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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 1, 2021 19:40:15 GMT -5
Anya sat, trying to still the anxiousness rising. She wasn't ready. She wasn't going to do this right. This was too fast. Oh gods, I'm not ready. It was as if she was being told to jump from dragon back all over again. Her free hand clutched the fabric of her skirt, as if that might help her. And then Seth kissed her, and she was falling. Slow and measured, soft and breathtaking. Anya knew then that this was what a kiss should be, and reminded how wrong all the others from Daniel had been. With the second brush of his lips, she responded in kind, keeping him their with her hand still on his cheek. She held out as long as she could before need to break apart from him for air.
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 1, 2021 20:06:12 GMT -5
Anya met his gaze, wide eyed and blushing like mad. There was no fear, though it was taking her brain to process his hand in his hair was no threat. No, in more awe, for lack of a better term. Was he waiting for her to say something? Should she say something?
About time, Corrik's voice sounded in both the young Riders' heads, amusement dripping off every word. The dragon was resting by the barn, but he didn't have to be near them to know what went on. Anya had lot control of the walls separating their minds, so he had a clear picture of what had transpired.
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 2, 2021 19:01:17 GMT -5
The day was certainly one that she was struggling with, not necessarily in a bad way, but in a way that still had her lost in her thoughts. Currently, she was in the barn, tidying up everything while the guys were out working on the fences. It was drawing near to noon, and the men would either be done or heading back to for lunch. Corrik was tending to the sheep to offer as many hands to get the repairs done as soon as possible. Her mother was in the house, so she was alone, which was fine by her. She had been spending a lot of time alone during the day after they had discovered Parker was missing. It just seemed like the only thing that she should do. Whenever someone tried to stay and help her work, she tried to match their playful energy, but she always fell short. They meant well, but she could only take so much of their attempts to take her mind off worrying about her brother. Now, however, it had just become more of a habit than anything else. Even with the knowledge that Parker was alive, it just felt better getting her chores done on her own. To say she was overwhelmed would have been correct. In the last three months, tragedy after tragedy struck. First the early death of Alia and Ryven, then the murder of Arianna’s dragon. She had barely gotten over the shock and grief before Parker, the one she was hoping who would be able to walk her through everything and help her make peace with it all, was kidnapped. She never knew how much she relied on her brother’s strength until now, when she needed him the most. Or how much she had always assumed he would be around to help her walk through every milestone or new emotional development she came across.
The two of them had talked about everything together, including matters of who had a crush on who, and even advice or plans for whenever they both found their future significant other. Of course, those conversations soon transformed from optimistic to wistful and a tad bitter. Both had been burned in the area of love (Parker by Warren, and her by Daniel), and although they had not given up on the idea, they were a little less optimistic in the subject. Both of them never expected to find themselves in a situation of crushes and the troubles of dating so soon. However, she had done just that.
It was all but impossible to keep her mind focused on the task at hand without the events of last night’s party crowding her mind. She still couldn’t believe that she had jumped up on stage in front of everyone like she had, not to mention had enough confidence to sing the song. It had been a spur of the moment decision, and a decision she’d be willing to do again to see Seth’s reaction. She paused in her work as her whole face flushed at the sudden memory of the kiss they’d shared in the cool night air afterwards, her heart skipping a beat for two reasons. How long had she been waiting for him to do that? Thinking back on it, she couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment she began to fall in love with the man. But the moment it happened, it was as if a lifelong wait had come to an end. At the same time, a flood of suppressed fears and worries fought to override the giddiness she should be feeling.
Every time she thought back to the feel of Seth’s lips on hers, or his hands gently holding her face, the image was quickly replaced by Daniel. All she could see was his twisted grin, feel his breath against her skin and the way his hands ran roughly over her. The panic rose out of instinct, and she was truly surprised she hadn’t tried to push Seth away last night. Truth be told, she had wanted nothing more than to pull him close and keep him there. Instead, she had done nothing more but stare up at the man she had become so close to so fast, giving her that hope that maybe she had found someone she could trust enough with her heart. What will he do when he finds out you’re only using him?
