Pyxis
27
Increasingly complicated
Ex-soldier
|
Post by Aoife Lee Frye on Apr 3, 2021 19:15:05 GMT -5
Hopeless? You're so very encouraging,’ She scoffed, audibly. Coming very close to dropping the last of her guard and sticking her tongue out at the soldier. ”Oh, I’m sorry.” She said, fighting to keep from spilling into laughter as her head was jostled. It was so easy to let the mask slip around Cian DeGraff, so easy to shed the armour Aoife had spend years crafting, which meant that it would be so easy to be hurt if it all collapsed around them. The mystic had begun to realise just how much she liked having the guardsman around, and how much she was beginning to rely on the lightness that grin of his brought to her heart- how it made it skip and reminded her she really was still alive. He was everything good in this world: hope, peace, and the fleeting thoughts that there might be a future. She didn’t want to lose any of that, the thought of having the ground give way beneath her after finding it so soon was enough to turn her blood cold. But now the sun was warm and he was teasing her. It was easy to imagine the moment would last forever. ”I hadn’t realised you wanted a pep talk.” The laughter won out, and Aoife spoke with a voice heavy with humour. ”You did get better… not quite hopeless, just very nearly.” She lifted her head slightly, in anticipation of another shrug, and waited a moment before settling back against him.
If only it could last forever.
The more the mystic learned of the DeGraffs, the less she seemed to understand the feud. The fondness with which Cian spoke told just how close they all were, the trials his aunt had gone through described with a gentleness and tenderness so far removed from the tales of coldness and arrogance Aoife’s parents had recounted. It didn’t make any sense. The smile on her lips was soft, hidden still from the soldier’s view just as his was from hers. But the mystic gave his hand another light squeeze to convey what she didn’t have the words for.
For a moment she wondered if Cian would be the same as her brothers, if that impulse, that instinct to protect her would seep from their spar- through this natural companionship and into the rest of their lives. And Aoife found she wouldn’t mind all that much if it did. Though she would roll her eyes and protest, she quite liked the idea of having him around. The mystic didn’t need protecting, and neither did Cian… but that didn’t mean looking out for each other was a bad thing.
‘And yet…’ Lifting her head, Aoife pulled back a little- just enough so she could look at him with narrowed eyes and a smirk on her lips. ”First of all, that won’t happen again.” She said, still struggling to keep the humour out of her tone and failing miserably. ”Secondly, did you ever think that maybe I let you win?” No, the guardsman had bested her square and mostly fair- but she would never concede that, at least not to his face. ”Thirdly,” She settled back for her final point, nestling back into the crook of his neck as though it was the most natural and comfortable place she could be. Her voice dropping to a whisper. ”I didn’t mind it all that much.”
Conversation drifting to Arya DeGraff, Aoife was once again reminded of just how similar their families seemed. Her brothers had done much the same when she had first introduced them to Alasdair, but with having seven of them in the room: they hadn’t needed to decide between asking questions, keeping them separated, and teasing them- they had simply divided the tasks amongst themselves without even speaking a word. It had been an uncomfortable weekend. Would they do the same with Cian, if it came to it? Or would they not even entertain the concept? ”Poor Arya, doesn’t matter what mood you’re in- it sounds like she wouldn’t win.”
Once again, Aoife found herself feeling almost guilty for keeping so much of herself back when Cian shared so freely. She wanted to tell him everything. Whereas Cian found comfort in speaking so casually on such traumatic events, Aoife had only just managed to shut up her past and lock the door- it was soon to risk opening it just yet. The flood would threaten to consume her once again, and even with Cian in her life Aoife wasn’t certain how long it would take her to escape that particular darkness once again.
’Oh, I'm avoiding even her at this point’ Oh Aoife knew that particular tactic, she had been employing the same ever since writing her first letter to him. So she couldn’t keep the knowing smile from tugging at her lips. ”At some point.” The mystic echoed, turning the idea over in her mind like a new penny. It seemed fairly soon, but Aoife felt herself wanting to get to know Cian and his family- she wanted to learn more about him from those who knew him best, wanted to see how he acted around other people who weren’t soldiers or guards, Aoife wanted all of him- all in, right? Besides, Camille had been the one he had trusted, she hadn’t discarded Aoife on account of her name- which meant Camille DeGraff couldn’t be one of the big-bad-DeGraffs the mystic had been warned about. Which, in turn, left Aoife even more confused by the whole situation. Perhaps they could end this feud, somehow.
|
|
Lunari
28
Complicated
Warden Centurion/Guard Elite
Tier 1 Character
|
Post by Cian DeGraff on Apr 4, 2021 1:02:05 GMT -5
'Oh, I'm sorry.' No, she definitely wasn't, he knew. "Uh huh." That was murmured with a soft chuckle. From the very beginning, she had always been bluntly honest and he never took offense. At first, he wondered if perhaps the Lee Frye had no sense of humor at all or had a strange way of socializing- not that he was a perfect example. But then it turned into this casual way of teasing that they just fell in and out of, and it felt natural. It felt normal, and he wouldn't trade it for anything, nor was he willing to give this up anytime soon. Or at all. Cian tried not to laugh with her attempt at encouragement, but he ultimately lost that small battle, too. "No...no, that's not much better, but good effort."
