Magpie
25
Single
Military
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Post by Rhysand Sellar on Jul 14, 2020 21:33:51 GMT -5
Rhysand wasn't surprised that she encouraged him to give the ball a chance, seeing as that had been her advice for the game as well. He simply nodded his agreement. It was interesting that she'd helped with the decor as well; he'd have to pay attention to that when he arrived tomorrow. Perhaps it would be a good learning opportunity as well--an opportunity to learn more about Elyscia.
He raised his eyebrows at the suggestion that he save a dance for her. His first thought was that he didn't have anyone to be saving a dance from; he simply didn't expect to draw any attention at all in the ballroom. Sure, his family was well known, but he was the second son, and his elder brother was a far more eligible bachelor than he. Still...
"Of course, it would be my honor," he answered.
When she stepped in front of him, he stopped, confusion clear on his face. He held perfectly still as Elyscia stepped towards him, blue eyes wide. He honestly had no idea how to react. He had offered a kiss willingly, of course, but he hadn't really expected her to change her mind. Her hand was soft, he noticed, distracted for a moment, before she was leaning in. Her eyes were beautiful, but her lips caught his attention before they pressed to his, ever so softly. When she drew back, he continued to stare, absolutely dumbfounded, as his face turned bright red.
"Y-yes...I, um..." he blinked several times before he could think of what he ought to say. "Any time. That is, it was my pleasure to keep you company."
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Soleil
29
Single
Lieutenant of the Tresterian Army : Cavalry
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Nathaniel Starke on Jul 15, 2020 13:31:00 GMT -5
"That is so." He stated in a confident, matter-of-fact tone, a smirk etching upon his lips once again that eventually grew into a wide grin, causing him to look down at the ground, almost bashfully so. She thought he was easy to adore. Then again, she didn't know much about him. At least he made a good first impression. He let out a nervous laugh before glancing back up at her. "What makes me so easy to adore, my lady?" He gave her a charming grin as if to exaggerate the fact that maybe it was simply just his smile to easily adore.
He wasn't certain why this woman had captured him (in more than just one way). But he was interested in knowing more about her and getting to know her. There was just that nervousness deep down, about getting too close, too serious, too soon. He tended to push people away as they got to know him, and he didn't know why he allowed himself to even interact. Perhaps it was this strange loneliness that ate away at him, yet he never let it become satiated.
Nathaniel tilted his head as he regarded her. He wasn't so much flattering himself if she was admitting these things to him, now was he? He grinned and shrugged his shoulders in response.
And just what do you suppose would happen that would get me into trouble? Would I fall madly in love with you?
"You just may..." He spoke confidently, his smile slowly turning into a more serious expression as if he seriously had no doubt that she would. But as he watched her bat her eyelashes at him, he couldn't hold onto that serious expression anymore, and he gave her that laugh she was hoping to see and hear.
When they arrived back at the starting grounds, Nathaniel stopped and faced her just as she stated she might attend the ball. Her flirtatious smirk only made him smile and let out a breath of a laugh through his nose. "Would you attend if I will be there?" Was this perhaps his subtle way of asking her if she would go with him? "We could watch everyone else and laugh at their stuffiness together." He raised a brow in a challenging fashion. Somehow, he felt that would appeal to her, and he hoped it would be enough to convince her to attend. Either with him or to keep him company if they were both there in attendance. Not like a date or anything. Just two people, attending a ball, right?
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Lux
22
Recently Divorced
Lady in waiting/Spy
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Alice Calder on Jul 15, 2020 14:42:30 GMT -5
She'd smiled, more to herself than him, though it was still clear as it tugged at the corners of her full lips. While already a confident woman, he seemed to compliment that confidence with his own. It was relaxing in a sense, as it wasn't often that Alice came across any person that was genuinely confident. Most people could fake it well, but there was always an underlying something that gave them away to their insecurities. Nathaniel? Either he was one hell of an actor or he was truly a confident man, and Alice was more hard-pressed to believe the latter. Hopeful thinking? Perhaps. But it wasn't like it'd tear her down too much to know she was wrong in a single instance.
