thought of himself and why no woman seemed to stay, she would have been a bit surprised. Sure, he was a different and acquired taste...but she already told him she didn't wish to leave. And she meant it. Cassandra never wanted something so badly before and wasn't sure how to say that without appearing like some weak, emotional woman. Freeing her arm from his grasp, she turned so that she was resting half on top of him, allowing her to look down at him; fingers tapping idly on his chest. That was when her gaze dropped to one of the rings she wore. It was of a simple gold band with a single jeweled stone of a light green that meant something to her. She was rarely ever without it. "Here." She slipped it from her finger and held it up to him. "For luck...and to remember how much I wish to stay, even when I can't." Such as tonight and most likely every night she couldn't wake up beside him. Even if she was able to remain in Aralore, it didn't easily change their situation. And, obviously, the ring wasn't for him to wear (it wouldn't fit him anyway), but to hold onto as a keepsake, whatever he wished. If he even wanted to. Her intentions, at least, were clear. [d]
[ORIN] He laughed at her comment. Had Cassandra forgotten that he did have a woman trying to throw herself at him earlier this evening? Getting a girl wasn't his problem. If he were that type of man, he could probably have someone whenever he wanted. But he wasn't like that, and he had his own acquired taste. One he never expected Cassandra to possess, but she surprisingly did.
Green-blue eyes watched her as she moved, resting halfway on top of him. One of his hands instantly moved to her hair, combing his fingers through it. When she took that ring from her finger and offered it to him, he smiled and took it, trying it on his pinky finger, which it barely fit. He laughed slightly and carefully stretched out his arm to place the ring on the table beside his bed. "Thank you," he said as he looked back at her. "Why is it for luck?" He was curious to where it came from and what it meant to her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She bit her bottom lip as if it would be enough to suppress the giggle at seeing him try it on his pinky. At his question, though, she shifted her gaze away to rest her head back down upon his chest. "It has always comforted me," she told him quietly. "It was my mother's." Who had the most beautiful green eyes, softer and brighter than Cassandra's. Her father had given her mother that ring when she had been born, and Cass was sure to take it when she passed away. It helped her get through the later years without her, having to watch her father drift away into his drunken madness until he ultimately died. That day signified how different her life would be from then on, because her life was handed over to Edward who had inherited her uncle's throne. [d]
[ORIN] When she mentioned that the ring comforted her and that it was her mother's, Orin reached for it again and held it out to her. "I don't want to take that from you, then..." By the tone of her voice, he could tell her mother had passed, and he didn't feel that he was deserving of such an important thing. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Lifting her head when he was giving it back, she didn't reach for it. Instead, she wrapped her small hand around his and the ring. "No, please," she said quietly. "I want you to have it." Truthfully, she didn't know why. Maybe if was just another step she was trying to take in a new direction, to slip out of what she thought was normalcy in her life and into changing it. Perhaps she wouldn't have the power to do so, but Cassandra wasn't willing to simply allow it to happen without a fight. [d]
[ORIN] As she closed his hand around the ring, he sighed quietly and forced a smile. "Well, I'm honored, then." He kissed her forehead before he'd move to set the ring back down. He wished he had something to give her in return, but he wasn't sure he had anything as special and he quietly pondered it. He would need to go digging through his things, and right now he didn't feel like getting up. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She didn't give it to him expecting anything in return. It was simply a spur of the moment thing. She playfully pushed his face aside with another roll of her eyes when he appeared to be rather quiet about it. It wasn't like she was binding him to anything. "Just don't lose it." Even though he wasn't willing to get up, Cassandra sat up slowly, moving to drape her legs over the edge of the bed. She didn't get up, though, even if she knew she shouldn't be staying here all night. It was suddenly cold without him against her. "I do not want to put that damn thing back on..." she murmured with a laugh, mainly talking to herself. For a woman who loved her fashionable dresses, she hated that one. [d]
