Tendy
20
Single
Lady in Waiting
Tier 2 Character
|
Post by Claire Beauchard on Jul 29, 2020 2:07:03 GMT -5
Claire was shaking her head again, not wanting him to feel guilty or bad or thinking this was his fault. It really was hers as she'd made a cluster fudge out of everything. "You don't be sorry either!" She said turning to glance up at him. "Really Stefan, it's okay. I just-Girl Emotions." She waved her hand in the air as if that would explain everything. "They're silly, and a pain." She admitted. She let a small sight out, being mindful of her feet and where the mud was. Not wanting to slip and causing even more embarrassment for herself.
Silence filled the air as they walked, and she quietly wondered what quite the pair they must look like to an onlooker. Given Stefan's great height, and how little of height Claire actually had. She sneaked a glance up at him, feeling horrible all over again, and averted her blue eyes back to the ground.
Oh good! A change in topic. This was good, this was very good, and she quickly tried to pull herself into a better mood then the sad depressing one she was nearly falling into. "Oh um..." She thought about it for a second before she was having to look up at him. "Stuffy." She said sniffing. "Very very stuffy." She grumbled. She looked in front of them, and danced around a small shrub before she was back at his side. "I didn't get to really see much since the funeral, since I've been on bed rest." She admitted. "But you're right. They're not really friendly as we are. Specifically to the ladies. A guard got grouchy at me for asking directions." She reached up to play with a strand of her dark hair as they walked. She tilted her head back up to look at him. "Have you noticed how some of them don't really say much? I've heard a lot of men voicing their opinions on things, but the ladies don't chime in really. And they're all very polite and-" She paused furrowing her brow. "They look sad." She said quietly.
"But not all of them! Like, Queen Eleesa's ladies look really nice, and they all have nice smiles, and there's one that's about the same height as me! Me!" She exclaimed, thrilled to have seen someone that was about her height. "I'm still shorter though." She pouted. "I haven't had a chance to meet them yet, but I was going to work on Yule gifts for everyone and pass them out." She explained, she realized then she was rambling, and talking a lot. She tended to do that with people she felt comfortable with, and where she just would talk and talk and talk unless someone told her to shut up or she got interrupted. Otherwise she was a wall flower. Quiet and observing. "What do you think of Tresteria?" She asked him curiously.
|
|
Lunari
28
Widow of Edward Demarais
Former Queen of Tresteria
Tier 3 Character
|
Post by Eleesa Demarais on Jul 30, 2020 13:15:08 GMT -5
What on earth was she doing? It almost felt as though she were another person doing something that she would never do. Perhaps this was a dream- a wonderful, very vivid dream that she would wake up from at any moment. It wasn't like the queen to be so brazen, maybe this was foolish?
Time slowed down, almost to an agonizing stop as she lingered so near him, wondering if she would just give in and kiss him properly despite her waiting to see if she was the only one that felt this charge in the air. Eleesa couldn't even breathe, trying desperately to force her fear back, attempting to ignore the possibility that he would pull away and let her down easily, reminding her that so many years had past. That he didn't and never could feel the same.
Was she clinging to emotions from a decade ago? Had they resurfaced, simply having been buried underneath Edward's heavy hand? She was no longer the young girl she had once been, so much had changed and happened since then. How could she expect anything in this very moment to happen, as if none of that time between mattered? As if she hadn't been forced to marry another?
Suddenly, his hands were on her face, in her hair and time was speeding back up. Her body shuddered with gentle anticipation before his lips were against her own. It was like a fire had been ignited inside her and she was sliding her hands up his chest so that arms could wrap around his neck, securing him closer, keeping him to her like she feared he might magically vanish or that she would wake up from this wonderful dream.
Eleesa whimpered softly in disbelief, in surprise and with longing, returning that kiss with a beautiful fierceness she didn't know she possessed. Even if this only lasted a fleeting moment, she wanted to remember it and savor it, because she never wanted anything else. Nothing else would compare. He was warm, he was inviting, and she no longer felt the chill of winter as they knelt there in the snow. The whole world could be burning around them and all she would feel and care for was him.
