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Post by Raven on Jan 14, 2022 20:43:35 GMT -5
Corvin turned and looked to Alessendrie. She was awake. He took a step forward and then glanced up to the sword in the planets. He didn’t really think about the damage he was causing. He didn’t really think. Ever. Until now. Corvin’s mouth dropped slightly as she began to cry “I- uh, Alessendrie.” He pulled his brows together, his eyes catching the necklace around her throat. He felt a dark pit in his stomach. The smell… of burning flesh. Dead…bodies.
He clenched his fist into a tight ball. He tried to call to the eye, as he always could. It would linger in the back of mind, always. Waiting to be beckoned. Waiting to suck the sanity from his soul. That was no longer his burden. He stared to her in that moment thought…. I could go…. I could be done with it for ever. I can return to being a Prince again…. he felt it in his feet. He felt the heat under his soles. He would grab Vinelle’s hand and run. Like in his memory – or… dream? No, it was real. He felt it leave him, and now it consumed Alessendrie.
Corvin grasped Alessendrie’s arms as she fell into him. He looked to her – eyes searching her hues. “You’re different” he whispered and shook his head. Tears swelled in his eyes. He watched her movements – her finger dipping into the bit of blood on her arm. “Stop, Alessendrie” he looked to her.
Do it. He’s begged enough.
Corvin reached forward and caught her hand with his own, fingers wrapping about her wrists. “Tell me something, Alessendrie” he spoke in a broken whisper. His chest heaved and his voice cracked. “Have you not thought of me everyday since our parting” he whispered, mumbling almost. “I – I regret every single thing. I should have… I should have been stronger. If I could tell that… that eye. Alessendrie” he titled his head, trying to catch her eyes. “I need you to be stronger than me. That voice – it’s not yours. You can make it go away.” He tilted his head.
“Corvin, it’s no use.” Vinelle pulled at his arm. “She’s going to kill you, get back, move” she pulled on the man, but ultimately she was too small to budge him. “God damnit!” Vinelle turned and then backed up. She rushed forward and tackled Alessendrie to the ground, she brought a fist up and shook her head. “Sorry” she hit the woman on the side of the head. Knocking her unconscious.
“Why did you do that?!” Corvin shouted and shook his head. “The – no”
“She’s fine, Gods . What the fuck do you think is going on? Huh? That cursed fucking EYE is in her now. So, good job. Ya busted your fucking girlfriend” Vinelle leaned down and grasped the arms of Alessendrie.
“Wai-no-shes- not my girlfriend” Corvin stared to her, he glanced down and watched the small woman drag Alessendrie, though she struggled. “Damnit” he walked over and shoved her slightly. The small pirate woman stumbled back and then crossed her arms, watching him. Corvin leaned down and tucked an arm under Alessendrie’s legs, and back – lifting her with ease. He glanced down and looked to the gentle bruising on her cheek.
“I’ve had to walk you from the edge of that ship so many times. When that fucking eyeball decides to take hold, you lose yourself. Do you know – how many fucking deckhands you have killed?” she questioned and poked at his back with a finger as they walked down the hallway. “He’s got her grips in her, and she doesn’t know how to keep him at bay. It’s been… a long fucking year for you to even get decent… it had to be done. She is.. a lot more powerful than you” Vinelle opened the door to the only room they knew – their own.
Vinelle closed the door and then crossed her arms. She stepped over to the bed and to the now slumbering woman. The eyeball had it’s eye shut… Vinelle wanted to shove her thumb into its socket, rip it out and squish it… but she knew it wasn’t that easy.
“Vinelle…” Corvin stepped over to her and looked to her arm… No cut on her arm. No damage at all. “Ahm, thanks” he nodded and then he pulled a chair up to the edge of the bed.
“I’ll leave you to pout” Vinelle spoke and then stepped from the room…
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Post by Seaslug on Jan 16, 2022 15:46:21 GMT -5
The smell of roasted garlic and vegetables cloaked the air, as an elderly woman patiently stirred a pot bubbling with stew. She pulled up the ladle and took a cautious sip, making a face as she glanced over her shoulder. “Say girl, what’d ya put in this? Not a bit of seasoning I suspect!” The woman grumbled, shaking a dash of this and a pinch of that into the pot. “Ya want to make her feel worse?” She stirred again before stamping it with a lid, adding a few coals on top to keep the heat. “Helloooo, Jasmine? What’ve you got to say for yerself?”
Sitting at a wooden bench, Jasmine stared blankly at the various fruits that lay in front of her. She was supposed to be arranging them on a gorgeously gilded copper tray, but was instead popping pink grapes into her mouth, flipping through a cookbook littered with recipes she’d never heard of or even thought to make. She was so engrossed in her boredom, it wasn’t until the older woman struck her shoulder harshly with a wooden spoon, that made her jump and drop the grapes. “Oh..uhm…sorry?” Jasmine guessed.
