inky
I'm a free woman again! At least until the semester starts up :D
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Post by inky on Dec 26, 2020 18:10:04 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
He chuckled as she took his nickname and called herself strange, while she was strange in her own right he enjoyed her strangeness. His stomach answered for him, it seemed everything was answering for him today. He put his hand on his stomach and laughed again. "I think an act of generosity in the form of a sandwich is a great idea. My stomach agrees princess." Silas said rubbing the back of his neck again.
He watched her as she tied her hair up, pulling it out of her face, even in that messy of a pony tail she was perfect, the few curls that were shorter than the other fell out framing her face delicately. He looked down at her as she reached up to him once more. He tucked her curl behind her ear gently and the scooped her up once more. She latched on to him and he couldn't help but blush a little as they walked to their destination. Under her guidance he didn't get lost for once, not wrong turns nothing. Just right to the kitchens. He had barely noticed how she pulled herself closer to him, honestly if he'd been wearing thicker clothing he wouldn't have felt the slight change in pressure. In turn he hugged her to him a little closer instinctively. She was so cute how child-like she was. He has missed the freedom of that and her energy was so pure all the time. She just felt what she felt and that was how it was.
As she leaned on the door he did his best to keep his hold on her and as she pushed off of him he had to step back to keep them up right. But he didn't say anything about the small struggle of keeping his balance. The important thing was that he hadn't dropped her, and he wasn't going to. Ever. "Yes the kitchen to ourselves." He could smell the fresh bread and other treats that had been made not too long ago. When she dropped down worry instantly set over him. She'd just hurt her ankle and he was worried she was going to hurt herself even more. So he did the only thing he knew how, followed her around making sure she was safe. And with all the doors and drawers she was leaving open he closed them after her.
He stood near while she made easy work of the cheese and veggies with ease. Again full of surprises this one. It took him a second to answer since he was memorized by her random skill. "Oh! uh yes please" Silas grinned, how did she do that so well, but tripped over air? |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Dec 26, 2020 23:58:17 GMT -5
 Orson
 Talulla
Talulla had managed to nearly quell all the butterflies in her stomach when Silas reached down toward her. His gentle tuck of the stray curl set them all aflutter once kore, and she fought the rosy hue threatening to rise once more in cher cheeks. She leaned subconsciously into his hand, unable to resist before she allowed him to scoop her up. Once again, ahe was blown away by how gentle he was with her. She had never been one to be gentle or dainty. You still aren’t even close. Yet, with him, she almost felt she could be.
Talulla was finally able to conquer her butterflies as she successfully distracted herself with the task of making sandwiches. She hardly noticed Silas scrambling around and behind her to clean up her mess, distracted with her own task at hand. She certainly didn’t notice an all too amused Dario watching them from his perch on the counter that he knew he so very much was not supposed to be on.
As Talulla waited on Silas’s response to her simple question, she couldn’t help but feel a little flustered at the way he was staring at her. There he goes again, mistaking you for some star in the sky when you are but a clumsy, disgrace of a princess! One day he will snap out of it! She latched onto her bottom lip as heat rose from the newly fluttering butterflies in her stomach up to her cheeks, turning away in that moment and using her hunt for his lunch meat as an excuse to clear her head.
Dario gave a gentle mewl at her, flicking his ear in the direction of a side cabinet. With a glance of gratitude, Talulla scrambled past him and in to the cabinet to retrieve the prosciutto and salami for her prince. She returned to the sandwich station she had started and began to delicately slice the meat, eyes focused on her task at hand for precision.
”You probably don’t know this, but when I was a young girl, I used to spend all my free time here in the kitchen,” She began, placing the knife to the side as she began to neatly fold his meats onto the sandwich, gaze flicking up to catch his for a moment. She was still, eyes deep and hard to read once more before she released him to return to her gentle and fast work. ”My mother was quite fond of baking, herself. I would spend hours watching her craft perfect tarts and pies. Her favorite were lemon custard tarts. After she... After she got sick, I found nothing else to so besides bother Bernice and Constance and Joel and the others down here. It’s funny, what you pick up as a child.” She finished her small story with a soft chuckle that didn’t reach her eyes and sounded hollow, even to herself. She finished the sandwiches and set them on a small plate together before pulling free a slightly larger ine and beginning to slice up some fresh fruits ans veggies as a side snack, lips pulling down a bit at the corners in leaking sorrow as she made easy work of it.
For someone who didn’t care to think of her mother, she was doing an awful lot of it lately.
”But, anyway, enough reminiscing for now! What say you to a picnic in the garden?” She beamed at him, brushing her palms together to dispel any crumbs as the sadness was pushed back down, almost completely hidden once more. Dario leapt down with a chirp of agreement, trotting across the kitchen to the side door they had entered in the afternoon prior. ”If you can carry me, I’ll carry the food and Dario can lead us to the best spot, yeah? I reckon a piggy back might be easier this go round, considering it’ll be harder for me to grip you with the plates in my hand?” She tilted her head to the side as she pondered the logistics for a moment, eyes distant as she ran through a few scenarios in her mind before pulling her gaze up to return to Silas once more, waiting for his input. |
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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 Dec 27, 2020 20:49:21 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
Again the prince followed after her, shutting the cabinet. She was so focused on make the sandwiches that she couldn't focus on the cleaning up in the process. But that was what he was for, he'd gladly clean after her any day. He was amazed at how perfectly she made the food. Honestly he never thought watching someone make something as simple as a sandwich could be like watching someone make art.
Silas leaned against the table as she spoke about how much time she'd spent in the kitchens growing up. That made so much sense, his siblings and himself if he was honest had no idea how to make most things they ate, he had tried but he was never really good at it. He heard the sadness in her voice as she spoke about her mother, he couldn't imagine loosing his mother he loved her with all his heart even if he didn't always show it. The prince couldn't begin to understand how she felt loosing her mother especially when the king was so cold to her, it was a loss of both parents really.
"Well sometimes beautiful things come from tragedy. And I'm sure she'd be proud of what you picked up." He said softly, watching her set everything neatly on the plate. This was the neatest he'd seen her do anything. It was surprising to say the least. He liked watching her make food, she seemed to really enjoy doing it, and seeing as it related to her relationship with her mother it made sense why she was so good at it. At the mention of a picnic Silas grinned, "I think a picnic in the garden sounds like a wonderful idea."
He paused thinking about how to hold her, she said piggy back, and he thought about the logistics of it, made sense, she could hold the food while he held her. "I think we can make that work. You can grab the plates after I have you secure." Silas nodded. Once she was done getting everything together he turned around and crouched down so she could easily wrap her arms around him and he could pick her up. Then he bent down so she could get the plates and his attention turned to the black cat. "Well Dario, lead the way."
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Dec 27, 2020 22:16:32 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla hadn’t meant to get so sad about her mother yet again that day. But lately, with the wedding coming up in just a few days, and her mother’s anniversary in a few weeks, she found herself drawing into that dark part of herself that was still grieving her mother. It was hard to explain the sorrow to anyone, for she was a princess. Princesses didn’t feel anything but joy and compassion and pride in their kingdom. Sad princesses were not allowed; one must be brave and keep a stiff upper lip. Emotions make you weak, so best to have none at all; at least, that's what Father always says.
Then again, she had never really been good at hiding whatever she was feeling. Yet another reason you weren’t meant for the throne!
She blinked in surprise, freezing at his statement about her mother being proud. Her heart gave a funny little twist at his words, touched deeply to her core by his small sentence. She felt moisture welling in her eyes once more as she brought her gaze to his with a soft, appreciative smile, holding his eyes for a tense moment before swallowing hard and giving a quiet sniffle before looking away and returning her focus to the food, blinking furiously as she did.
Once Silas made up his mind about how to carry her, she easily scrambled onto his back. She latched her legs securely around him, her arms looser as she held the plates down for him. She leaned against him, resting her head against his, cheek brushing his. She gave a gentle sigh of comfort, breath hot against his ear as Dario began to lead them out the side door and into the garden.
They wound through the maze with ease as Dario led them deeper into the shrubbery. Talulla hummed softly from where she was, an old tune playing in her mind with words she couldn’t quite yet remember. When they arrived to the other pavilion, Dario darted ahead and disappeared, leaving the two royals alone.
This one was lavish and full of roses and lilies, blooming magnificently alongside dainty blue wildflowers and fragrant freesia. Proud sunflowers towered over delicate iris’s, and honeysuckle wound around the hedges. A small bird bath glistened with a little chickadee dancing about it right at that moment. Brilliant butterflies fed from milkweed and small bees buzzed in the distance with flashes of dragonflies here and there. The whole pavilion screamed peace and safety.
Talulla giggled in excitement, releasing Silas and sliding free, careful not to drop any of their food. She set the plates down before sliding her satchel off and tossing it to the side. She plopped down, patting the ground next to her for Silas to sit. She waited until he was comfortable before scooting right up against him with a shy giggle, knees pressed against his as she folded her good leg under her and stretched out her bad leg to the side. She hesitated, only to make sure he was okay with this proximity before digging in to her sandwich, eating it with as much grace as she had the plum the day prior (that is to say, none at all).
”You know,” She started, mouth full (as usual) as she turned her gaze to Silas, eyes glittering warmly with the joy of food. ”This pavilion is mine, on the opposite end of the garden from mother’s,” She elaborated, hoping to help Silas gain more familiarity with the labyrinth. Around them, more small flowers began to pop up, Talulla’s trademark blues creeping towards them with a gentle bloom. She swallowed her sandwich, reaching into her bag and producing a flask.
”Don’t worry, this time it’s only water,” She assured with a mischievous grin before taking a long swig. She held it out to him as she swallowed, a little dribble running down her chin from drinking too much too fast. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, grinning widely despite herself.
Out here, she looked again furthest from a princess, yet completely and utterly herself. |
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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 Jan 1, 2021 18:09:50 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
He had no idea his words would have made her tear up, but the small smile told him that the water threatening to spill from her eyes was a good thing. Still, he was glad she didn't cry this time. He'd meant it when he said he didn't want her to cry anymore. For any reason. As they walked her felt her cheek brushing against his face, and he could feel the heat in his own cheeks causing the faint red glow. Her breath against his ear sent a rush of electricity down his neck all the way down his spine. But he just calmed his racing heart. He could tell she was comfortable with him at the very least.
Silas found her humming calming as well, he didn't know the song but whatever it was it soothed him as the walked through the maze. Some of it looked familiar, mainly the small bit of blue wild flowers the lead off into the other direction. So they were going to the other side it seemed. The scent of flowers rushed over him as the got closer and when they arrived in the garden it was very clear why. For him it screamed Talulla, it was beautiful, vibrant and unique.
As she slid off of him he lowered himself to make it easier, but he was in awe of how beautiful it was here. Her garden rivaled her mothers with ease. But he looked at her as she pat the ground next to her and sat beside her, giving her enough space to choose what to do with. Watching her close the space between them he smiled a little and chuckled nervously himself. She made quick of digging into her sandwich and he did the same. The food tasted as good as it looked, but it was just a sandwich, how had she made it taste so good? "You know even if you hadn't told me that I would have known it was yours, it is quite beautiful. He said taking another bite of his food looking around taking note of the flowers that he started to pop up around them. His eyes returned to her and he shared her grin, "This sandwich is amazing, I don't know how you made something so simple, taste so good." Silas laughed a little taking another bite. "Speaking of amazing things, you know these little blue flowers?" He reached out and touched one of them gently, "Do you notice the flora that pops up around you with your emotions?" He tilted his head a little bit, had she any idea she radiated magic at all times? Why she communicated with animals so easily? Or had she thought that was normal?