She never wanted to leave. She didn't even want to think about leaving this although it was inevitable. Her mind was telling her to stop, but she wasn't listening to it. Let her have this one moment of happiness, for once in her life.
|
|
Lunari
36
Married to Alexandria
King Consort of Aralore
Tier 1 Character
|
Post by Aric Demarais on Jul 30, 2020 15:26:50 GMT -5
"Of course I'm jealous!" he exclaimed softly and immediately. But Aric was laughing so he didn't really mean it. Or, he was only half joking. He was no fool, he knew the men in his family were charming. It ran in their blood, after all- some more than others. "We are a very, very handsome family." Oh, so now it was a "we". A smirk found its way to his face while he tried not to laugh again, finding his own words humorous since he was far from being a conceited man.
The truth was, though, that he would be alright. This had just been a minor setback and they were bound to happen, especially being in Tresteria. It would be easier, for him at least, once they were back home in Aralore. Because that was his home now. As much as he loved and missed aspects of Tresteria, he never felt wholly a part of it. Even if it was in his blood, even if he was royalty here...his life wasn't here. Not anymore. It was wherever Alexandria was, and it was his sole purpose in life to make sure that she was alright and that she was happy. It was all he cared about.
He noticed the frown that fell onto her face but he tried not to dwell on it. Even she pushed on, deciding to try and encourage him to keep smiling instead. That was all he ever needed. Her words, though, brought out another laugh, and it was as sarcastic as it was falsely full of himself again. "Like you would ever, my queen. I have you ensnared, dangling on my hook..." Aric was whirling her around so that she was facing him; his arms wrapping around her to keep her safe and upright while they continued to walk. She, having to walk backwards now and he leaned down to kiss the tip of her cold nose. It would take them hours to get back to the castle at this rate, so after a few moments, he released her so that she could walk normally again, but he kept her hand within his. She was drawing him down then, planting a kiss to his cheek then right underneath his ear, and he almost forgot to watch where he was going. He narrowly missed walking head on into a tree!
Ahem. Just as she thought she could waltz away innocently after that, he drew her towards him, her back against his chest as she was now trapped within his arms once more. They were still walking at that slow pace and coming up on the castle, but he didn't seem to care if there were eyes watching. He was certain there were far more immoral things happening in these woods today. But it would be his voice by her ear now, "If that is a risk you are willing to take, as this library is far more frequented than your own..." Lips pressed a gentle kiss to the curve of her ear. "By all means, just omit the gown altogether."
|
|
Soleil
22
Single
Lady in Waiting to Eleesa
Tier 2 Character
|
Post by Avalynn O'Shea on Jul 31, 2020 13:53:20 GMT -5
Avalynn's smile faltered only slightly. Shane's words had taken her a bit by surprise as he told her she was the same as any man. It was not something she typically heard out of a man's mouth before--not even her own father's. It was enough to shut Avalynn up for a few moments as she just stared at Shane, maybe with a bit of awe in her eyes.
But of course, that silence hadn't lasted for long before Avalynn was already questioning him of his motives behind attending the event and hiding. She did give him a chance to answer, though, and he had her grinning with understanding. Yes, these types of gatherings could be quite stuffy with people who were stuck up and flaunting their wealth and power. Avalynn had half expected to run into a man who came across as exactly as Shane had just described, trying to win her over and expect that she immediately falls into a relationship with the man and give up her life. With her father gone and her mother being in the state she was in, Avalynn had managed to dodge arranged marriages and the pressure of marrying, (unless the queen would force her into such, though she doubted Eleesa would). So Avalynn was privileged in being picky with who she would court in the first place, before marrying--something she felt every woman should be allowed to do.
She hardly recognized how many words had just spilled past her lips and that she was rambling. Why wasn't he answering her questions?! He did not tell her whether or not she should have left him alone, or that he regretted her finding him. Did that mean he didn't? Or was he being nice and trying to not make her feel bad?
Shane was suddenly laughing at her, and Avalynn shot him a look, her eyes narrowing at him slightly, playfully mostly. How dare he laugh at her! "It's not funny, my lord!" She lightly swatted at his shoulder, but she was laughing still, herself. Alright, so it was a bit humorous.
So he had heard her! Oh god, this was so embarrassing! She glared at him with that cheeky grin of his. It was enough for Avalynn to burst out laughing. "Yes. Yes, it would make me feel better, thank you very much!"