The older woman grunted and snatched the grapes away, joining the younger at the bench. “How do you expect to progress anywhere when you got yer head in the clouds?” She asked as she began to arrange the fruit prettily along the tray.
Jasmine shrugged, reluctantly closing the cookbook as she watched Miz Rose put way too much effort into her task. “Do you actually want me to answer, or would you rather me stay silent so you can continue on with your lecture?” Miz Rose shot her a sharp look and Jasmine held her hands up in playful protest. “Alright, stay silent then…” She chimed as she picked up an orange and began peeling.
Miz Rose sighed before reaching for the mint leaves, strategically placing them around the fruit as accents. “I’m not trying to lecture you,” This time it was Jasmine who shot a sharp look, and Miz Rose let out a small chuckle — first of the evening. “Well, I am trying to lecture you. But only because I want you to be better!”
“Well I think I’m doing just fine.” Jasmine spat, narrowing her eyes. Her nails pierced the flesh of an orange, squirting citrus in her face. Miz Rose chuckled again and Jasmine stuck out her tongue before letting out a genuine laugh. “I’m serious, Miz Rose. I think they would be proud.” An image of her parents flashed through her mind, and Jasmine felt warmth running down the length of her arms. “By the time they get back, I’ll know enough to prepare a whole feast!”
Miz Rose raised an eyebrow, looking towards the bubbling cauldron. “Let’s hope it’ll taste better than that stew.” She clucked her tongue, this time ignoring Jasmine’s pointed look. “I’m serious Jasmine — that was horrid.”
“Hey — that recipe is an absolute smash at the Drunken Seahorse.” Jasmine popped an orange slice into her mouth, avoiding Miz Rose’s swatting hand. “Everything can’t always be plums and crystal fruit. Not everyone can afford to live in such luxury.” She raised the tone of her voice and mocked a haughty accent, smoothing her imaginary silken skirts and pulling imaginary gloves over her hands. “I, Royal Highness Jasmine of Castleport, shall make a decree — may every household be as stuck up their own arse like that of Magnolia Estate.”
Miz Rose widened her eyes, before reaching over to tug on Jasmine’s sleeve. “Watch your — someone could hear you, girl!” She frowned as she finished arranging the tray, sliding it back over in front of Jasmine. “Miss Morthover has had a day.” She shook her head, remembering the gossip she heard from Elaine earlier. “Those two…pirates have been running amuck, crashing things, and smashing things…This is for when Miss Morthover awakes. Yer to take it to her room. And if she’s not awake,” Miz Rose paused before giving Jasmine a knowing look. “Yer to wait in the sitting room until she is. They’ll be in the Cerulean Room, dear.”
Jasmine rolled her eyes, but took the tray. “These pirates…” She began, as she crossed the kitchen. “Have you met—”
“Go, now! Shoo!” Miz Rose was already back at the cauldron with her back turned, stirring feverishly as she added more herbs.
“Go, now! Shoo!” Jasmine mocked, slipping two miniscule vials (Miz Rose found and confiscated them last week) into her left boot on her way out. She took the servants’ tunnels that ran along the underground and backside of Magnolia Estate, keeping her eyes low whenever she passed another worker. So far, she only knew of one other Tiefling girl in all of Magnolia Estate, and she was one of Alessendrie’s acolytes. No doubt she was of a prestigious bloodline — Tieflings were barely regarded as citizens on this side of the country. It was rare to see anyone that looked like her growing up, as Tieflings were known as rangers and scavengers, lurkers on the outskirts of desert cities and unforgiving forests. According to most, they were “wild” and “uncivilized” — even if they were employed by the illustrious Magnolia Estate.
Jasmine knew being employed by the estate, and being trained under Castleport Academy were completely different, but she didn’t care. The way everyone waltzed around in their expensive linens, just staring at her, glaring at her…well it didn’t exactly make her the most friendly or polite person to be around. Turning up the grand staircase, Jasmine stopped to admire the artwork along the walls. Majestic and mystical scenes — High Elves rebuilding their cities, Mages of years past receiving their aetheric attunements, serene landscapes dripping in colors of which she could not name.
“How fucking boring,” Jasmine yawned, setting the tray down on a small table before she would reach into her boot and pull out one of the vials. Inside was a pinkish-orange liquid, shimmering under the low candlelight. She popped the cork, before emptying it on her tongue, letting it sit for a moment before she swallowed. Let the fun begin… A smirk on her lips as she picked up the tray. If I’m going to actually do work, I should at least get to be high for it, Jasmine continued along the corridor across the expansive estate.