Whatever had happened all those years ago between the DeGraffs and Lee Fryes must have been something big enough to create this nonstop rivalry. Regardless, was it something that would honestly affect them now? He recalled being told about a union between members of the families, a death, but the details were fuzzy. If he were being honest, Cian never asked any further about it, he hadn't been overly curious about it until now. And to bring it up to one of his parents, would they suspect something? He wasn't sure that was something he was willing to risk at the moment.
'First of all, that won't happen again.' Bright blues shifted sidelong to her when she lifted her head to look at him, and his grin was sly. Clearly she was just making this some unspoken challenge that he was, quite obviously, going to see through. When she continued, though, Cian was unable to hold back the short burst of laughter. "Let me win?" he gently echoed in interruption, ready to argue before she was resting her head back down. It was enough to instantly placate the playful "anger" that was certainly about to spill forth. And then "thirdly" came, and he definitely wasn't going to argue. Aoife earned points with that one. Carefully shifting just enough, his arm slipped around her back in order to hold her a little more securely against him.
"No, she doesn't," Cian said of his sister, humor still painting his tone. He meant all of it lovingly, of course, just as it was very possible that she would torment him or any of their other siblings in return. It was what family did, was it not? His own father wasn't even exempt from it.
"At some point," he repeated quietly with a gentle nod. He wasn't going to argue or even push for it, because he liked this just the way it was right now. Although they would have to lie and be wary of others, Cian was happily in no rush. "Just means I can be selfish and hog more of your time." As much time as fate would allow them.
|
|
Pyxis
27
Increasingly complicated
Ex-soldier
|
Post by Aoife Lee Frye on Apr 4, 2021 10:54:52 GMT -5
Aoife wouldn’t have taken offense if Cian had voiced those thoughts, having grown up fighting for attention against seven brothers and then joining the military as soon as she was able- the mystic’s social skills had been more than lacking long before grief had hollowed her out. It was a constant disappointment to her mother that Aoife wasn’t able to carry herself in court and play the games of intrigue and reputation expected of a woman of her status- at least Aoife thought she was a disappointment to Catriona Lee Frye in that regard. The older Lee Frye woman seemed to be able to talk herself out of any situation… whereas Aoife seemed only able to talk herself into trouble. Even if Aoife had been trying to encourage the soldier in that moment, she would have failed just as poorly as her mockery of an attempt… just as her attempts to encourage Ciaran the other day had descended into a hushed shouting match here and there. But it seemed as though Cian didn’t mind all too much, seeing as he was laughing at her. ”I tried.” She shrugged, joining him in quiet laughter.
The mystic had often found herself distracted when the topic of the feud had come up- the message was simple (and until recently had been easy enough to follow): stay away from the DeGraffs. She had preferred the tales of folklore and magic, the ones her mother would illustrate with curling smoke and soft lullabies. Aoife had paid attention to those. But the stories from recent years, the long details and histories of prominent families- including her own- were foggier in her memory.
”Let you win.” Aoife confirmed, a wry smirk still playing across her lips- ”Did you ever think about that?” She asked, hoping to tease forward the argument she knew was waiting on the tip of his tongue. But then his arm snaked around her, and the mystic was willing to drop the matter if it meant Cian held her close like this even just a little longer. The sun seemed high enough above the horizon, though it had long begun to dip below it’s zenith- and Aoife was acutely aware of just how quickly this afternoon seemed to be slipping through their fingers.
She wondered then, how Lee and Niall had been received when they had met their wives’ families- if they had been taunted and teased or if they had been accepted, whether warmly or coldly. It dawned on her then that she had never really thought to ask- she had joined in the teasing when they had brought them home for the first time, even at the wedding. But Aoife had never thought to ask what their families had thought of their new son-in-law. The mystic loved her brothers, utterly and completely, and it hadn’t dawned on her for even a moment that others might not see them in the same way. Strange.
’Just means I can be selfish and hog more of your time’. And she would willingly give it, as much as the guardsman wanted or required. As much as they could steal. Was that selfish? Aoife wasn’t sure it was, on either of their parts. Their first few encounters had been interruptions, paths crossing by fate or chance- she had joked then that he had been intruding on her. But Aoife had welcomed those interruptions as much then as she valued these moments now. ”You’re not hogging anything- lady of leisure remember?” If anything, she was stealing away his precious free time now. ”I have it on good authority that my life is ‘dull’ at the moment.” Wasn't that how Ciaran Lee Frye had described it? Dull? She was inclined to agree, the moments she spent alone- once peaceful now seemed incredibly lonely.
|
|
Lunari
28
Complicated
Warden Centurion/Guard Elite
Tier 1 Character
|
Post by Cian DeGraff on Apr 5, 2021 10:01:50 GMT -5
Cian could bring himself to socialize with strangers if he absolutely had to, but the politics of court didn’t suit him. He had tried and still did at times, but if he was ever showing interest in any sort of gossip or drama it was because he was finding it useful for his job- both of them.
He wasn’t meant to be there, though. He was meant to be in uniform with a weapon in his hand. The Kingsguard didn’t always feel ideal- many just thought these men stood around idly, despite the party the other day proving otherwise. Yet, it was why he considered leaving it, to go back to the military- however, right now this ensured he could continue his Warden duties a lot easier and remain closer to his family. Rowan was a ranger, and there was no saying how far away he would be at times, so someone had to remain close. And no offense to Dunstan but he was still too young to grasp the concept. The idiot took on the Unseelie leader alone without thought if that wasn’t proof enough.