Avalynn fell silent once again, allowing Shane to tell her what he liked about sailing and being out on the sea. She smiled softly but looked at him with a serious expression. He was getting deep with his answer, and she could tell he was being honest. That maybe he had a past he was bothered by. No, she was almost certain that he did. He was getting serious with his answer, so when he finished, Avalynn let out a dramatic sigh. "Well, that must be nice... To have that chance and opportunity to...reset. Leave things behind like that..." There were a great many things Avalynn wished she could leave behind or do-over. But at the end of the day, she was forced to go right back home to it all.
She hesitated for a moment. The rational side of her brain was telling her to be quiet, to just leave it at that. But then there was the irrational side... "Do you have a lot of bad memories?" Oh god, Avalynn! She nearly cringed as the words escaped her lips. It was none of her damn business! He hardly knew her and she highly doubted he would just go and spill his bad memories that he was running from, out to her. She wished she could take the words back, or to tell him to forget it, that he didn't need to answer. Instead, she just seemingly decided to throw herself into further embarrassment and blurted out one of her own bad memories. Perhaps to throw herself to the fire for him, since she was seemingly asking him to confide in her for absolutely no reason. "My father died when I was thirteen. My mum..." She hesitated, trying to think of how to describe her. "She's lost?" Avalynn wasn't sure why she was suddenly opening up and telling him all of this--she barely told anyone about it or showed that she was bothered by what was back home. She hesitated, wondering if she should just stop right there. Poor little girl, sad because she had no more daddy in her life and mom is a complete shell of a person. But it wasn't just that, and it sounded silly to her that was what she had blurted out without any explanation of why. And so, she just kept going. "I have to care for my younger brother now... Have since I was thirteen." She forced a smile and then looked away briefly, to think her thoughts through and collect herself. "So... Although I would love to..." She looked back at him and forced a smile, "just run away from it all and get away...start over... I can't."
Alright, now she had gotten deep and serious and this was pathetic. The castle was right there and Avalynn nearly slid her way out of his arms, landing on her good foot. "Thank you for carrying me. I think I can manage to get the rest of the way on my own..." She was horribly humiliated and mortified and would not be surprised if this man ran fast and far away from her, never to return or see her again...to escape on his ship and leave this whole mess of a conversation behind. Perhaps it was for the best. She finally looked at him and forced another smile, "Sorry--I." She shook her head and hobbled on her foot trying to steady herself before she hid her face in her hands. "I think I've embarrassed myself enough for one day. It was a pleasure to meet you... And thank you, again for all your help."
Yes, perhaps this was why she was still single.
|
|
Soleil
30
Single
Queen's Guard
|
Post by Stefan Gifford on Jul 31, 2020 16:55:28 GMT -5
He would still feel sorry, despite Claire telling him not to be. Girl emotions she was calling it. He knew all about those from just living with his mother and sister growing up. It made him grin, though he tried to hide it, so as not to upset Claire any further. He just nodded in response. Girl emotions-they were silly and pain- at least she could admit that. Stefan shrugged his shoulders, "you're allowed to have them." He said gently. His mother had always said that to him. That she was allowed to have her emotions as was he.
Stefan was happy that she had taken the bait with the change in the subject. Lucky for him, she was talking again and rambling on with her answer to his question. He hoped it was enough for her to take her mind off of things.
He walked alongside her, listening to her as she rambled on about her thoughts and experiences in Tresteria. A lot of his own matched with hers and he nodded every so often. He did not say anything until she returned the question back to him. What did he think of Tresteria?
"Yes... Very stuffy." He chuckled quietly and glanced around, hoping there were no Tresterians around them to hear. When it looked like the coast was clear, Stefan continued. "Yeah, I have noticed they don't say much. The guards don't really associate with anyone unless they need to." They took the seriousness of their job to the next level. He hadn't noticed the ladies looking sad, however. Then again, he did not really get a chance to talk or see most of them, as he was busy ensuring that Aric and or Alexandria were safe. Speaking of which, where had they gone off to? He looked ahead, straining to see in the distance. He spotted two figures ahead, strolling slowly and wondered if that was them.
