inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Apr 15, 2021 1:26:08 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
The three siblings felt so bad as the princess left. It took everything in Ximena to not run and hug her, she knew Silas was waiting and the the young girl needed him more than any of them right now. The younger woman bit her lip as Talulla left, she didn't want to say anything to keep her but she also wanted nothing more than to tell her everything would be fine soon. "We can talk over tea later!" She called waving to her, she wanted to make sure the girl knew that they ad no ill feelings toward her in any way. It seemed she'd made up her mind thinking she was the problem.
"We've got to make sure she doesn't feel that way again.." Zion said finally speaking, he'd been unusually quiet that whole time. Lost in thought or simply trying to calm himself down, who knew but one thing was for sure he wasn't himself right now.
As the girl entered her room Silas sat up his eyes locking on her instantly. Her cheek was red, her eyes were puffy from the tears she continued to hold back. Silas looked a bit surprised that he'd startled her that much, but she'd been through a lot. The prince waited for her to come to him, but what she was saying didn't make any sense. Confusion swept over his face as he listened to her ask if he was leaving. Silas shifted on the bed a bit and looked at her, his face softening, letting out a soft sigh he reached forward. In moments he'd pulled her too him despite any fighting or resistance and lifted her into his lap. His arms wrapped around her tightly and he held her close to him holding her head against his chest.
The prince remained silent for a minute just holding her there, his own eyes brimmed with tears and the bruising on his head throbbed. All anger had melted away, at least for now. It was never directed at her to begin with, but all he wanted to do was hold her. After what he was sure felt like an eternity to her he loosened his hold on her so she could look at him or move if she wanted. "I am never going to leave you." He said softly his hands come down to rest on hers. "Nothing in this world is going to stop me from marrying you, not your father not anything." Letting out another sigh, there was a different shakiness to it, "I love you Talulla. I am not going anywhere. Ever. You are everything I've ever wanted and more. You put yourself on the line to protect my brother, and in turn my whole family. You are perfect no matter what anyone says. I know you don't see it but you are beautiful inside and out and I could never ask for a better bride. And I never would." The prince gently kissed her head. "I only want and need you. And for the record my family loves you too. My mother has already marked you as her new daughter and my siblings no matter how annoying they may be, have already accepted you as their sister. You are my family now and I'm not going anywhere." He laughed a little, "You are stuck with me, for now and forever."
Letting out another soft sigh his thumb ran over her fingers lightly, "And I promise you, he won't do that again. As long as I live I will protect you from whatever or whoever. No one will raise a hand to you again." |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Apr 16, 2021 0:07:34 GMT -5
 Orson
 Talulla
Talulla was always prepared for the worst. All she had known was suffering and pain, the rug continuously ripped out from under her, the rules bent so she was still at fault, no matter what she did. She always anticipated the absolute rock bottom of any scenario, in the hopes that maybe one day her preparation would help keep her from aching so. Even now, awkwardly standing by Silas with her gaze locked on the ground, she could feel her heart crumpling in her chest. Yet, once more, Silas seemed determined to prove her wrong (almost infuriatingly so).
She couldn’t help but flinch when Silas made contact, eyes squeezing shut with a small, faint whimper of fear. She made no efforts, really, to fight, despite the panic she felt initially at him pulling her in like that. As he scooped her into his lap, she became still, lifeless as a rag doll, body limp and heavy against him as she fought the brimming terror. She sat there, stunned, for a long heartbeat before she crushed against him, burrowing her face into his shoulder and throwing her arms around his neck. She trembled under his gentle touch, minuscule, almost silent sobs breaking free despite her best efforts and she cried into him, releasing all of the pain she had been swallowing.
Yet again, she felt safe enough to show her true emotions around him.
She inhaled his deep scent, using it to calm her breathing as he began to speak in low tones, his voice rumbling in his chest. She finally became still, shifting down and pulling her arms free, out of fear of crushing him, noting the faint scorch marks along his suit. She blinked up at him, swiping roughly at her eyes with a wince, cheek still tender and sore. She sniffled faintly as she glanced down, taking in his bruising knuckles and the faint smoky smell clinging to him. She absently brushed a piece of soldered bark from his shoulder, eyes coming up to his once more. She finally became as frozen as a statue, eyes wide with surprise and adoration, fervently trained on him as she soaked up every word, pressing it deep into the crevices of her brain. ”I love you, Talulla. I am not going anywhere. Ever."
She listened with rapt attention, eyebrows drawing doing faintly in intensity as he gaze darkened, sharpening on him to better memorize this moment. In the silence after he finished speaking, his words seemed to ring through the still that had settled into her and her room. She made no effort to move, other than finally release his gaze to stare at his fingers, frowning ever so slightly at the hint of bruising. She gently shifted, pulling her quivering hands up to cup his face, eyes returning with that same searching look. He’s not lying… he’s never lied to you before… what would make this one different? He is being sincere.
With that gentle reassurance, she shifted forward, gently closing the space between them to press her lips against his once more. This one was very different than any of their other kisses, her touch gentle and soft. She leaned into him for a small moment before releasing him rather quickly, not wanting to embarrass her self further by having a repeat of what happened in the library. She blinked, watery gaze on his with the faintest of smiles quirking at the edges of her sad, pain stricken pools of brown.
”Thank you,” She finally managed, voice low and husky, ragged with emotion. ”I… I love you too, so very much. I promise to try my best to be a better bride, one that you actually deserve. You are … the missing piece of my heart, Si. I could not... even go on without you,” She broke off, voice cracking with pain as she looked away, a tremor snaking down her spine. She swallowed hard, pulling her gaze back to him with a wobbling smile as she gave a delicate sniffle, thumb smoothing over his cheek. She released him, finally, instead pulling down to nestle against him once more, snuggling up to him and adjusting to make her seat on his lap more comfortable for the two of them.
Dario slunk forward from the shadows, then, delicately making his way up onto the bed. With a soft start of his purr, he butted his head into Silas’s shoulder, nuzzling the man's shoulder with a gentle flick of his tail, surprisingly affectionate for the small kitten. Talulla blinked her eyes open, tilting her head as she listened to whatever this silly kitten had to say.
”Silas… why do you smell like soot?” She finally managed, gaze coming to rest on his hands finally, nothing the bruising. She narrowed her gaze, pulling his up gently to examine it closer, touch feather light and delicate. ”And why are you bruising?” She asked, concern furrowing her brows together and lacing through her tone, momentarily distracting the girl. |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Apr 23, 2021 14:04:39 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
The weight of her body crashed against him as she threw her arms around him and he could feel her sobbing against his chest. That had done it the tears that had threatened to spill fell as well. He said nothing about them though and he was better at hiding his tears that she was. Silas managed to blink them away as she looked up at him but the evidence that they had existed was still lingering on his cheek and in the slight red color that had made its way to his eyes.
When she touched his face and kissed him with the gentle flavor of strawberries washed over his senses. Lavender flooded his nose and his body that was tense before hiding any tears or pain previously melted into her touch. He couldn't hide anything from her and if he did it wouldn't have been for long. Silas had longed for a moment like this since that last one had ended. Holding her close like this, she was safe. His arms tightened around her as they kissed for a moment, not out of passion but of the need to be close to her. It was selfish considering everything she was going through but he needed her more than anything right now. He'd never felt emotions like this for another person and it was overwhelming everything happening. He'd never tell her that though. She take it as she was a burden and she wasn't, the rush of emotions she and this situation had made him feel he wouldn't trade anything that came with loving her for anything. Of course he'd prefer for her sake that her father was different but that wasn't the case. The only thing he could do was keep her safe and hold her here like this. Let her know she wasn't alone and that he'd always be here if he had any say in it.
As she pulled away from the kissed his eyes still brimmed with left over tears, his watery eyes meeting her own. The faint hints of a smile caused one of his own to mirror her's and he wiped a stray tear that had streamed down her cheek. Silas' eyes never left hers as she spoke, it was so imbedded in her that she wasn't good enough, it was his mission to make her see the truth. As she settled against him he held her close letting out a deep breath to calm himself down Leaning down a bit his kissed her head gently, "You are everything I need angel." He whispered against her head as the two just held the other. It was then that he left the soft bump of Dario's head and he chuckled lightly. But very quickly the question was asked about his hands. He looked down at them he hadn't even noticed they had started to bruise, he'd felt it but his focus had been as far from that as it would have been.
"Well uh," Silas paused looking at her and the concern that was painted on her face and he frowned, "I may have not listened to you... and I needed to cool off quiet literally..." He stopped again, a little embarrassed about what he'd done actually, knowing she wouldn't like that he hadn't listened or that he had not only hurt a tree but himself as well. "I uh put my fist through a tree...it was the only thing that stopped the flames... I-I" Silas sighed, "I'm sorry... I don't mean to make you worry.." |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Apr 26, 2021 21:26:12 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla hated seeing Silas like this. With tears threatening to spill from his eyes and the pain at her… misfortunes. It was like a punch in the gut—and trust me, she had had plenty of those to know exactly what this felt like. The feeling that tightened in her chest when she had pulled back to look up at him and see the pain mirrored in his nearly knocked the breath out of her, sending her shoulders crumpling slightly under the weight. You are burdening him. Your pain is hurting others because you are choosing to let them see it. This is all your fault.
As Dario continued softly behind Silas, the weight became heavier with each passing chirp from the kitten. Silas’s own confession seemed to hit her like another punch, this time in her ribs, visibly winding her as she gave a sharp, breathless exhale, struggling for air suddenly. Silas had seen what had happened earlier, and it had hurt him so much that he had gone out and not only hurt himself, but also a tree. She looked away, quickly, feeling the weight of it pressing on her from all sides, now gripping her throat. Choking back any apologies, she simply struggled to breath, tenderly running a feather light finger over his blistered and split knuckles, the blue darkening to purple as time went on.
How long she sat there, frozen, staring at his hands and struggling to catch her nonexistent breath, she couldn’t tell you. All she could hear was his words ringing in her ears. It was the only thing that stopped the flames… I put my fist through a tree… I don’t mean to make you worry… It echoed like a loop through her frazzled, fraying mind as she fought to gain control of the overwhelming emotions she felt.
Finally, Dario stepped it, butting Talulla’s hand lightly with his head, distracting and grounding the disoriented and panicking girl. She swallowed hard, giving a sharp cough as she fought to right the rhythms of her diaphragm, pulling free from Silas in the same moment. She shakily got to her feet, moving like a shadow across the room, trembling like a leaf. She disappeared onto the balcony and out of sight, her faint coughs the only sign she hadn’t leapt. After a long moment, she returned with a fragment of a strange plant.
She hobbled to her bathroom, starting to catch her breath as Dario took her place in Silas’s lap, keeping the man where he was so Talulla could take the moment to recover in peace. He knew Silas meant well, but he also knew that Talulla needed this moment alone to regather her puzzled mind. She returned after a few moments with a bowl of warm, soapy water, some wrap of some sort, and a small knife and the plant from the balcony.
As she returned to the bed, she set the bowl carefully on the table beside it, orienting herself. Already, her color seemed to have returned, the paleness having subsided, and her breathing was quite nearly normal once more. Dario stayed planted where he was while Talulla gently took Silas’s hand. And then, she began to work.
