Sorry, I'm a Mess

[Avalynn O'Shea]

[Continued from the Yule Ball...]


How foolish, naive, and stupid was she to think that Shane would accept her gift and not be completely freaked out? Of course he'd want to run away. Avalynn was horribly embarrassed and humiliated--not from Shane's doing but her own. She could hardly blame him and part of her wished that she could go back in time and not give him the stupid compass.

Avalynn wondered if she would have made a mess of things at some point anyway. She wouldn't doubt it. Honestly, after the embarrassment of yesterday, she was shocked that Shane had even shown up to endure more of her. Then again, he seemed to be a polite gentleman who was just being kind to her.

Just as he was now. Despite the discomfort and awkwardness she had bestowed on him, he was telling her that she hadn't. Avalynn's lips pulled into a tight, straight line and she gave him a doubtful look. She hardly believed him.

As she began to walk off, she was suddenly stopped by him, his hand grasping hold of her own. Bright blue eyes fell to their hands and she froze before looking back at him with a confused expression. She had tried to tell him yesterday that he should just leave her be and not get involved because of this sort of thing. She was overbearing, clumsy, and just completely foolish.

I can explain. What was there to explain? Avalynn just looked at him bewildered, her lips parted and she shook her head, “No-- you do not nee--” But she was cut off as Shane’s name was called out. Her gaze turned in the direction of the voice that had called out, but she heard Shane’s curse and she was suddenly being pulled back into the room, the door quickly shutting her off from the ballroom. But before she could say anything, she was being moved to the wall and Shane was moving to guard her from the door as it violently swung open. Blue eyes widened at the closeness of him and her voice cracked as she was about to yell at him for being the forward one now, his body practically was pressed up against hers. But his father’s voice quickly shut her up and she drew her bottom lip in, biting down on it to keep quiet.

She watched Shane and studied him in his moment of panic and it only made her curious. It was obvious that he did not wish to see his father, or that even the two didn’t get along--his father was calling him a prick. She frowned and quietly waited, not daring to move or make a noise to give away Shane at that moment until the door slammed shut.

Avalynn frowned and looked up at Shane, her lips pulling into a small smirk if only to lighten the mood. “Well then--” She did not want him to feel bad about his own father’s actions or that this evening had turned into a complete mess, mostly due to herself. “If you wanted to get me alone in a room and up against a wall-- you could have just asked and skipped all the theatrics…” Despite her sarcasm, she still looked at him with a concerned expression. She understood all too well the strain with a parent, though she imagined Shane’s was a lot worse than her own with her mother. He didn’t need to explain anything to her if he didn’t wish to, which was why she was making light of the situation currently. “You’re still after that kiss, aren’t you?”

[Tagged for Shane O'Sullivan]

[Shane O'Sullivan]

Any normal man would have felt honored to receive such a precious gift from a lovely young woman...but Shane didn't think himself normal. Not while he avoided people, avoided going out to social events, and would rather stay on a ship out to sea for weeks. Did he miss his home? Of course he did, and he missed his siblings and mother terribly. He wanted to be home more frequently for them, but there was this shame he couldn't seem to get rid of no matter how hard he tried. And any time he looked upon Eamon, the guilt deepened. Sometimes, it was even crippling.

How could his father live with the knowledge of what he has done? Shane couldn't, and he hadn't been the one to push her...

Now, with the viscount's sudden appearance, he probably looked all sorts of strange in front of Lady Avalynn. It was making him confused, worried even, and he couldn't even enjoy a simple night out with a woman who managed to find him decent enough to ask to a ball. Despite his reservations on relationships, a friendship wouldn't have hurt. He liked her well enough.

Shane had shut his eyes temporarily after his father left, holding back a sigh. Holding everything back while his hand that had pressed against the wall by her side balled into a shaking fist. Although he tried to hide it, he visibly cringed as the silence lingered heavily around them.

That is, until Ava was speaking up, and he remembered where he was and who he was with.

Instantly, those blue eyes opened and he was taken off guard by their sudden closeness. He hadn't realized, he hadn't been thinking, only knowing that he didn't want his father to see him. To see them together. The very idea that that man would look at her made his blood boil for an unexplained reason, and he had wanted to protect her from that. Yet now, he was standing there face to face with her for a few seconds too long and couldn't seem to move.

'If you wanted to get me alone in a room and up against a wall-- you could have just asked and skipped all the theatrics.' Dear Avalynn and her humor saving him from most of his embarrassment. It made some of it worse, naturally, but it was an embarrassment he could at least live with. Shane could only assume she had questions- Ava had clearly seen and heard everything, but she was opting to ignore it for now, even with that look in her eye. She was a bit of a blessing now, wasn't she?

Against all of his supposed logic, a smile cracked across his face and that very embarrassment was heard in the laugh he shared. He drew away a little bit, only to press both palms against the wall now to hold himself at arm's length. But she was still trapped. "Do forgive me and my-" What did she say? "Theatrics...but that is what happens when you are trapped at sea with a bunch of bumbling idiots for weeks at a time." Shane lingered where he was for a few seconds more, that smile dropping into a sly grin before he shifted; turning to lean back against the wall next to her now.

Most of the humor left his face, and he glanced down at his feet. "He's...the very reason I rarely come home." The sailor knew he didn't have to explain, and she wasn't pushing him to, but Shane felt like she deserved some sort of answer...even if it wasn't nearly the whole truth.