Daniel’s words rang through her mind like a brass bell, chasing away the small spark of hope. She had never once used Seth, but it was hard to maintain her belief in such a statement. She had never used him, and even if she had unintentionally hid behind him for a time, she was doing her best not to let it happen again. The training was helping her in that area, but it was still slow progress.
“Anya? Are you in here?”
Anya jumped at the sudden call, nerves already frazzled by her train of thought. Half of her expected it to either be Seth or Daniel, but the voice soon registered. She leaned the pitchfork she had been using against the side of the stall before walking out. Standing in the doorway of the barn was Warren. Confused, and a little bit relieved, she walked over to where her friend was waiting. “Hey, what are you doing here so early?” she asked. It wasn’t like him to find time in the early morning hours to come hang out. Chores always came first, then friends. That’s just how things worked growing up on a farm. “I just wanted to come and talk to you,” Warren answered, shifting on his feet. “I, um, didn’t really get a chance to at the party. You left kind of early.”
“Yeah, you can have your sister to thank for most of that,” Anya said as she lightly crossed her arms over her chest. Melanie had been part of the reason for her sudden spark of courage to get up on the stage, although she doubted the older woman had meant to do that. Not to mention that Seth had told her briefly about Warren’s conversation with him. Putting two and two together, she figured that Melanie had a hand in pretty much everything that had happened last night. “Right, that’s part of what I wanted to talk about. Anya,” Warren started, paused, then sighed. “Are you able to talk? Is there any else here?”
“If you mean, ‘is Seth here,’ no, he isn’t. He went to help the others repair the fences.” Warren nodded a couple of times, his eyes lowered as he glanced around them. The silence stretched for a moment, and she waited as long as she thought was enough for him to start the conversation on his own. When that didn’t happen, she took it upon herself to encourage him into.
“Warren, you didn’t come here to stare at the grass,” Anya commented. “You can tell me what’s on your mind. You know I’ll listen. Go on, what’s brought you here this early?”
Another nod, another intake of breath, and Warren seemed to find the words he wished to say. Lifting his gaze to hers, he squared his shoulders and began to speak.
“Look, you know what we think of Seth. My sister and I, I mean. And before I get into everything, I just wanted you to know that it was Melanie’s idea to corner you at the party. I tried to tell her that it was a stupid idea, but she continued with it anyway.”
Anya could see that. Melanie had always been the more stubborn one out of the siblings. When she had an idea, it was hard to convince her to ditch it. “I figured that was the case, but I seem to recall you going along with it more than once,” she pointed out.
Warren nodded in acknowledgment. “Yes, I did. I’m not going to deny that, and I know that I should have just come to you and be completely honest.” He paused a moment more, his eyes roaming her face as if searching for the inspiration of how to go on. There was none, so the young man found that there was no choice but to dive into it headfirst.
“Anya, I have watched you grow up all of our lives. I have been with you nearly every step of our lives. Some of my best memories are the times when we would all get together on summer nights, catching fireflies and staring up at the stars. Even in the dark of night, your smiles shone brighter than any star. Your laugh sweeter music than the crickets chirping. Every day, I found myself falling more and more hopeless in love with you, and I just couldn’t find the courage to tell you. I had hoped that maybe you would see the subtle signs and find the deeper meanings of my words. I feared that if I was too forward, too bold, you’d think bad of me. Think I was trying to force you into something you didn’t want. I have tread so carefully in hopes that I wouldn’t hurt you that way. However, even when I asked Parker to talk to you about it, you still didn’t seem to know my feelings. Or, now, looking back, I guess you just didn’t share my feelings and were trying to spare me.
“I told myself that there was all the time in the world to wait, to sweep you off your feet and show you just how much I loved you. But then your dragon hatched, and suddenly it felt like I would be losing you. You were so busy with your studies and always wanted to spend your free time with Corrik. It was hard. I knew it made you happy, but a part of me was hoping that it was all a mistake. That you wouldn’t be called away for months or years and forget about all of us here. My time to gain your affection had been cut impossibly short.”
Warren stepped closer and brought up a hand to gently cup Anya’s cheek. She fought down the urge to move away. This was Warren, after all. For all his flaws, he had never once hurt her or gave her reason to not trust him. He was right; they had known each other all their lives. She trusted the boy before her to not push his luck. Still, it didn’t feel right. She viewed Warren more like another brother. Someone she could be open and honest with, who would have her back, but not someone she could give her heart to. He was a sweet and caring person, but she just couldn’t conjure up the same feelings for him that he was speaking about now.