She clearly was experienced in tending to open wounds, though that would hardly be a surprise to anyone who knew the girl and her father. Talulla was clumsy enough on her own to have a basic understanding, and her father hadn’t drawn blood in many a moon, but it was enough experience to give her a solid background. She tenderly cleaned his wound, eyes strangely focused and tremors gone. Her hands were steady as a doctor, touch as gentle as a mother.
After she cleaned them, she turned then, grabbing the knife. She split the plant length wise down what appeared to be the stem, revealing a sticky, gooey inside. She cut a small chunk out, mashing it between her fingers until a light salve began to form. She gently massaged it into his smarting knuckles, flinching every time he winced with a grimace of her own to mirror his, and gave him ample time to recover before starting again. When she had finished that, she then took the bandage, and deftly wrapped his knuckles, leaving almost full mobility of his hands still. She then gathered her items and returned the bathroom, still having yet to say a word.
Dario shifted, turning to stare deliberately up at Silas. It was as if the black kitten were trying to speak, gaze bold and intense. As if he were saying, You are not the first person she has had to take care of, but please make sure you are now the last. Then, with a gentle purr and rub of his head against Silas’s chin, he hopped off and disappeared into the shadows at the edge of the room. Talulla returned then, hesitating, coming to rest beside him.
The poor girl looked exhausted, slumped forward with worry and fatigue as she gently examined his bandages before moving her worried gaze to his. Once more, that searching look returned as she studied him, trying to crawl into his mind and figure out what he really thought of her, and knowing that it would only bring him more pain when he realized why she knew exactly how to treat such wounds.
”Does it hurt, much?” She managed, after a long, heavy moment of silence, awkwardly hovering beside him. She was uncertain if he would want her back against him, or if he wanted to leave to his room for the night. She knew if he left that she wouldn’t get an ounce of sleep, but she also didn’t want to burden Silas any more than she already had. She didn’t want to bring him any more harm than she already had.
I don’t want to be even more of a disappointment. |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on May 2, 2021 0:46:47 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
He'd never felt more bad in his life, Silas knew better than to act that irrationally but he'd done it anyway. Silas didn't move either, he watched her as she stared at his fingers. His hands hurt but what hurt more was her silence and the way she stared at deep bruises that were forming on his knuckles. It was no excuse but he'd never felt so much passion and raw emotion before and he had no idea how to process any of it.
That was no excuse for how he behaved though or the fact that he hadn't listened to her request. It was then that she got off of him and went right out the balcony. The prince bit his lip and looked over at Dario for a moment, he knew he'd made a mistake. She walked passed him and into the bathroom, his eyes followed her the whole time but he made no move to go after her. Talulla needed her space and he was going to let her have it. His eyes returned to Dario once again, "I messed up didn't I.." He whispered to the cat, he wasn't frowning but the regret was written all over his face.
When she came back, his eyes rested on her once more, she'd brought a bowl of soapy water? A some plant? He glanced down at his hands, was she going to care for his wounds? Answering his question she took his hand, her touch delicate and careful. It wasn't until she rubbed the plant gel into his knuckles that he flinched a few times but mostly he took to biting his lip to distract from that pain. Silas made a point to not pull his hand away and let her fix him up no matter how much it hurt. After the bandage was wrapped he moved his hand a bit checking for how much he could move them. She'd done it so perfectly he had almost all mobility, he was surprised. Yet another thing he learned about her, he knew she was fully capable of caring for herself but first aid wasn't something he'd expecting her to do so well.
"Thank you.." He said softly as she gathered her things and left once again. The small cat rubbed against his chin and he gentle pet him for a moment. "I won't." Silas said offering a sad smile that didn't really reach anything but he was making the effort. Once more his eyes returned to the princess who was now standing awkwardly by her bed. Did she not want to sit beside him? He'd understand if she didn't "Only a little now, thanks to you." He said quietly, "I-" The prince sighed, "I'm sorry you had to do that, I shouldn't have acted so.. stupid." Silas bit his lip a bit quiet for a moment. "I have no right to ask anything of you right now but.." He looked at her, unable to hide how bad he felt, looking like a puppy who was just scolded. "Can I, if you want, just hold you again?" |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on May 4, 2021 21:50:54 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla felt her heart disappear within in her chest once more. It had been a very long time since she had felt such a need to swallow her emotions, and with all the upheaval and the fight with her father, those old (not so healthy habits) were resurfacing before their very eyes. It was no wonder, then, that the girl stared blankly at Silas, uncertain if she was welcome. One should be welcome in their own bed, but Silas is a guest. You are, of course, a host before anything else.
She perked up a little at his response to her question, giving a faint, shy smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Hopefully, he hasn’t connected why you are so good at that with anything else in your life. Not in any way to further disgrace yourself and your kingdom. At his long sigh, her smile quickly faded into a frown, looking away anxiously. Ah, yes, he has finally grown tired of you. It is amazing that he made it this long. How brief this time in paradise has been. She studied the floor intensely, trying hard to conceal any reaction at all to whatever he was going to lay before her.
After all, Silas deserved a break from the burden that she was just like everyone else.
But, yet again, Silas caught her off guard. She was unable to hide the surprise as he apologized. Her gaze anxiously flew up to his face, body as still as a pond undisturbed, looking for all the world like a painting. One would almost find it comical, her shock, if it weren’t just so heartbreaking. She listened, eyes trained on his with that unquenchable search, the desire to know every thought of his lingering in every glance of hers.
He wants… you? To hold?
She was still for a long moment, the air as heavy as her father’s expectations where it lay between them, her heart rumbling to life once more. Though she had tried her best to swallow it and hide it away, Silas had suddenly formed the habit of pulling it free once more. Like he was determined to re-teach every lesson she had learned in his own manner; to undo as much damage as had been done.
A statue, however, can only stay frozen for so long.
She couldn’t find the words, instead quickly scrambling into his lap, almost as if she were trying to beat him to being able to change his mind. She lurched forward, climbing up and pressing against him so fast that if one were to blink, they might have missed it. She threw her arms around him once more, gentleness gone with the fervor to be close to him once more settling in its wake. She burrowed into the crook of his shoulder, pressing her face in and inhaling deeply, fingers curling around his shirt as she crumpled against him once more.
She stayed like this, clutching him like a small child, still unable to quite believe that the wedding was going to happen yet, and that he wasn’t ashamed of her in any sense. She didn’t want to let go, for fear that if she did he would simply cease to exist, much like everything else secure and good she had in her life growing up. After what could have been forever (for time seemed to have no hold here, the sun sinking further in the sky as the noon rolled into the evening), she finally released the poor man, fingers uncurling with a stiff stretch, his shirt wrinkled from her touch.
”Si, I’m the one who should be apologizing to you. You’re anything but stupid, and I’m sorry you are… you are hurting because of me. You know that I would never intentionally do anything to cause you harm, right?” She shifted to glance up at him, arms still loosely wound around him, head in his shoulder. There was that same intensity, that same unwavering sincerity in her eyes, the depth indistinguishable. Her fingers curled around his shirt once more, lightly, out of distress in the need for him to understand that, fully, without a doubt.
She needed Silas to know he could trust her to be better, and to know that she would never leave him. Talulla was, always, the princess who stayed behind.
She looked away, finally, head leaning further into his shoulder to conceal her gaze out of nervousness, her grip tightening around him faintly. ”I’m the one who should be sorry, considering I asked such a ridiculous task of you. I don’t know what you saw, and I’m sorry for whatever you had to endure, but for a moment…”
She broke off then, turning and pressing her face into his shoulder out of pain in the fresh wounds against her heart. She clung to him once more, trembling as a result of the overwhelming emotions surging through her, fresh and new.
”For a moment, Si, I saw him. I saw my Papa again. He was there, underneath all the anger and grief. He’s still in there. Like I always knew. And it’s… it’s killing me to know that I can’t reach him,” She finally whispered, voice cracking at the end of her statement, pressing into Silas like she wanted to craw into his skin just to feel close enough and safe enough within his grasp to say such a bold statement. |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on May 27, 2021 15:50:02 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
His eyes watched her as the surprise settled across her delicate features, that only broke his heart more. He knew she wasn't used to people saying they were sorry or saying thank you. Silas knew without a doubt she hadn't heard those words from her father in years, if ever. The man didn't move, he didn't try to make her sit with him, the two just stayed there in silence. His eyes rested on hers, searching as well for the girl who'd popped out of a plum tree and stolen his heart. She was in there, under all the fear buried under broken pieces of the princess. His gaze searched and longed for that girl, he searched for the little bit of happiness she had left. He was going to nurture that like she nurtured her garden and his wounds. No matter how long it took, he make sure the terrified girl before him would be a memory one day.
Before he could even realize she crashed into him and as she threw her arms around him his moved around her one arm wrapped around her back to keep her supported and the other held the back of her head, his fingers tangling into her hair as he held her close and tight. The prince took a deep shaky breath, her scent washing over him again. Here was where he wanted to stay forever, just them, no worries, no rules. Just her. Protected, warm and his.
The prince had shut his eyes, letting her scent invade all his senses and he had barely even noticed as time flew by because for them it had stopped. His fingers ached from the bruises and from holding her for what felt like hours now. As he felt her move he released his tight grip on her, letting her move where she wanted. He let the hand tangled in her golden locks drop free as she spoke. Why was she sorry? She hadn't done anything. Silas offered her a small smile as his free hand held hers, "My sweet flower you haven't done anything wrong." He said softly moving his hand to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I'm not sorry for what I saw, everything you are going through, I want to go through it with you. No matter what it is. I'm always going to be there. I promise, from the bottom of my heart, I will, always, be here beside you any way that I can be." He said as she leaned into his shoulder once again.
Again as she spoke his heart broke more and more, she saw her father again? Like he used to be? That was hard to believe, but he knew she had a least a little with the pain the filled her voice. His hand trailed through her hair gently, "One day he will see, but it isn't your job to make him see. You love him, I know, but you can't force a horse to drink water. He has to reach you as well. Relationships are a two way street." He paused letting out a soft sigh, "If reaching him is what you want, I'll do whatever I can to help you and keep you safe throughout... All I want is for you to be happy and fearless. Like the wild plum tree climbing girl who set my heart on fire, whatever it takes to do that, I'll do." |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jun 16, 2021 20:44:52 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla didn’t think it was possible for her to get any closer to Silas than she was. Tucked in his arms there, she felt as secure as a leaf pressed between the hard covers of a book, secured by words and leather that bound her together, keeping her whole and in place. Without him here, Talulla was certain that she would have imploded by now. After all, it was only a matter of time before her father’s continued… interactions wore her down to nothing. She was just so tired of it all.
Yet here was Silas, destined to marry her and determined to undo everything that had ever been done to her. You don’t deserve him! You must better yourself!
She relaxed as his hand found its way into her hair, giving a faint shudder at the pleasant sensation, staring up at him with those deep pools of brown brimming with sorrow and remorse. His sweet flower… I am his sweet flower. Her head followed his hand, leaning into it with a soft, watery smile, shuddering once more at the sensation. She was so unfamiliar to such gentle sensations, and the shock of earlier’s interactions were catching up to her.