[Avalynn O'Shea]

Avalynn didn’t know much at all about Shane, but for some reason, she could tell he was a kind man who needed a spark of light in his life that was darkened by some sort of shadow. It drew her to him if only to be a friend who could make him smile. God, did he have a nice smile. If it worked out to be more than a friendship, Avalynn truly wouldn’t mind.

She imagined that part of that shadow that lingered over Shane’s head had something to do with his father and the display he had just made. How he reacted to it, only proved her assumptions.

Despite her sarcasm and light-hearted words to try and somehow spare Shane of his embarrassment, the closeness of him and the fact that he wasn’t moving away, made her a bit nervous. A deep blush appeared on her cheeks, but she kept a confident and calmness in her demeanor, even though her heartbeat was beginning to quicken in her chest.

Bright blue eyes remained on his as he trapped her between his arms. His smirk had caused her own to grow a bit more. “but that is what happens when you are trapped at sea with a bunch of bumbling idiots for weeks at a time. Avalynn laughed nervously, drawing her lower lip between her teeth, though she knew he was only playing along with her. Why was his closeness, the fake insinuations, and the scent of him making her nervous all of a sudden? “I can only imagine…” She paused for a moment, studying him as he still lingered there. When he moved away, leaning his back against the wall, she turned herself so her shoulder rested against the wall and she faced him. “But there are so many other women you could have pursued instead of a clumsy mess like me.” She countered.

Then his words played through her mind as she remembered him lightly scolding her for being so hard on herself. She was human. And, No one was perfect. Avalynn let out a small laugh and shook her head. “Though, I suppose if a man fell out of a tree for me, I would want to spend some time with him, too.”

She could see the humor quickly leave his features and he averted his eyes downward. Her own smile faded as he began to explain, vaguely, his relationship with his father. He didn’t need to, but she imagined it was eating away at him and he felt he should give her some sort of explanation. Avalynn forced a small but uneasy smile as she regarded him, not knowing what to say in response. She wasn’t sure if he wanted to be consoled if she should remain silent and let him talk about whatever he wanted to talk about, or if she should continue to make light of the situation some more.

After a moment of silence, Avalynn decided to approach him with a mix of the three choices she had. “Hmm... Well, I haven’t the slightest idea why… He seems delightful.” The tone of her voice made it obvious she was being sarcastic. But soon after she smiled softly and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder in a gesture that indicated she really genuinely cared and was not trying to dismiss his problem. “It’s alright…” The sarcasm left her voice and she was more sincere and comforting. “Would you like to go for a walk?” She figured it would get them out of the stuffy atmosphere and away from where his father was. And if Shane wished to tell her more, she would listen.

[Shane O'Sullivan]

This was when he should dismiss himself and head back to the ship. He was kind of wondering if he'd ruined the evening, even if he hadn't intended to. First, he upset her by refusing her gift, and then secondly, he dragged her off into another room to avoid his father. Who did that? Avalynn might think she was awkward at times...but she wasn't the only one. If anything, she could find some solace in that. Shane was so used to the life out at sea, he didn't know how to come back to normal society sometimes, and it probably showed. Horribly showed, at that.

'But there are so many other women you could have pursued instead of a clumsy mess like me.' Avalynn had turned to face him, and he would do the same. She was right to believe that he was about to gently scold her, again, for such words, but she continued on as if thinking better of it. His brow inched together in curiosity, unable to remove the grin from his face. "You made the climb- that's always the hardest part. Going down is always easier. You just-" A hand waved in gesture while he tried to find the right words. "...did it with flare." Or something akin to that. Regardless, it was the truth. Ava may not know it about him yet, but Shane didn't lie.

Except the one time Wesley was so drunk and claimed he did a backflip (apparently that was a running thing with him). Yes, Shane lied then, because he didn't want the idiot to actually attempt it and hurt himself.

"In all honesty, though..." he trailed off, wondering why he was opening his mouth about any of this again. Now that he was talking, however, he couldn't exactly say "nevermind", because then she would definitely want to know. And then he would be lying. Holding back a sigh, his attention drifted back up to her face with this near saddened expression. "I, uh...well, I don't pursue anyone." So, don't waste your time on me, lass. I'm not worth it. His lips parted to say this but he remained quiet. Maybe she would just move on from the topic and he wouldn't have to. She was too sweet and kind to want anything else to do with him, and he struggled to understand why no worthy man had taken interest in her. Have they seen her, spoken to her? She wasn't hard to miss.

The bit of mirth returned to his eyes, and he let out a soft chuckle at her sarcasm. Oh, yes, his father was such a bloody delight. He had no further comment on it, especially with the touch to his shoulder and the situation growing a little serious then. It's alright, she said. Yes, perhaps in ways, but she didn't know the half of it, and she never should.

'Would you like to go for a walk?' Shane hesitated for a moment, hearing the muffled music and voices on the other side of the wall. He'd say it a hundred times- he felt out of place here, and wouldn't mind stepping out at all. "That would actually be great," he confessed, pushing away from the wall. "Lead the way, my lady." The sailor jokingly dipped into a small bow, stretching his arm out in a grand gesture for her to go first.

[Avalynn O'Shea]

Any other ball and Avalynn would have already been dancing the night away, regardless of whether she had a date or not. She could have easily found dancing partners --hell, she had danced with the Tresterian Prince, Aric, just the other night! It was her evening to let loose, have fun, and celebrate the holiday with her friends and hopefully meet someone. Instead- she had met Shane at the chase, and she had asked him to come with her, hoping to at least get one dance out of him, to continue their conversation from the chase, and maybe if she was lucky, earn another opportunity to claim the kiss he owed her still. But the evening did not seem to be heading in that direction. Strangely, though, she didn’t really mind all that much.