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 2, 2021 1:43:22 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla finished her sandwich happily, in peace, content to be leaning against Silas. Out here in the garden, with her future husband and the fresh flowers and setting sun, she could almost understand why people did enjoy getting married. It wasn’t really scary at all, much, to know that she would be spending probably the rest of her life with her prince. I think… maybe, things might just once turn out okay. She began to work on the fresh strawberries she had brought as well, delicately savoring the slices with a grace much different than she had exhibited with the ravenous consumption of her sandwich a few moments earlier. When he finally spoke, she turned her gaze to him, eyes wide and focused solely on him.
”Oh, you flatter me too much,” She admonished with a light flush of the cheeks, giving a shy smile at his compliment of her pavilion, though she straightened slightly. She took great pride in her care of the garden, and subsequently her pavilion, and hearing someone’s appreciation of it was a quick way into her heart, for certain. At his next compliment, she turned bright red, shaking her head with a nervous giggle, stomach fluttering with butterflies.
”Okay Silas, now you’re really flattering me too much, though I’d imagine Bernice is grateful to know that you think that. Seems a few of her lessons may have stuck after all ” She giggled again, shifting slightly away from him. She put the flask down by the plates, popping in another strawberry before lying down on her back in the grass, hair fluttering out around her. She closed her eyes, savoring the taste of the strawberry and the feeling of the setting sun on her face and the soft tickle of grass beneath her. She gave a contented sigh, eyes closing for just a moment in pure delight.
Her eyes flew open, eagerly locking onto him when he spoke. At his initial question, her eyebrows pulled together slightly in confusion, moving to prop herself up on her elbows. She tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her gaze as followed his hand with steady eyes, hair loose and wafting around her in the breeze, small pieces of grass within the ends. Where is he going with this? She was a mirror of him for a moment, only giving him a small nod at his first question, until he questioned her about the flowers.
Her face contorted as she snorted, rolling her eyes with a lopsided, slightly exasperated grin and tossing her head back. ”Ha ha, you’re so funny,” She said dryly, shaking her head gently with a faint smile, baby hairs fluttering at her temples. She turned her head back towards him, realizing he was serious. She shifted, sitting up more now to lean on her palms instead, turning toward him with knitted eyebrows, both confused and slightly alarmed by his question.
”I’m not sure what you’re implying, exactly, but no? I’m not… responsible?” She sounded confused, eyes turning to study the flowers with a newfound curiosity, feeling a strange turn in the pit of her stomach. Sure, she had read about magic and ancient practices, but never before had she believed any of it was real or still in use. Right? That ended years ago, like the dragons and tales of hideous monsters, right?
”I mean, that would only be possible if magic were, you know, acutallly real, and that I possessed it,” She finished her thoughts after a moment, heart pumping slightly faster in her chest as she continued. Despite her denial, nearby small begonias of panic began to pull from the ground, melding into the ever growing landscape. She swallowed hard, not noticing them, instead trapping Silas in that searching gaze once more. Her eyes were shrouded by low pulling brows as she pleaded for explanation, shifting closer to him.
”I’m…I’m not…” She sighed in frustration, looking away for a moment. ”I’m not special, Silas, unfortunately. Sorry to break it to you,” She spoke softly, voice turning sharper at the end. She began to play at the grass, biting her lip gently as she fought to quell the new frustration. He doesn’t know, so don’t take it out on him. |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 3, 2021 2:53:36 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla became still at Silas’s gentle statement. It was enough of a shock to make her suck in her breath and hold it in her chest, unwilling to be swayed so easily, despite the fact that wide, trusting eyes locked onto his with an almost hunger. She was still, releasing the hot breath with a sharp exhale and a small, ”Oh,” to accompany it, caught off guard yet again. He thinks you’re special! He actually believes it... but why?
She looked, somehow, more surprised, eyes the size of saucers when he produced the small book from his pocket. She could tell even from afar that this book was probably one of the oldest she had ever seen, and she wanted for a moment to swoon. Now he’s offering you ancient literature... when is this darn wedding already!?
Talulla brought the book to her nose, gingerly so as not to damage the antique leather. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply and savoring the smell of rich leather and ancient paper as well as fading ink. Her eyes flew open once more as Silas offered to show her, curiosity sparkling in her eyes as she leaned forward slightly, delicately placing the book on her lap.
Her eyes never left his hands, heart pounding with newfound adrenaline as the sparks began to pass from his skin. She watched with such rapture that the glow reflecting in her eyes seemed to spark themselves, as if a small flame were burning within her.
And then, of course, in true Talulla fashion, she had to go and ruin the moment.
Talulla’s hand flew up faster than she could have had any coherent thought as she gently placed a delicate finger into the ball on Silas’s hand, eyes glowing brightly. She immediately shrieked, yanking her hand back and sticking the injured finger in her mouth, flushing bright red.
”You have to teach me that!” She blurted out around her finger, leaning forward into his space more as she continued to suck the heat out of her now blistering finger, unable to resist. All her life, Talulla had dreamed of magic and sorcerers and a prince coming to save her; And now, here was Silas, all three wrapped into one gorgeous package. Slow down. Her gaze came up to his face as her flush darkened, heart and butterflies thumping in her chest at his compliment.
”Well, thank you, even if I don’t see it,” She said softer now, gently speaking around her finger as she held his gaze, wanting nothing more than to kiss those pretty lips of his yet again. Come on! Focus. He’s making FIRE! With his bare hands! Oh, god. |
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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 Jan 4, 2021 16:24:45 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
Silas's eyes went wide, wider than he thought they could go when Talulla moved to touch the fire. He didn't even have time to react and pull his hands away before she was literally poking the flames. As she pulled back and shoved her finger in her mouth he too moved his hands back holding them on the other side of his body, his wide and very concerned eyes locked on her. Quickly he closed his hand, shaking his hand to dispel any heat that remained.
Hearing her enthusiasm about learning how to do fire magic he laughed. "Well first lesson my dear is don't touch fire you didn't make." He said smiling a little, "Is your finger okay?" The prince didn't mind her closeness, in fact, he welcomed it. If she felt safe enough with him to be in his bubble then she could invade it all day. Silas reached his hand out a tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear as a few stray golden silks had fallen into her face as she'd pulled back. "I'd be more than happy to teach you what I know." He rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm still pretty new to it too though so don't expect too much, I'm intermediate on a good day." The man said with a small nervous chuckle. No one had asked him to teach them before. How would he even do that? He'd learned everything he knew from the book.
He'd figure out how to teach for her though. That would mean they'd be alone together more often and he liked seeing her free like this. It was beautiful, the way she looked hair a mess, dress scrunched up and tied together. Just perfect, she was so far from what royal was supposed to look like and behave like that it was intoxicating. He'd never met someone so free-spirited before, everyone was so cookie-cutter. All the same all so proper and stuck up but not her, she was as far from that as anyone could get. And he was falling in love with that. Again he'd found himself lost in thought about her, his eyes had softened and he watched her.
Perfection.
For a moment he blinked, realizing he'd been staring at her and his face flushed and he looked toward his food, the only thing he could think of to distract himself. "Maybe we can figure out how to understand your personal magic princess." He said popping a strawberry in his mouth before looking at her again, "I've never been able to figure out plant magic." Maybe it was her child-like energy that tied her to nature and allowed her to practice freely without even noticing. Either that or she was extremely gifted.
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 4, 2021 18:37:28 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla flushed brighter at his laugh, heart thundering in her chest. She looked down, feeling embarrassed at her rash actions and lack of good thinking. She looked up, quickly, as he tucked the strand of hair behind her ear. She leaned into his hand subconsciously, nodding as she pulled her finger from her mouth. She gave a grimace as she quickly rubbed it on her skirt to get rid of the spit, wincing at the pain. She held it out for him to examine.
”It’s just a small blister; it’ll be fine,” She brushed it off quickly with a light wave of the hand, eyes on his. Her gaze was wide in that same adoring look she had worn earlier. After all, she had never met anyone who didn’t scold her immediately for hurting herself, and she had never met anyone as interesting or, simply, cool. Silas, you are one of a kind.
”You’re literally amazing, what are you talking about?!” She exclaimed at his statement, eyebrows pulling together as she shook her head incredulously. She held his gaze for a long moment, her own expression softening instead into that searching look as she studied him and all his features. It’s like he’s an ancient statue carved by the gods…so perfect and handsome…yet he’s too full of life for a statue…like a painting! She blinked, breaking their staring contest and turning to the side, gazing off into the distance for a moment.
”Hmm?” She tuned in to what he was saying once more, absentminded lilies appearing nearby with grace. She blinked, eyes widening in delight curiosity. ”Oh? I don’t know, Silas. I don’t think I’m really doing anything but… I can try I guess?” She looked to him for reassurance, biting her bottom lip nervously. She held his gaze for a moment before forcing a brave smile and small nod, sitting up and away from him for a moment.
She looked several yards ahead of them, staring intently at a spot of open land. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes and focusing hard. She pictured a small, oak tree sapling pulling forth from the ground, inspired by the dead oak she had seen before while riding. She pictured a small acton bursting free of its shell in the ground with strong, sturdy roots. She followed them deep into the earth, able to smell the rich dirt they were in. She pictured strong bark pushing upwards with leaves sprouting off into a small, tiny little sapling. Something small and easy to start with. Right?
Oh, so very wrong.
The ground gave a loud crack! as the tree burst free in an explosion of growth. It stretched high about the sapling stage, morphing and springing into a beautiful and strong oak, so tall you could barely see the top, and so wide you couldn’t even come close to wrapping your arms around it.
Talulla’s eyes flew open with a small yelp as she jerked back and behind Silas. She burrowed against him, wrapping her arms around him nervously, ignoring the splitting pain in her finger as she did. She peeked over his shoulder, fingers curling around his shirt in anxiety as she gave a small gasp. She could hardly believe her eyes.
”D-d-did… did I-i do th-that?” She stammered, heart thundering so hard against her chest she could barely speak. And yet, there the oak stood, tall and proud and positively bursting with life and strength. |
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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 Jan 4, 2021 23:49:09 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
The prince took her hand in his for a moment looking over her finger, she was right it was just a small blister. Still. He'd make sure to put something on that later so that she wouldn't get it infected or something. "It doesn't look that bad, I'm glad." He smiled a little and then his face flushed at her compliment. "Amazing? Me?" Silas laughed softly, "It was nothing just a small flame really, there have been wizards who could make walls of fire and stuff like that its crazy! You can read about it in my book if you want."
Excitement spread across his face as she agreed to try her hand at actively using her magic. His eyes lit up and a huge grin spread across his face as he watched her closely. He could hardly keep himself still, if she was able to do magic with just focus itself he'd lose it. It had taken him about two years to even get sparks going, but already this girl had magic pouring out of her at all times. Silas could hardly wait to see what she could do when she tried. Then he heard and felt the earth crack and his jaw dropped. Words couldn't form from his brain to his mouth. The huge oak towered above them in mere seconds, the spot she'd chosen had gone from nothing but dirt and grass to a whole fully grown, full of life tree.
Stunning.