Yule--he had nearly forgotten about that and he felt a bit of panic rise in his stomach. He hadn't prepared or gotten gifts for anyone yet- his mother would be so disappointed! "That's nice of you to make your gifts. What are you thinking of making?" Maybe it was a surprise and she wasn't going to tell him, but he asked anyway. It was always interesting to him to hear what others had planned. And it also gave him ideas for the future or insight on a person.
|
|
Lunari
34
Unattached
Sailor for deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 2 Character
|
Post by Shane O'Sullivan on Aug 2, 2020 17:14:45 GMT -5
Truly, this was perhaps the longest conversation he has held with anyone outside of the crew, and Avalynn was doing most of the talking. He really didn't mind it, if only because he had very little to speak about. It had been ages since he'd attended anything at court, so any news or gossip he possessed was from the mouths of sailors.
So that meant, it was probably a lot of shite.
All of her questions, he strangely thought that she was just rambling, that she didn't really intend for him to answer them all. Or if she had, when was he supposed to? Was he supposed to interrupt her? Was he supposed to remember every single one and then answer them all after she was done talking? If she ever stopped talking? Oh boy, he really was out of his element and he was certain she was going to find him rather dull if she hadn't already.
Just another reason out of many as to why he avoided court. Damn you, Wesley, for dragging him out to this. He probably accidentally offended Lady Avalynn.
'Do you have a lot of bad memories?' Shane actually paused in his steps, just for a moment, when she had asked that. That was when she decided to wait, so that meant he was probably supposed to actually answer this time. He just didn't know how. It was a question he didn't desire to respond to. The expression on his face sobered more and his jaw clenched slightly before uttering a short reply, "I do." Avalynn was a lovely young woman, full of life it seemed, and very polite...but he didn't know her. That was a dark road he didn't want to go down, and a road he didn't want anyone else to join him down. It would seem she had her own woes with the loss of her father, and her mother mentally gone.
Instead of wallowing in his own pity, he listened to her and gave her what sympathy he managed to still possess, having turned off such emotions a long time ago. She deserved that attention from him, in the very least, and he was okay to offer it. "I'm just a coward, my lady," he told her. Although he forced a small smile onto his face, he wasn't really joking. He did run away from his problems. Although most of his pay went to help out his family, he still left them. "You are stronger for facing your problems, even if you do not have the choice." And he meant that sincerely in every which way.
Suddenly, she was slipping out of his arms and he was hesitant, hovering near her to make sure that she was alright. She was insisting now, but he couldn't seem to ignore the strange guilt that was weighing down on him. Had he said something (or didn't say something) that made this awkward? That made her think she made it awkward? Shane probably looked completely dumbfounded, a fish out of water flailing around frantically not knowing what to do.
Blue eyes blinked, lips parting as he tried to figure out what to say or even do. "Could I at least escort you the rest of the way, Lady Avalynn? If only to ease my own mind to assure that you make it back safely." She didn't need to hobble the rest of the way on her own, so he was offering his arm out to her; that smile softening on his face now.
|
|
Tendy
20
Single
Lady in Waiting
Tier 2 Character
|
Post by Claire Beauchard on Aug 2, 2020 18:16:41 GMT -5
Claire was peeking up at Stefan from over the edge of her scarf. Reminded again he had a nice laugh as he chuckled quietly. She could see him glancing around, and she did as well, hoping no one from Tresteria would hear them, before she was looking back up at him. She nodded in agreement with him. "I'm glad they take their job serious enough for Queen Eleesa's sake, but....they could lighten up...a bit." She huffed. There was taking your job seriously, and then there was just being rude. Maybe she was still a bit grumpy over the fact they'd been so mean about directions.
At his question about Yule presents, she instantly perked up. "Muffins!" She said excitedly. "I don't really have time to make anything else, but I thought it would a nice sweet treat, and I can make multiple and share with everyone." She said. Her eyes lighting up. It was going to be a long morning to make all of them, but she was determined. "Cassie's husband isn't feeling well, so I was going to make him a get well basket with them, and then I remembered Yule, and decided to make muffins for everyone." She explained. "There's going to be so many! So everyone can have one and I'm gonna make a wide variety so people can have their choice in what they want." She went on further to explain her idea. She was actually looking quite forward to it, she just hoped the cooks in the kitchen would be okay with her invading and making so many. "It's not much, but I think anyone is happy to get something. Not everyone gets something for Yule, it makes me sad." She said, thinking about her own Yule's at home. She remembered spending it as a child with her brothers, and how they'd been spoiled rotten, and Claire had been a second thought. The presents she actually looked forward too were the one's the servants actually gave her because they seemed to actually care. They were always small things, but had meant so much to her, that she always tried to do something for everyone.