Then there was that question. What made him so easy to adore? There were many things. His confidence, definitely that smile. The way he regarded her as the strong woman she was, not treating her as your everyday damsel that couldn't fend for herself. He seemed to have respect for the woman he hardly knew and he didn't question that she meant what she said, or at least, he didn't question it seriously. It was always joking. Teasing. That seemed to be her favorite thing about him thus far, though. Despite how serious he was, he could still be playful and laugh and get away from his seriousness, even if for just a fraction of a moment. Simply, he was very similar to her and the self-love she had for herself could easily be translated in adoration - or more accurately, admiration - for him. Was she going to tell him that? Absolutely not. She wouldn't give him that immediate gratification. The game may have begun with her giving chase, but it would not end that way.
"If you decide to spend more time in my presence, perhaps you can get the answer to that question." She said cheekily, peeking at him from the corner of her eye. She laughed with him then, shaking her head at his response to her playful banter. "Now you've surpassed confidence and are just being cocky." She scolded with a light and playful undertone in her words.
When he stopped and turned to face her, Alice reciprocated, dropping her hand from his arm and looking up at him as he spoke again about the ball. His question was straight-forward, but also subtle and Alice found herself tilting her head, her lips pressed into a line as she eyed him. Then he was backtracking, but only slightly. She laughed at him, a light sound that was feminine as it filled the space between them. "Are you implying you'd like to judge the other attendees together?" She asked, a hint of mischief in her expression as she lifted her chin to him. "I think I'd like that." She tilted her head again, smiling a more genuine smile now. She intended to go regardless, of course. If her Queen and the other ladies attended, it was almost an obligation for Alice to attend as well. What would it look like if one of the Queen's ladies never appeared to attend any of the events? It certainly wouldn't be a good look. But the prospect of going with Nathaniel certainly had her looking forward to the event now, rather than simply feeling she had to go to keep up appearances.
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Lunari
28
Widow of Edward Demarais
Former Queen of Tresteria
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Eleesa Demarais on Jul 15, 2020 14:58:40 GMT -5
It wasn't pathetic at all. In all honesty, it was refreshing for a man (specifically from Tresteria) to be so openly caring. Of course, she exploited this fact...but it had been for an innocent cause! Well, mostly innocent. Eleesa was about to realize just what she had gotten herself into.
A hand went to shield her mouth while she struggled with whether or not to laugh. She had managed to fool him, but Eleesa wasn't sure whether she should be ashamed of that or to be okay with it. But he was calling her clever, and she couldn't help but let that grin spread into a full fledged smile. One of so few these days.
"Oh, so you do believe I cheated!" she exclaimed, feigning offense. That hand had dropped to her chest to sell the act a little more. '...As long as you don't tell that I fell for you playing me...' Those bright eyes narrowed playfully and she appeared to contemplate this deal. "Hmm, I suppose..." Triston's smile was faltering then, and she couldn't ignore how her stomach was suddenly doing somersaults, or how her breath was caught within her throat when he spoke.
Oh God. Of course she knew the prize for catching a hare, but she hadn't actually thought about it. At least not consciously. Well, no, she just thought this would never happen. That was such a foolish thing to think about when she had been so adamant on catching him. And why? Did she expect a kiss? Should she even dare?
The mirth from her features slowly dissipated with this reality as she was trying to ignore the racing of her heart. "I do..." she quietly stammered out a response before he thought she suddenly became mute. Eleesa was stunned back into silence, her mind frantically searching for what to do. Did he even want her to? Triston was a caring and polite man, as they just established...so he could simply be saying this so as to protect her feelings.
And what feelings were those?
The queen didn't know what else to do was but stare in soft bewilderment, attempting to read his face while struggling to discern her own thoughts. Then, almost in a trance, Eleesa moved onto her knees as she inched herself a little closer to him, never removing her eyes from his own. What if he didn't want this? What if she was being a fool?
But what about what she wanted for once, and her silent vow to simply taking chances?