He felt her move behind him and cling to him in fear but he couldn't even move, he was so shocked. How much power did she have in that little body of hers? Slowly he turned to her his eyes wide still he knew she had magic from the moment he'd seen the trails of flowers but he would have never guessed she had that much. In a very improper man he cupped her face in his hands, unable to hold back the rush of joy that washed over him. "That was amazing Talulla." He breathed. "You are amazing." The man said, his eyes were filled with adoration, she'd just impressed him far more than anyone had ever. She was quickly becoming the most fascinating person he'd ever met. "You didn't need to try that hard!" Silas was very close to her face at this point all manners out the window now.
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 7, 2021 17:44:40 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla trembled like a small leaf against Silas’s back as she stared in awe of her tree. My tree! She had read countless stories of magic and witchcraft, and knew the old tales of lore like the back of her hand. And sure, she had come to realize that it was a little strange that she felt like she could actually understand her animal companions and that no matter the season, her flowers were always in full bloom.
But never had she once made the connection magic before.
She turned a slightly frightened gaze up to Silas then, blinking in even more surprise to find his face was glowing with excitement. He was practically radiating his ecstasy, eyes glittering with glee as his smile stretched further across his face. Her eyes widened, heart accelerating as butterflies burst free in her stomach and chest, fear melting under his gaze. She leaned further into his hands and into his space, face flushing tomato red under his adoration.
He thinks your plants are amazing… he thinks your magic is amazing…. He thinks you are amazing…
She blinked, shock crossing her features now as she stared into his emerald, hazel gaze with her own dark one. Her cheeks felt hot and pink beneath his touch, heart thundering in her chest. She could feel his breath on her face, warm against her chin. She swallowed hard, focus now on Silas as she studied his features freely, without the normal reserve most would have expected for propriety.
Then again, neither had really ever been one to be proper or follow the rules.
Her gaze returned to his with that same soft look of tender adoration once more. She gave a shy giggle, eyes locked on his. He’s just so… beautiful and warm and… smells so good…
”Silas, if you don’t stop that, I’m going to end up kissing you again,” She blurted out, the intense expression returning to her gaze as she leaned in a bit more, very close to him now. ”I mean it, Si, and I’m not going to feel bad about it, so you better stop telling me I’m amazing and stop looking at me like that,” She said with a very serious expression, though her eyes glinted with mischief and a small smile fought at her lips. She gave a small push against his chest, but didn’t actually put any force behind it. She let her hand rest, feeling his heart beating beneath her palm, her own heart pounding quickly.
She bit her lip for a moment, heart rate accelerating as the small smile spread across her face with a giggle. She couldn’t help herself anymore, heart thundering with new courage as she suddenly curled her fingers around his shirt and pulled him to her. She leaned forward, closing the small gap with ease.
She kissed him gently, though there was no mistaking the passion behind it as she held him there for a moment. She kept the kiss a bit chaste compared to earlier, not wanting to overdue it again, instead choosing to be more gentle. She released him to breath finally, though she didn’t move far, giving a shy, sheepish grin as she glanced away.
”Oops, I may have just accidentally lied,” She giggled, gaze returning to his as she tilted her head to one side, leaning further into his hand as she did. There wasn’t a single ounce of regret or remorse in her expression; rather, a bold grin and a hint of smugness. If this is marriage, I’m not going to mind at all. |
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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 Jan 7, 2021 20:51:50 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
He could hardly believe his eyes when the sweet golden haired woman had done such powerful magic. If he hadn't watched the whole thing and all the small flowers pop up around them over the past couple of days he wouldn't have believe she had such power. But she did and he was awestruck by her. The prince had yet to even notice how improper he was being holding her cheeks the way he was.
Silas laughed softly, finding himself loosing focus as he looked at her. The large pools of deep brown drawing him in like a bug to a warm flame. He swallowed a bit as she threatened to kiss him if he didn't stop complimenting her. Again he laughed a bit, nervousness echoing within as his face flushed at her forward comment. He could feel his heart skip as her scent washed over him again, pulling him in further into the trance he was slowly growing accustom to being in. "Why would I sto-" He'd begun to whisper, he couldn't get his voice to do more than that volume with how close she was to him and how lost he was in a daze just looking at her. As she'd bit her lip his eyes had traveled down, lingering for a moment before she pulled him by the shirt and closed any space between them. Sparks flew throughout his body as their lips met with the gentle passion she'd kissed him with.
Now it was his turn to be the shocked one, his eyes widened, she had kissed him this time. She kissed him, and now it was hard to focus on anything but her. His eyes closed slowly and his body relaxed against her. His hands that had been holding her face now were gently holding her, cupping the back of her head tangling his fingers in her soft lavender scented locks. That was it, she was it he didn't want anything on this earth more than he wanted her. Never before had he felt such a rush, such a confusing, intoxicating, beautiful mess of a girl, and he was falling for every wild part of her. Silas had never been one to lose focus but she made him damn near forget who he was. She'd already managed to erase the prince who once had nothing that interested him enough. Now he had her, and she was exhilarating. In two days he'd taken his heart and made it hers and he couldn't even begin to explain how it had happened.
How had he the Blasé Prince, who cared for very little outside of his own hobbies, gotten so lucky? He didn't think he'd have found someone who would sweep him off his feet but here she was. As she pulled away he leaned in just a bit, like the kiss had ended too soon. His face was flushed and he stared at her, dazed for a bit before he laughed, "You should lie like that more often." Silas moved his thumb to gently rub her cheek as his head tilted the opposite way just watching her for a moment. He found himself unable to stop the smile from spreading as he looked at her. "You are quite the woman Talulla, I never thought I'd be glad to be married in under a week but it seems the wedding is too far away now."
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 9, 2021 12:05:42 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla felt Silas’s shock at the kiss at first, and for a moment she panicked, thinking maybe she had misread the moment or overstepped a line too far. Princesses aren’t supposed to initiate anything. Soon enough, however, Silas responded by shifting closer and melding into the kiss, lips pressing into hers. She smiled against him, leaning forward more, fingers curling tighter around his shirt collar as she shifted closer. At his touch against the back of her head, a low hum escape from her without conscious thought. The only conscious thought she had was Silas! I’m kissing Silas!
She blinked as she pulled away to find him leaning in, almost as if he was expecting her to keep kissing I’m for much longer. She blinked in surprise, giggling shyly with him as she flushed, finally releasing her grip on his shirt. She smoothed it gently, resting her palm flat against his chest as she felt his heart thumping violently beneath his skin. She giggled again at his comment, sighing gently in content as his thumb smoothed across her cheek.
”I’m not very good at lying, but I reckon I could give it a shot,” She teased warmly, cheeks flushing anew. At his comment a perplexed look crossed her face, dark brows knitting together over warm eyes as she studied his face for a moment, processing his statement. She bit her lip, nervous for a moment, her free hand coming to cover his. She turned her head, pressing a soft kiss to his palm and then holding it to her chest so he could feel her racing heart, eyes on his. She was very serious, trying to find the words to convey what she felt.
”Silas, I never wanted to be married, honestly, and I'm still not even certain I'm fit to marry you. But we… we’re connected in a way that I’ve never experienced with anyone. And… I feel like… I feel like we were always meant to be connected,” She said, flushing brightly as she sighed, turning her gaze away for a moment, shaking her head slightly. ”My words are failing me,” She sighed, releasing him before scooting forward, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her face into his chest.
”I guess, what I mean, is that you’re not only going to be my husband, now, but you’re also quickly becoming my best friend,” She sighed, swallowing hard and turning her head to rest against his chest, eyes staring up at him now, warmth blossoming in her chest. ”It’s okay, if it’s not the same for you. I’m used to it." Her cheeks were aflame, surprised at herself and her statement. But, she knew it was true, and she was never one to shy away from being honest. She made no move to pull away, merely listening to his heart beating and finding comfort in the steady rhythm and the silence of her truth. Even if he could never feel the same way she didn’t care. All I can do is be honest with him, and hope he doesn’t completely push me away too. |
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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 Jan 10, 2021 4:11:40 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
Silas had laughed a bit at her comment about not being very good at lying. He'd never been a good lair either, always very honest, most times brutally honest. The prince had never had very much regard for most people's feelings, unless her cared about them. His honestly grew meaner when he didn't like someone too, he just didn't care and was known for that. She kissed his palm softly and his eyes watched her their intensity locked on her. He studied her as she studied him, as she placed his hand on her chest he could feel the steady and fast pulse that matched his own in that moment. His eyes had followed his hand for a moment, but now they were locked on hers. She was serious. This was the most serious he'd seen her, outside of being mad at him that was.
As she spoke he could feel her heartbeat flutter as she got nervous. His face softened further as she was very open about how she felt. Now, he'd had girls confess to him before and out of respect he'd given them his attention but every one of them he'd turned down and half listened. But not her. She had his full attention and he hung on to every word. The whole time a small smile crept across his lips.
Connected? He'd felt that too, connected was the right word. It was almost like they were kindred spirits who'd just been waiting for the other. Silas had never been so completely captured by anyone before but she had him wrapped around her finger. Of she asked anything of him, he'd do it without a second thought. If it brought that captivating smile to her lips then he'd do it. As her eyes left his he leaned in a bit to keep the closeness he was feeling. Her arms wrapped around him and he let his hands rest gently against her but his eyes widened when she said he was becoming her best friend.
Silas felt his heart skip a beat, or at least it felt like it had. He looked down at her and suddenly he felt his eyes start to water. Why was that happening? His heart felt so full he thought it was going to burst out of his chest at any moment. He'd never felt this way before as he stared down at the embodiment of perfection in his arms. Unable to help himself he laughed a little as a tear started to fall from his eye and he moved to quickly wipe it away. He had the biggest smile on his face but the overwhelming emotion had gotten the best of him. "Your words didn't fail in any way." The prince started, laughing again, "I feel it too, like two halves a whole... Talulla, you are the light my life has been denied for years." He swallowed a bit, fighting back the tears of joy that continued to linger. "No one has made me feel the way you make me feel, I don't know if you knew anything about me before meeting me but I've never had much of an interest for anything outside of books, and my family. Everything was, uninteresting and drab. But you." He breathed the last two words. "You are," Silas laughed a bit he was finding it hard to get his words out too. His brow furrowed as he searched for the right words, " You are beautiful. Inside and out. There is no one out there like you princess." He looked at her once more tears still threatening to spill over, "I know its only been a few days but I can feel myself falling in love with you every moment I spend with you."
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 12, 2021 19:43:24 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla wanted to put her entire foot in her mouth immediately after speaking. She had never once been so serious about anything, and every beat of silence marked with the beating of his heart against his chest where her ear was pressed felt like anvil slamming into her chest. He didn’t even feel close to the same way about her, she was certain, and he probably didn’t know how to respond without hurting her feelings.
Which of course, made this whole situation her fault.
I mean, you don’t blame him do you? You’re a mess and you blatantly expressed that you had no interest in marriage and then called him your best friend after only a few days, whether it’s true is beside the point, and now you’re going to have to live with this for the rest of your life and and and—
Her train wreck of a thought was stopped, thank god, by Silas clearing his throat. She heard his heart flutter and she looked up nervously, suddenly finding her eyes on his watering ones. She tilted her head back, holding his gaze with new panic. What… is he… why is he crying?! oh god, what did I do? She sat up slightly with concern before he grinned, now further confused.
”Oh, I didn’t mean to upset you, I’m really sorry, and if you don’t feel the same way, it’s okay, really, and—“ She started, frantically, until Silas spoke, interrupting her mess of a brain. She blinked in shock, now more confused and concerned than ever, dark eyebrows knit together in her worry. She listened seriously to his words, hanging on to each one, her own eyes starting to water warmly in response to him and his words. She gave a gentle laugh, shaking her head slightly in disbelief.