’I tried.’ He was still grinning in amusement as he leaned his head against her own. Then she was trying to claim that she may or may not have let him win. He knew she was joking, considering how hard she took it when he had quite obviously let up and cushioned her head during their fall. Cian had seen the wounded pride, and it was something he would say he was sorry for...but not really mean it. She was not his enemy, no matter what his family claimed, and he would take care of her even in the most subtle of ways now because that was what he did. It was what he wanted to do. Just as Aoife had been taking care of him, keeping his mind free of everything that had been plaguing him, and simply filling it with other ideas. Better ideas. Ideas that, well, could probably get him beat up by a horde of brothers...but there was no need to share those. More importantly, she made it easy to smile and feel alive, not just some brainwashed soldier for the king.
”You are so right,” he began, the taunt very slowly beginning to seep into his tone. ”I never thought of that! So, that means you will certainly win next time, yeah? Because I’m hopeless...melodramatic…” Was he keeping a list? Oh yes, he definitely was. His hand at her waist rose up slowly, trailing fingers innocently along her side before testing to see how ticklish she might be.
Yes, she was a lady of leisure, and Cian wondered how she did it. He didn’t think he could not have things to do. Taking a break or small vacation was one thing, but to always be aimlessly wandering? ’I have it on good authority that my life is ‘dull’ at the moment.’ ”Well…” Cian started, looking thoughtful and as if he was agreeing. Instead of teasing anymore, he just smirked. ”And who told you that?”
|
|
Pyxis
27
Increasingly complicated
Ex-soldier
|
Post by Aoife Lee Frye on Apr 5, 2021 12:23:49 GMT -5
Aoife had always felt as though she had to fight to have a seat at the table, let alone to be taken seriously. So when Cian had taken it easy on her- cushioning her fall- had wounded her pride, even if had been an instinct on his part. It wasn't only that though, Aoife had genuinely though she might have won that match of theirs. There were moments in which she had been sure it was hers, so the fact that Cian had bested her and protected her... That had stung her pride even more. But, it was in the past. And besides, there was always next time. The guardsman was one up, and Aoife would definetly be keeping count.
Despite his distracting words, the taunting edge she could her clear as day in Cian's tone- Aoife managed to resist rising to it by the skin of her teeth. Instead, her attention was directed solely at attempting not to squirm underneath the gentle tickling of his fingers against her side. The mystic knew what he was doing. Aoife wasn't about to give into him that easily. She had learned the hard way that being ticklish was a weakness all too easily exploited, with seven siblings it had been used against her far more often than she would have liked growing up- so the mystic tightened, breath held as she tried to remain still. Her resolve can't have held out for more than a moment, perhaps two. Then she fidgeted a little closer, away from his hand and into his side- any closer and she would have ended up on the Warden's lap at this point. "Stop that." She said, trying to sound firm but hearing the cracks of laughter and mild panic in her own voice even as she spoke. "You don't want to add annoying to that list." With her free hand, the one that wasn't holding his, the mystic reached to wrap her fingers around Cian's- hopefully immobilising them for at least a little while.
In truth, Aoife didn't know either. It hadn't been all too long ago that there hadn't seemed to be enough hours in the day... But now they seemed to stretch endlessly ahead of her and there was nothing to fill them with. Granted, there had been more excitement of late... With Ciaran's revelation, the family dinner, and these moments she had been stealing with Cian DeGraff . But it still wasn't enough to keep her busy, to keep her mind and body occupied. Aoife was restless. Perhaps that was why the idea of re-enlisting had been playing on her mind so frequently of late- a different division, away from the barracks and the ghosts she still sometimes though she saw from the corner of her eye. "Most recently? My brother." Aoife confessed, shoulders rising and falling in a resigned shrug. "I've been thinking more and more about re-enlisting." Another confession, another secret Aoife had promised herself she wouldn't spill until she was certain. "There's not exactly a lot of other things I'm suited for." Court was dull, as much as she adored Rosemary and her company- idle chatter and gardening could only keep the Lee Frye interested for so long. Home seemed hollow with just Aoife and her mother haunting the place. And the only third option the mystic could think of was returning to her old life... A little older and a little rustier perhaps... But she was still capable, Cian had said as much himself.
|
|
Lunari
28
Complicated
Warden Centurion/Guard Elite
Tier 1 Character
|
Post by Cian DeGraff on Apr 5, 2021 21:59:51 GMT -5
Aoife had come very close to winning their match. Perhaps his little moment of weakness had stunned both of them because she could have easily gotten the upper hand as he gazed down at her in complete surprise. Although he had cushioned her fall, he hadn't intended to. It had suddenly become this strange instinct that came out of nowhere, and even if he promised he wouldn't go light on her should she ever initiate that rematch, Cian couldn't outright promise he wouldn't pull something stupid like that again. And if he did, hopefully she would take the opportunity to grab the win.
The grin just widened as she began to fidget closer, and he could feel how she tensed and tried desperately not to squirm or give in. It was too late, though, because now he knew, even if he wasn't going to make it worse for her. She was grabbing that wandering hand anyway, and he chuckled, murmuring into her hair, "I'll take my chances..." Later, maybe.
Eyes drifted back out to the city in the distance, realizing how much time must have past and how unwilling he was to move from that spot. Aoife might have to drag him back down that hill because he wasn't ready to go yet, but he knew he should be. They had to be careful, and lingering for longer than necessary was a risk. He was just struggling to care as he rested there with her at his side. Maybe there will come a day when they wouldn't have to worry about hurrying back. When they wouldn't have to worry about anything at all.