She let silence fill the air a bit a more as they walked back. She could see two figures walking far ahead of them and wondered if it was King Aric and Queen Alexandria, and she could see the castle growing closer as well. "Do you plan on giving Yule presents Stefan?" She asked curiously. Was it something he did every year? Or was he the type that didn't do presents? Something told her he did, but was for those closest to him.
|
|
Soleil
32
Single
Council Member of Tresterian court
Tier 1 Character
|
Post by Triston deGrey on Aug 7, 2020 15:06:37 GMT -5
Yes- this had to be just a dream. Since Edward's death, Triston couldn't stop thinking about Eleesa (more so than usual). It had been as if a heavy, dark veil had been lifted off the woman, reminding him of his past feelings for her and that they surprisingly still existed. How was that even possible? No, he was simply being foolish. Was he really just taking advantage of a newly widowed woman, hoping to gain her trust so he could become regent. Yes, that would be what everyone else would think if they saw him kissing her like this. But that was the furthest from the truth and Triston knew and felt that down to the core. He only hoped Eleesa would trust him as well.
Triston was pretty certain this was all foolish, though. Eleesa had been married to a king. a King. He could not compare or measure up to what Edward was. The man had taken Eleesa away from him and stole a decade from what potentially could have been. Was that wishful thinking? Maybe there was never anything there between them. Edward had been the better man for Eleesa. But that never stopped the feelings he had that made him feel as if something had been there between them. That never went away for him. Ten years of living with that pang of disappointment and sorrow that he had lost the true love of his life to a man who did not deserve her. And his queen would never know of his true feelings.
Not until now, perhaps, as he poured all of that emotion and yearning desire into their kiss. Triston half expected for the kiss to end as quickly as he had started it, that Eleesa would have pushed him away, shocked that he had even thought he could do such a thing to her. But instead, he felt her arms wrap around his neck and pull him in closer to her. She was kissing him back with the same longing he had in his own kiss, which only further ignited that fire within him.
One arm moved down and around her, his hand resting on the middle of her back, holding her against him, the other hand remained at the side of her face, fingers weaved into her hair. He didn't want this to end, there was so much time that had been missed between them, and no amount of time now would ever make up for that.
His mind was racing the longer their kiss went on. Despite how badly he wanted this, he knew it needed to stop. It was all a bad idea and he was being horribly foolish. Greedy. Insensitive. Yet, Eleesa never pulled away from him- perhaps too afraid to? He knew what Edward had been like, was she only following his lead because of him and how she had lived her life with him? The thought was sickening and enough for him to quickly pull away and hold her at an arm's length away. He stared at her in shock, catching his breath. What in the hell had just happened? The cold air suddenly pierced his body like a thousand knives, and his look of shock quickly turned to embarrassment and sorrow. "I..." There were no words. What could he say?
Triston shook his head in frustration with himself and he slowly stood, helping her up with him, making sure she was steady on her feet before he'd let go of her. "I- I'm sorry... I don't know what came over me..." It was all he could bring himself to say. He looked down at the ground, afraid to look at her-- to see her reaction or look of disgust, of shock, of whatever expression she wore. "We should head back..." He forced himself to look back at her, a pain in his stomach as if he had just been punched hard by something. Was it best that they ignore what had just happened? Pretend it did not happen? He felt so foolishly stupid and lost now. Why had he even bothered to play this silly game?
|
|
Soleil
28
Married to Aric Demarais
Queen of Aralore
Tier 1 Character
|
Post by Alexandria Eveleigh- Demarais on Aug 7, 2020 18:01:21 GMT -5
Alexandria laughed at Aric's admitting of being jealous. "Oh, we, huh? Who said anything about you being handsome?" She joked, a heavy hint of sarcasm in her tone. "I think you are probably the least handsome out of them all." She laughed and gently nudged him. Of course, she was kidding because Aric was extremely good looking and she was madly in love with him. The truth was, Aric wasn't too far from the truth, maybe he did have her ensnared and dangling on his hook. She grinned, but before she could say anything else, he was whirling her around and facing him. Alexandria laughed softly and looked up at Aric as they walked. Her nose wrinkled after his kiss. She laughed at Aric as her words had made him stumble and almost walk them into a tree. But he didn't let her get away with it. Instead, he trapped her back within his arms and gave it right back to her. Her lips pulled into a wide grin and she shivered from his breath against her ear and the kiss he pressed there. She gasped in feigned offense and playfully smacked his arm. "Your majesty!"