A few moments into her journey, Magnolia Estate suddenly became brighter, bolder. Jasmine’s shoulders loosened up and she let out a deep sigh, followed by a small chuckle. The candlelight glow on wallpaper enamored her, as she set the tray down once more and was suddenly on her knees, tracing the patterns in the wallpaper with her finger. “I wonder how much this wallpaper cost…” She whispered, pulling to her feet and turning around, realizing she had reached one of the main interior balconies. Jasmine leaned across, gazing up at the gorgeously gigantic skylight. The clouds seemed to move exactly at that moment, and the moon revealed herself to all below. "Wow..." Jasmine gasped slightly, gazing at the beautiful sight, and she did not hear the footsteps that were steadily approaching her.
~~~
"Soyica, my darling - please! This is a gift from the Gods!” A man was pleading to a gentle-faced woman, pulling and grasping at her hands as if they might pop right off and walk away. “Darling, please. Look at me!”
The woman lifted her chin, revealing a tear-stained face. Her usual golden eyes were now a muted brown, and her pouty lips quivered as turned to face her husband. “We can’t…I can’t!” She insisted, resisting the urge to pull away from him. “It is not the right time. My love, you must understand—”
The man broke first, releasing her hands as he stood from the table, kicking over a serving tray. Bottles, vials and glasses crashed onto the floor, crunching beneath his boots as he paced back and forth. “No, Soyica. I don’t understand. I apparently don’t understand anything anymore!” He held up his hands in exasperation, turning back to her angrily. “Ever since you begun those silly trials, I’ve haven’t understood much of anything, least of all you!”
Soyica sniffled, pulling a hand to her face to wipe her eyes. “They are not silly, Frederik, and I don’t appreciate—”
“You don’t appreciate what?” Frederik stopped pacing, hands crossed over his chest in annoyance. “You don’t appreciate that I’ve allowed you to go days? Weeks! Fucking weeks, Soyica, without spending time with your husband?” He was beginning to lose his temper, his tone growing louder and sharper.
“Frederik…” The woman was the one pleading now so she stood, moving to him cautiously. “Love, please.” She whispered, attempting to unfold his arms from his chest.
“Do you understand it’s been weeks since I’ve really touched you?” Frederik sighed, resisting his wife’s hands at first before giving in. He always did. “Soyica, this is a miracle! A blessing…” He reached down slowly, placing a hand across her stomach, another cupping her teary cheek. “Unless of course…it’s someone else’s…” He looked to her darkened eyes, searching for vulnerability.
Soyica’s mouth fell open, her eyes flashing silver before frowning slightly. “You will not insult—Frederik! If I barely have time for you, how, by light, do you expect me to go and find someone else?” Soyica’s tone was sharp as she stared into her husband’s eyes. They were silent for a moment, before both softening, chuckling genuinely at the mere thought.
“I have only ever loved you.” Soyica said confidently, truthfully, cupping his face in both her hands. “Only you.” She repeated.
Frederik’s eyes shifted down to her stomach before back up to hers. “Us.” He corrected, leaning in close to her. “Only us.” This time, she would be the one to give in.
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Post by Raven on Jan 17, 2022 16:48:02 GMT -5
Vinelle slipped from the room and gave a deep sigh, her hands gently closing the door. Too much drama she inhaled deeply and let it go. She dug through her pouch on her side and pulled out a rolled cigar. She slipped it between her lips and struck a match swiftly and lit it. She took several puffs and held the smoke for a moment. She then let it go in one long stream and sighed happily, relief. She took another long drag and then stuffed a hand into her pocket and began to walk slowly. The gentle buzz came onto her like a steamed blanket. It was comfortable and sweet. She took another drag and continued to wander aimlessly down a hallway. No doubt someone would come around the corner and yell at her to put it out. Though, she cared not. She pressed her lips about the cigar and freed her other hand. Her finger traced the texture wall aimlessly as she walked down, like a child wandering about the academy halls. Her eyes glanced from one dashing thing to another, a statue, a vase of exotic flowers, carvings and whatever else. Though, she came to a pause as she came to top a set of stairs. She leaned against the wall, pausing as she eyed a woman. A young Tiefling was upon her knees. Vinelle tilted her head to the side as the woman seem to count the threads in the wall paper. The small woman took another long drag and let it go slowly, the servant had not realized she was there yet, it seemed. Rather, the woman peered up to the sky. Which was dazzling in every way, the moonlight unshrouded play a gentle hue over her glow. “Pretty huh?” Vinelle stepped forward to the girl, rolled cigar in between her two fingers. She leaned over and plucked an orange slice from the tray, which rest alone. She held the orange to her lips for a moment, before chomping it whole. “Mm – that is pretty fresh, you should have one” she took another orange slice and bit into it. “Oh yeah, last time I had oranges… ahh” she smirked and took a drag of her cigar. “The Malbric