'I've been thinking more and more about re-enlisting.'
Cian actually froze for a moment. He hadn't meant to, but it was his initial reaction...which was strange, considering after their spar, he had been trying to gently urge her back. He believed she would still do well, he knew that she would, yet things were different now. Something had changed, and he was silently ashamed that a little voice at the back of his head wasn't liking the idea. Aoife was very capable, and he had no right to suddenly wish she wouldn't think about re-enlisting.
"Really..." It wasn't a question, but a gentle statement as he lifted his head from hers. Looking down, he offered a small smile even if she wouldn't see it. "And have you tried anything else?" The humor was slowly slipping back in because, in all honesty, he didn't know what kinds of other things a woman like her would be interested in. Hell, he didn't know what he would do were he not in the military at all. "Like...there's needlepoint, or dancing...art...?" Cian was really trying not to laugh, but the amusement was seeping into his tone regardless. "Or, what about music?"
He wouldn't blame her if she shoved him right off of that boulder.
|
|
Pyxis
27
Increasingly complicated
Ex-soldier
|
Post by Aoife Lee Frye on Apr 6, 2021 2:42:27 GMT -5
She had lost that hand, and Aoife knew it. She knew it by the low, knowing chuckle that escaped him. She knew it by the way he spoke into her hair. And she knew it by the amusement in the guardsman’s tone as he said he would take his chances. Just like that, Cian had slipped past her defences without even seeming to try. Slowly, Aoife released her grip on his fingers- though her hand still hovered over his, ready to strike again should the soldier make any sudden movements. ”I mean it.” Warned Aoife, though there was a touch of humour in her tone. Or maybe she was just looking for another excuse to take his hand once again.
They would have to make the climb down soon, as breathtaking as Aoife imagined this little spot was at sunset and as much as she wanted to stay here with him and watch the stars spark into life as the sun sank below the horizon: Aoife knew she would be missed at dinner. Another time, another evening, then maybe-hopefully. But not today. Despite that little voice in the back of her mind that told her to stay and to damn the consequences- whatever they may be. The mystic knew she should go back. Just a little longer though, there was still time. A little more time at least.
Settled like this, against Cian’s side: Aoife could feel the way he seemed to freeze at the words. Confusion swept through her first- he had been the one to plant the first seeds in her mind, the long days and empty afternoons had been the sunlight and water it needed to grow, Ciaran’s words that morning had just been the final push it had needed to bloom into something real and almost tangible. ”Really.” Speaking gently, the mystic shifted a little, lifting her face so blue eyes could meet her greys. But then the guardsman was speaking again, suggesting she try all manner of ladylike pursuits her mother had tried to instill into her when she was young. Needlepoint… dancing… art… music. They hadn’t been able to hold Aoife’s attention as a child, wishing the seconds would tick by faster so she could finish up her lessons and join her brothers by the lake or in the forests- playing soldier even then- so why on earth would she bother trying them again now? One more suggestion and she would have pushed Cian DeGraff from the boulder. Instead, she adopted one of her mother’s tactics, smiling sweetly as though she was considering it.
This was where Cat would have drawn it out for several long seconds, dark eyes dancing.
Aoife however, lacked the patience, and a brow quirked upwards as she looked at Cian with mock annoyance. ”You sound like my Mama, only even she considers needlepoint dull.” Groaning, possibly a little theatrically, the mystic shot him an incredulous look. The idea of pursuing any of those hobbies seemed so ridiculous that the mystic didn’t know how to respond to the suggestions- even if they had been made in jest. ”Well, recently I’ve tried taking walks by the sea- but someone keeps interrupting them.” Aoife mused, making it clear who that someone had been. Her expression softened then, and her shoulders rose and fell in a shrug.”I’m still thinking about it… it’s either that or needlepoint.”
|
|
Lunari
28
Complicated
Warden Centurion/Guard Elite
Tier 1 Character
|
Post by Cian DeGraff on Apr 6, 2021 10:05:37 GMT -5
"I hear you..." he reassured, but it was the way he said it that made it seem like he was contemplating it again. For now, however, he didn't try and tease, even if his fingers seemed to subconsciously move beneath her hand, just casually running along herbside. It wouldn't tickle through her layers of clothing.
Cian was watching the city again, wondering if she had picked up on that brief moment of tension. He would have to remedy that, especially because saying anything else would make him a hypocrite. And he didn't want to either. He genuinely thought she belonged in the military, and his pause had been nothing but a moment of weakness. He didn't have her like this before, so naturally it changed some of that train of thought, yet he would still arrive to the same conclusion. And he believed in her- that never changed.
Suddenly, she was looking up at him and smiling. But it was a different kind of smile, one of those that brought him pause again and he came near to shivering in discomfort. Of course, he had been joking- much of those things sounded dull or required skills he likely didn't have. Cian still shifted a little uncomfortably until she feigned annoyance and his smirk returned.
"It does sound very boring," he conceded. "My mother would always threaten us with it though, saying, 'remember that I have the patience to stab something one thousand times.'" Cian laughed a little at that, despite it being darkly humorous. He was never sure if the woman enjoyed that hobby or not, or if she was simply doing it because there wasn't much else and it kept her occupied.
'Well, recently I’ve tried taking walks by the sea- but someone keeps interrupting them.'