Bright blue eyes watched him closely, his grin causing hers to grow a bit more. He did have a nice smile. "You made the climb- that's always the hardest part…” Was he being metaphorical or literal? Maybe it didn’t really matter, but he was right regardless of which. She very easily could have walked away, deciding not to bother with him and climbing that tree, but for whatever reason, she had taken the climb. She had taken a chance, which always was the hard part. The rest had quite literally fallen into place after that, and she certainly did the going down part with flair. Shane’s words caused Avalynn to let a genuine laugh pass her lips, to which she quickly stifled with her hand, remembering that they weren’t alone and were probably receiving looks from the staff, and also that Shane’s father was probably still looking for him.

She slowly lowered her hand from her mouth, but her smile remained and she watched him as he began speaking again. Her smile was soon to fade when she saw the saddened expression on his face as he looked back at her. "I, uh...well, I don't pursue anyone." Avalynn blinked, her brows lowered as she looked at him curiously. She found herself wondering if he really meant that. Had he pursued her? No--that had been her doing, most likely. But he was still here with her, regardless. If he did not wish to be, he would have left by now, or not had shown up. Or maybe he was just too kind to leave her. Did he hold guilt for her falling out of the tree? Avalynn found herself worrying that she had somehow guilted him into everything.

After a while, she realized she hadn’t said anything in response and must have looked like an idiot just standing there staring at him, most likely with a confused and curious expression dancing upon her features. She finally forced a smile as slender shoulders quickly lifted and fell in a small shrug. “I am not just anyone, my lord.” She smirked and lifted her chin in a gesture that mocked someone who thought highly of themselves. That was hardly the case for her, but she honestly didn’t know what else to say. She could at least pretend to be confident in herself though, right?

Avalynn would have completely understood if Shane had declined her offer to go for a walk with her. He could have made up any excuse for why he just wanted to leave altogether, say he was sorry, and take his leave--and she would not have thought ill of him, even still. Part of her expected to never see Shane again after this evening and that very thought caused the smallest twinge of disappointment to burn in the pit of her stomach. But Shane agreed and it took her a bit by surprise as if she hadn’t expected that to be his response. For the briefest of moments, Avalynn looked at him with a perplexed expression until she forced herself to move, pushing away from the wall.

Her lips twitched into a small smirk, that burning disappointment in her stomach changed to the slightest hint of a flutter. Without a word, she moved in front of him, heading towards the door to lead him out. After a moment, she looked back over her shoulder to see if he was indeed following behind her, and she playfully raised a brow at him, her smirk still evident on her lips. “Perfect excuse to get a look at my back end, hmm? You really should get out of that ship more often, sailor.” She laughed softly before she turned again, walking out of the room and down a hallway. Her hips swayed in her walk, almost as if she were exaggerating it ever so slightly, out of her own amusement.

The door at the end of the hall led out to a terraced courtyard garden with various pathways. She quietly stepped out, the cool air instantly hitting her, making her realize she had never brought a cover for herself. While the cold felt relieving, for now, she knew it wouldn’t take long for her to become uncomfortable. She turned to face him, walking backward. “Is this alright?” She questioned him, gesturing to their new surroundings. “One of the garden paths leads out of the palace grounds… And you can make your grand escape that way…” She smirked, her tone was mostly light and playful, indicating that she meant his escape from his father, though there was a hint of disappointment as if she were expecting him to be making his escape from her.

[Shane O'Sullivan]

Yes, she had made the climb. He meant it in every way. The fact that she literally climbed the tree, however, proved how determined she could be. Not that it had been a terribly overwhelming feat, but still a feat nonetheless. Shane had hidden in the tree to begin with because he figured no one would be mad enough, thus he wouldn’t have to be a part of the game. He’d only gone because Wesley annoyed him until he relented.

Avalynn seemed to be just enough crazy to climb anyway- it was endearing. And it was why he agreed to join her this evening. Of course, the arrival of his father promptly ruined it, or perhaps it was better this way. Shane couldn't remember the last time he even danced at a proper ball and didn't want to embarrass her.

You know, more than he probably already has.

It wasn't hard to miss the questionable look on her face. He didn't pursue anyone, and he wasn't pursuing her even though he realized- if he were a normal and sane man- he might have gone after someone like Avalynn. Whereas she tried to be wary of herself, she still didn't take herself seriously all of the time. She risked a silly climb into a tree to talk to a man because of some dumb game. Not many women would from his experience. They would have demanded that he climb down, as if that would make him wish to pursue them.

But no, he wasn't normal, and he feared by coming here tonight that he was giving her the wrong idea. How was she to know if he didn't explain? Yet he couldn't explain without diving deep into that memory he tried so hard to suppress.

While Ava had stood there in questioning silence, he too had lost himself to thought until she spoke. Then her words had him snapping out of it, blinking bright eyes in her direction. Was that flirtation? Oh no, it was, wasn't it? What else did she mean by that? Regardless, Shane had stood there with a dumbfounded look on his face, lips twitching while his brain didn't know whether or not to smile.

Smiling would be the normal reaction, yes...but it'll give her the wrong idea.

Right, so standing there internally berating himself was apparently better.

Avalynn was finally moving, but she was talking again, and the sailor stopped dead in his tracks just as he began to follow. "W-what? Oh, God...did you just stammer? No, Shane was not prepared for this, and it was embarrassing. "I wasn't, I-" A pause, his attention seemed to automatically drop to her rear once she turned around, purposely exaggerating the sway of her hips. "I mean...I am now," he murmured.