[ORIN] He was already thinking of putting the ring on a chain to wear around his neck, so when she told him not to lose it, and pushed his face aside, he laughed. "I will try not to." He watched her as she sat up and moved to the edge of the bed. For a moment, he admired her and the shape of her body. When she spoke about the stupid dress, he smirked. "I don't want you to put it back on either." He moved to sit up and let his legs fall over the edge, sitting up before pushing himself up with an annoyed sigh. He walked over to where his wardrobe was and he opened it, searching for something. He had no dresses, and it probably wouldn't be a good idea to go back in his clothes in case someone wondered where she got them and why. He pulled out a long tunic and held it out to her. "You can put this on ....but..." he trailed off and shrugged his shoulders. He wasn't going to finish that statement. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She was trying not to let the exhaustion hit her, because it was already proving so difficult to get up. It was painful how much she didn't want to go. She hated sneaking around, pretending like nothing has ever happened between them. Then it was nothing but guilt, yet only when she wasn't in his presence. Green eyes watched him in quiet admiration as he moved to his closet, amused at the fact that he was attempting to help her. Oh, she could put that tunic on...however, it very well may look a bit suspicious. And a bit unladylike. She still wanted it, though, especially if it smelled like him. Leaning back on her hands, still seated there at the edge of the bed, she crossed a leg over the other in slow exaggeration, "And what shall I do about these?" She smirked wryly. That tunic would certainly cover most of her, being as slight and short as she was, but it wasn't proper for a lady to expose her legs out in public. [d]
[ORIN] He watched Cassandra as she showed off her legs and questioned him what she should do to cover them. He was admiring those legs for a moment though before he just pointed at her shift on the floor. With the shift, his tunic and her corseted bodice, she could start a new fashion trend. Or she could swim in a pair of his pants. [d]
[CASSANDRA] In truth, she just wanted to stay where she was, wearing absolutely nothing...but that wasn't at all possible. Still, a girl could dream, couldn't she? She was grinning at herself before she finally slid off the bed to retrieve that shift to cover herself up. It wasn't terribly late into the evening yet, so she would have to be extra careful when leaving. The thought made her smile disappear as she tightened the laces of that undergarment. Cassandra kept her mouth shut, because she would only complain if she tried saying anything. [d]
[ORIN] He watched her as she dressed for a moment and he held himself back from sighing before moving to grab his pants and slipping them back on. He, too, remained silent because he didn't like the idea of her leaving. But it was inevitable and they both knew this would be the way it was getting into, well, whatever this was. He slouched back into that chair and just continued watching her, silently. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Right. Whatever this was, besides the obvious. Cassandra looked around for her shoes, only to remember that she had left them in the library. So, she would turn to pick up that heavy gown, realizing she still had to cover up the marks along her collarbone and neck. Refraining from a sigh, she'd step into it and draw it back up her body, simply losing herself in her own thoughts. It was almost as though she forgot where she was as lips pressed together to hum softly. Since mentioning her mother just moments ago, that lullaby wouldn't leave her head, occupying her while she dealt with the laces of that bodice. Annoyingly dealt with it. Maybe she would burn this gown later. Drawing her hair over a shoulder, she lazily began to braid that auburn hair before eyes found him seated there. A small smile, she'd silently make her approach so that she could take that offered tunic in hand. Yes, she was keeping it. [d]
[ORIN] His own mind wandered, though he couldn't stop himself from staring at her, admiring her every move. The voice that spilled out of her throat as she hummed. He found himself thinking about what life would be like with her if they didn't have to hide things. His thoughts were broken when she was trying to deal with the laces of her bodice, and he couldn't help but laugh at her. Women had such strange clothing and he didn't understand why it needed to be so complicated. He smiled back at her until she approached him and took that tunic, brow raising in question. He wasn't sure why she was taking it, as she had already put that gown back on, despite not wanting to. He grabbed her wrist as she took the tunic, and he pulled her down onto his lap, wrapping arms around her so she couldn't break free from him. "Just a moment longer." He said to her, not wanting her to leave just yet. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She wanted it because she wanted it. Maybe it was her keepsake. When he ceased her wrist and drew her down to his lap, he was making this difficult all over again. However, at the same time, she wasn't exactly complaining. An arm snaked around his shoulders as the fingers of her other hand gently grasped his chin so that she could study his face for the briefest of seconds. "Okay," she said, lips lingering close to his before she ultimately gave in to her needs and kissed him deeply. [d]