Cian pretended to be ignorant. "Do they now? How rude." A pause, he looked thoughtful, gently drifting from her side to slip down from the large rock. "Well, sounds like they saved you from a very boring time." If only he was really this conceited, he may not question himself so much in life. He didn't bother trying to wipe away the crooked grin as he turned to her, looking up at her lovely face. That was when his expression sobered a little. "You should consider re-enlisting, Aoife, if it's something you want. You're still strong and capable...and I'm not just saying that to earn points." Blue eyes crinkled at the corners in subtle amusement, but he was being very honest even still.
"I will admit that I am a bit curious as to what you'd look like in some fancy dress out on the dancefloor..." Cian stepped back to brazenly drink her in, as though he were trying to picture it. Although he had been serious just a moment before (and one could argue that he still was being serious), this was just his way of occupying his thoughts and keeping him from worrying about something he knew he shouldn't. She was a soldier just as much as he was, if not more.
|
|
Pyxis
27
Increasingly complicated
Ex-soldier
|
Post by Aoife Lee Frye on Apr 6, 2021 12:03:59 GMT -5
That had never happened before- the way Cian shifted a little under her sweet smile. Aoife had tried it before, on Alasdair and her brothers, but they had always called her bluff- seeing the look of discomfort on the guardsman’s face made her feel almost guilty. How did her mother pull that trick so often without making her own skin crawl? It made the mystic pause, mildly surprised and a little bit shaken by the change- she was relieved to see the smirk return to him, it suited the soldier much better.
”Who has that kind of patience? Other than mothers?” She laughed at that, having the patience to stab something a thousand times was one thing- but having the skill to only need to stab something once (maybe twice, just to be safe) seemed more useful. At least it did to Aoife, but of course- the mystic had been a soldier, not a seamstress. Still, she wouldn’t be able to deny that the comment warmed her to the DeGraff woman- though Aoife couldn’t quite imagine what kind of woman Cian’s mother was just yet, she was slowly beginning to piece together a picture of Aireen DeGraff… one that seemed at odds with the stories she had been told.
Grey eyes trailed after him, watching as he slipped away. Even in the little sun trap they had found, Aoife felt the cold of his absence- drawing her knees back up to her chest and idly resting her chin atop them. ”I suppose I have to concede that…” She mused, lips quirking into a smile. His little interruptions had been welcome ones, and having led to this- this strange, fragile, and precious companionship- she was far from complaining about them.
’You should consider re-enlisting, Aoife’
Why had she felt so relieved to hear that? Was it because she had been doubting the decision before she even made it? No, it was something more than that- she valued Cian’s opinion, and if he thought it wasn’t the worst idea in the world, then maybe she was right to think on it? It would keep her busy, keep her under the radar, and she would be able to keep tabs on some of her brothers. She resolved then to mention it in passing next time she saw one of them, then to her father- then if she still felt the urge to pursue it- to her mother. Oh she was already dreading that conversation. ”Well, I’m not keeping score- but I would say it still earned you some points.”
Aoife couldn’t help but laugh at that- she may have been rusty on the training fields, but that was nothing in comparison to how rusty she would be on the dancefloor. ”Then maybe next time there’s a ball at court you should see if you can get the night off?” She suggested, trying to sound as though she was teasing but unable to quite keep the note of hope from creeping into her tone. The mystic had plenty of ‘fancy dresses’ and even though she wasn’t much for dancing- she would give it another try, but only with the right partner.
|
|
Lunari
28
Complicated
Warden Centurion/Guard Elite
Tier 1 Character
|
Post by Cian DeGraff on Apr 7, 2021 9:30:39 GMT -5
His mother used a similar smile. It was a smile the woman gave when it was blatantly clear that she should have responded differently, it was like this warning she gave in order for him to understand that if he kept up with the nonsense that she would likely kill him. Arya was getting a little good at it, too, but it didn't have quite the same affect on him. Perhaps it was something all women had the ability to do. It stemmed from needing to remain polite even in the presence of others you despised, but Arieen DeGraff seemed to wield it against her own children.
Of course, now when he saw her wear it out in public, it was a little difficult not to laugh under his breath, knowing she was speaking to someone she couldn't stand. Hence the reason why court wasn't for him. He was a silent guard and nothing more.
"No one. It's this-" Cian paused, coming close to saying "magic" and realizing how inappropriate that was. "Gift they seem to have." There. The guardsman shook his head with a little smile. However, just how much patience would his mother have should she find out he was here with this woman right now? He imagined all patience would go straight out the window.
Hands rested against the sides of her thighs casually, and he might have placed his chin on her own knees were there room- but he glanced up at her with all honesty. Cian was slowly trying to physically draw himself away, to prepare for the ride back to Ethion, but he was apparently doing a poor job at it. There was that tiny, selfish part of him that wished he could tell her not to re-enlist. It was dumb, and had nothing to do with her skills, and it was precisely why he was ignoring it. Of course he would worry for her, he worried for her now just as he did everyone else he cared about, but at the same time, he believed in her. Again, he wasn't just saying this to look better in her eyes or suck up- he was saying this all even before these feelings had manifested. Just maybe he wished he could be at her side if she did, in fact, re-enlist, but that was another mental dilemma he was having even before her.
'-but I would say it still earned you some points.' A corner of his mouth curled up just a little bit more, and he dared to waggle his eyebrows at her. "So, if I earn enough, do I get a prize?" he asked, suddenly very amused with himself. He was being honest again- as much as he had very much enjoyed the sight of her soaked in rain and mud, threatening to skewer him with that staff (did he have the right priorities straight?), he wondered what the former soldier would look like all dolled up. Aoife had made it clear how much she hated the court life, but that aside...he couldn't help but let his mind wander now.