”Si, you really are something special,” She laughed, reaching up to gently smooth away the tears with a watery grin. ”Well aren’t we silly, sitting here crying to each other,” She laughed, slightly before she grew serious again, watching as he struggled for words. She grew very serious, hands coming up to cup his face as she searched him for any sign of insincerity, catching her bottom lip with her teeth. She flushed brightly at his complements, tears now spilling on to her cheeks, shaking her head slightly.
”Silas, I’m very much … I just, well—“ She cut herself off, leaning up to kiss him very sweetly again, laughing against his lips before she finally pulled back. She sniffled slightly with a laugh, gently smoothing away a tear of his, shaking her head slightly. ”We’re a mess, aren’t we?” She laughed again.
”No one’s ever said anything anywhere near as kind as you just did, and I’m… more than falling in love with you,” She admitted, flushing tomato again as she laughed, swiping her eyes and sniffling. "You are the kindest man I’ve ever met, and you’re so intelligent and well spoken and handsome and literally…” She trailed off here, eyes finally coming to meet his, heart thundering in her chest and ears.
”You’re literally perfect, Silas, and I don’t know why you would fall in love with a mess like me but, I’m glad to know that at least the feeling’s mutual,” She giggled softly. "I hope I never stop falling for you, and that you never stop surprising me." Around them, beautiful flowers had burst into bloom, the whole garden alive and vibrant, as full of joy and love as Talulla was in this moment, cheeks damp and flushed, heart pounding furiously as she held Silas there, gently smoothing away his tears, eyes on his. Her expression was that searching look once more, tender and gentle but pressing, intense beneath her dark brows. |
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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 Jan 13, 2021 5:46:33 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
The prince couldn't stop the tears as the fell from his eyes. It was just overwhelming to hear her say those things to him. He also couldn't help but laugh with her as she commented how sill they were. Both sitting in the middle of a beautiful garden surrounded by life and peace and they were crying. Most people would just be enjoying a nice lunch together sit and chat, but here they were pouring their hearts out to each other after only days of knowing each other. But somehow that felt right. It felt like them, he'd never wanted to pour his heart out to someone before her. But he wanted to give her the whole thing. If it was possible to give it away he'd hand it directly to her. But he supposed that would be a bit gross. "We are pretty silly." He said laughing a little between sniffles.
His hand moved to wipe her tears away as she did to him, and they sat for a moment just looking at the other. She was so beautiful, so vibrant, so her. That was all she needed to be. Her lips tasted salty from the tears that he'd missed and as he laughed so did he, leaning his forehead gently against her forehead for a moment. "Yes princess, it would seem we are a bit of a mess." Silas laughed once more, shaking his head too, he could hardly believe how much of a mess he was. The cold prince who found interest in nothing, crying in a garden over a pretty girl telling him he was her best friend. Oh if the kingdom could see him now.
Silas's eyes remained on her as she spoke, praising him. All things he didn't necessarily believe, she hadn't met him before. Though she was the reason for this change so perhaps she'd never have known the prince who would have brushed her away. He'd never be able to do that to her. He was far to deeply entranced by her. "My dear princess, the mess you speak of is part of why I'm falling. You are so vehement, I can't help but follow in suit." The prince paused, once more tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear, "And, I am far from perfect...until you I cared only for those in my immediate family..." He frowned a bit his eyes looking away from her for a moment. When they returned she held a gentleness as she searched his face again. A small smile started to spread once more. "I too hope I retain your affections and that I continue to find new parts of myself with you." Silas laughed a little resting his head against hers again just enjoying her scent and the now very near scent of flowers that surrounded them. "I am proud that by the end of the week I will call you my wife." His cheeks grew warm at the thought. He moved to kiss her forehead, for once the flowers in full blood went unnoticed, she was the only flower he could see.
His eyes watched her a for moment and he smiled, laughing again. "We truly are a mess. It seems we can't get through lunch without making fools of ourselves can we?" Silas shook his head rubbing the back of his neck, "It's okay, you can be my mess and I'll be yours. Together with sniffles and puffy eyes."
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 13, 2021 23:07:58 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla was almost proud of herself in that moment, for managing to not freak out completely. Normally, Talulla was one to shy away from emotions or expressions of such and to simply bottle it all up in a very deep part of her heart that she would never let see the light of day. But with Silas, everything was different. With him, it was easy to forget about her usual training and processing. Around Silas, for the first time, she felt safe.
However, the more Silas talked, the harder Talulla felt her chest pound, panicked begonias and lilies sprouting around them as she suddenly realized that Silas had this disillusion of her. She blinked, however, thoughts squashed promptly by his gentle gaze and touch. Her head followed his hand as he tucked the strand behind her ear, hand coming up to catch his and hold it against her tomato cheek, eyes on his once more. She gave a shy smile, squashing her nerves as she shook her head to argue. I don’t know how he thinks he is anything but perfect… sculpted by the gods with the brains of ancient scholars and full of life and literal magic. Sure Si, you’re not “perfect”, you’re flawless.
She leaned in to meet his forehead with a gentle smile, closing her eyes and giving a soft giggle, shaking her head gently once more. ”Silas, I doubt that you could ever lose my affections… I just worry when you will bore of me and I will lose yours,” She sighed, smile fading slightly for a moment. His gentle kiss was more than enough to return her smile and flush as she giggled, releasing him to pull back slightly to look at him fully. ”Si , you are literally the husband of my dreams, and I pray I can have even one chance to live up to your standards in some small aspect,” She laughed slightly, dry and hollow as she looked away, growing serious again as she glanced over to find Dario staring intently at her.
The cat got to his feet, stretching with a yawn and soft meow and tilt of his head. Talulla followed his gaze to the balcony of her father’s study, finding the king staring directly at them. There’s no way he can actually see us… right? Dario chirped and she swallowed hard, giving a small nod and turning to Silas once more, face paling a bit as she shifted to put a little bit more of an appropriate space between them, but still staying close.
”Yes, we can be a mess together,” She laughed slightly, trying to calm her now thundering heart, ignoring the thorns creeping from the bushes in her fear. ”As much as I am enjoying this lunch—and believe me, I certainly am—I get the feeling that my father is wanting to see me right about now, so I must bid you ado, my sweet prince,” She sighed, turning back to him with a soft smile. She leaned up, kissing his cheek with a polite, chaste kiss before turning and struggling to her feet.
She waited for a moment to catch her balance, doing her best to hide the pain as she turned, waving goodbye to Silas before she began to limp back to the castle. Dario stayed behind to keep Silas where he was, eyes on the prince with a dark glare of warning and almost… fear.
Talulla made quick time to get back, feeling her good mood completely gone. She didn’t even think to try to salvage herself by fixing her dress or hair, scurrying through the dark passageways. Her heart thundered in her chest violently as new adrenaline pulsed in her veins, blood rushing through her ears with a new intensity the closer she got. She prayed Silas would stay far, far away from this wing. She could already feel the tension in the air, and she didn’t want to keep him waiting.
She came to the familiar, horrifying doors, heart sinking into her stomach. Remain calm; in and out. Don’t provoke, just get it over with. She steeled herself, straightening and doing her best to hide her limp, giving one small knock. ”Come in.” Her father’s voice sent a chill down her spine as she pushed the door open.
She could smell the bitter smell from his glass even from the entry way, staring at her father sitting at her desk. She made her way in, shutting the door behind her and gingerly making her way to the center of the room. Her father was standing at his desk, back turned to her, but she could feel the anger radiating from him. Enough to set her hands trembling. She cleared her throat, nervously tucking her hair behind her ears, eyes on him as he turned toward her.
”You wanted to see me?” She finally managed, forcing herself to look down. Anywhere but at him and the complete rage bridling in his dark, stone cold gaze. The statue was alive and it was angry. The King swiftly made his way to her, closing the distance between them. Talulla felt her heart sprint on ahead of her, racing far away from her body as she felt the cold clutch of terror at her throat. She tried to step back, but the raging king grabbed her by her shoulders.
”Have you lost your damn mind?!” The king roared. She could smell the bitterness on his tongue, burning from the rage and drink inside him. She flinched, squeezing her eyes shut as he shook her roughly. She stammered, paling quickly, eyes wide and terrified like a deer in the headlights. ”Well?? Traipsing around like a filthy, common wench with your prince, injuring your ankle days before the most important ceremony of the kingdom, and then spending inappropriate amounts of time with the prince alone looking like this?!!” His voice was stern and low, not quite yelling anymore, but the anger lashed out with every word. Talulla trembled beneath his grasp as he tore her knotted skirt free, letting it hang loose around her, the fabric now sporting a large rip up the side. He yanked the ribbon from her hair, earning a soft yelp from her, pushing her back and tossing it to the side. He ran a hand over his face, stubble rough against his palm.
Talulla swallowed hard, pale as a ghost and trembling like a leaf, eyes distant as she suddenly saw herself in that moment. It was like she was floating above them, watching the scene play out before her. ”And, furthermore, this prince is engaging in such disrespectful fashion and with such a lack of manners that one has to question if he’s even worthy to be wed,” The king continued, anger sparking to Silas now. Talulla snapped back into her body, now finding the courage to allow her anger to speak.
”Silas is more than worthy to wed, and probably the finest prince there has ever been.” She had that matching, murderous look her father did in that moment, straightening, trembling nearly subdued as she brought her dark gaze up to her father’s. Her jaw clenched, hands curling into fists as she finally managed to unleash some of her rage. Her father stared in surprise for a moment, unable to believe that she had interrupted him or had the gall to defend the prince.
His hand suddenly flew up, the back connecting with her cheek hard enough to send her stumbling. Talulla reeled, struggling for balance, clutching his armchair as stars danced before her eyes. Her knees nearly buckled as she fought to stay standing. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. The sting from the slap searing her cheek crimson was enough for him. The king straightened his shirt, turning away from her as she struggled to recover, taking a deep breath himself.
”Mind your manners, girl, or the wedding won’t happen at all. Six days is a long time. You are hardly fit to be queen. I can only hope he doesn’t come to his senses in that time and run far, far away from the disgrace that you are.” He finished with a wave of his hand, rubbing his eyes as he returned to his desk. His tone was practically a hiss at the end, the words like a knife into Talulla’s chest. She felt moisture at her eyes, still sharping from the force of the slap glowing on her cheek.
A proud mark of her disgrace.
She stumbled out, limping heavily now as she quickly disappeared out into the hall and then into the dark hallways only she knew. She limped along, blindly, chest tight as she fought to breath and hold back the tears, right ear still ringing. It had been ever since his hand had connected with her face. She made her way to the only place she felt safe, knowing that she couldn’t bother Silas right now when he needed to prepare for dinner and entertain Dario.
She slipped into the library, shaking violently now as she made her way up. She released her burning cheek, not even realizing she had still been clutching it as she dragged herself up to the highest area she could. She slipped to the darkest corner and shoved the books aside, crawling into the shelf itself.
It was only here that Talulla finally allowed herself to cry in the only place she felt safe in the whole castle. |
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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 Jan 14, 2021 2:46:44 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
Silas watched her closely as she spoke about loosing his affections. Little did she know she was the only woman who'd ever received his affections. Not to mention she kept him on his toes so consistently that it would be hard for him to grow bored of her. So far everything had been a whirlwind and if he was as smart as she seemed to believe he knew better than that. He knew it would be very hard to grow bored of such a fascinating woman. Catching the attention of the prince who refused to give anyone the light of day was a feet in itself. "Husband of your dreams?" He laughed a little, surprised by the compliment, "I don't think you could have given me a more flattering compliment princess." Silas smiled, just happy to be with her in this moment.