After all, the fights with her father had only worsened since Silas arrived. Of course, it’s probably the stress of the wedding and the alliance getting to him too. You haven’t exactly made things easy, either. A small flicker of guilt ghosted across her features as she tucked into his shoulder, trying to press in between his pages once more. To secure her spot as the leaf among his words.
She became still as she listened to him speak, mulling over his words with a soft clicking of her jaw, teeth grinding into one another slightly as she literally chewed on his thought. She knew he was right, but at the same time, she also knew her father better than anyone. Probably, honestly, better than he knew himself anymore.
”I think, right now, all I want is this Silas. I want… you,” She sighed, relaxing against him, too tired to think about how that could be misconstrued. And, quite frankly, too hungry. Though fear was good at filling one up, it wasn't very substantial, and once again Talulla found herself absolutely famished in between meals. She tilted her head back to look up at him, absently fiddling with the collar of his shirt, giving a soft hum in the back of her throat, listening quietly to the grumbling of her stomach.
”As cozy as I am, Si, I do have to admit that I might be a little hungry,” She finally managed, looking down shyly, flushing with slight embarrassment. Her father had drilled it into her at a young age that a princess never expressed any need other than to serve, and it was still pretty burned into her brain. ”I kind of want… a sandwich … in the garden… with you, again,” She admitted, flushing deeper and pressing her face into his shoulder in her fluster, fingers curling lightly around his shirt.
God, you’re embarrassing. Always so needy. What does Silas want for once? She swallowed, shifting to peek up at him once more, looking very small where she was tucked into his lap.
”Unless you want to do something else,” She admonished, voice soft and as small as she looked, doing her best to pretend she couldn’t hear her stomach rumbling again, low and angry. |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Jun 19, 2021 19:40:50 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
Her words caused a deep flush to his cheeks, she wanted him? He was going to assume she didn't mean that. At least not the way he'd thought of. Silas felt her relax against him further and he continued to hold her gently. He made sure not to mention how easily her statement had flustered him but he smile as she played with his collar. As usual his eyes watched her with a soft intensity that searched her eyes while she hummed absently.
She was nothing but perfection in his eyes. The way her hair fell around her face in a mess of curls glittering from the light that entered in the window. Well what was left of it any way. The day had turned to evening and the sun had begun to hide itself behind the trees, the golden hour illuminating her perfectly. The orbs of brown were deeper and darker than he could have imagined, they pulled him in and he didn't want them to let him go. He loved being here with her, the rest of the world didn't exist when he stared at the freckled beauty. Silas gently tucked one of her many loose curls behind her ear as she began to speak again.
Of course she is hungry you idiot. She didn't eat at breakfast really or lunch. The night before she had barely eaten either. He should have brought her something to eat, idiot. No he was too busy punching trees to grab her something to eat on the way. The prince wasted no time in lift her up into his arms as he stood up from the bed. "I'd love sandwiches in the garden with you my flower." The man gently rubbed their noses together for a moment before again staring into her eyes. A big smile spread across his face very quickly. "Come on princess, its time to food and flowers." The prince walked holding her with ease as he opened the door and carried her down the hall. He wasn't going to be letting her go any time soon.
With a slight bounce in his step he made his way through the halls to the kitchen. Silas didn't care who passed them, she was his and she was injured still so he was going to carry her. That was that. Not too long into their walk the warm scent of bread filled the hall signaling that he was getting close. For once, he hadn't gotten lost on his way there. The big door came into view and he made quick work of pushing it open. "Alright sunshine, tell me where to go and we can make the food together." |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jun 30, 2021 21:59:27 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla held her breath slightly as she sat in his lap, trying to take up as little space as possible. She merely dissolved into his side, hiding her face in shame as he studied her, merely humming in contentment as he brushed a curl behind her ear once more, closing her eyes for a brief moment of reprieve from his intense gaze.
As he shifted, she braced herself, starting to sit up a little to prep to stand, already feeling the argument in her still tender ankle. However, Silas didn’t give her the opportunity to do that, simply moving ahead toward the door without releasing her. She blinked as he stopped to look down at her, not even daring to breath when he leaned in, touching their noses together for a brief moment. She finally released a soft giggle in response, nose scrunching delicately in response. She shifted to make it more comfortable for him, fingers curling around his shirt as she tried to disappear into him.
Silas may not have cared who saw them, but Talulla was wary of chancing a run in with her already angry father. If she could have vanished, she would have.
When they arrived, she allowed him to pull her in, evaluating the slightly populated kitchen. She finally began to squirm, wiggling free and toppling ungracefully from his grip, managing to right herself. Her ankle only gave slightly, and she gave a light grimace before moving forward, heading straight for the cabinets once more.
S he set to work repeating her careful procedures, trusting Silas to clean behind her so that they wouldn’t be in too much trouble with the kitchen staff for invading their space while they were just starting to prep for dinner, needing the hours ahead to cook for so many people.
Before long, Talulla had replicated their lovely lunch from the day prior. She scrambled up on his back, securing her grip around him like a little monkey, leaning her cheek against his. Dario appeared from the shadows with a chirp of greeting, leading them down to the maze and in. She told Silas to follow the black kitten, watching as they began to make their way to the far end of the maze, stiffening as they did. She swallowed when they arrived in a new pavilion, one unfamiliar to Silas. But she knew it all too well.
”This is my father’s pavilion,” She murmured under her breath, heart accelerating slightly as she slipped free once more. She waited for Silas to sit, scrambling up against his side. She began to dig in, pausing however to lean over and politely peck his cheek with a smile, leaning back to then tear into her sandwich. She was silent, save for the frantic sounds of her chewing as she scarfed down her meal, not even bothering to try to have manners, leaving Silas alone to his thoughts.
This pavilion clearly was falling apart, and quite easily the least cared for part of the entire garden, and quite possibly the castle. The plant life was few and far between, with sparse growing on what was there. The only feature was a gentle, bubbling fountain, though the water looked a little too murky to be beautiful, the pool clouded with debris.
Talulla finished soon enough, leaning back against him with a sigh, head lolling onto his shoulder with a soft yawn, sighing. ”My father stopped visiting long ago. It was more out of formality he got one. Especially after my mother… passed,” She sighed, turning her gaze forward, dull and distant. Exhausted.
”Do you remember the oak tree I made the other day? Did that really… happen? Or was I dreaming?” She finally managed in a small voice, uncertainty riddled through every syllable, heart rate accelerating in her chest as she did. Was he going to call her crazy now? Or deny the whole thing? Whether it was true or not, magic wasn’t real, right? |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Jul 11, 2021 23:33:33 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
The whole time he watched her, eye carefully watching how she did things. As per usual he followed behind closing the doors she opened. Silas didn't mind, in fact he thought it was cute how easily she forgot to close doors behind her. She was so focused on making everything perfect that she didn't clean as she went. He offered a small smile to each of the kitchen servants as they weaved their way through the kitchen with ease. The prince bent down enough to make it easier for her to get up on to his back and as she pressed her check against his he grinned.
As Dario appeared he waved to the cat and followed him as instructed. They took a different path this time and for most of it the maze looked the same, that was until they got closer to her fathers pavilion. Things started to look less than beautiful, in fact it started to look like no one had stepped foot here in a few years. Then she said who it belonged to and it all made sense. The way her body had grown tense at the sight of the sad dying pavilion.
The prince looked around as he walked over to her, the king had really let everything go. There was a place for all of his family and each one was kept up but his own. Which meant he either ordered no one to care for it or no one wanted to. "The fountain is kind of nice." He said softly as he sat down next to her, she kissed his cheek and a faint blush spread over his nose. Silas let his arm drape over her loosely as the two enjoyed their food quietly. It was nice just \to be here with her, plus she was too busy eating her sandwich. Poor girl must have been so hungry. He was going to start bringing snacks with him to make sure she was eating something.
As the golden haired angel dropped down onto his shoulder he played with one of her curls. Listening as she explained about her father he nodded a bit he had assumed that much. But then her question gave him and idea. His eyes turned to her as he sat up a bit. "That happened, and you did it." Silas smiled a bit, "And it was amazing, you have really powerful magic within you." The prince said, "and you know what. With that magic you could bring life back into this pavilion, if you wanted to that is.." He said his voice slowly dropping. Silas had gotten a little excited about seeing her do magic again. Plus it might be a positive thing for her to rebuild a place that very clearly brought bad feelings. |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jul 12, 2021 18:55:57 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed about the state of her father’s dying pavilion. After all, she was supposed to be responsible for the upkeep of the garden and its subsequent pavilions. But, after her mother’s death, her father had ordered her to forget about his pavilion and forbade her from tending to it.
The sun was unforgivably bright for such a dim day. Talulla’s mother sank further into the ground as the small girl shifted uncomfortably, swallowing her tears to be brave for her father. She had never seen her father cry before, and even now, he seemed starkly dry eyed. How different than he had been the night before as her mother had passed away, holding their hands and begging them not to miss her too terribly.
Her father would not hold her hand now, instead standing tall and proud as the men poured earth over the dark brown coffin. Talulla sniffled, and felt her father’s hand grip her shoulder tightly. Almost too tightly.
”Talulla, you must be strong. A princess never cries in front of her people. Who are you to mourn when they need you to lead?” The reprimand was harsh and cold, and the young princess felt the grip tighten a bit. She gave a small shudder, and an even smaller nod, bowing her head respectfully and swallowing hard, refusing to let anyone see her cry again.
That night, her father tucked her in for the last time. ”You must be a big girl now, Talulla, and step up. No more spending your days doing frivolous work in the gardens and reading those story books. You have lessons to attend to, and you will start using your manners. Your mother would want to see you lead, as do I. You will, under no circumstance, disobey me on this. Understood?” The small girl blinked, frowning for only a moment. But the look in her father’s eyes, so blank and empty, was enough to scare her into nodding.
Now, his rules didn’t last long, but Talulla could not bring herself to step foot in his pavilion, afraid of catching him there, deep in thought. Once was more than enough to keep her far, far away. The further from his grasp she was, the safer.
Talulla finished her sandwich, snapping her back into the present moment. She blinked rapidly, trying to dispel her blurry vision discretely so as not to alert Silas to the fact that she had started crying again. His comment about the fountain was kind enough that she found herself unable to respond without emotion, so she chose not to say anything at all.
When she leaned into his shoulder, she allowed his gentle playing of her curl to loosen her, letting her sink into the kind, blissful empty space. Although she didn’t feel anything good there, she also didn’t feel anything bad.
As he shifted, she had to quickly snap to attention then, keeping herself from falling forward. She blinked up at him in surprise, flushing slightly at the bright glow in his eyes. He seemed more than ecstatic at the thought, of watching her perform her magic. She could only imagine how upset her father would be if he were to find him.
But he’s holed up in his stupid little study while the entire kingdom rots around him. You promised to be brave, and that’s exactly what you’re going to do.