[ORIN] He smirked as she agreed to stay just a little longer and as she claimed his lips again, he sighed into her lips and kissed her back, deeply, making matters worse for him not wanting her to leave. He held her there tightly, and just kissed her long and deep, wishing this moment could continue on for a lot longer than they had. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She shouldn't have done that, now it was going to be nearly impossible to leave his side. The fact that he was holding her there tightly, too, was making her breathing staggered, her heart thunder wildly inside her chest, and she felt a whimper leave her throat. Those damned emotions were beginning to rise back up to the surface, and she did not want to deal with them. Cassandra broke that kiss, but kept her eyes closed with her forehead against his; her hand resting against his face, gently careful of that still healing cut. "I don't know why I feel so worried about tomorrow..." She didn't realize she said that out loud until it was too late. [d]
[ORIN] His fingers ran along her back as he kissed her, until she was breaking away from him. He watched her until s he spoke, expressing her fears. Eyebrows furrowed in question. "Tomorrow? Why?" He asked her, quietly. He took hold of that braid that hung over her shoulder and fingers idly played with the end of it as he kept his eyes on her, wondering what she was so worried about. The Saelis issue they would all need to deal with? Eoin? Or was there something else she was worrying about? [d]
[CASSANDRA] Her eyes dropped to his chest while she bit the inside of her lip while she tried to find an answer to that. "I...don't really know. Just a feeling..." Maybe it was the news Eoin brought, news that would have to be dealt with. Or perhaps it was what Edward had done, and she suspected Aric would want him gone as soon as possible. She shook her head lightly as though to rid herself of these stupid, most likely unnecessary thoughts, and opened her eyes to look at him. Cass forced a smile. "It's nothing, I'm sure." She gripped his chin again; her thumb brushing across his lower lip. "Could just be all of these crazy feelings you caused, vagabond." [d]
[ORIN] He continued playing with her hair as she spoke, not really knowing what she was worried about. He frowned slightly, now she had him thinking and worrying a little about it. She had made him forget about everything he had been feeling and worrying over, up until now as it suddenly all came flooding back into his mind. Though, when she grabbed his chin and was brushing her thumb along his lip, he smirked at her accusation. "Crazy feelings that I caused? I did nothing of the sorts. What are you talking about, lady?" He emphasized 'lady' again, as she had previously called herslef a lady and that she couldn't possibly be considered a vagabond. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was probably nothing. It was mostly likely her nerves with not knowing what a new day would bring. She had fallen into this so deeply that that worry seemed to heighten more every time. And yet, she couldn't bring herself to say anymore on it, because she was most certainly afraid of that. Cassandra knew she should be getting up from his lap now, but she wasn't making a very good effort. What was another minute longer? Or a few? She grinned as he emphasized that silly title before she kissed him briefly, only to whisper as heavy-lidded eyes poured into his own. "I'm talking about how you set my skin on fire, how I can't sleep until I've felt your touch..." Lips pressed a kiss to a corner of his mouth before slowly following suit on the other side. "How my heart pounds as though it might burst from my chest..." She wasn't helping herself at all right now. And as fingers curled into his shoulder, she drew her face away, murmuring in soft frustration. "You've made me fucking mad." That was a compliment, even if it didn't seem like one. [d]
[ORIN] Green-blue eyes looked into her own eyes as she leaned in and spoke, telling him what crazy feelings he caused her. He listened, fingers wandering around her body, though restricted by that damn dress again.