He said that out loud, didn't he?

This was a bad idea, mate. Really bad.

He cringed, forcing himself to keep his mouth shut because he knew if he tried to argue that or say anything at all in relation to his fumble, he would just make it worse. Shane shook his head at himself, running a hand down his face even as the embarrassment and amusement filtered into his eyes.

Hey, she wanted him to look, that much was clear. He was just dumb enough to fall for it.

Almost reluctant now, he began to follow her and breathed a sigh of relief as the cold, night air hit his face. Even though it was winter, it was still refreshing to him, perhaps because he was so used to any type of weather that could be twice as bad out at sea.

His attention found her again as she was walking backward, and there was this strange need to pick up his own pace in fear she would trip over herself again. Was that a mean thought, or an actual thoughtful one? Long legs carried him to her side where he would shove his hands into his pockets.

Oh, he caught that look. Ava may not have been saying anything, but she was still an open book, and it caused the guilt to return. He was certainly trying to escape, but he didn’t really know where to, or if he needed to escape from his father anymore. Instead of dwelling on it, blue eyes drifted sidelong to her with a light smirk, "You seem to know your escape routes, Lady Avalynn. Sounds like you’ve done this before."

[Avalynn O'Shea]

Just as she had, Shane stood there dumbfounded in response to her stating she was not just anyone. It had been a horrible attempt of making a joke, yet also trying to show confidence in herself. Oh, no--was he taking her completely seriously? She almost regretted speaking the words, hoping he wasn’t getting the idea that she was telling him that he should be pursuing her because she was different from everyone else. She was different alright.

Her brows knitted together as she gave him a dazed look of bewilderment laced with a bit of concern. Had he even heard her? Was his own mind running with his own thoughts on how to tell her that even if she wasn’t like the rest of them--he still wouldn’t pursue her? Her lips dropped into a slight frown before her brows rose and she tilted her head. Shane clearly had nothing to say about that.

Avalynn tried to brush it off and pretend as though she hadn’t said anything, and he didn’t need to respond or say anything. He really didn’t, and she tried to convince herself that as she walked away, leading him out of the room. It had been another reason why she joked about him looking at her behind if only to try and brush aside whatever had just happened.

Shane stammered, and it caused her to smirk. She was making him nervous, and it slightly amused her, though she tried not to let that show. As she began to turn back around, she noticed from the corner of her eye, his gaze dropped to look at her rear. Avalynn wasn’t expecting him to admit to it, so when he did, she grinned, though he wouldn’t have been able to see it. “...And?” She dared to ask him of his opinion, since he was blatantly, and admittedly so, looking.

She turned back around when Shane was at her side, and she smiled again, walking casually alongside him, with a quiet innocence as if she hadn’t just embarrassed the hell out of him, or that she was completely amused by it. Even if Shane had no interest in her, she at least hoped to get a friend out of him. He seemed like a nice guy, he made her smile, and she imagined he would be easier to speak to than most. Maybe he could even relate, or be understanding of the things she struggled with, if it ever came up in conversation, and if she felt comfortable enough to openly share it with him.

Avalynn grinned and then let out a laugh, nodding to him, but she kept her gaze forward. “Oh--many times, I am afraid.” She laughed again, her smile never fading from her lips. “I suppose that is probably why I am still single.” Despite the words, Avalynn’s tone remained light and filled with sarcasm. It bothered her a little bit, but she knew it was mostly her own fault. “All the wrong kind of men seem to be the ones who do pursue me…” Though she hadn’t meant it to come across as any sort of jab towards him and his admission of never pursuing anyone, she had mostly brought it back perhaps to let him know she wasn’t so easily willing to be pursued. Her life was complicated, though she would never let on to that, and one might never guess from her cheerful, light-hearted nature that rarely seemed to falter.

She released an exaggerated sigh, turning herself around to look at him, walking backward again. Her smile remained and she studied him briefly. “You don’t have to tell me anything if you do not wish to… But...If you would like a friend to talk to, I am all ears,” she was, of course, speaking in regards to what had happened back inside and why Shane had admitted to her that his father was the reason he rarely returned home. “If not… I am sure I could find things to talk about to fill the silence as we walk… Unless you wish to make your escape from me, now.” She smirked and turned herself back around, pulling her arms around her torso to block out some of the cold air before it would start to get to her.

[Shane O'Sullivan]

It might have been funny if they each knew what the other was thinking. Perhaps there would be a little less awkward silence and a bit more understanding. And yet, Shane didn't entirely want her to know what was going on in his mind- not all of it. That deep, dark secret plagued him nearly every day, especially when he was home in Tresteria, but it wasn't one he could just tell anybody. Even Wesley didn't know, and that man knew almost all there was to know about him. Elliot, too. He trusted that crew with his life...but not this. Was that terrible of him?

'...And?' That made Shane falter again. Wait, what? Why was this happening to him? It was because he was clearly flustered and she saw it. She was blatantly teasing him and taking advantage...and he shouldn't be amused by it. Despite his stammering over himself, it was clear that he was still struggling on whether or not to smile. A grin itched at the corners of his mouth but all in all, he was attempting to keep it together. "Oh, you don't get to know that one, Lady Avalynn. I've stumbled over myself enough for tonight."

Of course she was attractive, she was beautiful, but he was trying not to think about it while she was purposely flaunting herself in front of him, knowing what it did.