Before Eleesa could stop herself any further, she leaned in the rest of the way, intending to place a kiss to the man's cheek. Yet she shifted, just slightly, to press her lips to the corner of his mouth instead. That inner voice told her to pull back then, that it was enough but she was ignoring it. She was ignoring everything. She couldn't feel the wild thundering of her heart against her chest or feel the flush in her cheeks anymore, or how her hands shook when they curled into the front of her skirts. She turned her face towards him more, gently nuzzling while those blues dropped to his mouth.
She had taken her kiss, as subtle as it was, but now she was silently questioning him, challenging him. He would have to draw back, because for once, she wouldn't.
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Soleil
28
Married to Aric Demarais
Queen of Aralore
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Alexandria Eveleigh- Demarais on Jul 16, 2020 20:27:38 GMT -5
I just...know it probably hasn't been easy. Her features softened in response, lips parting to speak, to tell him she was doing alright and that she appreciated his concern--but then he brought up his cousins. His very handsome and charming cousins. Alexandria laughed and nudged him gently. "Are you jealous?!" She teased him, playing along. He should know that he had nothing to worry about with her, as her affections belonged to him. He was everything to her--something she never expected to find in her life.
As his smile widened a bit, hers did as well. She was glad she had managed to make him smile again. Alexandria wrapped her own arm around his back as they walked side by side. Aric assured her that he was alright, and despite her gut feeling that he wasn't completely, Alexandria frowned but nodded, deciding to trust his words, however, and just be here for him. He had lost himself, he admitted to her, and she couldn't help the worry that bubbled in her stomach. Rather than dwell on it, or show her worry, she decided to make light of it, in attempt to further cheer him up, "It's because you were worried I would capture another man in this silly game. One of your cousins, perhaps?" Her voice filled with a sarcastic, joking tone. She grinned and let out another soft laugh.
When Yule was brought up and that he had to woo her with gifts, Alexandria playfully rolled her eyes and waved her hand dismissively. "I don't need gifts to be wooed by you. You already have wooed me... With just how handsome and good looking you are." She pulled him down towards her and placed a kiss to his cheek. "I need to find a dress for the ball, so I can impress you and make you speechless with how gorgeous I will look!" She kissed just underneath his ear before whispering into it, "maybe have a repeat of our night alone in the library?" She smirked playfully before looking straight ahead again, all innocent-like as they continued walking.
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Soleil
30
Single
Queen's Guard
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Post by Stefan Gifford on Jul 16, 2020 22:39:13 GMT -5
Stefan felt horrible. He had not meant to upset her by suggesting she kiss him, as the rules of the game stated. But, perhaps she was right--she did not actually catch him. But he thought when she said she wanted to catch him... When she said she wanted to kiss him... He just looked at her with a confused expression, scratching the back of his head in thought.
He didn't know what to say, so he just stood there, watching her as she spoke and started to cry, baffled by her and he hadn't the faintest idea of what was happening in front of him. His lips pulled down into a frown, feeling worse because she was crying now--and it was his fault?
'You broke me.' His eyes widened with concern. He broke her? He barely touched her. What was she accusing him of? He took a step back away from her, holding his hands up. "Look... I...Uh...." He shook his head and looked away from her, trying to see where Alexandria and Aric were, but they had already walked off together.
At her mention of never using tongue before, his gaze snapped right back to her, eyes widened. What in all of the nine layers of hell? Who said anything about using tongue?! He wanted to laugh, not really at her, but rather the situation, but he knew that would only make things worse. He coughed as if choking on his laughter and whatever words he couldn't manage to let out at the moment. He stood there, dumbfounded. "I... I Ummm. That's fine." He said in response to her not wanting her first kiss to be while playing a game.
This was rather embarrassing--Not just for her. He felt humiliated for even suggesting they kiss, or for offering. He forced a smile and nodded. "It's alright. Let's just, um... Head back... Get out of the cold, yeah?" He took a step towards her and motioned for her to begin walking back down the path they had gone down. He honestly wanted to go hide into one of the bushes, but he couldn't just leave her out here on her own.