She nodded, a determined look suddenly crossing her features as her brows knit together. She shifted then, turning to focus ahead of her, sizing up the pavilion. She got to her feet, walking along the perimeter in silent thought, marking out the dimensions in her mind and noting the damage. The shrubbery needed sprucing up, the grass was dying, and there were almost no featured plants. A few Golden Canna Lilies and some Lanceleaf Fogfruits around the fountain would help to generate clear water again. She came to rest in the center, turning to look at Silas.
”Okay, I have a plan. But, I don’t really know what I’m doing. What’s the first step, magic sorcerer?” She teased with a small smile, eyes sharp and focused. She looked energized once more, mirroring that of her fierce gaze when she was riding the day prior. She stood tall and proud, hardly favoring her bad leg anymore, eyes trained carefully on Silas. She wanted to do this, for her father. Maybe then… he will forgive me. |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Jul 13, 2021 15:31:07 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
His mind drifted to his family, far from perfect of course but he loved them with everything he had. Silas couldn't imagine having such a strained relationship with anyone in his family. Nor could he fathom how hard it must have been for the princess to have almost no one. She had him now though and with that, she had his family, he knew they'd already fallen for her as he had and each of them would protect her at any cost. He and his siblings were very good at teamwork, they had to be growing up and causing so much trouble in his kingdom. They'd been known to wiggle their way out of almost anything if they worked together. After Gale came along who could fight that face?
Upon her agreement he scrambled to his feet as well, giving her some space to focus her magic. After all, as far as he knew, she'd never done this before knowingly. Silas grinned laughing softly at her teasing. There was life in her again and he was glad to see the fire within her. "Let the master sorcerer show you how it's done." The prince rolled up his sleeves like he was some kind of big shot. He laughed not even able to take himself seriously. "First thing is you have to feel your magic." He paused furrowing his brow trying to think of how to describe it to her. Once again his eyes returned to Talulla. "It is like a spark, like electricity through your body. Every magic has a bit of a different feeling, fire for example is warm." A faint blush ran over his cheeks, "For me, magic literally feels like how it feels to kiss you.." He rubbed her back of his head nervously for a moment and he laughed nervously, "Uh, so if you can feel your magic then all you have to do is focus it and let it release from your body. I focus fire in my hands since it can be very easily made dangerous but whatever feels right is how you should do it." The prince nodded his head eyes locked on her.
It seemed that magic from her really came from her soul, the flowers the burst forth when she was happy, thorns when she felt she needed to be protected from something, and trees when she focused. He already knew she had very strong magic, just like the girl inside, powerful and beautiful but stifled and buried under fear. "I'm right here if you need help, I can help channel your energy if you'd like? It can be overwhelming at first." Silas moved toward her, he trusted her enough to know she even with very little practice wouldn't hurt him. He held his hand out to her, "You can hold my hand if you need to." |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jul 13, 2021 22:02:35 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla felt her heart flutter slightly at his grin, feeling warmth blossom from her chest and bloom up into her cheeks. He was just so cute and so handsome, she couldn’t help herself. How can someone be so endearingly cute yet so maddeningly handsome at the same time? She didn’t have time to ponder that thought long before she was distracted by the prince rolling his sleeves up to reveal surprisingly muscular forearms. She blinked, the blush turning to crimson as she averted her gaze shyly for a moment.
Honestly Talulla, it’s just his arms. You’re going to be seeing way more than that soon enough. Oh, gods. I can’t deal with this right now.
She focused in on his words, blush fading as the determination settled in once more, nodding in agreement. She glanced down at his blush and statement, heart pounding a little faster in her chest as she instead chose to focus on her hands. Magic literally feels like how it feels to kiss you. The electricity and heat suddenly made perfect sense to her. The way the energy around them seemed to vibrate and hum with life whenever they connected seemed like child's play to comprehend now.
”What, are you saying my kisses are magic?” She finally managed with her trademark snort. Dario chirped and turned, disappearing into the brush, clearly unamused with her blatant and ungraceful flirting. She felt a bit embarrassed then, clearing her throat and turning a seemingly innocent gaze back to Silas, nodding for him to continue. As he spoke about his hands, her gaze traveled down his arms to stare at his equally muscular hands, expression becoming more intense as she swallowed hard.
Focus on the words Talulla. Feel the magic and then release it.
She hesitated as he moved closer, nervously grinding her jaw as she literally chewed on the thought, processing his statement. It made sense, and seemed clear enough, if magic were real and all. I mean, she had felt the fire, and her finger was still sporting a nice blister—
Her blister was nearly gone. Her eyes widened slightly as she stared down at her hand, unable to believe herself. Then, thinking of her not so tender ankle, she shifted, looking down at it for a moment. The bruising has lightened considerably, and it doesn’t really hurt to put my weight on it? She tilted her head in confusion, finally bringing a puzzled gaze up to Silas.
After staring for a long moment, she reached out, taking his hand gently, followed by a deep breath. She closed her eyes, wiggling her toes in the dying grass, feeling the energy of the plants beneath her. They were crying out, desperately, begging for water and nutrients and… love. She swallowed hard, starting to pull in, but felt herself distracted.
”Take your shoes off. You have to be barefoot,” She huffed, slightly frustrated. Though, it didn’t seem pointed at anyone other than herself. Once Silas had complied, she took his hand once more, standing rather normally. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
Focus your energy. Feel the pull. The pull was coming from, well, everywhere though.
She decided to start with the grass. Grass was simple, an easy plant, and very forgiving. Willing to grow back even when torched to the roots, and broad and expansive. She wiggled her toes once more, honing in on the… frequency the small plants seemed to be releasing.
Everything has an energy.
She could feel Silas’ energy vibrating beside her, travelling through his arm, down his fingers, and into her. It was powerful and confident, and she drew on that as well. Keeping her eyes closed, she inhaled deeply.
”Pratum*,” She exhaled. At first, the change was hardly noticeable. But suddenly, around them, rippling out from where she stood, was a wave of vibrant green and the scent of fresh grass. Steadily, it continued out, covering the entire pavilion in a rich, new viridescent coat, swallowing up the browning ground.
After it seemed finished, she stayed extremely still, eyes still squeezed shut. She was… afraid to open them; afraid to confront the possibility that she had failed.
*Pratum being Latin for meadow/prarie/lawn/grass. |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Jul 14, 2021 14:22:44 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
Her rather bold flirt caused Silas to go bright red, for a moment he stood there stunned. Unable to say anything he brought his hand to the back of his head and laughed nervously. "Well, I-I uh." He stumbled over his words laughing again. "I mean uh that I-uh " Silas cleared his throat a little too, trying to stop all of the nonsense that was falling out of his mouth. "What I meant was yes, they are magic." The prince finally got the words out and was still rubbing his head nervously. His face was a red as ever and didn't seem to be going anywhere any time soon so he continued talking, still very flushed.
Silas watched her closely as she looked at her hand and brought the confused look to his face. In return for a moment his matched her own, he couldn't figure out what she'd been looking at. Maybe she was starting to feel the magic in her fingertips? That had to be it what else was there? The prince intertwined their fingers as she took his hand just studying her as she familiarized herself with the feeling of the energy flow around them. She was so beautiful he couldn't help but stare at her, the slight breeze that ruffled her curls sending the scent of lavender his way. He too took a deep breath, letting the moment calm him focusing his energy to help her. Silas couldn't have asked for a more perfect person to have by his side. His mind had been filled with thoughts of her golden locks since he'd laid eyes on her that first day. And here she was growing more beautiful by the day as life returned to the delicate flower that was his princess. Though slowly this flower was blossoming and growing tall toward the sun standing strong and it suited her. Looking like a love-struck puppy he stared at her further sinking into his thoughts about how perfect she was.
That didn't last very long though, as he was told to take his shoes off. His eyebrows shot up for a moment and he very quickly kicked them off. Almost too quickly, they flew a distance away from them and landed in the fountain. Glancing toward where his shoes landed he laughed more of an oops laugh than anything else. He just reacted too fast to her request so she could focus on what she was doing his shoes didn't even matter. He had more shoes, and he could always grab those on their way out. Who needed shoes anyway? Interlocking their hands once more he watched her, letting his breathing match hers. He could feel her energy, it was chaotic and vibrant, while strangely calming all at once. It fit her perfectly. There wasn't any other energy he could have imagined feeling from her. The princess's magic was like her and he could already tell she was going to have no problem with the garden.
He shifted slightly, letting his feet settle fully into what was once grass as he waited for her to do her magic. As she focused her energy he felt it wave out from her and below their feet, life sprang up. Vibrant green grass replaced the dry ground beneath his feet and his eyes widened. Turning he followed the path of the grass with his head, not letting her hand out. She'd covered the whole pavilion. The prince was holding his breath for what seemed like forever. The grass stayed it didn't fade and it was like someone had cared for it for years. Dropping her hand he dropped down the ground running his hand across the earth, "Talulla you did it. Look!" He said looking up at her from where he was still touching the grass. "The whole area," He breathed looking around again getting a better look. She was amazing, such power hidden in the tiny frame. "Its beautiful." His eyes returned to her again, he was grinning ear to ear "You are amazing." |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jul 14, 2021 16:28:52 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla was anxious, feeling her own energy flowing in waves around them. She could feel the nerves and excitement making it hard for her to focus any one thing. However, after a few moments of silence, she felt the vibrations in the grass shift. Suddenly, the area was teeming with a low, green hum, the grass bursting with new life as she held her breath, waiting for a response.
Of course, Silas would never disappoint.
”Talulla, you did it!” She finally took a peek, squinting at the landscape. And then, her eyes flew open as her jaw dropped. Where the dying grass had been before, brown and unruly, was a brilliant carpet of green. It looked so vibrant and new, she almost couldn’t believe her eyes.
Her gaze traveled down to where Silas squatted beside her, hands in the grass that she had just made. She blinked, dropping down beside him, tentatively stretching her fingers forward. The grass seemed to ripple in the breeze, shifting to stretch towards her excitedly. It seemed to … recognize her touch. Her eyes widened, pressing her palm flush against the ground. The vibration grew, the grass seeming to wriggle in delight, energy pulsing back upwards at her. You did this.
”I don’t know about amazing, but, thank you. This is… wild,” She breathed, shifting to stretch and lay down flat on her back, arms outstretched on either side. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. She made grass out of thin air; her thoughts alone were powerful enough to turn a brown pavilion into a green one teeming with life. If you can do that with grass, imagine what else you can do.
A small laugh bubbled out as she sat up, small pieces of grass clinging to her hair and skin as she did. She shook her head, dispelling them, brushing her hair from her eyes. ”Si, I did it!” She exclaimed, still disbelieving. ”And you, wow. Your energy is… powerful,” She exhaled, eyes wide in awe. She beamed at him before suddenly launching over, throwing her arms around him and pulling him down beside her with laughter pulling forth from her.
”Si, you are amazing,” She sighed, catching her breath as she shifted, pushing herself up to stare down at him, hair pooling over her shoulder and down onto his. ”Thank you,” She added as an afterthought, smiling warmly at him for a moment. She turned then, getting to her feet, brushing her hands along her skirt. She turned then, extending a hand and pulling Silas to his feet. She made her way over to shrubbery, hesitating before closing her eyes, stretching a trembling hand forward.