Islands – they have.. oranges, and coconuts – oh yeah, roasted pineapple? Have you ever had?” she questioned and plucked a grape as well. “They dust it with cinnamon and sugar, and then roast it in a fire. Nice crust on the outside… juicy on the inside” she seemed to be lost, imagining the flavor as she took a piece of cheese. She tilted her head and then reached forward – she grasped the Tiefling’s jaw with a gentle touch and pulled her gaze towards hers. Vinelle’s golden hues looked to the girls – to her wide pupils. She smirked and then offered her cigar forward to the woman. “You might like this” she raised a brow. “Captain Vinelle Fray, of the great whale Cetus, and you are?” she questioned with a grin, as she waited for the woman to take the roll. *** Corvin sat before Alessendrie, he watched as she slept – he counted her breaths, how many seconds it took for her to take a full breath, and then let it go slowly. After a while he broke away with a sigh, he leaned back in the chair and shut his eyes. “It’s been quite the journey” he whispered. “So long I’ve been… in a trance by that eye. The way it feels, to be apart of me… the power he gave me” he chuckled then. “I thought… I had been some chosen person. Warped and twisted into believing I was going to be this big hero” he laughed then. “I threw it all away at a passing dream” he glanced to Alessendrie. To the necklace – which would not open to his stare. “All to find out I was but a vessel, meant to find a better purpose. It makes me wonder… just how much of my life was my choice. Was I warped this entire time? Did he know we would find each other again?” he sucked in a breath. He grew silent and even chuckled “Who am I, talking aloud to a sleeping woman. Of whom I barely know” he stood and paced the room then. “His name is Ezekiel, at least that is what he calls himself. He is not from this place, or realm. He feasts on chaos and-“ Suddenly the eye opened wide, it jumped from side to side until it locked onto Corvin. The world grew still. The crisp fresh air of the estate was now dusty and hot. Grey matter surrounded him completely, a world of dark thick crust that lacked life. Shards of stone erect from the ground, from every odd direction, with no explanation. Almost as if they were bolts shot from the heavens, lodged into the land. There was single set of stairs that led upward to a swirling sky. It was dark clouds of black and grey. Red lightning struck across the sky and thunder rumbled for miles. Though, as far as Corvin could see- it was miles of this same desolate land.
Breaking through the clouds came that familiar eye. It blinked several times and then found Corvin, locking directly onto him.
“What do you want from me, haven’t I done enough?” Corvin questioned, shouting to the eye…as if he wouldn’t able to hear him, from so far away.
Your story is not over, young Prince.
“My story ended the day I met you” he shook his head. “I have nothing to go back to”
Your story can continue…
“Like it’s that easy!” Corvin grit his teeth, he rushed up the first few steps of the stairs and glared to the beast. “No – my story doesn’t end here!” he then ran up the stairs. It seem to go forever, for every step he made – another appeared. Until he ran… and ran. The eye continued to seem for ever far away.
Evil, sinister, dark laughter. The eye seem to blink with its laughter, maybe even shift slightly.
After nearly 20 minutes– Corvin stopped to catch his breath. He glanced downward as he stood – looking down… he saw a distant land of decrepit darkness, like a rot crawled over the surface of the world. He glanced back up and began running again. “I won’t stop, not until you’re dead!” he shouted and he wiped a bit of sweat from his brows and dashed up the stairs once more. Burning flesh.
Are you sure you aren’t just running? That is… after all… all you ever do. You run away.
Corvin paused, a boot on the following step. He breathed heavily and looked up to the eye that twitched slightly, watching him curiously. “Not this time” he spoke through a heave and then rushed upward again. Seagulls.
Corvin O’Hare, you are truly a fool
A waltz. Corvin paused. He stopped running and stood, in what seemed to be same spot he kept racing - the middle of the stairs. Yet seemingly miles above the earth. The eye watching him. A waltz played. He glanced over the edge of the stairs and he did not see earth. He saw his mother, standing by a tall bush of flowers. Alessendrie next to her, sipping on a drink. He turned his head and the Princess was walking inside. He looked to the eye, who was watching from above. Then back down to Alessendrie. He then - leaped off the edge of the stairs. Corvin gasped as he came to, he was laying on the ground atop a gorgeous hand woven rug. He turned his head to the side - his blue hues glancing over the bed. A sleeping Alessendrie. He felt an overwhelming lull over his mind and body, forcing him to sleep. |
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Post by Seaslug on Jan 17, 2022 21:20:58 GMT -5
An earthy, yet sweet smell hit Jasmine’s nostrils, she closed her eyes and inhaled the floral aroma, turning her nose slightly in its direction. Boots sounded against the carpet, and the Tiefling’s sulfur-stained eyes landed on a woman about the same size as she — if not for the horns jutting out from the top of her forehead. A smirk painted on her lips as the other approached, immediately going for the tray.