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Post by Elyscia Demarais on Jul 16, 2020 22:52:18 GMT -5
Elyscia grinned as she seemed to have taken him by surprise and caused him to blush. She bashfully looked down at the ground, as if trying to hide her smile and the fact that she had just been so bold to kiss him. He had willingly offered, however.
She took a step back and looked back up at him, tucking strands of hair behind her ear as she nodded. "Have a good rest of your day, Rhysand. It was nice to meet you." She smiled softly and took a few more steps backward before she turned and headed back into the castle.
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Soleil
29
Single
Lieutenant of the Tresterian Army : Cavalry
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Nathaniel Starke on Jul 16, 2020 23:34:46 GMT -5
He watched her, waiting for her to answer his question, which she was seemingly going to ignore. He chuckled lightly to himself but did not press her for an answer. Instead, she was inviting him to spend more time with her. Was she? "Well, then... Now I suppose I shall have to spend more time with you." He smirked, "for research. Obviously," he joked.
Nathaniel was being rather cocky, wasn't he? He laughed at her and feined offense. "Me? Cocky? I don't think so, lady!" The sarcasm was rather thick in the tone of his voice and obvious by the wide grin he wore. Still.
At first, as she was questioning his motive of judging other attendees at the ball, he grew somewhat nervous that she would disapprove of such behavior. But when she, instead, admitted that she'd like that, he laughed and smiled again. "Good." He said simply and so matter-of-factually. He hadn't been certain if he would be attending the Yule ball--mostly because he did not wish to spend the evening alone, watching everyone else dance and laugh with their partners. He hadn't expected to meet such a lovely lady as Alice was. And although he hadn't asked her directly to be his date, he knew he could expect to see her there--which was enough for him. "I shall see you then, my lady." He smiled and bowed deeply to her, extending his hand out as if to ask for hers. If she offered it to him, he placed a kiss to her knuckles before releasing it. "It has been a pleasure meeting you."
And then he remembered that she had not yet claimed her prize for "capturing" him. It was a silly prize, really...At least for the women, because if anything, he felt it was more so a prize for the men... To be kissed by a beautiful woman? Yes, it would certainly be a prize to him. He grinned that charming smile of his and batted his eyelashes at her in a mocking fashion. "Did you wish to claim your prize, by the way? Or have I turned you off, completely with my cockiness?" He chuckled lightly and folded his arms over his chest, watching her as he waited to see what she would say. Or do.
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Soleil
32
Single
Council Member of Tresterian court
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Triston deGrey on Jul 17, 2020 0:11:10 GMT -5
Triston couldn't help but laugh at her feigned offense. He grinned, tilting his head with an expression that read, 'well, yeah... you kind of did cheat,' but he didn't seem to mind--Other than he being rather predictable, seemingly. He faked a sigh of relief and brushed the back of his hand over his forehead when she agreed not to tell anyone.
He nearly cringed and immediately regretted reminding her of the prize she was supposed to claim for catching him. Why would he do such a thing? She was Queen of Tresteria, a newly widowed woman, why would she wish to kiss anyone now? To kiss him no less? He found himself wondering, though, why she had decided to participate in the game but then thought he shouldn't judge her, as he assumed others probably were. It was just a game. And he was either the last or the first man she had managed to come across. That was all-- just a game. The silence only made him feel guilty and embarrassed for bringing it up. He suddenly wanted to disappear... Until he heard her quiet response. 'I do.'
Well, now he was half expecting her to come back with some witty response that it simply meant she was faster and clever than he, and that was all it meant. Yet, he couldn't help but notice as his own heart began to race within his chest, especially as that silence lingered again and he waited to hear what she had to say about it. She was staring at him, which only made him more nervous. Was she waiting for him to do something? To say something? He did not know what to say or do or expect. Yet, all he knew was the palms of his hands were sweating... The coldness of the winter air felt like summer suddenly, and he could swear that he was forgetting how to breathe.
Time slowed down. He found her eyes, his gaze never moving away from them as she slid off the tree and down to her knees in front of him. His brows knitted together in confusion. Triston wanted to say something--anything to break up whatever this tension was between them, but he couldn't bring himself to move, and the words just were not forming.