This energy felt completely different than the grass, and in a completely different complexity. She frowned slightly, nervous, but pushed the anxiety out with a small shake of her head. You just did the grass. A shrub is not that much different! She took a calming breath, focusing her energy forward and through her fingertips, into the bush before her. The leaves stretched towards her, the shrubbery rustling in delight. She opened her eyes, laughing as the bush changed before her eyes. She began to move forward, trailing her fingers through the brush as she went.
Slowly, she traced the whole perimeter, giggling in delight as they soon became surrounded by green, much darker in hue than the grass below. When she finished, she made her way over to the fountain, pausing to sit on the edge and catch her breath. Her heart was racing, body thrumming in excitement and energy, every part of her alive. She suddenly understood what Silas had meant, about how kissing felt magic. This is incredible.
She stared down at the surface for a long moment before blinking, eyebrows knitting together in curiosity. She reached her hands boldly into the water, absently noting the way the algae skittered away from her touch, revealing the clear pool below. She retrieved one shoe and then then next, shaking them out before turning to look at Silas, holding them up, quirking an eyebrow up with a small grin.
”Are these your shoes, Si?” Her tone was warm, a small giggle escaping despite herself, staring with fondness at the man before her. Wow, have I lucked out. |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Jul 15, 2021 1:20:14 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
Still in awe over the grass she just made the prince remained on the ground it wasn't until she joined him that he really stopped basically petting the grass. Dropping back into the lush field that had sprung from the ground he landed next to her, bandaged hand falling on to hers. "Wild is one way to describe it my dear." He said staring up at the sky. The prince was still shocked she'd been able to do it all in one go. Even his first time doing magic he wasn't able to make more than a small spark.
It was then that laughed spilled from the girl, she was so happy and proud of herself. Before he had the chance to say anything he was pulled beside the giggling princess, laughing along with her. The prince grinned up at her as she leaned over him the scent of lavender washed over him mixing with the smell of grass that surrounded them. "Me?" The man asked puzzled, before flashing a huge grin her way. "I know I'm pretty great I know." Silas teased rolling his eyes. "Angel you did all of this, you are the amazing one even you can't deny that this was amazing." He took her hand as she offered it and scrambled to get up he followed her without hesitation. Like a love-struck puppy he trailed after her like he couldn't be without her. That was slowly becoming his reality though, she breathed life into him just as she did the pavilion.
As the bushes grew and the energy from all around them seemed to grow stronger the prince slowed his pace watching her as she giggled and ran touching all the things she could. He couldn't help but smile, pride swelled within him, this was her element. This is what no one else got to see, the princess where she was meant to be. This was the princess the kingdom would know and love. This was the queen she was meant to be, not some proper lady. A wild, free, and kind queen, just what the kingdom needed. Her people needed her spirit and her heart to heal her kingdom, there wouldn't be a stronger place than one where she was herself ruling her way. Silas would be right by her side without fail whenever she needed him, he'd be there.
His hand rubbed the back of his neck as he walked over to her taking his shoes off. "I think I may have been a little excited to see you do magic." He laughed a bit embarrassed. "I have other shoes." Silas smiled softly at her, for a moment they looked at each other in blissful silence. "You are so beautiful." The prince breathed, thinking out loud more than anything. It took him a moment to realize he'd said that out loud and as soon as he did he blushed profusely but didn't try to take anything back cause that statement was true. |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jul 17, 2021 21:15:33 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla felt a shock of electricity when his hand came into contact with hers. Her heart thumped a little faster as she stared at him, watching the way his chest rose and fell for a moment. These few, brief moments they had, when they were away from everyone and it was just them, that was when she felt closest to him. Here, she could see him being fully his adorably goofy way, free and collected and… happy. She had never seen someone so full of joy as Silas was.
She allowed her thoughts to trail free back to her shock, excitement getting the best of her. After tackling Silas, she only had brief moment to feel embarrassed for her immature and improper outburst. After all, she was still a princess and the wedding still had yet to take place. Anything could change between now and four days from now. She sighed, rolling her eyes with a snort at his grin, pushing away from him to continue. ”Yeah, sure. So amazing, I almost didn’t even notice,” She teased, wincing slightly at how weak that come back was. And, yet again, how immature.
Around Silas, though, she felt playful. Much like she had as a small child before… before Mother fell ill. Who knew how fast time could fly, when you were busy sprinting to grow up?
She felt Silas watching her as she worked, but she chose to ignore it. He is allowed to watch you. He’s probably never going to stop watching you. As she rested by the fountain, a small frown flickered across her features. When is he going to grow tired of watching you, and when is he finally going to regret marrying you? She knew it was inevitable. Her father had always been right before.
As she held out his shoes, she couldn’t help but laugh at his statement, willfully letting the thoughts float free from her train of thought. The fear of regret was something that would come in its own time; For now, she could enjoy the moment. She shook his shoes, lightly flicking water onto the man before passing them to him with a slight giggle, shifting to make room for him beside her. They perched on the edge of the fountain like two small birds on a branch, and Talulla suddenly became very aware of how close they were.
She could practically feel the heat emanating from him as she held still, eyes growing wide at his statement. Crimson colored her features as she stared at the ground in front of her, trying to figure out what had possessed him to believe such a thing. Talulla was hardly beautiful or special, and yet Silas seemed continuously fascinated by her. It isn’t fair to him.
”Si, you know you don’t have to just say those things all the time. It’s okay. I’m marrying you in four days, so you don’t have to… flatter me or anything,” She stammered slightly, words coming out in a flurry, tumbling one over the other. She felt nervous, suddenly, but she didn’t want him to feel like he had to try to woe her anymore.
He didn’t have to lie any more. |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Jul 18, 2021 1:47:13 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
Even though he come back wasn't her best it still made him laugh a little. He smirked, still proud of himself. His eyes hadn't left her since that moment, he was so happy for her to have her fire back. It made him happy to see her happy and seeing the pride that flowed from her like he'd never seen it before. Silas couldn't help but being happy seeing her like this, it was like watching a child find something they were good at finally. Well, in a way this was just that, and she'd found something he was very good at. As she flicked water on to him he grinned, taking his shoes and wiping the droplets that had flown on to his face. He sat beside her, resting his shoes next to him.
All the times he and his siblings had talked about their futures he'd never pictured himself when anyone. Of course he knew as the eldest one day he'd have to marry, and for year he put it off. It just wasn't his thing. He'd found that knowledge was far more entertaining than wooing a woman. Though his brothers would disagree, they never understood why he brushed all the girls off. He was nice of course, occasionally flirted back but only because it was amusing. But her, everything was genuine. He'd never wanted to be around someone so much, not even his siblings. Loved them to death but boy did they drive him crazy. He guessed that was what siblings were for right?
She was perfection. Like no one he'd ever met before. Silas wouldn't have traded her for the world. Talulla had slowly become his world.
He blinked for a moment very obviously confused. The prince said nothing for a moment he just looked at her, baffled that she couldn't think he was just saying things to say it. "It doesn't matter when you are marrying me, or if you do. Although I'd much prefer it you did." He paused for a moment taking her hand gently, "I will, for the rest of our lives, tell you how beautiful and amazing you are. Not because I'm just saying things but because it is true." Offering her a small smile he moved to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, cupping her face as he did. "You are beautiful. You never leave my mind. I fell for you the moment I met you." Silas ran his thumb over her cheek softly, "The more time I'm with you the more in love with you I fall. I will always flatter you always and forever." He kissed her cheek gently, "If I was marrying you just because my parent said so I wouldn't be who I am. Angel, you are the only woman for me and because I chose that, and I hope you chose me too. But I know it would take more than flattery to win your heart."
His cheeks turned red as he got nervous finally once everything was out there. The prince laughed a little, "I didn't mean to get so serious, I just. I want you to know I'd never just say things."
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jul 23, 2021 16:37:26 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla felt her nerves flutter as Silas stared at her in confusion. Her cheeks flooded with heat as she felt his gaze study her, and did her best to fight the urge to shrink away. Silas is safe, She reassured with a gentle nod to herself, keeping her eyes on his. She was determined to be brave for him, and to not shy away from emotions any more. I will be better, for you.
As he spoke, her gaze softened, the color becoming more vibrant as adoration filled her gaze. Her eyes shone brightly, looking as if she might cry, heart pounding violently in her chest. Her chest ached with fluttering of butterfly wings, stomach turning as tumultuously as the sea. Here was this beautiful man before her, pouring his heart out, and he was so… sincere and so sure about his statements, and so sure about her.
She held his hands tightly when he took them, her palms hot against his touch. She felt the electricity traveling up her arms and setting the butterflies free once more as she held her breath slightly. She did her best to force herself to become a statue to avoid flinching as his hand gently came into contact with her cheek. She held still, exhaling shakily before leaning heavily into his hand, eyes locked on him. She had reached that same stillness once more, where she seemed to become marble in front of their very eyes.
She became alive once more at his gentle kiss, closing her eyes with a sigh. Around them, small blue wildflowers began to climb up along the sides of the fountain towards them, unfurling into brilliant bloom. She blinked her eyes open up to his, cheeks blossoming into a cherry hue as she giggled shyly, looking away. Her eyebrows furrowed together slightly as he continued, concern flitting across her scarlet features.
He is convinced that you, the blemish on the kingdom, are an angel worth marrying and wants to protect you? Her head spun slightly with the thought, unable to comprehend just how that could be true. She was a disgrace; intolerable. A blemish on the kingdom.
But, Silas disagreed.
”Well, if that’s how you really feel,” She started, finally, after a long, tense moment, chewing on the thought with a small tic in her jaw pressing against her skin. It was interesting, really, how Talulla would physically grind the thought between her teeth, as if smashing it down to study it from all angles (which, of course, was exactly what she was trying to do). ”If that’s how you feel, then it must be true,” She realized, with a small nod to affirm it.
She turned her gaze up to him, then, determination settling into her features, a small cheeky smile pulling at the corner of her lips. She paused, taking a deep breath and steeling her gut for courage before leaning forward, gently cupping his face in her hands. She stared at him, incredibly close, only a mere inch between them once more, as she struggled to control herself, heart beating so fast she was certain he could hear it.
”Silas, I wouldn’t want to marry anyone else. You are… the only person who has ever come close to understanding me, and I am so… scared to mess this up. But, I am going to do my best to be better, for you and your family. I love you, and you have more than ‘won’ my silly little heart, Si. You have completely captured it. It is all yours, if you will have me,” She finished, voice lowering slightly as the blush darkened to rouge on her cheeks once more. How silly she must seem to him, needing to profess her love. And yet, she didn’t mind being silly, with him.
She sat there, holding his gaze, feeling his breath fan across her cheeks, and a small tremble snaked down her spine. He was close enough, yet again, to kiss. Around them, small bursts of flowers began to spring up in her excitement at the mere thought of closing the rather small gap between them, their fragrance filling the air. But she didn’t notice, or care.
All that mattered to her, right in this moment, was him. |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Jul 24, 2021 3:00:16 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
As he spoke he watched her, carefully examining how she reacted. He could tell she was still hesitant in believing she was how he saw her, it was going to take a while to convince her that she wasn't some useless princess who just made mistakes. Sure she made some here and there, but so did everyone. What made her a step above the others was the kindness the poured out of her and the fire that boiled within. She wasn't perfect but she was all he could ever ask for and to him she was perfect.