“But then you returned,” Warren continued, a smile spreading over his face briefly before it fell. “You returned with that… that…” He noticed the warning look the woman was giving him and quickly held back whatever insult he had been forming. “You returned with Seth on your heels. Fine, I’m okay with you making friends, that’s not the issue. The issue was seeing that light in your eyes, the light I lived to see each and every day, was no longer there in your beautiful blue eyes. Parker told me what happened, and I can’t believe you just forgave the guy as he has.
“Look, I know that you know this guy better than the rest of us, spent more time with him, and seen other sides of him than we have. But what I have seen, the things you and him and Parker have said about how he is, well, it’s just not what I believe you deserve. He’s wild, reckless, dangerous. His values are so different from yours. He brought danger upon you when all you wanted was to focus on your training. He put you in a position that you should have never been in, and he knew that he could have prevented it. Can you honestly tell me that he’s the one you can see yourself spending the rest of your life with? Someone’s who’s willing to put you in danger? Someone who will settle for the life you had envisioned for yourself?”
“I know you are concerned, Warren,” Anya spoke, taking the hand on her face in hers and pulling it away. “I care for you, and I have enjoyed the days we’ve spent together. You’re one of my closest friends, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. However, you are right when you say you don’t know him like I do. What happened at the House was something neither of us could control. It most certainly wasn’t Seth’s fault, so I would kindly ask you not to keep holding that over him. He does it enough for himself as it is. As for my future, I think it’s safe to say that both me and those plans changed the moment I became a Rider.”
“Who says they have to change?” Warren asked.
Anya’s brows furrowed slightly in confusion. “What do you -”
“You’re no longer a part of the Riders. You fled after the attack, claiming that they were not what you thought they were,” Warren stated. “That’s why you came back, isn’t it? You can forget about having to leave home. Forget about fighting battles that you didn’t ask to fight. You can pick up where you left off. We can have the life you’ve always talked about. I promise to give you everything you could ever want or need. I’ll keep that light in your eyes and laughter on your lips. Please, Anya, just give me a chance.” Before she even had time to respond, Warren pressed his lips against hers. It was gentle and a little hesitant, the complete opposite of the kiss she shared with Seth. Yeah, there had been a care to it, but there had also been a much stronger conveying of emotions, taking her breath away and left her speechless. This kiss didn’t even compare. No more than two seconds had passed before Anya pushed her longtime friend away with as her panic rose, using more force in the action than she meant to. He wasn’t serious, was he? He couldn’t expect her to drop the responsibilities of being a Rider just because of what happened. Sure, she questioned if she was capable to learn how to handle the life a Rider lived, now more than ever. But those doubts couldn’t hold her back. Sooner or later she would have to face them. Better for her to be prepared and ready for when that day comes instead of continuing to be defenseless and in way over her head. “Warren, I’m sorry, but I can’t,” she told him.
“Why not? You’ve known me for years. I have done so much to support you,” he said.
“Because there’s so much more to loving someone than just having their support,” Anya told him. “Support which you don’t have as much as you claim to have.”
“That’s not true, Anya,” Warren started, lifting both hands to hold her face, desperation creeping into his eyes. Then shock as she removed his hands and stepped out of arms reach. Her actions were only meant to give her more space to give her responses to his claims, some space to breathe. However, the look that transitioned over his face told her that he took offense to it. “I can’t believe this,” he muttered. “You won’t let me hold you, yet you’ll let that bastard all over you with no objections!”
“That’s not what happens,” Anya defended, feeling the sparks of his anger being pulled towards her. She fought against it. Now was not the time to give in to her magic and haul off on Warren. This was a delicate situation as it was, so the calmer she was, the better chance she could calm him down. Luckily, the horror of the accusation helped keep it at bay. But he was making it difficult to control her anger with each careless word he flung her way. “He does not -” “I’m not blind, Anya. I see the way you two act around each other. He can’t keep his hands off you, unashamed of whoever is around. If I were to do that, your brothers would kill me.”