His heart began to race even faster as she leaned in closer to him. Towards his cheek, though and the beating suddenly felt as if it stopped and caused a sinking feeling into the pit of his stomach--a twinge of disappointment. Alright, more than just a twinge. But then he felt her lips not on his cheek, but rather, the corner of his mouth. His heart started up again and rose high into his throat. Could she hear how loud it was thundering within him?
Brown eyes looked at her in question before they were quick to stare at her own mouth. She wasn't pulling away, or rushing to escape him. He quietly stared at her for a long moment, his mind racing with various thoughts. Those ten years suddenly disappeared between them, and he gently placed both his hands on her face, fingers curling into her hair as he pulled her closer, pressing his lips firmly against hers, claiming the kind of kiss he had hoped for from her. It was deep, hungry, passionate as if he had been waiting this long to do so. There was no holding him back anymore. He wanted this more than anything. He wanted her, and he didn't care anymore.
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Lux
22
Recently Divorced
Lady in waiting/Spy
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Alice Calder on Jul 17, 2020 9:55:40 GMT -5
"Obviously." She mimicked with a smirk, rolling her eyes though her expression still conveyed the playfulness of the action. She was happy to see that Nathaniel was a willing participant in their little back and forth, their energies in the exchange aligned and neither party feeling easily offended by any of the words between them. It was pleasant to not be so mindful of what was said. Oftentimes, Alice found herself walking on eggshells in order to maintain that she was saying the right things at the right time, and of course with the right tone. For a callous woman, that was a bit of a challenge and proved difficult more often than not. Interacting with Nathaniel was a natural flow.
He feigned offense and Alice bit her lip to stifle a smile as she rolled her eyes again. But then he was responding to her agreement to go the ball and Alice lifted her chin, giving him her own cocky grin that was accompanied with a somewhat flirty gaze as he began to engage in pleasantries. She wouldn't admit it, but the pang of disappointment she'd earlier felt had ebbed away as she now knew she'd definitely be seeing Nathaniel again, and quite soon at that. What better place than a ball?
She placed her hand in his, more than happy to feel his lips press gently to her knuckles as her brown eyes watched him as he bowed with the motion. She smiled as he stood straight, giving a dip of her head, her eyes closing for half a second. "The pleasure is all mine, Nathaniel." She said in a sultry tone when her eyes met his face again. She allowed her fingers to graze across his gently, intentionally, as her hand slowly fell from his. "I look forward to seeing you again." She smiled at him and was ready to turn on her heel and walk away before he spoke up again, causing her to laugh lightly. His arms folded across his chest made him look almost intimidating and unapproachable and for some reason, Alice liked the look. Maybe it was because it was reminiscent of a challenge to approach someone who looked so closed off. Or maybe it was because Alice, too, oftentimes looked unapproachable and intimidating.
She moved a step forward, placing a small hand against his chest and tilting her chin upwards to him. "I thought we agreed the prize was each other's company?" She teased with an alluring smile. "Though, I suppose if you really want to kiss me that badly.." Her words trailed off as she stood taller and tilted her head slightly, her free hand going behind his neck as her lips pressed gently to his. It could hardly be called a real kiss, but it wasn't meant to be. Alice wanted to leave him wanting more. However, it seemed that all it had done was left her wanting more. Stepping away, she smirked, looking up at him from beneath her lashes and biting her bottom lip gently. "I shall see you very soon, Mr. Starke." She said matter-of-factly with a wink before turning to walk away, her eyes falling to her feet as she grinned to herself. She almost felt like a teenage girl all over again.
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Tendy
20
Single
Lady in Waiting
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Claire Beauchard on Jul 17, 2020 14:40:43 GMT -5
Fudging Sweet pea'd Apples and nuts! Claire thought, seeing Stefan step away and holding his hands up at her as if she was about shoot boogers all over him for breaking her. This whole thing was a mess. A giant boogery mess that had turned into a giant misunderstanding. It's not fine!!! She nearly squeaked at him. Nothing was fine in that moment, but she decided at this point it was best to just keep her mouth shut. She'd not only inserted one foot, but both feet in her mouth and was now going to have to suffer for it.