Hearing her agree with him brought a smile to his face, it spread slowly as she spoke. "Of course it is true. I wouldn't lie to you." The prince's eyebrows shot up as she cupped his face. The closeness of their faces brought a rush of color to his own cheeks, the color mimicking hers. He swallowed as his eyes moved to her lips for a split second, he locked on to her eyes resisting the temptation as she spoke again. His shoulders sank a bit as he fully relaxed into her touch hanging on to her every word.
She loves you. And you love her.
Silas' eyes softened and a gentle smile spread across his face as he studied her. He laughed softly, running his finger across her cheek gently for a moment. "Of course, I'll have you. I love you Talulla." He breathed, leaning in ever so slightly so their lips brushed as he spoke. Again his eyes moved to her lips for a moment, the hand holding her face carefully moved her forward as he kissed her.
There it was again, that spark. That rush of electricity, like she was breathing life itself into him. Silas couldn't help himself, she was so intoxicating and the way she made his heartbeat drove him insane. Everything in her yearned for her, to hold her hand, to touch her hair, and to kiss her lips. The prince had never wanted anyone more than her, he quite literally needed her. The smell of the small blue wildflowers washed over him as his mind blocked out everything around them.
It was only her.
His fingers curled slightly into her hair, not wanting the kiss to end any time soon. All the moments they'd had together like this were his favorite. Not only because he got to kiss the angelic beauty but because she was fully herself and they were free, they were together. Nothing else mattered, not where they were, what time it was, who else was there. It was just them.
But it seemed life had other plans for them today.
The second and third oldest had decided to explore the outdoors of the castle today. It was fun to get lost and find your way back, which is why they'd found the maze and jumped at the chance to find what was hidden inside. "Do you think there is even anything in here? What if we just get stuck." Adreil said, his hands were on the back of his head as he looked up at the sky not paying attention to where they were really.
"Well, one you won't be of any help since you are barely looking where you are going and two we have five other siblings, two parents, and very pretty soon-to-be sister-in-law who will search for us." Zion grinned as he mentioned Talulla. "She'd be the first to find us too I'm sure she knows the maze like the back of her hand."
"Maybe we should get very lost then. We can get in trouble for that, can we? It isn't technically our fault. Right?" The third son questioned eyes still drifting from cloud to cloud.
"Well. Sort of? It is a maze, so we chose to go in. So in a way it could be out fault? Mother will find a way to pin us. So we better hope the princess finds us first." The prince said as they continued to walk. After a few minutes the maze opened up into a clearing. A garden of sorts it seemed. The sound a a fountain caught their attention, but it was what was seated there that surprised them.
There was the eldest, lips locked with the woman who was his bride-to-be and here were his brothers standing silently. Zion's hand flew up to his mouth as he stopped himself from laughing and Adreil's arms dropped down to his sides in defeat. "Awww man don't tell me I have to kiss him to stay here!" The younger lighter haired brother groaned.
Zion cackled unable to hold back his laughter after Adreil's comment, he reached out hitting him lightly in the arm. His hand staying there for support as he held his sides trying to breath. "I'd say I hope we didn't interrupt anything but clearly we did." Zion finally managed as he wiped tears from his eyes before pouting, "Well now were was our invitation."
Silas' face turned bright red as the sound of his brothers voices hit his ears. He move away only a little, it was just them so it didn't matter too much but still. "What are you two doing out here?!" The prince glared at them a little. He was sure the princess was as red as a beet at this point. Especially since the two idiots were now holding hands and making kissy faces. "Oh grow up you block heads." He tossed his still damp shoe in their direction causing a fit of laughter from them as they dodged the well aimed shoe. Silas didn't throw it hard enough to really hit them so it had landed near their feat. But the scattered non the less.
"Forgive us for intruding princess we would never want to embarrass you." Adreil said bowing for a moment.
"Oh of course not," Zion bowed as well, before looking at Silas, "Him on the other hand it is our job to do so." |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Aug 15, 2021 2:16:46 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla found it hard to focus on anything else when Silas was looking at her like that. With his deep, golden gaze, she felt like the world all around her could dissolve away and she wouldn’t even notice. She could swim in those warm, honey pools forever. However, his words were more than enough to distract her. I love you. Her cheeks flushed tomato red, eyes the size of saucers as her breath caught in her chest. Her heart thundered violently in her chest, bolts of electricity sparking up her spine as her stomach erupted into butterflies at the touch of his lips to hers.
And then, he kissed her.
She exhaled against him with a smile, leaning eagerly into his touch and closing the all too small gap between them. All around them, plants burst into bloom as her own brilliant bouquet flowered to life around them, filling the air with their fragrance. She wound her arms around his neck, fingers twining into his hair. She gave a slight tug, pulling him closer, no other thoughts except him as new growth continued to pull free around them. This was bliss.
However, like any other good thing, it eventually had to end.
She froze at the sound of Silas’s brothers bursting into laughter at the side of them. Somehow, her face was able to turn a shade redder than it already was, the crimson spreading down her neck and to her ears. She giggled nervously, smoothing Silas’s hair gently and turning to them, otherwise staying exactly where she was. She didn’t seem ashamed, rather, a bit dazed and flustered, which was usually how she felt after kissing him. The fact that you have a ‘usually’ already? Shameful!
She giggled as Silas threw his shoe, shifting forward and leaning her head on his shoulder, smiling brightly. ”Why would I be embarrassed? I’m just kissing my fiancé,” She teased, though her gaze locked onto Silas’s with a certainty that showed she meant what she said. She wasn’t going to be embarrassed about that ever.
”Anyway, you should leave him alone. We were kind of busy working on the pavilion…” She trailed off, sitting up and staring around in awe. The pavilion had been completely transformed int a vibrant, luscious villa of plant life. The dull, brown, dead area had become a green home. She pulled away from Silas to get to her feet and investigate, running a gentle hand over a lily at the base of the fountain, eyes wide and mouth slightly open in surprise.
”There’s no way I did this, right?” She breathed, voice hardly above a whisper as she glanced up at Silas, eyes glittering with excitement. |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Sept 22, 2021 1:46:28 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla felt her heart stumble in its beat as Silas locked eyes with her, a brilliant grin stretching across his face. She found it hard to remember to breath when he looked at her like that, her eyes wide and heart pounding along like a horse thundering across the grounds. Silas truly was the definition of breathtaking.
She was distracted, however, by her magic and the surprise in Silas after realizing as well. ”But… how did I manage this?” She exhaled, voice wobbling in disbelief as she stared in surprise around them. She could barely hear their conversation, blood rushing in her ears as she ungracefully dropped to her knees, shoving her hand into the ground. She ran her hands over the smooth, practically billowing grass, the fragrance of flowers almost overwhelming. She touched gentle blue wildflowers, beaming daisies, shy violets, and tender irises with an awe, studying the different frequencies from each one. She shifted, flopping onto her back with a giggle, hair loose around her as she closed her eyes for a second, just feeling the earth and life around her, humming with energy.
She felt eyes on her and she peeked her eyes open, finding the three brothers staring at her. The flush in her cheeks flamed anew in a soft rouge as she sat up, shaking some grass and flowers loose from her curls. ”I guess they’re right Si,” She sighed , shifting and getting to her feet. She managed to get most of the grass, smoothing her skirt to dispel any stragglers. ”Besides, we should probably redo your bandage before dinner,” She mused, lips pursing slightly as her gaze fell to his hand in concern. She reached out her hand for his, taking it as he stood before turning to look at his brothers once more.
”And, I’m sure you two are beyond lost right now, so I guess you can come with us,” She sighed, like it was the most bothersome thing in the world. But the twinkle in her eyes and the smile on her lips betrayed the mischief beneath, the gentle teasing under the exterior. She began to head out, taking a sharp right, swinging hers and Silas’s hands between them gently as she walked along, a small bounce in her step. Around them, plants seemed to perk up, stretching towards her and straightening with a fresh wave of energy. Even thoughtlessly, she exuded life. |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Oct 4, 2021 0:40:39 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
Okay so hear me out what if we do it my way.
»Silas Payne
Silas was leaning up from the ground now, turned to his brothers and the three were talking about her powers. It wasn’t until they’d understood that her powers had to stay a secret as his had for so long. There was no telling how the kingdom, let alone the king would react to this magic. Of course, the eldest prince watched her feel what she had created with a loving smile, she was so beautiful, so perfect, so wonderful. She was everything he could have hoped for in the person he fell in love with. It was no wonder he fell so quickly for her, what wasn’t to love after all?
The man reached out his uninjured hand to pull her up from the ground as he stood up as well, pulling her nice and close as he did. He made a point to not let go of her hand, after all, he knew his brothers would jump and the chance to hold her hands a leave him trailing behind. Like he wasn’t the one marrying her in a few days. “Oh, yeah my hand.” He looked at it for a moment, “It doesn’t hurt too bad right now actually but we can check it when we get back.” The man smiled lightly moving to pull a leaf out of her hair before they started walking together back toward the castle.
She was so calm and happy now it was nice to see her this way again. Earlier she’d been so different and he hated seeing her like that, but maybe now that she found this power within herself it would be different. Maybe, just maybe. If not he’d make sure to be there for her just like he had been since he arrived here. Like he always would be.
It wasn’t long before Zion had come around the other side of the princess and taken her hand gently. Letting his hand swing with her’s as she did with Silas. The second brother flashed a big grin her way. “We know you like us,” Adreil said as he popped up next to Silas. Who actually was giving Zion the subtlest of looks as he stared him down, glancing at her hand for only a moment before locking eyes with his brother again. Very quickly though the look on his face changed to one of shock as he felt Adreil’s fingers intertwine with his own. The prince whipped his head around to look at him confused and kind of weirded out.
We don’t do this. Ew.
Silas’ fingers were straight and he shook his brother's hand like there was something gross on him but the tall third born held on tight. “Ooooh come on we are all holding hands. Isn’t it cuuute.” His brother teased looking to the princess. “Right? I just want to hold my brother's hand.” The man pouted a little and Silas looked ready to bite his head off.
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Oct 14, 2021 16:45:49 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla flushed lightly under Silas’s gaze, still finding it hard to believe that this man was genuinely interested in her and invested in her well being. No one cared about her, the disgrace of a princess and the embarrassment of the kingdom. And yet, here he was, continuously proving her wrong with that gorgeous, hazel gaze. She could melt into those golden pools forever.
However, right now, she didn’t have time to melt, because Silas was moving towards her head. Despite herself, Talulla couldn’t help but flinch a little, closing her eyes as her nose scrunched a bit, holding her breath for a moment. However, Silas merely pulled a leaf free from her hair—embarrassment!—and let his hand graze her cheek gently. She exhaled, eyes opening quickly to catch his gaze for a moment. The slight panic quickly dissolved into shame as she looked away, moving forward then.
You stupid girl! Can’t even let your husband touch you gently without messing it up! Ugh.