But she leaned against him and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down and closer to her. "That is for your eyes only...How dare you suggest something like that!" She grinned and kissed his lips again. "Also- do you Tresterians frequent the library late at night?" The tone of her voice filled with that insinuation again. "And also, where is your sense of adventure?" She teased him. Obviously, she was joking about the whole thing-- she wanted to make him forget whatever was bothering him by reminding him of something they had shared with one another--of giving him some different, more pleasant thoughts to think of, or perhaps look forward to. Or was she joking?
Off in the distance, she saw the rather tall figure with the much shorter one walking next to him. She grinned and motioned to Aric, "do you think they kissed?"
|
|
Soleil
30
Single
Queen's Guard
|
Post by Stefan Gifford on Aug 7, 2020 22:04:30 GMT -5
Stefan couldn't help but laugh a little at Claire's comment of the Tresterian guards lightening up a bit. She wasn't wrong, of course, but Stefan hadn't paid much attention to them. There were more important things for him to pay attention to--like ensuring their queen was safe at all times, just as he had promised Orin.
He found himself smiling as she told him she planned on making muffins for everyone. It was a kind and sweet gesture. "What kind are your favorite? I like berry muffins." He said with a hint of a joke as if he expected her to give him some, though he really didn't.
Not everyone gets something for Yule, it makes me sad. Stefan looked down at her curiously and wondered if she often got gifts or not. He decided that regardless of whatever her answer would be, he would try to get her something. He smiled lightly and nodded to her, "that's kind of you to wish to include everyone..." Claire was a kind soul and he appreciated that about her. It just made him feel worse that he had upset her earlier.
As they grew closer to the other figured, he could tell by the body postures and demeanor that it was Alexandria and Aric. He noticed how they embraced and walked slowly together and it just made him smile. Hopefully, Aric would be alright, now that he was back with his wife and she was alright.
He broke from his thoughts as Claire questioned him about Yule, and he glanced down at her again. "Hmmm... Maybe. I have not decided yet. I left a gift for my mother before we left. I only know you and Cassandra and the queen and Aric..." He had no idea what would be a proper gift for a king and queen, so he was rather hesitant on what, if anything, he should get for them. "What would you like as a gift from someone?" He asked her curiously. If she answered, at least it would give him a little insight on a gift to get her.
|
|
Tendy
20
Single
Lady in Waiting
Tier 2 Character
|
Post by Claire Beauchard on Aug 7, 2020 22:48:36 GMT -5
Claire stepped around a bush and then glanced up at Stefan as he talked about the Yule presents he planned on. She smiled behind her scarf, he just seemed to be showing again and again that despite how frightening he looked, Stefan was actually a very kind man. It was one of the things she liked about him so much, and the fact he cared about his mother enough to leave her a present since he'd be away? It made her feel all warm and mushy. She'd left presents for her parents and brothers like she always did. Small little things, but she had the feeling they hadn't even batted an eye or even regarded them. Whenever she went home she was ignored, unless her parents asked her questions about court, and were ensuring that she was in fact behaving and being keeping up the family image.
"Well, that just means you have a shorter list." She said, trying to be optimistic. She didn't expect anything from Stefan honestly. Because why would he want to give her something? Or anything for that matter? Her thoughts went back to the maze and the hedges. How he'd asked if he could kiss her, and it made her cheeks turn red. He wouldn't have asked if he didn't want to right? He'd been the one to initiate it, so that had to mean something? She chewed on her lip in thought, looking ahead to see the figures, and she realized it was the king and queen. They brought a smile to her face, and Claire hoped that maybe one day, if it was possible and that the universe saw it fit, they'd give her a love like Aric and Alexandria. The were positively adorable and Claire was happy that Aric made Alexandria so happy. Heaven help him if he ever broke her heart...