He smirked at her last words and pulled her back in, kissing her lips briefly before murmuring against them. "Good...." he said simply. "Because you drive me absolutely insane..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] What was it about this man? He was, clearly, far from what she usually found herself drawn to. This attraction hadn't even been one time, either...and she kept coming back. It was true, that she feared that overwhelming ache in her heart that happened every time she left him. How bad it would hurt if she was forced to leave Aralore. Cassandra had been trying to stop herself, but she swiftly realized how hard she fell. And she kept on falling. A smile and a soft giggle at his words, she would rest her forehead against his before the humorous look dissipated. "Orin...I, um..." What the fuck are you doing? Abort now! Honestly, she didn't really know what her brain was about to say, but her lips would not be able to utter another word because there came a frantic pounding against the door. Cassandra gasped, jumping up from his lap to whirl around. The pounding continued. "Sir?!" A voice called from the other side, sounding out of breath. The guard had frantically run around in search of his commander, deciding to check his room. "Sir, are you in there? There's been a situation at the Queen's quarters! The prince has requested you!" More like demanded, but still. [d]
[ORIN] He held her there in that peaceful and quiet moment, eyes searching hers as she rested her forehead against his. She was about to say something, but there was pounding at his door, which seemed to startle Cassandra and caused him to stand and motion for her to get back so she'd be unnoticed when he opened the door. He was pulling his shirt over his head before making it to the door and opening it to see the frantic guard. His blood instantly ran cold as he started to worry about what happened. He grabbed his sword by the door and stepped out, regretfully leaving Cassandra behind. Duty called though. And as he rushed down the hall, he couldn't bring himself to ask what was wrong. He wasn't sure he wanted to know. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She rushed to the far wall near the door, so whomever was behind it would not see her. Her heart thundered in her chest to hear that something that happened, and Aric was asking for Orin. She feared the worst. Orin didn't have to say anything as he left, because she would be waiting a few moments before making her way over there. But now, she was left in the silence, her thoughts running rampant. [d]
[ORIN] Her fingers trailing along his chest was soothing, and he closed his eyes for a moment until her voice nearly startled him. He laughed quietly at her and shook his head. "Oh is there, now? Must be my vagabond nature... makes you a vagabond by association?" There was a teasing smirk on his face then, as he pulled her closer against him and held her there in his arms. He wasn't going to let her leave. Which reminded him, "Did I show you well enough?" How much he wanted her to stay. [d]
[CASSANDRA] There was amusement in her eyes, but her smile was soft and small; a simple, wry curl of a corner of her mouth. That hand lifted from his chest to very lightly smack his cheek in amusement. "For your information, Mr. Evans...I am a lady." Although, not a very proper one. She didn't fight him when he drew her closer, and she sighed softly in contentment, resting her head upon his shoulder. Cassandra laughed a little. "Hm, I'm still trying to decide..." She didn't even try to pretend to be serious, playfully biting his chest in her amusement. [d]
[ORIN]He laughed when she called herself a lady and grabbed her wrist after she slapped him in the face, moving it above her head. He glanced down at her when she admitted she hadn't decided yet if he has shown her well enough with how badly he wanted her to stay. He laughed slightly, though. "Ok, then leave," he said with a joking tone. "I'll just go find another vagabond lady. He emphasized the word lady this time He was joking however. It wasn't worth the energy to try and find someone. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Green eyes rolled into white, but the humorous glint remained. "Pssh, you should be so lucky," she commented. But it was sarcastic. If she knew what he thought of himself and why no woman seemed to stay, she would have been a bit surprised. Sure, he was a different and acquired taste...but she already told him she didn't wish to leave. And she meant it. Cassandra never wanted something so badly before and wasn't sure how to say that without appearing like some weak, emotional woman. Freeing her arm from his grasp, she turned so that she was resting half on top of him, allowing her to look down at him; fingers tapping idly on his chest. That was when her gaze dropped to one of the rings she wore. It was of a simple gold band with a single jeweled stone of a light green that meant something to her. She was rarely ever without it. "Here." She slipped it from her finger and held it up to him. "For luck...and to remember how much I wish to stay, even when I can't." Such as tonight and most likely every night she couldn't wake up beside him. Even if she was able to remain in Aralore, it didn't easily change their situation. And, obviously, the ring wasn't for him to wear (it wouldn't fit him anyway), but to hold onto as a keepsake, whatever he wished. If he even wanted to. Her intentions, at least, were clear. [d]
[ORIN] He laughed at her comment. Had Cassandra forgotten that he did have a woman trying to throw herself at him earlier this evening? Getting a girl wasn't his problem. If he were that type of man, he could probably have someone whenever he wanted. But he wasn't like that, and he had his own acquired taste. One he never expected Cassandra to possess, but she surprisingly did.