“The Malbric Islands, you say? Huh…so Reginald wasn’t lying then.” Jasmine chuckled slightly, without missing a beat. “Sorry, I just..uh..knew this one fucker,” she laughed again, this time a small snort escaping from her button-nose. “It’s just when you meet as many drunken bastards as I do, stumbling about with all their stories…seasoned fruits and edible flowers…” Jasmine shook her head, gazing back up at the moon. “No such a thing where I’m from.” She turned back to the woman, watching her plop more food into her mouth.
Jasmine’s eyes narrowed under the woman’s touch, her eyes flashing with a hint of mischief as she reached with her mouth to take the cigar. She stood as she puffed slowly, inhaling the delicious treat. Her chest began to flutter and eyes closed, she rocked back and forth on her toes before inhaling again. With a toothy smile she looked back at the woman. “That. Is. Fucking. Excellent.” This time a giggle. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be so foul-mouthed in front of such…company.” She did a dramatic bow, sneakily pulling the second vial out of her boot and slipping it between her fingers.
With a wiggle, she outstretched her hand to the Captain, offering the vial, while still maintaining somewhat of a bow. “Presenting, Barmaid, Apprentice Chef, and Royal Fuckup - Jasmine of…” She paused then, scrunching her face and twisting her lips for a moment. “Well, I’m from The Barrens…and we don’t really have a nickname for it since it’s just..well…barren.” It was a dramatically loud whisper, but Jasmine cleared her throat and retook a serious expression. “Jasmine of The Barrens, your excellency.”
~~~
The crackling of fireplace pulled Alessendrie from her slumber, as if she were drawn to its warmth like a moth. She ran her arms across the surface on which she lay, the soft furs gliding between her fingers. Her eyes opened slowly, taking in the various shades of blue around the room. She inhaled sharply - chocolate wine and plums, the faint smell of a cigar. Alessendrie sighed, I am safe. I am alive. I am light. She began to sit up slowly, touching her fingers to her throbbing scalp and bruised cheek. “And sore.” She mumbled, massaging her jaw while sucking in a breath. Swinging her legs over the side of the huge bed, her yellow eyes catching sight of the snoozing Prince. Her shoulders tensed for a moment naturally — she was not completely sure of him, though she sat statuesque with bated breath as she watched him for a moment, counting the rise and fall of his chest.
Alessendrie didn’t know what to think, or how to feel. What were once clear memories were now ghostly glimpses, and the mage couldn’t distinguish dream from reality. Her head ached with confusion, so she stood slowly, gripping onto the bedpost to steady herself. Stepping strategically around Prince Corvin, she made her way to the vanity, pulling out the velvet-lined bench to sit. For the first few moments, Alessendrie resisted the mirror, not wanting to see what she felt herself becoming.
You’re different.
She finally brought up sad eyes to her reflection, gasping slightly as she noticed the change in hue. “I am different…” Alessendrie whispered, catching the necklace resting on her collarbone. She hesitantly reached up and stroked it, it’s fleshy-yet-metal eyelid remained closed — though she swear she could feel it twitch beneath her touch. “Ezekiel?” She seemed to pull the name out of thin air, but silence was all that returned to her. Sighing, her eyes traveled down towards the bruising in her cheeks, and she brought up her hand to massage it gently.
With a deep breath, she rubbed her fingertips together before gently tapping lightly on her skin in a rhythmic motion. “Inceltuso mendaro,” Alessendrie whispered, flinching slightly at the force of her own magic. Though it was a simple, apprentice-level healing spell, the energy behind it pulsed feverishly, and Alessendrie frowned, noting the slight glow of crimson radiating from her fingertips. The bruising now gone, she pulled her fingers back hesitantly, lip quivering before her face was in her hands, muffled sobs escaping between the crackling of the fire.
Have you not thought of me everyday since our parting?
Alessendrie ran her fingers through her hair, unfashioning the gorgeous hairpin she had placed there before dinner. A mess of soft waves, dark as night revealed their true length and wildness, spilling past her shoulders like a cloak. She wiped her tears as she glanced at the Prince’s reflection in the mirror, her lips upturned in a way that only looked like a smile. Inside, was deep curiosity, and profound sadness.
“The Prince O’hare of Alevra…asleep but a waltz away from my feet,” Alessendrie exhaled, a subtle shake of the head. “Even the Princess Selenia herself would refuse to believe it.” The last part was a whisper, tears falling down her cheeks once more, reaching for a tissue as she began to wipe mascara from around her stained eyes.