Way. To. Go. Claire.
Stefan was motioned for them to walk back then, and she all but turned in on herself in defeat. She'd tried to explain, but clearly that had ended badly. "Can we just climb into the bushes and pretend this didn't happen?" She mumbled, averting her gaze, she looked longingly into the the hedge. it would be so easy, she'd just need to step inside, and fade away into existence. She could pretend nothing had happened, and everything was okay. Like she hadn't just made herself out to be the biggest booger ever. She turned to go back the way they come none the less, sniffling as she wiped her cheeks on the back of her mittens and just hid deeper in her scarf. "I'm sorry Stefan..." She mumbled as she began to slowly walk back, wallowing in her in misery. She was never going to be able to look at him now. Not after everything she'd said, what she admitted. She really wanted Cassie and Teagan right then. If only to tell her she'd be okay for a hug. That she wasn't a complete booger loser. She'd tried to be nice, she did. She'd just wanted to thank him for taking care of her, and she'd somehow ruined it. If only she had the same confidence as Cassie and Teagan, if only she was more like them then maybe this wouldn't have happened. She wrapped her arms around herself, looking down at her toes.
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Soleil
29
Single
Lieutenant of the Tresterian Army : Cavalry
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Nathaniel Starke on Jul 25, 2020 14:18:50 GMT -5
Nathaniel hadn't expected Alice to turn and walk back to him at his comment. He expected her to laugh it off and continue on her way. Maybe he had said it just to get that laugh out of her. But she was touching his chest and teasing him again. Brown eyes stared down at her, and only the touch of a smirk rested on his lips as he regarded her. She certainly was beautiful and that alluring smile of hers had him leaning in towards her.
He grinned slightly at her comment of him wanting to kiss her that badly, he stared her in the eyes as she moved even closer to him and pulled him down with the hand on his neck. Her lips were soft and gentle against his own, but that was all it was... She hadn't given him much, but it was enough to steal his breath away and make his heart beat wildly in his chest. As she pulled away, he half wanted to grab her hand and pull her back, if only to show her what a real kiss should be like, but he refrained. It would be too forward of him, and there was always tomorrow. He did want more though.
Nathaniel stared at her as she walked away, his faint smile grew more into a grin and he nodded to her. "See you soon," he agreed. She turned and walked away, but he stood and watched her until she was out of sight. Then, with a wide smile on his face, he turned and headed in the direction of home. Anxious to see how tomorrow would unfold and if she would even show up to the ball and wait for him.
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Magpie
25
Single
Military
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Post by Rhysand Sellar on Jul 25, 2020 22:09:29 GMT -5
Rhysand stood, absolutely stunned, and watched Elyscia walk away. It wasn't until she was a few steps away from him that he managed to call after her, "Until tomorrow!"
Well. That had been far more of a tempest than he'd expected. He'd just planned to stay in that ugly little shed all afternoon and then go back to business as usual. How he'd managed to change his perspective on the whole thing, learn about women and society, and get kissed by a beautiful girl all in the space of an hour, he wasn't entirely sure. But he didn't regret it.
[Exit Rhysand]
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Lunari
34
Unattached
Sailor for deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Shane O'Sullivan on Jul 25, 2020 22:41:24 GMT -5
"Will do, my lady," he told her in regards to taking a break. They weren't terribly far from the castle, but it also might wound his pride if he felt like he had to stop. She was heavier than the usual sacks of grain and the like, for certain, but even still...to give in would acknowledge that he was possibly getting a bit old! At least, that's what Wesley liked to taunt him with. That wee shite. Regardless, he was only slightly winded and his arms weren't killing him yet!
Shane chuckled deep within his chest. "Yes, it's a good thing. At least in my eyes." Most of Tresteria would beg to differ, of course, but he liked to believe he didn't fall over onto that side of the line. He grew up among great men like Elliot Walsh, remembering strong women like his sister, Eithne, and his mother who clung to whatever resolve she had left, determined not to sink beneath the waves her husband created. They all seemed to be trying to keep their heads above the water that was Eamon O'Sullivan. "You're a human being, Lady O'Shea...the same as any man, despite what the laws have stated." His voice had lowered a little.