Green-blue eyes watched her as she moved, resting halfway on top of him. One of his hands instantly moved to her hair, combing his fingers through it. When she took that ring from her finger and offered it to him, he smiled and took it, trying it on his pinky finger, which it barely fit. He laughed slightly and carefully stretched out his arm to place the ring on the table beside his bed. "Thank you," he said as he looked back at her. "Why is it for luck?" He was curious to where it came from and what it meant to her. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She bit her bottom lip as if it would be enough to suppress the giggle at seeing him try it on his pinky. At his question, though, she shifted her gaze away to rest her head back down upon his chest. "It has always comforted me," she told him quietly. "It was my mother's." Who had the most beautiful green eyes, softer and brighter than Cassandra's. Her father had given her mother that ring when she had been born, and Cass was sure to take it when she passed away. It helped her get through the later years without her, having to watch her father drift away into his drunken madness until he ultimately died. That day signified how different her life would be from then on, because her life was handed over to Edward who had inherited her uncle's throne. [d]
[ORIN] When she mentioned that the ring comforted her and that it was her mother's, Orin reached for it again and held it out to her. "I don't want to take that from you, then..." By the tone of her voice, he could tell her mother had passed, and he didn't feel that he was deserving of such an important thing. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Lifting her head when he was giving it back, she didn't reach for it. Instead, she wrapped her small hand around his and the ring. "No, please," she said quietly. "I want you to have it." Truthfully, she didn't know why. Maybe if was just another step she was trying to take in a new direction, to slip out of what she thought was normalcy in her life and into changing it. Perhaps she wouldn't have the power to do so, but Cassandra wasn't willing to simply allow it to happen without a fight. [d]
[ORIN] As she closed his hand around the ring, he sighed quietly and forced a smile. "Well, I'm honored, then." He kissed her forehead before he'd move to set the ring back down. He wished he had something to give her in return, but he wasn't sure he had anything as special and he quietly pondered it. He would need to go digging through his things, and right now he didn't feel like getting up. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She didn't give it to him expecting anything in return. It was simply a spur of the moment thing. She playfully pushed his face aside with another roll of her eyes when he appeared to be rather quiet about it. It wasn't like she was binding him to anything. "Just don't lose it." Even though he wasn't willing to get up, Cassandra sat up slowly, moving to drape her legs over the edge of the bed. She didn't get up, though, even if she knew she shouldn't be staying here all night. It was suddenly cold without him against her. "I do not want to put that damn thing back on..." she murmured with a laugh, mainly talking to herself. For a woman who loved her fashionable dresses, she hated that one. [d]
[ORIN] He was already thinking of putting the ring on a chain to wear around his neck, so when she told him not to lose it, and pushed his face aside, he laughed. "I will try not to." He watched her as she sat up and moved to the edge of the bed. For a moment, he admired her and the shape of her body. When she spoke about the stupid dress, he smirked. "I don't want you to put it back on either." He moved to sit up and let his legs fall over the edge, sitting up before pushing himself up with an annoyed sigh. He walked over to where his wardrobe was and he opened it, searching for something. He had no dresses, and it probably wouldn't be a good idea to go back in his clothes in case someone wondered where she got them and why. He pulled out a long tunic and held it out to her. "You can put this on ....but..." he trailed off and shrugged his shoulders. He wasn't going to finish that statement. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She was trying not to let the exhaustion hit her, because it was already proving so difficult to get up. It was painful how much she didn't want to go. She hated sneaking around, pretending like nothing has ever happened between them. Then it was nothing but guilt, yet only when she wasn't in his presence. Green eyes watched him in quiet admiration as he moved to his closet, amused at the fact that he was attempting to help her. Oh, she could put that tunic on...however, it very well may look a bit suspicious. And a bit unladylike. She still wanted it, though, especially if it smelled like him. Leaning back on her hands, still seated there at the edge of the bed, she crossed a leg over the other in slow exaggeration, "And what shall I do about these?" She smirked wryly. That tunic would certainly cover most of her, being as slight and short as she was, but it wasn't proper for a lady to expose her legs out in public. [d]