Really, why had no other man in this forsaken kingdom noticed her yet? Or, perhaps they had but, as with many in Tresteria, they weren't good enough. And fortunately, Avalynn seemed smart enough to know this. Without truly realizing it, his heart sank a little, but he hoped she found herself a good, decent man that would treat her the way she deserved. The lady was certainly a rare diamond in a world full of dulled and fake gems.

'All the wrong kind of men seem to be the ones who do pursue me…' His brow furrowed lightly at that while he walked alongside her. Shane didn't hear it as a jab at him at all- all he was thinking about was how unfortunate that was. "I'm sorry," he found himself saying, not entirely sure why he was saying it either. Maybe he was apologizing for all the scum in this world. "It won't be like that forever, my lady. Someone like you deserves better, and you will find them." Whether it was the universe or a god that made it so, it would happen. He believed in that much.

Avalynn was, once again, being sweet- offering to lend an ear. Oh, he wished he could take her up on that, but this wasn't something he could burden this woman with. "I do appreciate that, Avalynn, really...but it is not exactly a tale I wish to recall at the moment." There, was he putting her down a little gentler? Honestly, Shane shouldn't care if he offended her by not explaining, but he did. Naturally, he did. "I just- well, my father has done things...terrible things that I cannot forget, and I try to avoid home as much as possible. I did not expect him to be here tonight, and I'm sorry for how I acted." There, he at least gave her a little something, if only to show that he was grateful for her offer.

'...unless you wish to make your escape from me, now.' Shane's expression nearly fell, that guilt beginning to creep back. He certainly hadn't meant it that way, he just needed to get away from Eamon. "No," he said without thought. "I do not wish to." He barely registered that he had said it. The sailor was enjoying her company despite the minor setback, and would continue to do so until she tired of him, which he felt would not be long now. Avalynn likely came here tonight to wine, dine, and dance with handsome strangers. Not walk around in the cold.

Shane noted how she hugged herself, finally (and stupidly) realizing that she had no shawl or coat. He quickly shrugged out of his own- the cold would not affect him as easily, being so used to the cool winds at sea- and draped it upon her shoulders. "Sorry, I did not mean to drag you out into the cold. You can escape from me if you wish now," he said with a small, challenging smirk, throwing her words back at her. In truth, he really wouldn't be offended if she said her goodbyes.

[Avalynn O'Shea]

Shane seemed easy to tease, and he also seemed to be able to take it without becoming offended or bothered by it. She appreciated that about him and decided it was one of her favorite things about him. She may not have known him well enough, as this had only been their second encounter with one another, but he had made enough of an impression on her that Avalynn could at least make a decision that she liked him.

Part of her barely expected him to actually answer her question of what he thought of her behind, he seemed too gentleman-like, she thought, though perhaps he’d surprise her. At his response, however, a sly grin formed on her lips. The queen’s lady tilted her head a bit, in a gesture that spoke ‘fair enough,’ and she let it go. She’d let him off the hook. This time.

If Avalynn hadn’t grown up the way she had-- if she hadn’t been expected to grow up, (far sooner than she should have) to raise her brother, she may not have been so selective over who she allowed into her life. That wasn’t to say she didn’t enjoy flirting and carefree moments spent meeting others, but none had ended up being worthy enough to let into the deep and serious part of her life. She couldn’t afford it when her brother and mother still relied on her so much.

Her eyebrows furrowed when Shane apologized, and she tilted her head before looking sidelong at him.

"It won't be like that forever, my lady. Someone like you deserves better, and you will find them."

She breathed a laugh out her nose that sounded as though she doubted his words, and she shrugged. It was kind of him to say such a thing, and there was no way of him knowing what her life was like, or what was preventing her from really allowing someone into her life, but Avalynn wasn’t quite certain if Shane’s words were true for her. She forced a smile, urging a confident and deviant expression to creep onto her features. “...Obviously.” The word was said with heavy sarcasm, rather than that of a conceited nature. She laughed, trying to brush away any clue she may have given him that there was anything underneath the surface that she showed. The thing about Avalynn was, despite how real she was, she had an easy time hiding behind her happy, friendly, bubbly self and no one knew any better that there was any possibility of a shadow living in her life. She preferred it that way. “No, but thank you for saying such a thing…” She let out a slow sigh before shrugging. “I guess, I just don’t want to be controlled or expected to change or be something that I am not.” Her gaze dropped to the ground for a moment. Admitting to such a thing wasn’t usually something Avalynn might have openly admitted to someone, but for whatever reason, she felt Shane wouldn’t hold it against her. Still, she couldn’t help but feel her stomach twist into knots at the moment the words left her lips. One could never be completely certain, with how patriarchal Tresteria was. She was almost certain that Shane’s father was the type who would scoff at her words.

Avalynn wasn’t expecting that Shane would open up to her and speak his mind of what was bothering him, so when he stated he didn’t wish to recall the tale that currently haunted him, she nodded in understanding, not pressing him to say anything else. But then he did.
“...my father has done things...terrible things that I cannot forget, and I try to avoid home as much as possible. I did not expect him to be here tonight, and I'm sorry for how I acted.”

She stopped in their walk and moved to face him, shaking her head in response. “You have no reason to apologize, Shane,” she said assuring him. Avalynn had already sensed that his father was a horrible man, just by the way a grown man reacted to his presence. But she still wondered what he had done that was so terrible to cause such a reaction from Shane. She wanted to tell him that she understood, but somehow, that felt empty to say since she didn’t, or rather--she didn’t know enough to understand. “It’s alright...We all have our own little shadows in our lives.” She gave him a warm smile before she turned and moved back to his side again, walking along.