She wouldn’t call randomly hugging her, taking her hand, or brushing her hair out of her face “couldn’t keep his hands off of her”. Besides, she knew that those gestures had held no ill intent, no hidden meaning. He had kept the contact friendly and appropriate, much like Warren did. He did it out of respect and comfort when she needed it. “You’re overreacting. Just calm down,” she tried to tell him, but he wasn’t having it.
“No, I think I have a right to act this way,” Warren continued. This conversation had gone from zero to ninety much quicker than she thought it would. Anya could feel his hurt and anger radiating from him, caused by her rejection. There was a small stone of guilt that settled in her stomach, but as he kept talking, it didn’t stay for long. “I have dedicated myself to try and be a man you would be proud to have by your side, a man who loves you unconditionally, who was willing to wait until you were ready.”
“Do you hear…”
“Yet you go off the city for three months and would rather become that jerk’s wh-”
Whatever he was going to say, Warren never got to finish. Anya’s fist made swift contact with his stomach, doubling him over. Before he could recover, his feet were swept out from under him. Shocked, he stared up at the girl, no, woman, crouching over him.
Anya found herself crouched over him, one fist balling up his shirt. It was as if she was coming back into focus, not remembering ever moving in the first place. The hurt, however, was enough to assure her that there was no magic involved. There were so many things that she could say, and all of them wanted to be said at once. So there was a long moment where Anya struggled to fight back her anger, her own and not Warren’s. “You don’t have any right,” she finally spoke, her voice shaking with visible effort. “Say all you want about Seth, but he has done nothing but encourage me and support me through whatever decisions I made. He helped empower me to chase after my goals instead of telling to me abandoned them so I can stay stuck in one place. He knows just as well as I do the responsibilities resting on our shoulders, and we can’t drop them because some whiny [w]itch is feeling insecure and jealous. And he has been nothing, nothing, but a gentleman in my presence.” Her best efforts to control her emotions were failing. Tears streaked down her cheeks.
“Anya, I…” Warren started, but this time, it was he who was cut off.
“If this was the only reason why you were ever my friend, then I don’t need you,” Anya said. “I don’t need someone who only wishes to have me do what they have planned, who would rather hang onto the teasing and wishes of our parents than respecting my feelings. Who would be so heartless to accuse me of things that have traumatized me for years! So, no, I don’t want you. Not now, not ever.”
With a shaking hand, she shoved Warren to ground with as much force as she could muster and stood. Then turned on her heel and walked in the direction of the fields. She wouldn’t be able to focus on her work in the barn at the moment, especially not if Warren decided to try and make amends and refused to leave. If he stayed, she didn’t know what would happen.
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Heterosexual
✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧
"You never have to prove yourself to anyone who doesn't accept you for who you are."
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Post by ✧☽ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇʀ ☾✧ on Aug 2, 2021 20:36:47 GMT -5
Seth couldn't remember the last time he started a day in such a good mood. He woke up at the usual time, before the rooster, yet there was a spring in his step as he set out on his morning jog. Pixar certainly noticed, and fed off it. It made him a little rowdy, but his attitude wasn't enough to dampen Seth's mood.
He didn't try to hide it, but over breakfast he made an effort to not be so obvious about it either. The last thing Anya needed was to be teased by her brothers over food. Seth knew it was coming — Ryner and Felix had no doubt told everyone the details of last night already — but he did everything he could to hold it off until he set out with the guys to mend fences.
He was both successful and correct. The teasing and questions started almost as soon as they all set out. Seth refused to give them any details and just stuck to the bare facts. He could not, however, stop smiling. Which, of course, was used as another angle for their teasing and probing.
It was nearly lunchtime by the time they had everything fixed. Seth was starving, and very much looking forward to lunch. He was hoping it would grant him a reprieve from the brothers. He was in the lead with Ryner, smirking slightly and shaking his head at Ryner's attempts to sneak information out of him. As they were coming around the barn, he heard a pair of familiar voices and stopped, automatically raising one hand to halt the brothers' progress as well. He tilted his head in the universal sign to "listen."
It wasn't very polite to do so, but the topic currently being discussed came as such a shock to Seth's system that he didn't stop to think about it. He listened in stunned silence as Warren poured his heart out to Anya.