Cian couldn't remember the last time he attended anything when not in uniform, albeit his mother's urging for all her children to show a bit more interest. Although, with her, she was just slowly beginning to pressure him and his siblings to take that next step in life. Fortunately, she wasn't blunt about it yet, but he knew it was coming. Rowan had already been married and that ended tragically, and likely kept him safe from their mother's berating for awhile longer, but that left him next in line. He was actually surprised Arya didn't already have suitors lined up.
His expression softened, even if the curiosity still lingered in those bright eyes. "I'm sure I could swing that..." he told her. A ball was not his ideal "good time", but neither was simply walking along the beach and Aoife had managed to make that enjoyable. It was just her presence beside him that would easily make anything worth while, he knew. Although she seemed to have worries of her own, and possibly had her secrets, she was his calm within the storm. "So long as you realize...that I'm not entirely sure I can dance. It's been awhile." He'd either flounder and laugh at himself, or all the annoying lessons from forever ago would come flooding back.
|
|
Pyxis
27
Increasingly complicated
Ex-soldier
|
Post by Aoife Lee Frye on Apr 7, 2021 16:07:53 GMT -5
Patience was a virtue, one Aoife had never come close to having but one her mother (and most mothers it seemed) to have in abundance. Whilst Catriona would often wait out the storm, it seemed most of her children- Aoife included- would rather run headlong into it. The guardsman would have been right to say it was like magic, a subtle gramyre woven into the fabric of families- holding them together. But then again, the Lee Fryes saw magic everywhere. It wasn’t just in the flames or shocks of electricity they could toy with, wasn’t just in the smoke her mother would curl into shapes- illustrating the stories she used to soothe them to sleep or warn them of the dangers out in the woods as children. No, magic was everywhere. In each and every breath they took and the way the wind moved through the trees- and Aoife couldn’t understand why the king wished to rob the world of that.
Like Aireen, Aoife doubted Cat’s patience would last long if she were to know of this. The older woman had claimed she didn’t care about allegiances, but the mystic very much doubted that would stretch to spending time with a DeGraff. Alone, unchaperoned, and with Cian’s hands resting against Aoife’s thighs with a kind of casual intimacy that couldn’t be quickly explained away.
Aoife had only just mentioned re-enlisting, at least in any real seriousness, to Cian that afternoon and yet he was much further ahead in considering the implications than she was after giving it weeks of thought. The mystic hadn’t paused to consider serving in any real proximity to Cian, it was because of Cian that Aoife hadn’t even thought about entering the KingsGuard- the one branch of the military free from the presence of any of her brothers or cousins. She knew she wouldn’t be able to do it. Cian DeGraff would be a distraction, and distractions got people killed. Aoife couldn’t go through that again; she doubted she would be able to take another heartbreak. It had been bad enough watching the guardsman take on a mystic during the Unseelie attack, and that was before these feelings had deepened- before she found her mind wandering to the soldier whenever she found pause. So, Aoife had discounted joining the kingsguard not on her lack of allegiance to the king- but rather being unable to see a certain DeGraff in harm’s way.
She wasn’t foolish enough to try and talk him out of the military though. Aoife had watched her mother and sister-in-law try for years to talk their husbands away from the battlefield and into a safe office- and she knew first hand just how jarring the adjustment from life as a soldier to a civilian could be, And Cian was a soldier- just as much as she.
‘So, if I earn enough, do I get a prize?’
”A prize?” The woman laughed, uncoiling from her curled position and brought grey eyes to meet his- mirth sparkling behind them. ”I suppose I could think of something.” She could think of several ideas already, if she was being honest. ”But you’d have to earn a lot of points, it’s not all going to be idle flattery and a charming smirk you know.” She stretched then, taking in the sun like a cat basking by the hearth for a moment- eyes closed and contentment clear in her expression- before sliding from the boulder and onto her feet.
The fancy dresses and shiny jewels were probably the only thing Aoife enjoyed about court and it’s events- the idle chatter and latest dances didn’t exactly hold a lot of appeal. But with him there, Aoife might find the whole ordeal enjoyable rather than merely bearable. So when the guardsman’s expression softened, and the suggestion that he might make it fell from his lips- Aoife didn’t even try to fight the hopeful smile that came to her face. ”Then it’s settled.” She said softly, a ball would be more realistic than stealing away for a few days- even if it wouldn’t be as exciting. ”Well, considering you’re supposed to lead that’s not ideal…” Aoife mused, teasing. Stepping forward as though she was about to challenge him, but instead the mystic guided Cian’s hands- if he permitted it- to her waist ”We’ll be fine- we can just make it up as we go along.” What was the worst that could happen?
|
|
Lunari
28
Complicated
Warden Centurion/Guard Elite
Tier 1 Character
|
Post by Cian DeGraff on Apr 7, 2021 21:30:44 GMT -5
Cian was a fairly patient person with certain things. He also didn't anger very easily, but it all depended upon the situation. Even during a fight or battle, it took him awhile to really reach a particular level of rage. When it came to magic and Mystics, however, it could escalate a little faster, but maybe he got this attitude from his father. Whereas Arieen was patient in a very calculated kind of way (sometimes a scary way), Desmond was more carefree and often wearing a smile. One wouldn't think the man had once been a deadly Warden himself, but that was why he had been so good. And maybe it was this attitude that helped Cian be able to crack through Aoife's slight "lack of social skills" and not be so easily offended by things...and why, perhaps, he should go to his father first should this secret relationship blossom anymore and they couldn't keep it hidden.