As Shane assured her that he did not wish to escape her, she couldn’t help the grin that pulled her lips upward. It only grew as he removed his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. She instantly could smell his scent and it strangely brought her comfort. A small laugh escaped her, mostly at the fact that she had been stupid enough to come out here without grabbing her shawl or something to keep the cold out. Avalynn pulled his coat tighter around herself, almost without thinking or worrying about how it would make her look as she snuggled into the fabric. The coat swallowed her up, but it instantly warmed her. The sailor was apologizing to her, yet again, and she shook her head. “Will you stop apologizing to me?” She smirked, playfully scorning him. “And no…” She grinned softly. “I do not wish to escape from you.”

Avalynn paused for a moment, her smile never faltering, but rather twitched along her lips as she thought to herself of her next words. Thoughts that only caused her grin to grow a bit more, sarcasm spilling into her words, once again. “I would say the night is still young--and you did promise me your company for the evening, did you not? Though I am guessing a dance is out of the question now… So a long walk and conversation will suffice, I suppose. And...” She hesitated for a moment, though not with any sign that she would regret her words, but rather, she wasn’t certain of whether or not Shane would be annoyed or put off by them. “You still owe me my prize of a kiss, remember?”

[Shane O'Sullivan]

Perhaps he was a bit easy to tease. It was difficult not to take too much to heart when you grew up with an angry father, then lived your life out on the seas with a bunch of bumbling sailors who did nothing but tease mercilessly. Shane had learned to grow thick skin, and it took a lot to bother or anger him. Regardless, the taunting from Avalynn was a whole different level that he was absolutely fine with. If anything, it endeared herself to him more, proving further that she wasn't like many of the socially suppressed women of court.

Shane was silently thankful that she didn't pursue the issue about her...well, shapely rear. Ava seemed to drop the entire thing, but he caught that expression on her face. He'd made the whole situation a lot more amusing, it seemed, and he couldn't exactly be sorry for it. She was smiling, after all, no? If all it did was take him making a fool of himself to keep her grinning like that, he'd be hard pressed to stop.

Yet, there was that doubt again. He didn't know her well, but he felt like he knew her well enough to understand those subtle gestures, the negative thoughts that probably plagued her every time she shrugged or forced a smile. It was sad, and he wished there was something better he could say to help. Even still, he meant it. '...Obviously.' She was pretending to be conceited, he realized, and it had him chuckling lowly.

Were he to have a say, Shane would claim she had every right to be conceited and that the men of this kingdom were blind. Honestly, they were fools.

'I guess, I just don’t want to be controlled or expected to change or be something that I am not.'

He nodded in understanding. "And you shouldn't. So, you'll promise me that you won't simply...give in to that societal pressure. Do not settle for anyone that doesn't understand your worth." If he was anything, he was always honest. Sometimes it was bluntly or idiotically so, but he hoped he just came off as sincere this time. "Maybe that means waiting a little longer, but you're smart, Avalynn. You're funny, albeit clumsy, and you're beautiful. Someone will notice that." He grinned, needing to get that little tease of his own in.

Someone would notice...besides him, of course. Someone who was worthy of her will notice and that wasn't terrified of commitment and a haunted past.

And speaking of that past- Ava was pausing their walk because he had alluded to it. Were it something not so dark, he might have told her, just so that she wouldn't think ill of him in any way. But he couldn't. He couldn't tell anyone. Still, her words made him softly grin in appreciation, even if it didn't reach his eyes. Sometimes it felt like more than just a shadow. It felt like a dark, never-ending abyss.

When she playfully scolded him for apologizing, Shane was glancing back over to her; lips parting because, yes, he was ready to apologize for apologizing so much. At least he caught himself this time, and the embarrassed look and smile probably made it clear what he had been about to do. Then, he was quietly laughing at himself.

However, it died away and a part of him actually became a little nervous when he saw her growing grin, hearing the tone of her voice. Guess he did make some promises, and Shane attempted not to appear impressed by the mere fact that she had trapped him, so to speak. "A long walk?" he questioned, trying to sound as though he was contemplating this entire thing. "Just...how long are we talking, hmm?" The glint of humor in his eyes likely told her that he was joking, if his failing mask to hide the amusement from his tone wasn't enough.

'You still owe me my prize of a kiss, remember?'

Shane faltered, slowing down in their walk a little. No, he hadn't forgotten, and the idea shouldn't have bothered him in any way, considering a kiss could still be an innocent thing where the chase was concerned. Fidgeting, his hands in pockets, his gaze dropped to the dead grass beneath them. He had noted they were close to the hedge maze, and he was warring with himself. "Yeah, uh...I'm kind of rethinking that..." he spoke quietly, finally drawing to a complete stop. A hand rose to rub the back of his neck in thought, until after a few more seconds, those sea-blue eyes lifted back up to her face. The humored glint had returned suddenly. "Because, unfortunately, my lady...the price for such a prize has gone up."

The sailor didn't explain, but he was grinning from ear to ear as long strides carried him to the opening of that maze and he disappeared into the brush.

[Avalynn O'Shea]

Avalynn relaxed a bit as Shane nodded in a gesture of understanding, rather than to scoff or challenge her regarding her not wanting to be controlled or expected to change the way that she was. What she hadn’t expected were the words that followed.

“And you shouldn't. So, you'll promise me that you won't simply...give in to that societal pressure. Do not settle for anyone that doesn't understand your worth.”