"And for expectations you have exceeded all of them." The prince said his gaze on hers, he meant that fully. He'd come here expecting to just have to deal with who ever it was or to be headed home because of his bad behavior that would push her away. But here he was ready to crawl on his hands and knees anywhere she needed him to. Without a second thought he'd do it. Silas hadn't seen the king, it hadn't mattered to him anyway. His mind only thought of her and this moment. As she shifted putting a bit of space between them confusion set in but he said nothing. His eyes simply glanced were she had, watching the back of the king returning to the innards of the castle. Deep within he felt the anger from earlier after hearing him scold her like a child. He pushed it down though, he didn't want her to know that he'd been there, not just yet. Though the fear that had set in on her face was making it hard to act like it didn't bother him.
He blinked a bit as she kissed his cheek and began to leave him, he struggled to get to his feet as quickly as she had begun to leave. Silas reacted out to grab her hand, bowing and placing a kiss on her hand gently. "I enjoyed my time with you today Talulla. I pray that you will call on me if you need me." He said, standing up slowly and letting go of her hand his sharp hazel gaze on her. The prince had noticed the thorns and didn't like the feeling he got as he watched her leave. His eyes had caught the look on the feline's face and he furrowed his brow. Now letting the anger show through once she was gone.
"I don't like it either Dario." He said looking at the cat from where he stood watching her vanish into the maze. "I won't ask you to take me to her this time..." He let out a soft sigh, "I do have a favor to ask though.." Silas crouched down getting more on the black cat's level. "If you could make sure she is okay.. And fetch me if she isn't." He cleaned up their little picnic taking everything to the kitchens. He of course had earned himself some looks from the staff who had noticed the missing plates. Silas explained to them they'd had lunch together and they softened and waved him out as they were preparing dinner.
The prince went to his room reading himself for dinner. He'd be seeing her soon, right? After he changed and freshened up he heard a knock on his door and in walked his mother. "Good evening mother." Silas greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.
"Well finally I see my son after all day of him being missing. Where have you been dear? Not avoiding everything again are you?" The woman questioned, his face flushed and he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Actually the quiet opposite.." A small smile pulled at the corners of his lips as he looked down. "I spent half my day chasing the princess and the other half carrying her where she wanted to go." Surprise set in over the older woman's face and then she cupped his face quickly.
"Silas, is that interest you are showing? How unlike you my dear boy." The queen teased her son lightly. Silas just flushed and dusted her off, very red.
"Yes mother, I suppose you are thrilled with your choice." He looked over at her, a big grin on his face. "I know I am very happy with it. She is, breath-taking." The queen smiled, finally he'd said something other than, it had being boring or that she princess was uninspiring. She'd grown so tired of hearing that. But this, this was life in his eyes. Something she hadn't seen in a long time.
"You can tell me more later. I hope you were civil." She raised a brow at him and he didn't say anything he just rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Silas!" She said hitting her arm gently. "Manners. I've taught you better than that!" The queen scolded half heartedly. "Be sure you behave properly, it is not just your reputation on the line should people get the wrong idea."
He hadn't thought about that, the young princess already had a hard enough time with the judgment of her father. The whole kingdom was something he hadn't even though about. "I-I... Yes mother, I'll keep that in mind in the future..." Silas said softly, frowning a bit.
"Just, be smart. If you are going to be.. less than proper. Make sure there aren't prying eyes." The queen said raising a brow at him. "Now. Get ready I will see you at dinner my son." With that she left giving him another raised brow.
He made his way to dinner when it was time, sitting at the table with the rest of the royal families. His father and mother were there, the king had just arrived and they'd stood and bowed in greeting but the princess had yet to come. Silas looked at the empty chair across from him and his eyes moved to his mother and father before looking at the king. The three parents chatted, mostly his mother was talking really, she always had something to say. "Forgive the intrusion, but are we not to wait for the princess?" He asked calmly, his eyes resting on the king. It was his choice after all. But that wasn't why he asked. He knew she'd seen him prior to this and he wanted to see if he could get any information now. Even if it was small.
His parents had not seen her they said and the king had not given him what he'd wanted. So he ate his dinner, mostly in silence. Without her there it was not the same. Silas made polite conversation but nothing more. Though there were times where his father asked about the previous night and where he'd been that day. The prince spoke no lies, he was honest about where he'd been. "The princess showed me the mazes and gardens, of which both plazas she showed me were exquisite." Again his eyes moved to the king, "Your grace, " He dipped his head only slightly, "I compliment you on both plaza's they are unique jewels in their own right." His words, though talking about the garden, hinted at another meaning. While he made no direct comments or slander, his eyes spoke much more than that. The jewel he referred to was in fact his daughter, and his eyes had not left the man.
Hazel gaze searching the man's face remained firm until he felt his mother squeeze his hand under the table, hard. His eyes glanced down and then at her face for a moment. He saw the fire in her eyes and caste his gaze down. Silas didn't challenge anything after that. He was pushing it, not that he cared to much if the king liked him or not. After his mother excused herself and joined her. Bowing to the king and playing the part of perfect prince, briefly. Once out of the room and down a few halls his mother glared at him. "Are you daft?" She questioned, "You should watch your tone, you are still currently a guest and could lose the princess with a snap of his fingers. You are lucky I am still here to smooth things over." His mother said sternly. "You must show respect Silas."
Silas just rolled his eyes, "Respect is earned not given mother." He said, anger hinting in his tone once more.
"Silas Payne of Elizazar!" His mother snapped, now angry with him. "You will hold your tongue and behave or it will not be the king you need fear. Do not make me for a fool praising your intellect when you continued to prove me wrong at the table tonight."
He looked down, he had been foolish. Letting his emotions get the better of him. This was a first, emotions getting the better of the prince who cared so little, not challenging a king in his own home. Brazen new prince he was becoming. "Yes mother. Forgive me for my misconduct..." His voice was low, while sincere in his apology to his mother he had no regrets of what he'd said. "Goodnight mother. I shall see you at breakfast." He bowed and the queen nodding, bidding him a good night as well. Silas turned and walked down the halls to his room. Where was she? Was this an often thing her missing meals? He'd have to make sure she ate, he couldn't bare the thought of her getting sick.
So again he set out to search for the princess. He check her room, knocking lightly on the door, no answer. He'd gone out to the stables, the horses were all there and he'd greeted the two he knew happily. Dario had yet to fetch him, so perhaps everything was fine? The feeling in his stomach said otherwise though. After searching almost everywhere he returned to the castle, the only place he hadn't gone was the library as he'd seen the king headed in that direction. The last thing he need to be was alone with that man with no one there to stop his tongue.
He went to his room, plopping down on his bed with a small pout. Already he missed her. The scent of lavender had been washed away from his hands and his fingers yearned for the feeling of her soft freckled skin. His ears pleaded for the music that was her laugh, it almost felt like it physically hurt to not be around her. And not knowing what had happened with her and the king caused anger to boil within. His hands started to smoke a bit as he clenched his fist. Blinking he shook his hands dispelling the heat he begun to make without thinking. Gently he touched a flower that had remained from earlier when he'd slept beside her.
Softly he sighed dropping back on to the bed, the only thing he could do was wait for the cat to lead him to her or for her to come to him now. He felt helpless and overwhelming bored without her. The light the drew him in like a moth was missing somewhere in the castle.
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 14, 2021 14:44:56 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla was, well to put it lightly, a little overwhelmed. Hiding in the library, she felt her nerves starting to fray as she sat there, struggling for air. She was deathly silent, quieter than the books around her as she choked back sobs, trying to push everything back down in her chest where it belonged. Everything was turning on its head so fast she could barely process it. I mean, today even, Silas had professed his love, and reassured her when she left that he had meant it all. And then her father had squashed everything good today beneath his iron fist, reminding her that she wasn’t fit to be queen and that Silas didn’t deserve her; he deserved so much better.
And the worst thing was, this wasn’t news to her. This was exactly her worst fears confirmed. Her father was, simply, right. She didn’t deserve Silas at all.
She pressed her knuckles to her lips, taking a wet breath as closed her eyes, remembering Silas bending before her with a gentle kiss goodbye. Always the proper gentleman and the stately prince. So much more controlled than she. She curled tighter into a ball, face burrowed into her hands and prayed to turn into a book forever right then and there.
Meanwhile, the king was unsuccessfully trying to quell his anger still. Is she dim? Have all those silly books been for nothing? Does shunt retain anything? He sank into his chair with his drink, sighing in exhaustion. If you were still here, darling, you would know what to do. He looked up at the portrait of his dearly departed wife glowing above the mantlepiece. So vibrant and full of joy she had been, much like his troublesome daughter. It was painful, for him, to see how much she was like the late queen. But the queen knew her place and manners, and knew how to play her part. Talulla, it seems will never learn. A constant embarrassment to the crown.
He rose from his chair, leaving his drink behind and went to freshen up before dinner. When he arrived, he bowed before the King and Queen of Elizazar. He glanced at the prince, stony gaze harsh and angry still, though the look quelled quickly to the stoic indifference he normally bore. He turned his attention to the queen as she began to prattle on, doing his best to push his lingering annoyance at Talulla to the side for the lovely company he had before him. When Silas interrupted, his jaw clenched a bit, silvery gaze glinting with a new spark of annoyance. God, this prince is just as frustrating as her. Perhaps they are a perfect disgrace of a match.
”The princess is taking some time to review her etiquette in regards to the upcoming wedding, since she seems to have forgotten her manners. Something we could all benefit from, ourselves.” His gaze was cold and harsh, eyes trained securely on Silas, a warning glittering beneath the surface. It would not bode well for Silas to provoke the already angry man. Dario slunk forward then, rubbing against Silas’s legs in a soothing manner, making sure to stay out of sight of his irritable majesty. After all, Talulla wasn’t here to be a wall between his anger and the guests; Silas didn’t know how much he was getting into.
As Silas answered his father’s questions, King Maynard’s gaze darkened with each sentence. She’s really making us look like a bunch of peasants with her lack of manners. Ugh, his parents must be so upset with her upbringing. His hands curled into fists around his silverware, eyes sharp and nostrils flaring slightly with a clenched jaw. He gave a short clearing of the throat and a brisk smile, eyes burning with fury at the boy’s insolence. ”Ah, yes, the garden. Talulla’s own kingdom. Well, she is unique, but I would consider her far from a jewel,” He challenged, gaze on Silas and staring the man down.
”I’d consider her more to be like a fig tree; when pruned with a firm and steady hand, it will bear delicious fruit, but when left without careful supervision, is prone to falling wild and barren.” He gave a sharp exhale of contempt at the prince, holding his gaze until the prince dropped his. He straightened in his seat, keeping his eyes trained on the man for another moment until the queen picked up conversation once more, his anger swallowed with another bite of roasted potatoes.
After they excused themselves, King Maynard turned to the other man, giving a faint, thin lipped smile. "Ah, children. So interesting, yes?” He quipped, eyes sparking slightly with irritation. ”As it would happen, I need to go check on my own, now. I’d imagine she’s nowhere near where she ought to be in her review, yes? Please let your lovely wife know that I am quite fond of both of your company and look forward to the union of our families soon.” He stood, and with a sharp bow, departed from the room.