That was still a frightening thought. He could easily guess how his mother would react, but Desmond? That was a serious mystery, and it wasn't a comforting one.
Although he considered switching gears back to the army, Cian wasn't sure if he ever would, if he'd ever think more on it than how much he already had. What he did know was that he didn't feel like he could do anything else. Even the kingsguard was proving to be demanding, even more so with this war on magic, and yet, what else would he even do? From the very beginning, Cian knew he wouldn't be quitting unless he was physically unable to continue. Or he was dead. There really was no in between, and a part of him felt sorry that Aoife fell out of it, not having much else to fall back on.
Now, of course, he wanted to fill all of her free time. It was possibly a good thing his job kept him busy on and off, because she might tire of him too quickly.
Drifting back a half step when she dropped her knees back down, he was smiling even more at her laugh. "Well, how much is a lot, because..." Cian was drifting off for a moment as she stretched, blatantly staring up at her before she dropped down from the boulder in front of him. "I'm not sure it'll be worth it then," he lied. There might have been a slight chance that he'd have sounded believable if he didn't have that dumb grin on his face still.
As much as he'd want to be at her side at some ridiculously lavish ball, he'd still be content being able to simply look upon her, watching her quietly from his post. He wasn't sure how he'd be able to approach her openly during a public event if any other DeGraff were in attendance, or Lee Frye for that matter, but he didn't care right now. As far as he knew, there was no such thing being planned, and he had her right there with him now. And that hopeful smile of hers was beautifully distracting.
Aoife was placing his hands to her waist and he chuckled quietly at her comment. "You say that...until I step on your foot or the hem of your dress." In all honesty, he was probably fine. How hard could it be? He came from a noble family and it was practically burned into his mind, hiding away until it was necessary once more. And it was very necessary right now, he felt. "I'm more afraid of lingering eyes..." he began as one of those hands brazenly shifted to the small of her back, urging her just a few inches closer as the guardsman swayed ever so slightly in place to music that didn't even exist. His grin fell lopsided as he dipped his face to hers, lips so close to brushing against her own while he finished his statement, "...if I stray too close." He wouldn't be as brazen as he was now, but even still, it'd be difficult to not let the entire room dissolve away around them where he would only see her, forgetting everything else.
|
|
Pyxis
27
Increasingly complicated
Ex-soldier
|
Post by Aoife Lee Frye on Apr 8, 2021 12:27:54 GMT -5
”I don’t know.” Aoife said lightly, hands finding her hips for a moment as she looked up at the guardsman. ”You might even have a lot of points already- I told you, I wasn’t exactly keeping count.” As far as the mystic was concerned: Cian could have as many points as he wished, all of them if he wanted- the only thing she didn’t like about his company was leaving it. Something they would have to do again soon, part for a little while, however long it may be. Which was partly why she had slid down from her seat, to prepare to begin the descent back to Ethion and the responsibilities they had put on pause for the day. She was aware just how quickly their time was running out. That, and she had missed having the soldier beside her. Now Aoife knew what it felt like to be held by him, now they had crossed that particular line, she didn’t wish to leave his arms. ”But if it’s not worth it…” The woman shrugged, letting the emptiest threat of consequence trail off.
It was another pretty dream, something that neither of them could quite imagine being feasible. At least not yet. Court was filled with both their families, and Aoife barely ever attended an event without Rosemary by her side- and nor would she want to, especially with things being the way they had been recently. Aoife might not have understood why her brothers were so protective of her, but this was different: Rosemary was sweet, and kind, and trusting. Rosemary needed someone in her corner, and if that meant having Aoife accompany her to events like a surly shadow of sorts: then that’s what it meant. Catriona Lee Frye had sent her daughter to Ethion in the hopes Rosemary would help her, and in a way- looking out for her younger cousin had helped Aoife a little. It occupied some time anyway. But it did mean that the mystic wouldn’t have the opportunity to slip away with Cian DeGraff , or at least: the opportunity would be harder to come by. Or had she already shown her hand somewhat, when she sent Rosemary into the woods at the party- would she recognise Cian from that day?
But, just because it wasn’t likely to happen anytime soon- didn’t mean they couldn’t think about it. Here, in their little sun-trap, a space that would always be theirs (at least to Aoife) where they didn’t have to sneak around or hide away for fear of how their families would react. ”Cian, the bruises from training with you have just healed- I don’t think you stepping on my toes, if you even do, is going to hurt all that much.” She pointed out, humour edging into her tone as she lifted her arms to wrap around the back of his neck- holding the guardsman closer as they began to sway slightly to the melody of falling water and birdsong. As for the dress, it was just a dress- she had enough of those, Catriona was very insistent that a ballgown was to be worn once and once only. So it hardly mattered if the hem got a little dusty. But then the guardsman was leaning down a little, lips so close to hers that Aoife couldn’t bring her brain to focus on anything else.
And there it was again...