Avalynn’s eyebrows lowered in a brief moment of confusion. It was one thing for a man to stay silent when a woman spoke their thoughts and opinions, but for one to agree and encourage her, was an entirely different thing. She smirked and shrugged her shoulders, “If I were planning on settling for just anyone, I wouldn’t still be single or taking this stroll with you, my lord.” She laughed softly. Her lips parted and she inhaled to say more, but Shane began to compliment her, and her smile grew a bit more as she turned her face away and glanced down at her feet to hide the blush that began to rise upon her cheeks.

A small, and perhaps nervous, laugh escaped her and she brushed her hair behind an ear as she lifted her gaze again. “Someone will notice what? That I’m funny and clumsy? Or beautiful?” A deviant smirk crept along her lips as she looked back at him, “Someone...Like you, would notice, perhaps? I mean...Since you are saying such things… Obviously, you’ve noticed…?” She playfully challenged him. Whether or not he meant himself, Avalynn didn’t care. Either he was being nice, and just saying such things to make her feel better, or he truly meant it, in which case, he had noticed those things about her.

She noticed his expression falter as she claimed most people had some kind of shadow looming over them. She could sense that his was perhaps more than just a shadow. There was a sadness and fear he held in his eyes and though it left her curious, she wasn’t the type to pressure someone into talking about things they did not wish to or feel comfortable telling. If he wanted to tell her, perhaps someday he would, and she would hold no judgment over him.

Avalynn let out a silent laugh as he seemed to almost apologize again. She shook her head in amusement at him but was glad he had caught himself and found the humor in it as well. Despite whatever dark past alluded Shane, he still had a sense of humor and was able to make light of the situation. He could handle her teasing him without getting offended, defensive, or angry. He was still standing by her side, at least, so she hadn’t chased him off yet.

She nodded in jest, her smirk never faltering. “Mmhmm. A long...long walk.” She let out another laugh, “Or at least until I trip and fall on my face and you have to carry me back again.” Her lips pulled into a grin as her laugh continued, seemingly amused by her own words. “Which, by the way, you haven’t even asked me how my ankle was doing... It’s just fine, though, in case you were wondering…” She said in a feigned offense.

When Shane faltered and slowed down the walk, she couldn’t help but give him a challenging look. Her words had caused him to become nervous, and she wasn’t entirely sure if she should feel flattered by the notion, or allow that small twinge of disappointment to hit her. A part of her wanted him to kiss her-- or for him to want to.

"Yeah, uh...I'm kind of rethinking that..." Avalynn felt her heart sink, which somewhat confused her--as she had merely meant it as a joke, yet here she was, feeling upset that he was rethinking it. When he stopped, so did she, giving him a curious look until there was that gleam of humor that rose in his eyes. Her brow rose in a curious fashion. What was he up to?

"Because, unfortunately, my lady...the price for such a prize has gone up." Her mouth hung open as she gasped an exaggerated sound of shock, while an amused laugh escaped her. “Excuse me? Wh--” But before she could ask him why it had gone up, and what the new price now was, he was rushing off into the hedge maze and disappearing before she could even react.

She placed her hands on her hips and shook her head. He was testing her again now, wasn’t he? Before, he surely doubted that she would actually climb up a tree to capture him… But now he wanted her to actually chase him--probably as she should have during the chase. Avalynn laughed and shook her head. “Alright… I see how it’s going to be.” She called out, loud enough to maybe hear her if he hadn’t run off too far.

But she hesitated briefly-- what if this was his way of trying to escape her now? He could have made it seem like he was playfully luring her into some sort of challenge or trap... But it could all be a cover to get rid of her, to cause her to get lost in a maze so he could disappear and she would be spending the night trapped in a maze on her own, feeling sorry for herself.  Now, she suddenly felt so foolish.

Although, she did still have his jacket--if he even wanted it back. Avalynn shook away the doubt and negative thoughts she had and she picked up on the hem of her dress before rushing into the hedges after him.

[Shane O'Sullivan]

'If I were planning on settling for just anyone, I wouldn’t still be single or taking this stroll with you, my lord.'

Right, well...that made sense, didn't it? His smile had been kind of embarrassed after that, but he still wouldn't take back what he said, because he meant it. And maybe it was his way of telling her not to forget about it. Despite how she seemed to talk about herself, Avalynn had a good head on her shoulders. And she would someone who will love her for her intelligence and way of thinking. Even her clumsiness.

'That I'm funny and clumsy? Or beautiful?'

"Well, yes, all of it," he replied quietly before she was trapping him again, and he almost faltered. His mouth opened to reply, but in all actuality, he didn't know what to say that wouldn't come out wrong or bury him deeper. Instead, he narrowed his eyes playfully and allowed that sheepish grin to remain for a few seconds longer.

No matter how hard he tried, that dark past followed him. That secret he couldn't seem to share with anyone else, despite the few times he had desperately wanted to. And what if he didn't have that weighing him down? What if Eithne was still alive and happy, would Shane let this time with Avalynn grow into something more? Would he have already had a wife and some happy life he could only vaguely dream about now? Were it not for his job and the crew, he probably wouldn't have this ability to still joke around with anyone.

Oh, right, her ankle! Shane had forgotten about it, sure, but she was clearly walking around alright...which was probably why he didn't think to ask. That, and he had gotten very distracted by a few things already this evening. "Yes, right...I'm glad it's better," he stammered with a little bit of shame in his tone.

The sailor knew the moment he had her snagged, thinking he was about to say something to gently turn her down, and he struggled to keep the humor from his face. He just had to remain stoic long enough before he could turn around and disappear into that hedge maze...having absolutely no idea as to where he was even going.