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Post by Raven on Jan 17, 2022 23:05:24 GMT -5
Vinelle lifted a brow to the woman as she played along, this woman was suave and slick. Competition… Finally She bit at her lower lip slightly as she drew her head away from the woman, her fingers slipping from her jaw. She watched the woman draw upon her roll, where her lips had been pressed for a damn near 20 minutes now. She tilted her head to the side, a smirk crawling over her smooth face as the Tiefling expressed a feeling of sensation. “Go on, take another” she smirked and nodded, watching intently. The smoke that drew into her lips, the bit that lingered out her nose but was drawn back in by an even deeper breath. Vinelle watched as the bosom of the woman rose – and then fell slowly and evenly. “Mmmm” she hummed and took her cigar back.
Vinelle chuckled and leaned back, her hips pertruding forward in a dramatic nature. As the woman came back with a vial – she immediately reached forward and took it from her hands. She brought the jar to her lips and gave it a sweet kiss. “This is that good shit, isn’t it?” she uncorked it and took a huff. She downed the vial and then chucked the vial down below. It shattered on the ground below, the sound of the crashing echoing in the reverberating like hall. Vinelle instantly giggled and grasped the womans arm. She leaned down and snagged the tray and rushed forward.
“Okay – Jasmine of the Barrens” she laughed now. Her cigar bounced in her lips as she ran slightly. High as moon above. She rounded a corner and paused, she was breathing heavily. “Whats this room?” She questioned and opened a door. They stumbled into a tasting room. It was a dimly lit room with a wet bar, tables and the like. Along the entire wall was rows upon rows of wine. “By the sweet Gods” she let go of Jasmine and gripped her cigar. She puffed on it and idly handed it back to Jasmine to take from her as she stepped forward.
“Wowwwww” she twirled and then jumped onto one of the tables. “Do you fancy a wine?” she giggled and then jumped to the bar and walked down it. She placed a hand on her thigh and then started to dance. She grinded onto her own hand and let it ride up her chest, until she passed her jaw and danced it into the air, hiking herself lower and lower to the ground with a bounce. She let out a squeal and jumped from the bar. “Hell yeah” she danced to the wall and plucked a bottle. “What do you like Jasmine of the Barrens? Do you like a hot wet and sweet wine, or a dry like your barrens Ethereal shit?” she twirled and uncorked the wine and brought the bottle to her lips. She tilted it and drank for a solid 10 seconds and then threw the bottle onto the ground.
It crashed into a bunch of pieces and the red liquid spilled over the floor. Vinelle laughed loudly and grasped another bottle off of the shelf. “Think fast Ms.Barren” she tossed the bottle towards her.
~~~
Corvin stirred slightly as Alessendrie rose, but he dared not move. He breathed evenly and quietly… the woman shifted around. He was awake for it all… her soft weeping sobs, and her soft whispers. The last bit made him cough slightly, some kind of reaction. Here she stood...He stirred slightly and opened his eyes… he glanced to Alessendrie and then sat upward.
His hues were sullen and defeated, or maybe just very exhausted. He slowly stood and looked to Alessendrie… He didn’t say a word, he simply stood and stumbled over to the couch. He sat down on it and then collapsed onto the plush cushion of the couch. Corvin sat there for a long moment, his breathing quiet and even. “I don’t know what has happened, or why it has happened. I don’t have an excuse for then, I don’t have one for now either.” He spoke calmly. “But we’re stuck here now, so” he shifted and grasped a blanket that was laying over side of the couch. “Good night” he muttered.
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Post by Seaslug on Jan 18, 2022 0:32:13 GMT -5
The Tiefling watched the Captain down the vial easily and she grinned, biting her lip as she watched it explode into shards below.
“Hello?”
Jasmine was sure she heard a guard’s voice call up, and she backed away from the balcony, holding her mouth as she looked back to Vinelle. “I could get into serious trouble!” She whispered, stealing a grape from the tray. “But you like trouble I take it?” Jasmine knew the answer and the consequence, but allowed the pirate to grasp onto her arm anyway, quickening her pace as she tried to keep up. She looked down at the various tattoos that were hooked between her own arm — she’d met others with tattoos in similar styles but on Captain Frey they looked…different.
“Don’t ask me, I’m still learning the place,” Jasmine murmured as they stole into a luxurious room, full of casks, jugs, bottles, and all kinds of boozy treats. Her pouty lips dropped in awe as she twirled into the room, noting the gilded tables and carved chairs. “There’s not enough trouble in the world that could buy me a room like this…” She remarked, running her fingers over aged-wood, swaying her hips slightly as she traced along the grooves as if they were bass lines. Her moment was interrupted by Vinelle’s cigar once more, and she held it between her lips loosely as she followed slowly behind the other.
Miz Rose would fucking kill me… Jasmine inhaled sharply, her eyes dancing between the door and Vinelle’s dancing, ultimately settling on the latter. The only music was the heat between them, and the Tiefling massaged into her own hips, twirling again as if following on the same rhythm. She gave a hearty laugh, her raspy voice colliding against the pop of a cork and glass shattering. She puffed on the cigar again, pulling it between her fingers as she shimmied over the broken glass, catching the bottle just barely in her other hand.