Dario slipped out behind him, trotting along with a keen eye on the king. His gaze was narrowed as he slunk along in the shadows, watching the king with a glowing, narrowed gaze. The king started at the princess’ room, and when he did not find her there, his frustration only grew. Disgracing him was one thing, but skipping dinner to sulk? Completely unacceptable.
She didn’t even have a right to be sulking. She had earned her reprimand, and he felt she’d almost not gotten quite enough of one considering that her disrespect had only continued since the action, rather than improved. He turned on his heel, not noticing the dark kitten sprinting ahead of him as he began to make his way to the library.
Talulla had finally begun to calm where she was hidden. She was, frankly, exhausted. The day had been long, and her emotions had flowed in and out so strongly that she felt almost numb and empty now. She just felt completely drained, and had no motivation to even try to make it to dinner, much less to return to her room and freshen up in an attempt to make up for her actions earlier.
Dario let himself in the side door, darting up to the princess with an urgent mewl. She blinked, puffy gaze turning to him, swiping at her red nose with a confused look. ”What? He doesn’t want me at dinner. I’m a… disgrace, don’t you know?” She sighed, voice cracking slightly as she turned away again. Dario butted his head against her, pulling at her skirt to try to get her to get out before the king got here. ”Just leave me Dario, please. I want to be alone right now.”
Suddenly the door to the library flew open. Talulla’s heart stopped as she froze, ears straining to hear all the way down to where the door was. She knew she was safe here; no one had ever found her here before, but she still couldn’t convince her heart to slow as it raced on ahead of her.
”Talulla?” The king’s voice boomed through the empty room and fear rippled down her spine as she shrank into the bookshelf. She clamped her hand over her mouth, freezing as she held her breath. Dario disappeared, not wanting to lead the angry king to the girl. She trembled, despite her best efforts, lungs burning as the terror forced her to exhale, soft and shaking through her nose. The king turned his gaze around the room, eyes narrowed as he began to poke around. ”I know you’re hiding in here. You have embarrassed me for the last time, do you understand me? You will behave yourself and you will learn to control your tongue. It’s bad enough you back talk, but sticking it down the prince’s throat when you’ve barely met him!? And your wedding isn’t for another week?” He sighed, shaking his head and stopping for a moment.
”You are acting like you have no manners. I didn’t put you through all those classes for you to behave like a hussy.” His tone was growing sharper by the moment, anger shaking in his voice as his fury grew, moving faster now as he began to look for her with more fervency, anger boiling in his blood. Talulla felt terror clutch her chest, crushing out her air. She squeezed her watering eyes shut, hand clamped tight over her mouth as she heard him draw closer, heart thundering in her chest.
Dario, however, had a plan.
With a yowl, the kitten tumbled out behind the king, acting as if the king had stepped on his tail. He swiped at the angry man’s pants, hissing loudly. He nicked the king’s ankle, earning a roar of pain from the king. Talulla’s eyes widened, panic for Dario’s safety emerging over panic for her own. Dario was fine however, darting out of range of the king’s angry foot as the man swung to kick him with a grunt. ”Stupid cat!” He growled, turning with a slight stumble. Dario darted ahead and disappeared once more and the king sighed, suddenly feeling drained.
”Control your tongue and your beast. Or, I’ll get rid of both.” With the final, booming threat, he turned and strode out of the room, slamming the door behind him. He returned to his study and his drinks, leaving Talulla shaking in her shelf. Dario darted out, leaving the princess alone as she began to weep again in fear and relief, heart pounding wildly.
Did he hurt Dario? If he did, it’s my fault. All of this is my fault. I’m such a shame… a blemish on my kingdom. I don’t deserve Silas, and he deserves so much more than me. I will never be a good queen, or a good wife. She stayed put, dissolving further into herself, ignoring her throbbing ankle and still smarting cheek.
Dario slipped into Silas’ room from the side door, knowing all the passageways and how to get in and out. He darted up with an urgent meow at the prince, fur standing on end. His eyes were wide, tail flicking angrily as he tugged on Silas’s pant leg, intent on getting the prince to his princess and to protect her from the king (and herself) as quick as possible.
When he got Silas to his feet, he darted forward, leading the man out of the room, sprinting ahead toward the library. He made no effort to slow, knowing the prince would understand the urgency. When they arrived at the library, he darted ahead, leading Silas up to where the princess was tucked. He ran up to Talulla, chirping in concern, fur flattening in relief.
"Go away Dario, please. I can't have you getting hurt too, because of me." She choked out, voice thick with tears. Talulla had her back turned, hands clamped over her ears, ignoring the kitten as she quietly sobbed, trying to return to the numbness she had felt before, not yet aware that Silas was now there, too. |
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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 Jan 14, 2021 18:52:07 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
Laying in bed the prince was fuming on his own, the kings words repeated in his head over and over. The prince was quiet literally fuming. Smoke fluttered around his hands once more. His eyes were closed and he took a deep breath just trying to calm himself. His mothers voice echoing quietly was the only thing keeping him from finding that man's study and giving him a piece of his mind. While the king had been right, she was like a tree more than a jewel he knew it was for different reasons.
She was strong, even if she didn't look it. She was beautiful and free, grew where and how she pleased. But being slowly cut down over years had caused her to wilt and be scarred. It may not have show on the surface but under the bark of a tree is where it's history was written out in its rings. For the princess it was the same, under everything her history was laid out and he'd gotten a glimpse of it these past two days. He sat up running his fingers through his hair, the heat didn't bother him or burn him ever so he still didn't notice the smoke from his hands that filled the room a bit.
What had happened when she went to talk with him? Why hadn't she shown up to dinner? The only small consolation was that Dario hadn't showed up yet. But there was still the possibility that he might. Silas still had his eyes closed as his mind raced. He didn't know what he would do if he found out she was hurt or crying somewhere by herself. That wasn't going to be allowed as long as he was around. It was then that he felt something pull at his leg. His eyes opened quickly and looked at the source, Dario. Silas hadn't even heard the meow that had told him of that cats arrival prior to the tugging.
Quickly and careful not to step on the cat he was up and out of bed faster than he could even comprehend. Dario had looked frantic when he'd called on Silas and that put fear in the prince's heart. It had all but dropped out of his body as the cat ran off without a second glance but he ran after him. Pushing past the servant who'd come to draw his bath. "You are excused for the night. I will tend to myself." He said pausing very briefly. "Thank you." With that he was gone and after the cat.
Of course she was in the library the one place he hadn't been able to look. He should have gone in any way, but his mothers words of warning had stopped him. Once they arrived he was out of breath, he hadn't run with this intent in a while. His heart was racing and all sorts of thoughts ran through his head. The prince had yet to say anything but his eyes followed where the cat went as he caught his breath. The bookshelf? Had this not been a serious matter he would have laughed, it was smart, that shelf was hidden from the eye and a raging king without a thought in his head would never think to look so high up and far away. She'd had to hide often considering the place was so well thought out.
Calming any heat in his heads at the thoughts running through his mind he walked over the shelf. "Princess?" He called softly before starting to climb up the shelf he wasn't sure if he'd fit up there with her as well but he was going to find out. He peeked his head over where she was cowering, his eyes instantly filled with concern and worry. "I missed you at dinner...is this where you were?" He asked pulling himself up more and trying his best to fit in the small space. It didn't work to well but he'd managed to get most of him in the shelf, giving her enough space between them.
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 14, 2021 20:41:43 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla ignored Dario’s gentle pawing, shifting and finally turning to look at him, irritation sparking in her gaze for real now. ”Dario, I’ve asked nicely. Stop, please. Seriously,” She croaked, sniffling and swiping at her nose, still fighting to quell her emotions. She jerked back then, shrinking back when she caught Silas in her peripheral, trembling from head to toe. Her heart thundered in her chest as she covered her head, eyes squeezing shut in terror as she gasped, struggling to breathe. Then, Silas spoke.
She froze, peeking out at him, trembling returning once more. Her eyes were wide and damp, nose red and cheeks puffy once more. God, he’s going to think you’re a literal crybaby. Well, is he wrong? She blinked in confusion, shifting to make room for him, careful of the books that were still there. She sniffled again, swiping at her eyes in embarrassment, looking away from him. Her heart thundered on, fluttering for a different reason at his words, surprise flickering in her dull features. He missed you? He even noticed you were gone?
She turned to him, not even bothering to try to fake a smile, knowing she couldn’t in this moment. ”Yes, sorry. I’m not feeling very hungry right now… big lunch, you know, and as princess I could always stand to lose a few…” She trailed off, hearing her father’s words ringing in her ears. Sure, it had been a comment in passing years ago, but it still resonated with her to this day. ”Sorry, I know I don’t look anything like a proper princess right now. I wasn’t expecting to see anyone else tonight,” She admitted, swiping at her eyes and hurriedly tucking her hair behind her ears to try to make herself look a little nicer. Her hand subconsciously came to cover her cheek once more, heart pounding at the memory. She could almost still feel the sting.
”Anyway, my father and… and I decided that maybe I need to… to start acting a little more like the queen I’m about to be, so I just wanted to come, uh, review my lessons.” She stumbled over her words, eyes gazing anywhere but at him, ashamed of herself. She wasn’t a very good liar, and she didn’t like to do it, and furthermore, Silas was the very last person she wanted to lie to.
Dario chirped, moving forward and pawing at the clearly uncomfortable girl. She managed a small smile, allowing him to cuddle up against her with a purr. He gave a soft meow, and she rolled her eyes, gently shaking her head. ”Yes, sorry Dario. I guess I don’t really actually want to be alone right now, and you were quite fierce back there, you little warrior.” She booped Dario’s nose earning a chirp and purr from the kitten, looking slightly less distraught, though her face had yet to have any color return, and she hadn’t quite mastered the tears yet.
”Anyway, I can’t imagine that this book shelf is very comfortable for you to sit in, so shall we get down?” She glanced down at the ground, grimacing at the thought of putting her whole weight on her ankle again. However, she wasn’t about to bother Silas anymore than she already had. No need to disgrace yourself further! Dario leapt down, tail flicking as he darted ahead, slinking back into the shadows. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, fighting hard to swallow everything still and quell her thrumming heart. |
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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 Jan 16, 2021 3:13:34 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
Silas just looked at her while she spoke, he could see through her lies with ease. The princess truly was a bad liar. The comment on her needing to loose a few pound made him blink for a moment in surprise but he'd yet to say anything. He sat scrunched up in the shelf just trying to understand why she was saying the things she was saying. Silas knew she wouldn't notice how closely he was studying her since she was purposefully looking anywhere but at him.
His eyes had only left her for a moment when the cat came up to her and curled up on her. Dario seemed to make her happier with something as simple as his presence. His eyes returned to her as she offered to get out of the bookshelf. Relief washed over his face from a moment before he grew serious again. "While I'd love to get down, I have something things to say." Silas adjusting himself a bit, letting his leg hang down from the shelf. "Firstly, you were right you are a very bad lair princess. If you don't want to tell me what happened I won't push you. But, I would hope that you trust me enough to confined in me." His eyes were locked on her, gentle but serious. "Second, the lack of proper behavior is what draws me to you. Proper isn't anyone is deep down, that is a mask we wear. " He cleared his throat a bit, "Third, loose a few pounds? My dear Talulla you wouldn't ask your flowers to shed their petals if they had more than what someone else wanted would you?" His brow raised a bit watching her. "Lastly, yes please I would very much like to get down from here, I don't think this shelf was made for someone my size." The man laughed a little before scooting back since he had to move so she could.