"Mmmmm, I think it's the thought that counts." She said peeking up at him. "At least for me. I think Cassie would like flowers, or maybe a knife...I think she likes sharp things." She said thoughtfully. "I think Queen Alexandria is the same as me. It's the thought that matters." She said thinking allowed. She glanced up at him again, and then saw they were almost back where they started, and her mind wandered yet again to what had happened in the garden. She was chewing on the inside of her cheek then, thinking about what he had said. Saying she was deserving of anything she wanted. Was she? She had wanted to kiss him... She glanced up at him again as the thought struck her. It was...Harmless right? Something Cassie would do. She made sure to look up at Stefan before she did a double take.
"Uh Stefan?" She started to say. A mildly concerned look showing on her face as she had to crane her head back. "You have a-" She motioned to her own hair to try to say he had something in his own on top of his head. "Um, if you," She sighed, frowning as she began to motion him to bend down.
|
|
Soleil
22
Single
Lady in Waiting to Eleesa
Tier 2 Character
|
Post by Avalynn O'Shea on Aug 7, 2020 22:53:55 GMT -5
Avalynn was humiliated.
He had barely said anything, although she hadn't shut up to allow him to say anything. He probably was so annoyed with her by now but was seemingly too nice to tell her or to leave her clumsy ass alone to hobble back on her own.
For once, Avalynn did not say anything or respond at Shane's words yet. She was afraid to say anything to further dig herself into a hole that was already far too deep as it was. He barely knew her and did not know how strong she was. Or how weak she really was.
She had turned away from him as he was asking to escort her the rest of the way. Was he serious? Hadn't he had enough of her yet? Or did he just wish to see her continue to embarrass herself in front of him? Avalynn turned back to face him and she looked at him as if he were the crazy one. She laughed softly and shook her head, "I'll be fine." She gave him a wave of her hand in dismissal and placed her hands on her hips, deciding to put weight down on that foot to prove to him she would be alright. She thought she looked so cool and confident, then.
Except as soon as she put weight down on that foot, she got a horrible zing of pain shoot up her leg and it made her lose her footing and nearly causing her to collapse. Thankfully, Shane had offered her his arm, which she caught herself on to prevent falling. This was completely humiliating. She needed to just disappear now. Or cry. Yes, she wanted so badly to cry now. But she couldn't. She couldn't cry in front of him and embarrass himself anymore. So instead, she burst out laughing and grabbed hold of his shirt at his chest before burying her face into him. What else was there left to do?
After a moment, she stood back, hobbling on her good foot, but not letting go of his arm. "Can you...Just forget you ever met me?" She hid her face with her free hand and shook her head, clearly showing her embarrassment. There was no use in hiding it now. At least she could laugh at herself--even though she wanted to just burst into tears.
|
|
Lunari
28
Widow of Edward Demarais
Former Queen of Tresteria
Tier 3 Character
|
Post by Eleesa Demarais on Aug 7, 2020 23:28:47 GMT -5
If he thought he was being foolish, then she was a complete idiot right now. She was losing herself in this very moment, telling herself that nothing else mattered, that no one else's thoughts or assumptions should hold any sort of weight. This was her life. She never got to live it before. It was as though she had gone through all these years with a corset fitted too tight and heavy chains around her ankles. Eleesa had barely been able to breathe and simply shuffled through everything day by day...until Edward passed. Even though it placed different burdens upon her shoulders, she almost felt free.
Almost.
Perhaps she was wrong in her assumptions, wrong in every which way because Triston was suddenly breaking their lips apart, holding her that arm's length away after he had been holding her so close, so tightly. She felt the emotion in that kiss, felt the warmth of his embrace, and suddenly she felt so cold and confused. It was dizzying and she couldn't ignore this sudden pang in her chest, something tightening around her heart as it pounded wildly and loudly in her ears. Blue eyes looked at him in alarm, seeing the shock on his face and she could feel herself already beginning to shrink into nothing. Just like she was used to.
Then, he couldn't even look at her and this sudden whirlwind had tears stinging at her eyes. He was regretting this, all of it, and she had to quickly figure out how to land back on her feet during this sudden fall before it was too late. Before she completely lost herself. Eleesa had barely noticed that he had helped her up to her feet, her throat tightening and her knees shaking. And then he was letting her go where she thought she would just sink right back down into the snow.