“I actually prefer a little spice,” Jasmine winked before letting the wine slip out of her fingers, crashing into the marbled floor beneath her boots. “Oops.” She exhaled along with a cloud of smoke, forming a soft ‘o’ with her lips as she blew gently in Vinelle’s direction. She walked towards her slowly, pressing a knee ever-so-gently against the Captain’s thigh, leaning in close as she reached behind to pull forward a jug that was resting on the countertop. Jasmine turned the label round so she could read it, squealing with delight. “Open,” She instructed to the Captain, as she returned the cigar to its owner.
“Talk about good shit,” Jasmine circled the bar and carefully pulled down two proper whiskey-tasting glasses; gorgeous crystal things that shimmered under the candlelights. Smile on her lips, she did a little spin with the jug, beating on the bar with a free-hand as she strummed a little beat, humming to herself. “Nowwwww…” She sang dramatically, as she finally began to pour. “Whiskey is the life of man/And always was since life began/A glass of whiskey all around/Turns the frown to upside down!/Whiskey is the life of mannnn,” Jasmine stopped pouring, thumping the jug down on the bar while still on beat. “So a bottle full for the shanty man!” Finally finished, she nudged a glass towards the Captain while she picked up the other.
“Or something like that?” Jasmine blushed, her already reddish-skin blooming deeper as she shrugged. “Sometimes you just…pick it up from those bastards unwillingly.” She clinked their glasses and tilted her head, knocking the drink back with ease. She sucked in her breath and slammed the glass on the bar - it was surprisingly sturdier than she thought. “I’m sure you know tons of sea shanties..y’know…since you’re a pirate.” Her eyes danced with fascination. “Or do you like to be called something else? Miz Rose says ‘pirate’ like it’s a bad thing.”
Picking up the jug, she began pouring them both another. “I think it’s fucking cool. You’re like…wolves…but out there, on the sea or something. Water Wolves!” Jasmine laughed, amusing her own self. “Fucking Water Wolves.”
~~~
Alessendrie’s hands fell from her face, her eyes shifting back to Prince Corvin’s reflection in the mirror as he sat up, their eyes meeting for a brief moment as he stood. She watched him walk silently and away from her, but turned her body to face him at the sound of his voice. It was almost unrecognizable; she had never heard him sound so…incomplete. Even still, Alessendrie couldn’t help but grow warm with frustration, her brows knitted together as he pulled the blanket over himself in an attempt to shut himself away.
“You ever stop to think maybe I don’t want excuses?” Alessendrie questioned, sniffling slightly. “You decided from the moment you got here that you wouldn’t be honest with me.” She pushed, despite her heart pounding against her chest. “No, actually, you decided that night you wouldn’t be honest with me, leaving absolutely no space or regard for what I wanted!” Alessendrie too, was exhausted, the slight raise of her pitch causing her already strained voice to crack in the back of her throat. With a shake of her head she stood, pushing the bench back towards the vanity as she walked back over to the fireplace, standing still for a moment before turning back to the Prince.
I regret every single thing.
Alessendrie sighed, crossing her arms across her chest as she pulled at a sleeve from her dinner gown, a loose thread catching her attention. She pulled at it harder, her breath quickening.
But we’re stuck here now, so.
It was if it were suddenly too tight, or as if her body were fighting against it. Alessendrie felt constricted, tightening around herself as she let out a frustrated breath, pulling at both arms now. The walls began to feel as if they were caving in, squeezing and flattening the tension in the room around her throat. “Just…” Alessendrie tried to fight against the pressure, furrowing her brow as she reached her arms up to massage at her temples. “Eno-enough of this!” She finally managed, letting out an exasperated sigh as her atmosphere began to feel loose again.
“You are not a prisoner here, Prince Corvin. You came as you wished,” Alessendrie scoffed then, pulling a hand through her waves before motioning to the door. “You are sure to go as you wish.” Her yellow eyes flickered briefly, only briefly, back to their original silver hue, her voice laced with a touch of unease. “The Kingdom of Alevra need not mourn two losses…” Alessendrie’s voice was softer, and she dropped her arm slightly. “Do you ever think about what they want? Of what anyone else wants?”