Seth shifted on his feet, head tilted to one side. It was a lovely speech, as far as confessions went, but also a little... presumptuous. Frankly, as the shock wore off, it kinda pissed Seth off. What would it take for this guy to take a hint?
Seth's brow went up when Warren brought him into the conversation. Unable to help himself, he inched closer to the edge of the barn so he could see what was happening. He did not like what he saw, but he stayed put and waited.
Listening to Warren’s opinion of him made him frown. Seth didn't disagree, exactly, but when had he done anything "wild, reckless, or dangerous" since coming here? And what the hell does he know about Seth’s values?
The rest of Warren’s spiel struck the hardest, because he was right. Even when he wasn't acting dangerous, he was, and he dragged danger with him everywhere he went. He knew this. It was why he kept distance between himself and those he loved. Yet he had disregarded that rule with Anya from say one. He could argue it was because he hadn't loved her then, but that felt like a lie. He should have known better, plain and simple. Then maybe Anya wouldn't have gone through such torments.
Maybe Warren is right. Maybe I am just doing all this to assuage my guilt. The unwelcome thought hurt, and he couldn't dismiss it as quickly as he had last night.
Anya's voice pulled him from his spiraling dark thoughts. He blinked, bringing her and Warren back into focus. He was relieved to see she'd removed his hand, and he appreciated her defending him, but neither really made him feel better.
Warren, however, was right on track to pissing him off again with his BS about not being a Rider just because they left the Circle. There was so much more to it than just belonging to a group. Arrogant pric—
Seth’s thoughts stalled when Warren kissed her, his whole body going rigid. He almost moved, though he wasn't sure if he would have gone forward or back. Watching Anya stop the kiss before it could really begin helped. Warren’s attitude afterward, on the other hand, had the opposite effect.
Seth felt it when Anya's magic threatened to make this situation worse. He was ready to step in if it did, but Anya beat it down and didn't give it headway. A flare of pride sprouted in the midst of his temper. Atta girl.
Magical crisis averted, Seth was ready to back away and restore some of their privacy. He even took a half step back. But then Warren went too far. Seth’s temper swept over him and he started to move —
Only to stop after a single step as he watched, shocked and elated, as Anya brought Warren down. No hesitation. It was beautiful. But his pride in her was tempered by the hurt and anger he could hear in her voice. Her words were a shock as well. So much so that it took him a minute to realize she was leaving.
He immediately took a step after her but paused, remembering suddenly that he wasn't alone. He looked back at the Dorreh men, wondering of he should let one of them go after Anya instead.
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*Nightwhisper
"And guilty I may be, but don't give up on me... We will still be thick as thieves."
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Post by *Nightwhisper on Aug 2, 2021 21:06:31 GMT -5
Ryner had been the main source of the teasing and prodding for information. He liked to think himself as the one who supported the pair the most, and therefore felt the need to get the details. If only to be sure nothing sketchy had happened, in his defense. But Seth was a hard nut to crack. If it wasn't for the grin he had worn all morning, he might have given up in his quest for the truth.
He was determined to try and get it from Anya next, knowing his sister would be less composed and easier to embarrass than Seth. However, the plans of how to do it were put on hold as Seth called for them to stop. Ryner was about to ask what was up when he heard the voices. Straining his ears, he could make out Warren and Anya's voice. It took a minute longer for him to figure out what the conversation was about.
While Seth moved to get a peek of what was going on, Ryner glanced to his brothers. Only Felix and Jakob were there and it was clear they had caught on to the "private" discussion. Marcus came up behind them, and Jakob turned to quickly whisper to him what was going on.
The whole crew listened. They might not been able to see, but they didn't have to. The tone of voices was enough to paint them a picture, and it wasn't one they liked. By the time the conversation ended, the brothers all clearly ready to make themselves known. Yet they all still looked towards their father when they saw their sister fleeing.
Marcus took a few seconds to think it over. He wasn't going to let anything rash happen just because of petty feelings. So he nodded to Seth. "Go make sure she's okay," he told him, knowing that his boys, while all would have gone to do it, were itching for a chance to talk themselves.
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