He apologized. He was confused. He didn't understand how this could happen. And suddenly, they should head back to the castle. All of this just felt like a sharp knife impaling into her chest over and over again, and the queen struggled to control it, to stop this horrible feeling. According to him, this was just a mistake, she shouldn't be getting so worked up over it, and yet the longer she stared at him in disbelief over his rejection, the deeper that knife went and the harder it was for her to get a handle on her emotions.
Eleesa had given in. She had finally tried doing something for herself for once and look where it got her. She was only born to obey and serve it would seem, and she couldn't seem to handle it.
A hand rose to her face where her fingertips brushed softly across her lips that still tingled, almost like she was trying to tell herself it didn't actually happen. Her vision began to softly blur then, and she was quick to realize that she was crying. Eleesa turned her head away to try and hide it before she spoke in a cracked voice, "Right, of course." Not knowing what else to do, what to say, or how to even acknowledge his sudden, strange apology, she just began to walk briskly away; feeling as though her heart was slowly shattering to pieces with each step that she took.
|
|
Lunari
36
Married to Alexandria
King Consort of Aralore
Tier 1 Character
|
Post by Aric Demarais on Aug 7, 2020 23:49:27 GMT -5
Oooh, she was lucky he loved her and those eyes were distracting enough to allow her to get away with being so cheeky. It was all in good fun, of course, which was precisely why he just full out laughed about the handsome comment. Not that he thought highly of himself in such a conceited way, but he didn't sneer away from the mirror as much these days. He supposed she did that to him. Aric gasped and pretended to be stabbed in the heart, "You wound me, my queen!" Alright, so he was going from being overly sad and concerned to overly dramatic. He'll take it.
The obvious truth was, they both had each other ensnared and hooked, and neither would outright deny it. There had been a time not so very long ago when Aric had once been scared to admit these feelings, that he would allow himself to accept someone into his life like this way again. It had taken a lot, but Alexandria managed to crawl beneath that armor and heal those hidden wounds, and he knew he'd be deathly lost without her. Despite his conversation with Stefan and the thoughts that had arose, he was far better with his wife near. She was his lifeline, his sanity, and he was more than grateful she left her home to be here with him during this time.
Now, they were laughing and clinging to each other, making their way back to the castle to get out of the cold. Her words had begun to cause a sly smirk to fall onto his lips before it was gone. "My sense of adventure? I'll find it again when my cousins aren't looming about." Oh, that was the last thing he needed, one of them walking in on that. Still, he was laughing, quite obviously amused by this whole ordeal and had in fact forgotten what had been bothering him just moments ago.
Aric followed her gaze then, noticing Stefan and Claire. He chuckled at Alexandria's question. "She would need a chair to stand on for that. Or maybe a ladder..." He meant that joke lovingly. Honestly, he didn't know.
|
|
Soleil
30
Single
Queen's Guard
|
Post by Stefan Gifford on Aug 7, 2020 23:52:56 GMT -5
Stefan chuckled lightly and nodded, "yes, a very short list." He did enjoy giving gifts and making others smile, but it was almost a relief that Yule would not be a big thing for him this year. Not that it ever was, since it was typically just he and his mother, but she loved to keep spirits high so she usually made a big deal out of it. He felt sorry that she was alone now during the holiday, but she understood and was proud that he now served the queen and would be protecting her. They would celebrate when he returned, she had told him.
Claire hadn't given him an answer on what kind of gift she'd like to receive, just that the thought was what mattered. She was unlike most of the ladies he had ever met. Most would have stated they liked pretty jewels and fancy dresses. Claire seemed a little more simple and appreciative of whatever she had or received. He liked that about her.
He was silent as they walked further and they were nearly caught up with Alexandria and Aric, and almost back to where they started. But then Claire was asking for his attention, to which he turned and looked down at her. She was motioning to the top of his head, where he placed his hand to see if he could feel whatever it was that was in his hair. Perhaps a leaf or twig from the hedges. He was tall enough that he could have brushed up against some branches of the trees in the woods. He didn't feel anything, so he bent down and lowered his head so she could see and reach the top of his head. "What is it?" He laughed quietly.
|
|