'Alright...I see how it's going to be.'

She might be surprised to hear his echoing laughter from somewhere among the hedges. He hadn't gotten too far, only having made a random right turn before taking a second left. That was when he rounded a corner in the maze and pressed his back to the brush, trying to quiet his breathing enough to see if he could hear her approach.

[Avalynn O'Shea]

Avalynn was enjoying herself, despite the outcome of how things ended up, taking her away from the ball and the whole purpose of this evening. While she enjoyed being at parties and surrounded by many people and friends, this quietness away from the crowd seemed a lot more… pleasant, less distracting, and just a lot quieter. She was almost beginning to prefer this over the loud roar of music and voices ringing in her ears.

It was even more entertaining with her given company and how she so easily seemed to catch him off guard, backing him into corners and challenging him with everything he said to her. Yet, Shane seemed to keep coming back for more rather than to part ways with her. It was rather intriguing, to say the least.

Her smile grew as he confirmed all of it would be what that special someone, he mentioned, would notice about her. He had noticed all of those things about her, and he had set himself up for that trap… It was too easy. Yet, he didn’t respond or rise to her challenge. He wasn’t denying it either, though. Instead, he stood there with that sheepish grin and his narrowed eyes, to which she would at least pretend that he wasn’t arguing because he agreed with her.

She wondered how much of his past and whatever that dark shadow that loomed over him was, caused him to be so reserved and cautious. She understood, though. It was what held her back as well, though she imagined not nearly as much as it did for him. Regardless, Avalynn decided she would at least try to push it out of his mind by continuing to make him smile and laugh if that would help even a little bit. She liked his smile, to say the least.

Once again, Shane seemed to take her words to heart. She hadn’t meant to make him feel bad about not asking her about her ankle. She knew a lot had happened to distract or cause him to forget--not to mention she barely had let on that anything had happened to her. If anything, she was perfectly fine--but she wanted to give him a hard time because it was so easy to. As he stammered with that shame in his voice, she laughed and shook her head, “I am only teasing you--Clearly I am fine since I have agreed to take this very long walk with you that you have suckered me into taking with you.” Her tone, once again, was filled with sarcasm and teasing. It had been entirely her idea, but he was the reason they weren’t still at the ball dancing and enjoying wine and food. So she needed to make him feel bad, even jokingly.

His laugh, in response to her words, eased some of that negative anxiety she had allowed rising within her, which had somewhat urged her to follow after him.

As she entered, she tried to listen for any sort of sound or movement and had managed to follow in the same direction he had, unknowingly. And when she turned the corner and saw him standing there, trying to hide, she let out a shriek, instantly becoming startled as she hadn’t expected to see him just standing there. Once it registered, she hunched over, holding her stomach as she laughed loudly. “I’m not quite sure I like this game,” she spoke through trying to catch her breath from her moment of freight. “But…” She stood up straighter and brushed the wrinkles out of the front of her dress before she tagged him on his shoulder, turned, and ran away from him, disappearing around another corner.

[Shane O'Sullivan]

Unless it was the sound of crashing waves and a singing crew, this was what Shane preferred. Lately, he felt like he didn't have much time to himself, so this was a nice change. Often, he would try to make it home whenever the company docked in Tresteria, yet it was proving harder and harder to do so when Eamon wasn't around. The man had so few friends these days and no one wanted him around, which left him home frequently.

Was it sad that Shane just wished the old man would die? The only problem was, that would leave him in charge. Perhaps he could convince Quinn to take over instead...

Of course, none of these thoughts mattered at the moment while he tried to catch his breath, listening as he heard her footsteps growing louder and closer. She was right there, she could find him if she turned the right corner and he was ready for it. The moment he caught sight of her he practically yelled out "boo!" as she shrieked in surprise. This time, he certainly had to laugh at her expense.

'I'm not quite sure I like this game.'

"Of course you do," he intercepted in between chuckles, just before she was continuing and tagging him on the shoulder. Then, in a blink of an eye, Avalynn was turning to run away, and it was his turn to pursue. For a split second, Shane stood there dumbfounded before that cheshire-like grin spread across his face and he rushed after her. He rounded the next corner as he saw the tail end of her dress fluttering behind her until it was gone.

[Avalynn O'Shea]

Of course Avalynn liked this game. It allowed her to be carefree and have fun. It allowed her to laugh and forget about the reality of her life. It took her away from all the stuffiness and stress of court and she could toss aside all of her worries for the time being. Whether Shane knew it or not-- Avalynn was appreciative of this moment in time with him, even if it did seem silly.

She ran through the maze, rounding corners, not so much caring if she got lost. Shane wasn’t too far behind her, she could hear him, and she honestly didn’t want to lose him, so she didn’t make her path too difficult to follow, and she didn’t run as fast as she could have. At least not while wearing such a dress.

After she was fairly certain she had gotten far enough ahead of him, she stopped and leaned her back up against the hedge wall as if trying to camouflage her way into it and make herself as invisible as possible (despite the bright red dress standing out against the green). Her breath was somewhat labored from running, and every so often she tried holding her breath, to try and be quieter, as she stood there, waiting to see if he would find her.

She knew that she probably looked ridiculous in her statuesque pose against the hedges, like she truly believed she was fully hidden behind the leaves, even, though she was fully aware that she wasn’t. Still, she could pretend. At least to hear another laugh from Shane.

If he found her, she remained completely still, as if she believed she had the best damn hiding spot in all of Elysium and surely he couldn’t see her if only she didn’t move or make a sound.