The feeling of her heart fluttering against her ribcage, so fast she wondered how her bones could hope to contain it much longer. ”Then do it.” She breathed, grey eyes lifting from his lips to meet those blues. ”All in if you are? Remember?” It was easy to be brazen up here, away from it all. Easy to forget the consequences, whatever they may be. But it wouldn’t be so easy when they returned home, if they found themselves in a position like this at some event someday- but would it be easier to walk away, to not let themselves get swept away by these new feelings. Or would it be easier to just face the metaphorical music and let the chips fall where they may.
|
|
Lunari
28
Complicated
Warden Centurion/Guard Elite
Tier 1 Character
|
Post by Cian DeGraff on Apr 8, 2021 17:59:17 GMT -5
'But if it's not worth it...' Tongue pressed to the back of his teeth, fighting with himself not to further grin like a fool. Paint him curious, though, he kind of wanted to know what those "prizes" might be. Unfortunately, leaving it to the man's imagination was a very, very bad idea. Still, he chuckled; blues flitting across her features in thought. "No...anything with you is worth it," he corrected her, sounding a bit more serious despite their taunting of just seconds ago.
Being anywhere in public with her like this couldn't be anything but a dream for now. There might be a chance for brief, casual conversation that he could pass off as him simply "being polite" should someone ask, or a dance here or there. And yet, he couldn't help but wonder how long it would take for him to cave, to stop caring about what his parents thought, what was expected of him. Cian didn't mind this little secret they had, but it was a whole lot different than if their families didn't hate each other. If that were the case, it would just be keeping low to avoid the teases. Not judgement.
And he'd be damned if any DeGraff tried judging Aoife just because of her surname.
At least they had this day, they had this spot- their little oasis away from it all. It was enough, it had to be, and he was trying not to think how long it would be until he could just see her again, even a passing glance or conversation to satiate the craving. Because the Lee Frye was certainly becoming an addiction, he realized, and he wanted nothing else in life at the moment.
He probably shouldn't like the idea that she had suffered bruises because of him, but the amusement still glinted in his eyes because it further proved that she wasn't your typical noblewoman from court. She was more than that, she was made of stronger stuff, and for some reason, she had chosen to be here with him. All in. Regardless, the dress idea still stood- he really wanted to see it.
The problem was, she wasn't correcting him. If he tried to pull this at a public event, someone was bound to notice, but instead, she was egging him on. Cian's gaze dropped to her mouth, contemplating kissing her as they just swayed. "All in," he repeated quietly, not that he thought he had to be reassuring. It was almost blatantly obvious how swiftly enamored he was. After a few moments, his hand left her hip; casually trailing his fingers along her side again, up and along the length of her arm where he'd gently remove it from around his neck. He was only stepping back enough so that he could twirl her in place before drawing her back against him gently but abruptly. And that's when he gave in, deciding they still had a few more minutes before they'd possibly have to (or at least think about having to) head back to the city- his arms circled around her to hold her close and kissed that mouth he had a bad habit of staring at.
|
|
Pyxis
27
Increasingly complicated
Ex-soldier
|
Post by Aoife Lee Frye on Apr 8, 2021 19:09:25 GMT -5
The mystic would have been lying if she had said she wasn’t curious as to where Cian’s mind was racing. But the serious not in his tone, however slight, kept her own mind from running away too far. At least it did this time. Aoife felt her expression softening- he was quickly learning how to soften her edges, to smooth out any ire or hardness in her tone and thoughts. It was difficult to get even remotely annoyed with the soldier, even when he tried to tease and rile her up- one word, a slight shift in his tone, or the smallest hint that he might break out into a grin… and he was forgiven instantaneously. She agreed with him completely, ’anything with you is worth it’. The woman could be risking the roof over her head, the income that kept her going, and the love of a family she couldn’t imagine living without- and yet, the risk was worth it. There was that little part of her that believed her family would never cut her off over this feud, over something that had made her happy when she thought the feeling was long lost to her- but Aoife had seen the bridled anger behind her mother’s eyes and heard the venom in her voice whenever the name DeGraff dripped from her lips. It was a very real possibility that Aoife really was risking everything here.
She would still say it was worth it.
Still, Aoife wasn’t quite ready to tempt her parent’s ire or to have this secret out in the open just yet- which meant she really should be going, and probably soon. However it was difficult, and seemed to be getting more and more so, to walk away from this. The mystic wasn’t sure if she would be satiated by an occasional glance and knowing smile, at least not for long. She would miss the feel of his hand on hers, being close enough to smell the soft leather of his jacket and see the flecks of different blues in his eyes. It wasn’t fair. Cian DeGraff was no monster, and from the way he spoke of other members of his household: neither were they. How could anything, anyone, that made her heart race like this be bad?
He wasn’t, this wasn’t. It really could just be that simple.
She allowed him to guide her, leading the motions through a slow twirl as though he had done this a thousand and one times before. He would do just fine, no toe-stepping or dress-ruining. And she was just about to tell him that when the guardsman’s lips found hers again. Knowing this was the last kiss they would share for some time, Aoife didn’t want to waste a second of it- hands found his face, cupping it gently as lips parted to invite the kiss deeper, body leaning into the soldier’s touch as though by a natural, unspoken instinct. They definitely should not be doing this at a ball, but like everything else with Cian DeGraff- it seemed so natural, so normal, as though they had been designed to find each other at this exact moment.
Like everything else, it did have to come to an end. Storm grey eyes blinked up as though waking from a dream, and a low chuckle came to her lips- ”How am I supposed to walk away after that?” Aoife asked, hands sliding down to rest against his chest.
|
|