[ORIN] He watched Cassandra as she showed off her legs and questioned him what she should do to cover them. He was admiring those legs for a moment though before he just pointed at her shift on the floor. With the shift, his tunic and her corseted bodice, she could start a new fashion trend. Or she could swim in a pair of his pants. [d]
[CASSANDRA] In truth, she just wanted to stay where she was, wearing absolutely nothing...but that wasn't at all possible. Still, a girl could dream, couldn't she? She was grinning at herself before she finally slid off the bed to retrieve that shift to cover herself up. It wasn't terribly late into the evening yet, so she would have to be extra careful when leaving. The thought made her smile disappear as she tightened the laces of that undergarment. Cassandra kept her mouth shut, because she would only complain if she tried saying anything. [d]
[ORIN] He watched her as she dressed for a moment and he held himself back from sighing before moving to grab his pants and slipping them back on. He, too, remained silent because he didn't like the idea of her leaving. But it was inevitable and they both knew this would be the way it was getting into, well, whatever this was. He slouched back into that chair and just continued watching her, silently. [d]
[CASSANDRA] Right. Whatever this was, besides the obvious. Cassandra looked around for her shoes, only to remember that she had left them in the library. So, she would turn to pick up that heavy gown, realizing she still had to cover up the marks along her collarbone and neck. Refraining from a sigh, she'd step into it and draw it back up her body, simply losing herself in her own thoughts. It was almost as though she forgot where she was as lips pressed together to hum softly. Since mentioning her mother just moments ago, that lullaby wouldn't leave her head, occupying her while she dealt with the laces of that bodice. Annoyingly dealt with it. Maybe she would burn this gown later. Drawing her hair over a shoulder, she lazily began to braid that auburn hair before eyes found him seated there. A small smile, she'd silently make her approach so that she could take that offered tunic in hand. Yes, she was keeping it. [d]
[ORIN] His own mind wandered, though he couldn't stop himself from staring at her, admiring her every move. The voice that spilled out of her throat as she hummed. He found himself thinking about what life would be like with her if they didn't have to hide things. His thoughts were broken when she was trying to deal with the laces of her bodice, and he couldn't help but laugh at her. Women had such strange clothing and he didn't understand why it needed to be so complicated. He smiled back at her until she approached him and took that tunic, brow raising in question. He wasn't sure why she was taking it, as she had already put that gown back on, despite not wanting to. He grabbed her wrist as she took the tunic, and he pulled her down onto his lap, wrapping arms around her so she couldn't break free from him. "Just a moment longer." He said to her, not wanting her to leave just yet. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She wanted it because she wanted it. Maybe it was her keepsake. When he ceased her wrist and drew her down to his lap, he was making this difficult all over again. However, at the same time, she wasn't exactly complaining. An arm snaked around his shoulders as the fingers of her other hand gently grasped his chin so that she could study his face for the briefest of seconds. "Okay," she said, lips lingering close to his before she ultimately gave in to her needs and kissed him deeply. [d]
[ORIN] He smirked as she agreed to stay just a little longer and as she claimed his lips again, he sighed into her lips and kissed her back, deeply, making matters worse for him not wanting her to leave. He held her there tightly, and just kissed her long and deep, wishing this moment could continue on for a lot longer than they had. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She shouldn't have done that, now it was going to be nearly impossible to leave his side. The fact that he was holding her there tightly, too, was making her breathing staggered, her heart thunder wildly inside her chest, and she felt a whimper leave her throat. Those damned emotions were beginning to rise back up to the surface, and she did not want to deal with them. Cassandra broke that kiss, but kept her eyes closed with her forehead against his; her hand resting against his face, gently careful of that still healing cut. "I don't know why I feel so worried about tomorrow..." She didn't realize she said that out loud until it was too late. [d]
[ORIN] His fingers ran along her back as he kissed her, until she was breaking away from him. He watched her until s he spoke, expressing her fears. Eyebrows furrowed in question. "Tomorrow? Why?" He asked her, quietly. He took hold of that braid that hung over her shoulder and fingers idly played with the end of it as he kept his eyes on her, wondering what she was so worried about. The Saelis issue they would all need to deal with? Eoin? Or was there something else she was worrying about? [d]