She moved forward quickly, but leisurely, allowing herself to relax once more. Silas is safe! Relax. However, her relaxation was jolted into alarm once more as Zion came up suddenly beside her, his hand wrapping around hers. She stumbled in surprise, eyes wider than saucers as she flushed, unable to process exactly what was happening, drawing them to a stumbling halt.
She made no move to pull away, however, unsure how to process this. It was a gentle, safe touch, and certainly friendly—although, perhaps a little too friendly. But it was different than Silas. Silas sent flames and electricity racing along her bones with a mere flick of his finger. Zion felt… familiar and secure. Safe, but in a… brotherly way.
She had never had a brother, before.
She was pulled from her steady stare, turning to look at Silas and Adreil. The flush on her cheeks was subdued as she gave a tiny giggle, relaxing and gripping Zion’s hand back ever so gently. She grinned at Adreil, now, picking up on the game quite quickly, a spark of mischief pushing the alarm away. Her shoulders dropped as she snorted, shaking her head and sending her curls bouncing wildly.
”Yeah Si, c’mon. You don’t wanna hold your wittle brother’s hand?” She teased with a slight pout, eyes and wide and far too innocent. She could see Adreil’s smug grin behind Silas’s surprised and outraged expression, and she fought the smile that itched at her lips. She laced her fingers through Si’s, biting her lip as she squeezed lightly.
”I think it’s very sweet,” She added, leaning into him slightly to really lay into the bit. She felt Zion’s hand shake with laughter in hers, but her gaze remained on Si, pout deepening just a bit.
There’s no way he could say no, now. |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Nov 8, 2021 2:51:07 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
Cake tasting had been long and almost impossible. Finally at the end she leaned back in her chair, her stomach more full than she'd had it in a while. She was surprised her dress still fit at this point.
"I'd say we both do have good tastes because that is the exact one I was going to say was good." The red-haired woman said a small smile dancing on her lips as she stuck her finger in a little bit of the left over bite and scooping up some of the lemon and popping it in her mouth. "Yes, that is the one. Without a doubt."
The time leading up to the wedding had been so busy the two lover birds had been together a few more times but for the most part were kept busy with wedding plans. Now her they were the night before the wedding, no plans other than to get some rest. As ordered by the queen. But Anaris had other ideas in mind.
She slipped out of her room, the moon had risen into the sky lighting the hallways with ease. The princess had enough of the proper sitting and planning things. Tonight was the night to get rid of any prewedding jitters and she had many. Not that she wasn't looking forward to marry Orson, if fact the opposite, she was thrilled. He was everything she could have asked for and more. But they'd only known each other a week and nerves were normal, plus her mother harping on her to be perfect and not to screw anything up. After all this wedding was a big deal, they were bringing two kingdoms together of course his kingdom needed them more than they need their kingdom, but their military power was important. The land was in a good spot, they'd just fallen on hard times is all. Eventually they'd prove to be a very good ally. That is what she was told anyway.
She was wearing actually clothing, a white off the shoulder slip, over that she wore a thin corset over it. Her hair was up pinned loosely for once and out of her face. Softly she knocked on the fiancé's door "Orson!" The woman whispered into the door, "Get up, I've got a plan. It'll be fun I promise." She was like a little kid trying to coax their friend into doing something stupid. That was exactly what she was doing though.
»Silas Payne
He had taken notice of her flinching and had paused, only slightly. They both knew he wouldn't hurt her, but he also knew it was a reaction to her trauma from her father recently. Each one of them had noticed actually but not one said anything. The three brothers walked holding the pretty princess's hands. Gently squeezing them to reassure her of them being there for her.
Silas begrudingly gave into his brother holding his hand at the request. In fact he looked very shocked at the fact that she thought it was sweet but simply because she though it was sweet he wrapped his fingers around his brothers hand. Only he squeezed a little harder on his brothers hand. The two brothers giggled, enjoying that the girl was ready to tease their brother right along side them.
It didn't take too long to the group to find their way out with the help of the princess, everyone went their separate ways minus Silas and Talulla spent the night cuddling. That is was the two did for the rest of the week. Until the day before.
"Tallyy!!" The small voice of Laila sounded at the princess's door. Silas sat up confused for a moment, why was his sister here?
"Silas we know you are in there come out we have plans." The prince glanced at his bride to be for a moment before getting up to go open the door. Before her knew it all of the older siblings spilled in giggling. The girls beelined to the princess.
"Come on we are going to have a girls nice have some fun before you are stuck with our idiot brother forever." Xim teased holding her hand gently.
"Yeah! We've got sweets and games and all sorts of stuff picked out and ready to go! We even got our mom to get a special thing for you come on come on!" Laila was very clearly excited bouncing with joy.
Zion swung his arm around his brother. "We have better plans. Better games come on brother lets unwind before you big day, we'll be going home for a little bit after this so lets have some brother bonding time yeah?" He was already dragging Silas out of the room as she spoke. The prince looked to the girls and he shrugged his shoulders.
"I guess we are having surprise parties?" He said before getting out of his brothers hold to run over and kiss the golden haired beauty on the cheek. "Have fun beautiful. I'm sure they've got something good planned."
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Nov 8, 2021 3:43:55 GMT -5
Orson
Orson gave a soft laugh at her response, eyes gazing fondly at her. Wow, I am one lucky man. Here was this perfect amalgamation of a princess and companion right before him, due to be his bride in just under a week. So soon, and yet so far! How exciting this all is.
How exciting indeed.
And so the week passed quickly, his nerves becoming more shot as each day passed. He could hardly eat, so consumed with butterflies and knots in his stomach, and found the pressure from his mother to nail his vows was making it next to impossible to write them. It shouldn’t be that hard... after all, it’s an arranged marriage. Just write how you feel!
And so, Orson was, in fact, up the night before the big day. Still. Despite knowing he should be sleeping, he was scribbling furiously, draft after terrible draft piling up around him, nerves beginning to spiral out of control.
”This is ridiculous! Literally nothing rhymes with flaming auburn tendrils,” He huffed to himself, tossing that draft aside. He sank back in his chair, running his hand over his face, feeling the scratch of his stubble along his palm. Should I shave before tomorrow? What would be more proper? What would Ana prefer? He sat there, lost in thought for a moment, until a sharp whisper broke his train of thought.
He jolted to his feet, all but running to the door, pulling it open as fast as he could manage. There was his fair princess, more beautiful than ever, glittering silver in the moonlight. He couldn’t help but flush, shoulders dropping slightly as he relaxed, soothed by her presence.
”Hello my dear. Just what do you have planned?” He tilted his head, studying her for a moment, trying to guess before she spoke. He was wearing simple trousers, and his soft, cotton shirt was unbuttoned and untucked, revealing his toned physique beneath. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he hadn’t remembered to button it up to be more presentable to his lady.
Of course, since the wedding is tomorrow, does presentable or proper even matter at this point?
Talulla
Talulla was more than grateful for the newfound companionship she had with her soon to be siblings. Being an only child was hard enough, but especially being so isolated and beaten down (literally). Her heart had never felt so full. It was both terrifying and exhilarating, and all around Talulla was just a bit… exhausted.
And so, they fell into their routine in the week leading up to the wedding. In the mornings, Talulla took some time to go riding with Tudda, giving both her and Silas a bit of reprieve to clear their minds, and let her work through some of her conflicting and overwhelming feelings (listen, it’s hard to process everything when you’ve spent your whole life repressing it all!). Many times, Laila tagged along on Eztia. Although they rode in silence, Talulla was rather glad for her company. Then, she and Silas spent the day entertaining all their parents’ requests to prepare for the wedding. In the evening, they spent time with the siblings, taking a different group every night o help Talulla become more accustomed to all he different group dynamics. Finally, she and Silas Ould find each other after everyone had gone to bed, and they would spend the night talking until one of them finally drifted off (usually, her).
And, unsurprisingly, that was her favorite part of each day.
Talulla sat up with a jolt at the sound of a knock at her door, terror flashing across her features and momentarily paralyzing her. Her father had spent most of the week avoiding them except then absolutely necessary, and she had no ida why he would be here at this hour. She also knew that Silas being here would certainly ruin quite literally everything.
She had never been so happy to hear precious Laila’s voice.
Her shoulders slumped in relief as she relaxed, though she couldn’t completely do away with the nerves, small tremors snaking down her spine and expelling through her hands. ”Shh, quiet now,” She called back as Silas made his way to the door. She couldn’t help but smile, welcoming the girls with open arms as Laila climbed into her lap, Ximena perching next to her on the bed. She squeezed the older girl's hand eagerly, smiling fondly at the two
”Well, if you’ve already got this all together, I suppose we don’t have much of a choice, do we Si?” She grinned wider, flashing a glance at her man, cheeks flushing brightly at all the attention. She laughed softly at Zion and him wrestling, waving at Adreil before gently moving Laila aside, getting to her feet.
”It is tradition, you know, for the groom to not see the bride from the evening before until the time she walks down the aisle,” She agreed, smiling at Silas, catching his hand as he darted over to her. ”You enjoy yourself,” She murmured, flushing tomato red at the gentle kiss, squeezing his hand and releasing him, waving bye to the boys.
”Alright ladies, where to?” She smiled at the girls, eyes glittering with excitement, nerves squashed for the moment. She was more than excited for sister bonding time, and beyond touched that they would want to throw her a party of some kind.
She hadn’t had a party thrown in honor of her in ages. |
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inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Nov 8, 2021 4:55:25 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
As his door flew up a huge grin spread across her face, a rosy hue staining her cheeks as her gaze fell on the unkept look he had presented her with. He took her breath away for a moment. Luckily his question about her plans reeled her back in rather quickly. "I am afraid I must say it is a surprise darling." The grin on her face grew. "You are just going to have to sneak out with me. Shouldn't be too hard." Anaris offered him her hand and the moment he took it she pulled him out of his room. The guards changing shift would be happening in a minute so they hadn't a minute to spare.
Clearly she'd done this before. She lead him through the halls pausing here and there to peek around corners looking to a guard or a mother. Hers in particular. She and Orson's mother seemed to have a little understanding. In fact she'd admitted to a bit of mischief before her wedding as well, something the girls had giggled about as Orson pointed out he did not need to know that information, the flush on his face had been so bright that day. It was adorable.
But for now the task at hand. The princess paused one last time before looking around the last corner. They were going to head for the stables. It was a bit of a trip, but the night was still pretty young. For now. The coast was clear. But they wouldn't have much time So she looked up at him mischief in her eyes, "Run." With that she took off, the first time she'd let go of his hand since the room and sprinted through the open door out into the open. No guard was in sight but you could hear them chatting as they came to their new posts. Anaris didn't stop till they were hidden in the shadows of the trees. "Ah we did it." She breathed hands on her hips for a moment catching her breath.