Eithne had tried to defy these laws, defy their father...but it hadn't ended well for her. He shouldn't be encouraging this young woman into things that could potentially get her into trouble.
Avalynn's giggle drew his mind from those dark thoughts that began to loom over him, and he grinned lightly. "Well, these types of...gatherings aren't things I often enjoy. They can be stuffy, the people stuck up, and it's all about flaunting your wealth and power..." Which, according to his father, he could be doing, but it was his wealth and power, not Shane's. And he would not stroke the man's ego further. He wanted nothing to do with him. "I don't often fit in. I'm only here because my friend wrangled me into it...and I was hopin' to see him lose." The smirk spread a little wider across his face then.
Suddenly, she was talking. A lot. Was she even taking breaths in between? Did she even realize she was saying so much? Was he actually suppose to answer? Shane nearly stumbled as he tried to concentrate on her words as well as his footing, managing to catch himself before he could potentially drop her when he tripped a little.
"I, uh..." he tried to intercede once he righted himself but she kept going, becoming flustered. Lips pressed into a firm line as if he was trying not to laugh, because he didn't want her thinking he was laughing at her again...even if this time he kind would be.
Shane just kept walking, letting her work through her embarrassment as he saw the castle ahead through breaks in the trees. Eventually, he caved and was laughing, maybe because she was seemingly laughing at herself; bright eyes shifting to look at her flushed face. "Would it be better...if I lied and said I heard none of it?" Did his grin just become a bit cheeky? Why yes, it seems it had. If she was worried that he would go and tell everyone, she had nothing to worry about. This was the longest conversation he had with anyone outside of the crew. He purposely didn't speak with many people.
"The sea is not for everyone," he told her, looking ahead again. "Just as I am probably no good on a horse." He'd nearly been thrown off of one as a child and the slight fear always stayed with him. They were beautiful beasts, but he had a hard time trusting one enough to be able to ride. After she asked what he liked most about sailing, he barely had to think about it, "The freedom. Sometimes, when there's nothing but the ocean out in front of you, it feels like a do-over...like I can cleanse myself and forget any wrongs in my life, because there's nothing in front of me yet and nothing behind me. No bad memories to follow."
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Soleil
30
Single
Queen's Guard
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Post by Stefan Gifford on Jul 26, 2020 0:05:53 GMT -5
Stefan felt foolish for even bringing up that her real prize should have been kissing him, as that was what was said to be the prize of the game for capturing someone. He was trying to be funny and cute, but it had horribly backfired on him.
Perhaps he had been right about what he told Aric-- people were just too intimidated or scared of him. He was unapproachable and no one wanted to be kissed by him. Point made, clearly. Even though Claire seemingly stated that she had wanted to, he was starting to think that maybe she was just trying to be nice.
He smiled at her suggestion to climb into the bushes and pretend this never happened. A quick nod was given. "Yes, please..." He agreed with her. But he hoped she meant metaphorically. They didn't need to go into the bushes--he just wanted to forget this happened and move on.
When she apologized though, he looked at her confused and shook his head. "Don't be. I'm the one who should be sorry--I did not mean to pressure you or...." Whatever it was he had caused. He didn't bother finishing the sentence but rather continued walking on in silence. He wished he could look down at his feet as they walked, but it was something he had taught himself to break, especially with being a guard. He looked forward, to ensure there was no approaching danger or anything off in the distance.
Despite wanting to forget, it was hard to, especially with the horribly awkward silence that lingered between them. So he decided to break it by bringing up a random topic of conversation. "So what are your thoughts of Tresteria? It certainly is a lot less... friendly? As Aralore is, I suppose..." He wasn't sure if Claire had similar experiences, or not, but he noticed the other guards around the castle were very stuffy and hard to talk to. Or maybe he was doing it all wrong.
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