[CASSANDRA] Her eyes dropped to his chest while she bit the inside of her lip while she tried to find an answer to that. "I...don't really know. Just a feeling..." Maybe it was the news Eoin brought, news that would have to be dealt with. Or perhaps it was what Edward had done, and she suspected Aric would want him gone as soon as possible. She shook her head lightly as though to rid herself of these stupid, most likely unnecessary thoughts, and opened her eyes to look at him. Cass forced a smile. "It's nothing, I'm sure." She gripped his chin again; her thumb brushing across his lower lip. "Could just be all of these crazy feelings you caused, vagabond." [d]
[ORIN] He continued playing with her hair as she spoke, not really knowing what she was worried about. He frowned slightly, now she had him thinking and worrying a little about it. She had made him forget about everything he had been feeling and worrying over, up until now as it suddenly all came flooding back into his mind. Though, when she grabbed his chin and was brushing her thumb along his lip, he smirked at her accusation. "Crazy feelings that I caused? I did nothing of the sorts. What are you talking about, lady?" He emphasized 'lady' again, as she had previously called herslef a lady and that she couldn't possibly be considered a vagabond. [d]
[CASSANDRA] It was probably nothing. It was mostly likely her nerves with not knowing what a new day would bring. She had fallen into this so deeply that that worry seemed to heighten more every time. And yet, she couldn't bring herself to say anymore on it, because she was most certainly afraid of that. Cassandra knew she should be getting up from his lap now, but she wasn't making a very good effort. What was another minute longer? Or a few? She grinned as he emphasized that silly title before she kissed him briefly, only to whisper as heavy-lidded eyes poured into his own. "I'm talking about how you set my skin on fire, how I can't sleep until I've felt your touch..." Lips pressed a kiss to a corner of his mouth before slowly following suit on the other side. "How my heart pounds as though it might burst from my chest..." She wasn't helping herself at all right now. And as fingers curled into his shoulder, she drew her face away, murmuring in soft frustration. "You've made me fucking mad." That was a compliment, even if it didn't seem like one. [d]
[ORIN] Green-blue eyes looked into her own eyes as she leaned in and spoke, telling him what crazy feelings he caused her. He listened, fingers wandering around her body, though restricted by that damn dress again.
He smirked at her last words and pulled her back in, kissing her lips briefly before murmuring against them. "Good...." he said simply. "Because you drive me absolutely insane..." [d]
[CASSANDRA] What was it about this man? He was, clearly, far from what she usually found herself drawn to. This attraction hadn't even been one time, either...and she kept coming back. It was true, that she feared that overwhelming ache in her heart that happened every time she left him. How bad it would hurt if she was forced to leave Aralore. Cassandra had been trying to stop herself, but she swiftly realized how hard she fell. And she kept on falling. A smile and a soft giggle at his words, she would rest her forehead against his before the humorous look dissipated. "Orin...I, um..." What the fuck are you doing? Abort now! Honestly, she didn't really know what her brain was about to say, but her lips would not be able to utter another word because there came a frantic pounding against the door. Cassandra gasped, jumping up from his lap to whirl around. The pounding continued. "Sir?!" A voice called from the other side, sounding out of breath. The guard had frantically run around in search of his commander, deciding to check his room. "Sir, are you in there? There's been a situation at the Queen's quarters! The prince has requested you!" More like demanded, but still. [d]
[ORIN] He held her there in that peaceful and quiet moment, eyes searching hers as she rested her forehead against his. She was about to say something, but there was pounding at his door, which seemed to startle Cassandra and caused him to stand and motion for her to get back so she'd be unnoticed when he opened the door. He was pulling his shirt over his head before making it to the door and opening it to see the frantic guard. His blood instantly ran cold as he started to worry about what happened. He grabbed his sword by the door and stepped out, regretfully leaving Cassandra behind. Duty called though. And as he rushed down the hall, he couldn't bring himself to ask what was wrong. He wasn't sure he wanted to know. [d]
[CASSANDRA] She rushed to the far wall near the door, so whomever was behind it would not see her. Her heart thundered in her chest to hear that something that happened, and Aric was asking for Orin. She feared the worst. Orin didn't have to say anything as he left, because she would be waiting a few moments before making her way over there. But now, she was left in the silence, her thoughts running rampant. [d]