After getting down he looked up at her and held his arms out. "I don't want you hurting you ankle anymore I'll catch you I promise." He said watching her closely. Honestly he didn't know how she had managed to get up there on her own with her ankle. The prince had concern and seriousness written all over his face, if was clear he wasn't going to let her make her way down on her own. He was tall enough that if she managed to get down and on to the shelf she could drop back into his arms without much trouble. Plus she should have known he could carry her weight easily. His siblings all asked to be carried at the same time and he'd had struggled to keep standing with six small children clinging to him and giggling because they thought it was funny.
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 16, 2021 17:13:54 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla wanted to curl up into a ball and disappear in that moment. If she could learn to turn into a tree rather than just make them spontaneously combust from the ground, that would be really great. Especially right about now. She could feel Silas staring at her, feel his eyes burning into her face as she fought to keep her gaze anywhere else. It was hard, but she knew she couldn’t lie to him if she was looking at him; she could barely even manage a lie now, given how close he was.
She wanted, more than anything, for him to pull her close. But, given the parameters of the bookshelf and the fact that her father had basically compared her to a woman in a brothel, Talulla found herself unable to think to ask for such a thing. He must be so disgusted with me… embarrassed to know that his future wife is no more than a common wench… a disgrace. She swallowed, cheeks burning at the thought, her father’s words like a knife twisting in her gut. He’s right, though. Silas doesn’t want this.
But, then again, Silas did have a habit of surprising her.
She looked up, eyes wide, finally bringing her gaze to his for the first time since he joined her. Her own was uncertain and, frankly, afraid. Afraid to know what he actually thought. She dropped her gaze when he announced he had a few things to say, nerves fraying. She blushed in shame at his comment about her being a bad liar, looking away in defeat, swallowing hard. Now, she felt like crying for a completely other reason. However, he continued.
He doesn’t care that I’m improper? That already the kingdom thinks so lowly of me there’s no chance of repairs? He doesn’t care about my reputation? She blinked, saucers for eyes returning to his face as she grew very still, holding her breath, now listening very intently. He had managed to convince her that it was safe to listen, to even look at him while he was speaking. He’s not your father! You’re so stupid!! She felt like her heart was in her throat, choking her and preventing her from saying anything in response. She was just frozen while Silas finished, removing himself from the bookshelf with surprising ease. How many times did you fall out of here while he, in all his beautiful perfection, nailed it on his first try?!
As he held his arms out, she swallowed her heart and thrust it into her stomach for the time being. He had lifted her with ease all day, and he didn’t seem uncertain now. Though, the drop from this height was different than him scooping her up. Still, if she fell through his arms and crashed to the ground, she deserved it. She took a steadying breath, swiping at her eyes and shifted, making certain that her bad leg was facing him. If she did fall through, she wanted to have enough time to protect her already injured ankle. She easily slid down to the shelf, securing herself with an iron grip on the ornate wood. She stared down at him, holding his gaze for a long minute, searching look returning.
He’s not going to let you fall. Trust him. She looked rather feral once more, dress torn and dirty and hair wild and loose about her. She was perched on the shelf with ease, body tense and muscles taunt beneath her skin, supporting her despite the fact that her bad ankle was just dangling free. Her eyes, though still damp and uncertain, glinted with a spark of mischief despite it all. After staring Silas down for a long moment, she suddenly released her grip, squeezing her eyes shut as she did.
She landed onto him with ease, breath jolting out of her lungs with a sharp exhale. She waited for him to lose his grip, bracing herself for impact with the floor. But, the floor didn’t come. She peeked up at him before her eyes flew open in relief and surprise. He was right! Just like he said. She gave a shaky smile, tucking her hair behind her ears and shifting, winding her arm around his neck and securing her legs so he could support her better. Bridal style… how appropriate. She glanced down, ashamed once more for having doubted him.
”Uhm, can you take me to my room please? I feel… gross.” Her voice was hardly above a whisper, throat scratchy and hoarse from crying. Dario took this as his cue to dart forth from the shadows, leading Silas into the labyrinth of hidden corridors. Talulla leaned her head against his chest, forehead on his neck. Her skin was hot, still flushed from shame, and her fingers had found their way to the nape of his neck once more, absentmindedly fiddling with his hair that was loose there. Dario kept within Silas’s range of senses, finally coming to rest behind the door. Talulla reached forward, pushing it open like they had practiced before.
Her room was surprisingly understated for being the heir to the throne. Sure, she had the silken sheets and lush throw pillows and fluffy carpet on ornate hardwood. But there was no gold furniture; most was sleek, dark wood—mahogany perhaps? The room smelled of flowers and was a simple color scheme of gentle blues, soothing and inviting. Her wallpaper sported tall cherry trees in blossom with small birds and butterflies throughout, her carpet the same shade as the cherry blossoms. The door to the balcony was open, small flowers and dark vines creeping in despite best efforts to keep the plants confined to the trellis and outdoors. The sheer white curtains fluttered in the breeze, inviting one out. It almost felt as if one had walked into a dream of a forest, the perfect meadow.
Her vanity was fairly empty, with only a few oils and ribbons and a silvery comb, flowering vines carved into the body. The same ones that were carved onto all her furniture, if one looked close enough. On the edge of the vanity, a small stack of books perched precariously. Beside her fluffed and comfortable looking armchair, another small stack sat. On her bedside table, yet another few books, and around the edges were small stacks here and there. Clearly, her reading habits were not confined to the library.
”I’m going to take a quick bath, if that’s okay, uhm. You’re welcome to… to stay, out here. If you want,” She stumbled over her words, voice trailing off to barely above a whisper. She slipped down from his arms, giving him a grateful smile. Dario chirped then, darting over and sitting in front of the door, blocking Silas from leaving with a smug expression. Talulla disappeared with her a limp into the bathroom, and soon the sound of running water could be heard.
Talulla was surprisingly fast, considering she was all alone in there and had to scrub and detangle her long hair out alone. The room slowly filled with the scent of roses and lavender, trailing beneath the door and into her bedroom. Dario flicked his tail in warning as he shifted, slinking quickly to guard the door while he watched Silas try to get comfortable. The kitten stared the man down with an all too knowing gaze, seeming less angry and more curious than he had before.
Talulla let the water drain, drying her body and wringing out her hair. She massaged oils into her damp, warm skin, and gentle creams onto her face. She added some oils to her hair, scrunching as she went to work it into the curl. All the things Constance had instilled in her. She pulled on her night gown, a simple, silken white one that stretched below her knees. It had lace details along the bodice and the tight shoulders, but otherwise was simple, save for a small rose right in the center of her chest. She braced herself for Silas to be gone, peeking shyly out of the steaming bathroom.
Yet again, the prince surprised her.
Her cheeks, already flushed from the hot bath deepened in color as she grinned, despite herself. She dropped her gaze, limping out of the bathroom as Dario leapt up onto her bed, rubbing up against Silas before moving up to disappear into her pillows. She paused by the vanity, picking up her comb before coming to sit next to Silas, uncertainty evident in her slightly shaking fingers and her pounding heart.
”Thank you, for staying,” She finally broke the silence, turning her gaze to him with wide eyes and a soft, shy smile. A mirror image of the nervous princess from the first moment they met once more. Such a shame to see such a backslide. ”I’m sorry to keep troubling you so, but if you wouldn’t mind, would you please help me comb out my hair?” Her bottom lip quivered slightly in nervousness, afraid he was going to say no or be irritated and finally just leave her alone. Truth be told, she hated being alone. Even though it was all she knew.
”I know it’s silly to ask, but Constance usually helps me with it, and it’s just very long and hard to work out all the tangles when you can’t see it, but if you don’t want to, I understand.” Her words tumbled over each other in her nerves, hands clenched tight around the comb as she stared down at the simple tool, heart thundering in her chest. The tremor hadn’t quite left her hands or her lip as she forced herself to keep her gaze down, embarrassed yet again at how needy she was. If he isn’t embarrassed by your lack of manners, he’s sure to find you shameful since you can’t even comb your hair out alone. |
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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 Jan 16, 2021 21:08:11 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
The instant she froze concern filled his eyes but he pushed it down. So that is what happened. It wasn’t just words but the king quite literally put her down. His blood boiled for a moment and heat radiated off of him for a mere second. As her eyes met his and he saw the look of fear all his anger dissipated. Any heat vanished and he remained calm, she had felt enough anger for a life time and he was not about to give her anymore negativity.
Silas took his time brushing her hair, making sure that he didn’t pull on any knots or anything that may have been in her hair from lay in the grass. For the most part, it was free of twigs and such. His fingers moved delicately through untangling any bits that remained together after her bath. Her hair smelled like flowers and was so calming he wanted nothing more than to snuggle close to her and just breathe. He wanted to hold her and cry with her for what happened. But she hadn’t shared it with him and for now, he bit his tongue. Just taking this time to relax her and as he felt her rest against him everything melted away for a moment.
As she turned to look up at him he smiled back at her glad she was talking again and seeming to return to normal so far. She thanked him and then began to apologize for behaving differently. He listened quietly as she went on just combing her hair with gentle very controlled fingers as he fought the heat that threatens his fingertips. It was when she touched her cheek that he clenched his jaw. Silas had hoped with everything inside him he had been thinking the worst and that he was wrong. But that proved his suspicions. He swallowed down the heat just returning to her hair, his eyes starting to tear up as he did.
How could she be so kind to the man who showed her none of that? Her own father the only man who should show her that kindness far more than any other gave her violence not love. It explained so much and it hurt him in his core. As she turned to him his eyes were brimming with tears. “The only thing I want you to be is who you want to be,” Silas said his voice soft and biting back the tears that tipped on the edges of his eyes. “Nothing more and nothing less. I don’t want you to be anything other than what you are. And that is not a disgrace.” He said slowly cupping her face where she had cupped it earlier. A deep sadness in his eyes. “Princess. You don’t need to tell me what happened. But I want to share something with you if I may.” He paused watching her. There was so much fear within her.
“I’ve known loss. And it changes you without a doubt on that. But sadness is not an excuse.” His voice was low and soft, he swallowed back the tears once more. “You said I’m becoming your best friend yes?” He paused for a moment, “Then know that as long as I am here. I will never hurt you. In anyway. And I promise that I will do whatever I can to protect you from pain ever again.” His eyes were serious and unmoved. “I hope that you are right, about your father still being in there. But know that I will always be there for you. No matter what I will always catch you.” Silas hoped not just for her sake the man would change, but for the king’s sake as well. “If you need me I’ll be there.” |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 16, 2021 21:43:56 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla swallowed hard, teeth latching onto her bottom lip as she struggled to brace herself. If Silas said no, or ran from the room, he had every right too. She wouldn’t even be surprised if he left, and then decided to call off the wedding and leave for good. Everyone else always does. Still, she knew Silas leaving would hurt in a way unlike anything she’d felt before.
For the first time in a long time, she was truly afraid of losing someone.
She was, yet again, surprised by her prince to be. His hand came down on hers and she stiffened, freezing for just a moment. Her eyes widened, pupils dilating slightly in anxiety until he spoke. Her gaze flew up to him, uncertainty riddled through her features as she swallowed, forcing a small smile. She released the comb when he took it, waiting patiently for him to get situated. She hesitated when he pat the bed before she quickly scooted over. She turned her back to him, drawing her knees up to her chest and resting her chin on them. She tilted her head to the side to make it easier for him to section, heart rate slowing.