She gestured for him to come once more and the two made it to the stables shortly after. She brought him a horse and after getting on herself they left following her lead again. With a little help of course, she was small and her horse was anything but. It took about fifteen minutes and a somewhat quick pace for her to slow her horse now. The soft sound of water whispered in the night air, there was no water in sight though. Not until she lead him behind some hanging vines in the mountain side. "I found this place when I was a child, I thought I'd share it with you." Inside the hidden cave was a beautiful waterfall that cascaded into a glittering pool. The glow of algae it up the area with a dim glow. There was a singular hole above the waterfall that let the moonlight it gave the dim glow a little more light. "Do you like it?" She turned to face him, for a moment doubt crossed her face. Maybe this wasn't his kind of thing. He had said he enjoyed music and gardening, maybe it would have been better to have some sort of music planned instead.
"If it isn't your cup a tea we can always go find something more fun to do. I'd understand it is kind of just a big waterfall and not too much else." Beside the fact that it was her secret place she'd never shared with another soul before him. The only other who'd seen this place was her horse, who had made herself right at home snacking on the grass that covered the entrance floor.
»Silas Payne
Silas had been nervous too, there shouldn't have been anyone at the door at this hour. He'd given her hand a small squeeze to reassure her it would be okay but even he had expected his siblings. The room had lit up with life though, of course they were all doing their best to be quiet and not make too much noise. After all they were all supposed to be in bed now.
Laila had already started to play with girl's long golden locks, making a little braid with ease. "Yes Yes!" She said wiggling her arms and feet with excitement. "It was everyone's idea even gale pitched in you'll see!
"Yes Gale even helped make it special he was very upset he couldn't be awake for girl's night." Ximena laughed softly.
Silas saw how happy she looked about the idea of this little surprise the siblings had planned for her and there was no way in the world he was going to say no to his sisters stealing her away for a night of fun things. Though he would have love to join the braiding party just to be close to her, they'd made girls night a clear statement. No boys.
"Must follow at least one tradition then angel." His fingers lingered with her's before both brothers grabbed him to quiet literally carry him out. Silas ended up being carried the way he'd carried Talulla when she'd hurt her ankle the first time. Though he was much more wiggly as he was taking out the door whisper yelling at them to put him down.
Laila bounced up at down, "Can we do my surprise first?!" She begged her older sister still holding the princess's hand.
"I think that is a great place to start." The dark beauty smiled, "Our first stop is the kitchens." The girls guided Talulla to the kitchens only stopping in front of the doors.
"You have to close your eyes so I can go find it when we are in there okay? No peeking." Laila slipped in the door as Ximena's hands gently covered the blonde girl's eyes leading her inside. After about a minute of rustling and what sounded like something falling the scamper of Laila's feet could be heard. "Okay, taaaadaa!" Ximena removed her hand from Talulla's eyes. "I put together all your favorites, I asked Constance. Well I bugged Constance but same thing." There were small portions of everything from fruit to small sandwiches and sweet treats all laid out on a board as big as Laila could carry. "I also made sure to get fresh fruit myself. After you showed me how to climb the trees it was easy. I didn't even fall this time!"
Ximena left for a brief moment before coming back with glasses and some juice for them to drink with their food. Pouring each of the a glass Ximena lifted hers, "Too gaining a new sister to bully our brothers, and to gaining a best friend for life." |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Nov 8, 2021 22:33:39 GMT -5
Orson
Orson took the temporary pause she granted him to realize that he was, in fact, partially nude before his bride to be. He flushed then, dark skin burning at the touch as he hastily buttoned up his shirt, smoothing the front as a feeble attempt to soothe the butterflies rupturing free in his abdomen. She called you darling.
The nickname caught him off guard, only sending the butterflies reeling more as he managed a feeble grin, unable to present much more. He took her hand, his own enveloping hers in heat as he dashed out behind her, not even bothering with shoes, following her silently down the hallways and out to the door. When she turned back to look at him, she was practically glowing in the moonlight, auburn tendrils seeming to float haphazardly around her face in a “halo-esque” tempt at his heart. Well, you’ve got it.
”Run.” He blinked in surprise, barely able to process the thought before she released him and bolted. He stared after her for a millisecond, stunned at the beauty racing ahead of him with all the grace of a deer fleeing from hunt. A warm laugh rumbled in his chest as he caught hold of himself, taking off in a jolt, just in the nick of time. He quickly caught up with her, falling into step just slightly behind, since he didn’t know where they were going, exactly. He drew to a stop when she did, pressing further into the shadows, hovering along her side like a flighty bird.
”Just barely, it would seem. Care to tell me what’s going on yet?” The prince seemed hardly bothered by their sprint, save for the slightly accelerated breathing and flared nostrils. Though, one could also add for the body heat coming off him in waves that it definitely was nearly as exhorting for him as it was for her. Amusement colored his features and tone, eyes shimmering in the moon’s gentle light, partially hidden from the shade of the trees. At her silence as she moved forward, he rolled his eyes, but followed willingly, barely seeming to remember that he was barefoot as they tramped along outside.
Being the gentleman that he is, Orson was quick to help her up onto her steed before easily hauling up onto his with a certain grace that revealed that such an act was nothing new to him. He followed along easily, riding smoothly through the night, heart pounding with exhilaration as he remembered the look she and his mother had shared earlier that day, when the queen had revealed that she too was one to wander off in the night. With my stern father? Hard to believe, but makes sense, I suppose.
A fitting bride indeed.
As they drew to a halt, he was distracted from his stupor. He dismounted swiftly, moving to help her down as was fit. Excitement radiated off him in waves at the sound of the water rushing—meaning there was still adventure to be had ahead. As they pushed through the vines, he found his breath was lost somewhere deep in his chest.
The mountain seemed to hum with life, glowing beneath the light of the lunar body above. The pool was so broad and steady, one could see right down, but it seemed to extend down forever. The algae twinkled along the surface, the air fresher than any he had ever tried to breath before (though, he was having some trouble catching that breath now). And the waterfall, oh the waterfall! It tumbled and rippled freely and smoothly down, hardly disrupting the pool. He released his horse to let it join hers as he turned to her, eyes glowing with awe, positively starstruck.
”Like it? Princess, this is more than my cup of tea, and far more than just a waterfall,” He chastised, looking down at her with a mixture of bemusement and wonder, somewhat breathless still. ”No, dear, this is quite far from ‘not too much else’. This… this is paradise,” He sighed, reaching forward to take her hand, pulling her toward him.
”Thank you, my love, for sharing such a sacred place with me. I know this must be a very special… sanctuary for you, and I am honored to be in its presence with you. I wish that I, too, had something to share of equal value,” He mused, sighing slightly. He reached up, gently brushing her loose hairs behind her ear (somewhat unsuccessfully), eyes tender and chest swelling with slight pride. This woman, his bride, had brought him something far greater than a waterfall for her gift.
She had brought him her trust in a tumbling, rippling pool.
”Now, if it’s alright with you, I am dying to dive in,” He grinned, mischief sparking in his eyes. He bent forward, pressing a chaste and tender kiss to her forehead before pulling away, stripping his shirt and tossing it to the side as he did. He hesitated, only for a moment, before shimmying out of his trousers. He stood before her in his under garments, muscles gleaming with slight sweat under the glow of the celestial bodies above and around them. His body was toned but sturdy, with medium sized muscles and very little fat to atone for them. He stood tall and unabashedly before her, eyes firmly on her face, expression unreadable.
This was a man ready for marriage, and anything else that would come with it.
Talulla
Talulla felt her heart swell with joy as the girls bundled up to her. She leaned fondly into Laila’s touch, more than willing to allow the younger girl to fiddle with the long curls. She blinked in shock, laughing softly at the mention of Gale joining in. That little bugger had especially stolen her heart up, nearly as much as Si had. Though, no one could touch Silas in her eyes. And now, you get to keep him. You get to marry him tomorrow. You are allowed to be happy, for once. Don’t mess it up.
She was dispelled from her thoughts as the boys made their exit and Laila began to bounce up and down on the bed. Her eyes widened some, the brown pools glimmering in surprise and excitement, though the anxiety lingered in a thin glaze across the surface. She seemed to be tamping it down as best she could, ignoring the new pit that was forming in her stomach every time she thought of her wedding, and how close it was since it was now, you know, tomorrow.
”The kitchen? But didn’t we all eat at dinner earlier?” she teased, quirking one eyebrow upwards. Of course, the slender princess could have stood to eat more, having found her appetite was greatly swallowed by the king’s sudden stoicism in the past week. She blinked, staring blankly for a moment ahead as her father lingered in her mind once more. Ah, another pit. She swallowed him down, banishing him away as she giggled, allowing herself to be pulled to her feet and down the main halls.
Sure, the secret passageways would be much faster. But those were hers and Si’s, and she found that she didn’t really want to share them.
They made their way quickly but quietly down to the kitchen as Talulla did her best to hurry them along. Dario slunk along behind them in the shadows, the dark cat’s eyes trained with warmth on his princess. For once, she was allowing herself to be happy and excited around others. How exciting, indeed.
She stiffened slightly as Ximena covered her eyes, body going rigid as she swallowed the anxiety down to its pit in her stomach. You’re fine. It’s just Xim, silly. She made no other sign of discomfort, a queen at masking it, moving forward smoothly and completely blind. Dario brushed against her leg in reassurance, and the girl’s shoulders dropped a millimeter.
And then, the anxiety was replaced with something else.
As Ximena removed her hands, Talulla’s heart leapt into her throat. All around them were her favorite snacks (mostly sweets), adorned with fresh fruits and decadent cheese laid out on the largest board she had ever seen. She became very still, eyes larger than saucers, stunned into stillness. She barely noticed as Ximena slipped away, eyes tracing the board before her, heart swelling. She took the glass from Ximena when the girl returned, heart thundering absently somewhere in her now very hollow chest, strangely somber despite the overwhelming joy ricocheting wildly inside her.
You are allowed to be happy. This is not selfish. You are allowed to have… this.
As Ximena spoke, her eyes slowly raised to the older girl’s face. Her brown gaze was intense, eyebrows pulling together as she stared with all the ferocity of a deer in the headlights, committing every detail to memory. She wanted to remember this moment so desperately, for she didn’t think she would ever have anything greater than this happen to her. Your wedding is literally tomorrow, dingus.
Suddenly, she realized her cheeks were damp. Not damp, soaked.
”I’m... sorry,” She blinked, realizing her vision was swimmingly blurred, voice cracking as she gently set down her glass. She sank to the ground, resting on her knees, hands coming to cover her face in embarrassment, completely silent. The air was tense, and she could feel herself actively ruining the moment. Stupid girl! Stupid, stupid! You cannot and do not deserve this, clearly! Get it together!
”I’m sorry,” She whispered again, voice strangely steady now as she blinked rapidly, cheeks flushing tomato red in embarrassment, shoulders shaking with the struggle of her restraint. ”I’m… no one has ever… ever done something like this. For me. Before.” Her voice shook slightly now, muffled behind her hands, the tears flowing freely despite her efforts. She gave a soft sniffle, still hiding behind her hands. ”I’m just… overwhelmed,” She admitted, scarlet deepening in hue on her hidden cheeks.
Dario darted over, pressing against her side comfortingly, nuzzling her with his head, staring directly at the other two girls, urging them to do the same. He took up a gentle purr, warm and soothing and steady in his chest, offering as much comfort as he could to his sweet, confused princess. Talulla was, quite literally, sobbing on her knees in the kitchen.
She desperately needed a hug. |
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