She seemed frozen in time, there for a moment, barely no changes evident. Gradually, as he worked his way through her hair, she began to really relax. Her eyes began to close, face smoothing out as her heart rate slowed. Her breathing became more steady, muscles relaxing as she leaned back to rest against him, finally making contact. She made no remarks, simply enjoying the steady peace that was filling the room.
”Thank you.” She finally broken the silence when he was about a quarter of the way through. Her eyes flickered open, turning to peek up at him with a gentle, friendly smile before they slid shut once more and she gave a sigh, tilting her head for a new section.
”I suppose, I owe you more than a thank you. An apology, too. I am sorry, for being so strange and doubting you back there in the library.” She spoke softly tone sincere though she couldn’t face him. Dario watched from the pillows with a gentle purr, a soft back ground sound in the flower scented room. All the more soothing.
”I’ve just… I’m sure you can tell that my relationship with my father isn’t quite the same as the relationship you have with your parents.” She swallowed hard, a slight tremor snaking down her spine. "But, he wasn’t always like this. So cold and distant. Long ago, he was one of my best friends.” She gave a dry laugh, eyes opening as she brought one hand up to cup her cheek once more, brows furrowing together in pain at the memories that had begun to return.
”Mama’s death took a lot, out of everyone in the kingdom. But I think it hit him the worst. And, he tried his best to raise me to be proper, but I haven’t been easy on him either. Neither of us know what we’re doing, honestly.” Another dry laugh escaped her as horror flashed through her eyes, remembering all the missteps her father had made, finishing with this afternoon’s.
”I know he’s still in there, somewhere, just like I’m still here, you know?” She sighed, resuming her original position, turning her head once more. She fell silent for a few moments, the air heavy between them. It was clear to see she didn’t blame her father at all for his actions, though that didn’t stop the fear that she felt so deeply at even just the thought of him.
How strange to see such forgiveness in the place where hatred would be more than understood.
”I’m sorry if I seem… off. I don’t… Sometimes, I lose myself a little, that’s all. I just know I’m never what I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be it? That doesn’t make sense.” Her tone sharpened, frustrated at her lack of clarity in what she was struggling to convey. ”I guess, I just don’t know what anyone wants of me.” She paused here, straightening to turn to look him in the eye fully for the first time since lunch.
”I don’t know who you want me to be,” She admitted, uncertainty lining her features, face still rosy from the bath under knitted, dark brows. The sadness was back, dancing in her eyes, and even though he was only halfway done with her hair, she paused them, holding him there in her steady gaze. She was being honest; she had heard him loud and clear earlier, and was trying to trust him.
It was scary, when you were used to the floor falling through, to suddenly find yourself on solid ground. |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 17, 2021 15:04:27 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla was surprised to find Silas staring at her with such intensity when she turned around. His eyes were soft, sorrow mirrored in his green pools, and they seemed to glisten, almost as if her were about to cry. I didn’t even say anything special though… is he that ashamed of me? She swallowed hard, heart racing in her chest as she held his gaze. She, momentarily, was distracted by what seemed to be smoke trailing off his fingers, and a new worry settled in her chest. Is he…. angry? With me??
As he spoke, the fear dissipated for a moment, her body shifting to face him a little better so she could read his reactions better. He looked… touched beyond measure, something that was surprising to her. Now, however, it was her turn to brim with tears at his words, surprised by his statement. Not once in her 23 years of existence had anyone ever asked her to be anything other than what she was. He wants me for myself? He doesn’t… think I’m a disgrace? She blinked, swallowing hard and dropping her gaze.
She didn’t mean to, but she couldn’t control her reactions. Not with the wound so fresh. She caught it in her periphery and she flinched, eyes squeezing shut with a grimace. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to remain still and brace for impact. At Silas’s tender touch, however, her eyes flew open in surprise as she gave a soft gasp in shock. ”Sorry,” she breathed, softly in an exhale barely audible as she looked away, shame flooding her features. She flushed, but allowed him to touch her, giving a grimace of a smile.
”Old habits, you know?” She gave a short, dry laugh, leaning forward and into his hand, swallowing the residual fear and doing her best to pretend like nothing happened. She listened seriously as he spoke, the sadness being swallowed once more as she stared at him. She leaned further into his hand, her own coming to cover his with a soft smile as she gave a gentle nod, sniffling and glancing away. ”Okay Silas, I hear you,” She finally managed. She shifted, turning away then to let him resume his combing. She gave a gentle yawn, settling against him once more, knees up to her chest again.
”I am really lucky to have you, Silas. I’m sorry that I can’t … do more for you,” She stumbled over her words, uncertain once more, brows knit together. ”But I hope you will be happy here, and that if you need anything of me, you ask. I will give you whatever I can, as long as you are with me,” She offered, turning to peek at him once more. ”Don’t worry Silas, you already have my heart, so ask for something else,” She teased, looking away once more.
Once he finished, she took the comb. She set it to the side before turning back to him. She hesitated, studying him for a moment before shifting. She climbed forward and onto his lap, wrapping her arms around him and burrowing into his chest. ”If this bothers you, I can stop,” She mumbled into his shirt, inhaling his scent and appreciating the security that came with it.
For the first time, in a long time, Talulla felt safe. |
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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 Jan 18, 2021 18:15:12 GMT -5
»Anaris Vass
»Silas Payne
His eyes grew sadder as she tensed for impact, how long had this been going on for her to be so scared of touch even when he moved slowly. He'd paused for a moment as she leaned into his hand, forcing herself to trust him. Gently his thumb ran over her cheek, trying to not only comfort her but himself as well, the skin on skin contact was the only thing keeping his hands from setting on fire. Silas continued brushing her hair, being even more gentle that before, he was still fighting back his tears.
Never before had anyone forced so much emotion out of him, normally he was level-headed, quiet and honestly didn't care. But not with her, he could feel his blood boiling at the thought of the king putting a hand on her in anyway now. The prince listened as she spoke once more, he listened to her tease him and he laughed lightly. There she was. Talulla's nature had started to flower again. "I do really like your food so far." The man teased back as he finished the last few bits of her hair. "Book recommendations are always good too" He laughed, watching her set them comb down and climb into his lap. A soft smile began to form once more.
"All I want angel is for you to be you." He wrapped his arms around her resting his cheek on her head the fresh scent of her hair oils flooding his senses. "And it doesn't bother me, you can stay here as long as you need." Silas said kissing the top of her head softly. He let his hand cup the back of her head as they sat there just existing together. Dario's soft purring lulling them both into a calm place. It was then that he started to hum softly, a song his mother used to hum to him as a child. A song he knew very well, he didn't know the words, he wasn't even sure it had words. But it calmed him and hoped it would do the same for her. Slowly his hands ran through her hair as he hummed the melody, this moment of all the ones they'd shared so far was his favorite. The princess said being herself again, he felt calm and happy just holding her here like she deserved. He promised himself this was how she would spend the rest of her days with him, peaceful and happy. Being herself without fear, he'd make sure this was permanent. He would take any disagreements for her, any criticism would be his to bear. If it took him a life time he'd make sure she never faced another cruel word about her just being her. He wouldn't allow it. |
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Post by ɪɴᴛʀᴀɴꜱɪɢᴇɴᴛ on Jan 21, 2021 22:01:09 GMT -5
Orson
Talulla
Talulla, honestly, did not know how to react to Silas being upset on her behalf. All Talulla had come to know was to stay out of sight, and bear whatever punishment she had earned quietly so it would be over quicker. But, then again, Silas continued to surprise her. It was quickly becoming one of the things she loved most about him, though she wondered if she would ever get used to it. Luckily, we have time. She blinked at the intrusion of the thought, surprised by her acceptance. Never before had she anticipated someone staying around, and certainly not for the foreseeable future. It was… refreshing, and alarming.
All of what had happened since Silas had arrived was both refreshing and alarming.
She hated seeing the sadness in his eyes when she flinched away. It tore into her heart in a strange manner, squashing it in its ugly clutch. She had never been one to share her sorrows with others before, and to find that she was met with sorrow and not pity was unnerving. She could handle pity just fine (by angrily brushing it aside), and she would take indifference any day. But to know that someone else was hurting because of her? That was almost too much to bear.
So, she tried to soothe Silas as best she could, by hugging him as tightly as she could manage. She wanted to squeeze the sadness out of him and establish a barrier to keep it from returning, instead filling him with comfort and the joy he gave her. She wanted to give him joy too, not sorrow and anger. She had had enough of that to last her more than one lifetime.
Talulla gradually loosened her hold, relaxing some once she felt him pull her closer, finding herself soothed by his gentle touch. She felt his arms around her like a barrier, and found herself met with the strange conclusion that they could both protect the other: She would not let her sadness escape and poison him too, and in turn, he could prevent her from exploding into a million different pieces and directions. That was healthy, and normal, right? Right, considering you know so much about healthy relationships.
As time went on, Talulla felt her heart rate slow to synchronize with his, their breaths falling in perfect harmony together. Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale. She felt his hand work its way into her hair, and found herself suddenly soothed in a way she hadn’t been since… well, since her mother died. No one had soothed the young princess at the time, and no one had bothered to try to soothe her since. Inhale, exhale. Yet, here was this gorgeous man with his hand in her hair and his lips pressed to the crown of her head, humming a distantly familiar yet simultaneously foreign tune trying to hold her together.
And for the first time in a long time, Talulla did feel held. And, more importantly, she felt safe.
So, it was no surprise, however, that Silas managed to begin to lull the very exhausted princess into the throes of sleep as she sat there, enveloped by his warmth and gentle steadfastness. Gradually, her head dipped further and further, as she fought harder to stay awake. She finally pulled back to look up at him, eyes half lidded and the promise of sleep lingering on her lashes as she met his gaze with her own gentle one.
”What are you singing?” She finally managed, yawning as she did, beginning to disentangle herself from him. She shuddered as the cool air from the balcony breezed across her once she was out of his gentle shield, and she instantly wanted to return. But, sleep was calling, and she was a needy mistress. Talulla yawned once more with another small tremor as she crawled her way to the top of the bed, her long hair now halfway dry. She pulled back the blankets and begin to crawl under, shifting the pillows and producing a rather disgruntled Dario, who leapt to the foot and curled up indignantly, waiting impatiently for her to settle.
”I feel like I’ve heard that song before,” She finally mumbled, eyes drowsy as she turned to him, gently reaching a hand out to him and patting the bed beside her at the same time. ”So strangely familiar; just like you.” She gave a sweet smile and slight stretch, a small shiver making its way down her spine as she burrowed under the chilly sheets.
”Will you…” She began, but cut herself off, blinking and suddenly looking more alert as her heart shook its sleepiness off, instead starting to pick up its pace. She swallowed, nervously pushing her hair behind her ear as she glanced down, shy for a moment, shifting up into a sitting position once more. You’ve already slept in his bed, and soon you’ll be sharing a bed forever. It’s time to get used to it, right?
”Would you, please, stay. If you don’t mind, please,” She managed, cheeks turning pinker by the moment, eyes alert once more as they darted to his face, slightly panicked. She didn’t know how she was going to sleep tonight, given the terror of the afternoon nap and the fact that she had yet to process her… discussion with her father in full. She was desperately in need of sleep, but didn’t want to sleep alone.
What she wanted, more than anything, was to snuggle back up to Silas and drift off once more. |
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