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Post by Raven on Jan 18, 2022 20:39:05 GMT -5
Vinelle laughed loudly as she watched the bottle drop from Jasmine’s hand, it was a chaotic grin with a bit of fire in her eyes. She tilted her head as the woman came towards her, as the smoke pressed against her face – she shook her head in it, as if to motorboat the smoke itself. “Mmm” she hummed gently as the woman reached over her. Her fingers shifted forward and slipped under the Tiefling’s thigh, grazing her fingertips – though over her clothing. She leaned back as grasped the whiskey bottle. “As you command” she opened her lips and took the cigar as the woman placed it. With a quick puff - her dainty fingers tugged at the bottle and a loud pop danced through the air. She slid the bottle down the bar to the woman and chuckled. As the woman began to beat on the table – Vinelle danced slightly over to her. Then the woman began to sing and her smile lit up brighter than the fictitious lighting in the room. “And always was since life began~” she joined in, as if she had sang it a hundred times. Halfway through the line she began to belt it with joy. Seagulls… sea spray… dolphins… “Those bastards teach you to drink too?” Vinelle stepped next to her, she leaned her elbows onto the bar and leaned over – fingers clasping over the glass. The warmth from her fingers fogged it slightly, the perfectly shining crystal. She tipped her glass to the woman and downed it also with ease. She reached for the bottle and poured another glass. She turned then and placed her lower back against the bar, her legs kicked out forward and crossed comfortably as the leaned. “Oh I know many sea shanties, my dear” she smirked. She took the cigar into her lips, which was tucked between two fingers. It was near done – just a quarter left now. She drew it and began to sing as the smoke left her lips. “ There… once was ship…" a known sea shanty, and yet always her favorite. It spoke of a captain who speared a whale, and the tales speak that said captain never slay the whale, but rather – the ship was lost with it. Whatever happened to it? A smirk left her lips as she finished the chorus again, a chuckle left her lips before she finished the rest of the song. Her voice rang in the room slightly, and then she cackled slightly. “Feels weird to sing it in an enclosed room” she smirked. “Honey, there is only one word for me…” she pulled her cigar from her lips. She stepped forward – her eyes peering to the river of wine that slowly crept its way towards the door o the room. She kicked through the wine happily, swirling slightly. Droplets of red splashed upward as she danced in the pool. “Captain is the only word…” she stepped forward to the woman, moving her hips from side to side as she made her way over. She placed a single leg between Jasmines and pinned her to the back of the bar. “Either you speak it, or you scream it” she drew in a long drag from the dwindling cigar in her hand. She held it for a second and then grasped the woman’s shoulder, her thumb rubbing over her collarbone as she leaned in. Vinelle parted her lips and a thick smoke trailed from hers to Jasmines. She tossed the dying bud into her whiskey glass, which was just poured. The smoke lingered over Jasmines lips, inviting her to trade air… Vinelle reached a hand forward and cupped the woman’s jaw once more – the last remaining bit of smoke wafting over the tiefling’s lips. She tilted her hand slightly, her nose brushing against Jasmines, and then she pressed her lips against the strangers, with power and energy. Electricity shot from her core and crawled over her skin, from her lips and merging into Jasmine. The world slowed down with each passing graze of her lips, a sly of the tongue. A pull of her head, a handful of hair with a hand. The other she frantically pulled at the woman’s dress, hiking it up about her waist as she moved against her. The same fingers pulling at her thigh with a desire that was amplified by the plethora of drugs in her system. She wanted nothing more than to hear the word 'Captain' ringing through the Estate. She wanted every person to know that she was bending the world, and reinventing the cosmos, through the rasping cries of her newly found crave… *** Corvin sat upward on the couch as Alessendrie stood – her voice was full of a kind of darkness. A familiar darkness. He watched her struggle with herself, he knew exactly what it was like. Or at least, he thought he did. He stood as she pointed to the door, and yet all he did was chuckle slightly at her. A lifeless chuckle, even a little defeated. Slowly he stepped towards her – his hands reached forward to hers. “I’m not a prisoner anymore” he spoke softly. “I thought of none, not even myself” he reached forward to her neckline. He snuck two fingers under the amulet and tilted his head, the eye blinked to him – searching his own hues. “You won’t be able to, soon enough. Your thoughts will not be your own… they will be dark, corrupted. You’ll want to snap people’s neck just for looking at you silly. You will do unsavory things that you dared to never even think of, nor will you be able to even speak of them…” he spoke in a gentle mutter. His fingers dropped the amulet, the eye, and it sat back atop her warm skin. “No, I’m not a prisoner anymore…” he smiled weakly and then he glanced down to her. His eyes traced her dress, her shoulders, her perfectly crafted jaw, eyes and nose. He sucked in a breath and let it go. “I only have one purpose now.” He spoke clearly now, with some rejuvenated confidence. “I will find a way to free you… from Ezekiel’s grasp. The Kingdom of Alevra has already mourned, and moved on. To return home would be to stir calamity. The day I succumbed to his power, was the day I died. I can never return to being Prince Corvin…” He offered his hands up to her “We danced once” he spoke softly and smirked slightly. “It never ended the way I wanted it to” he looked up to her then. His crystal blue eyes caught hers and he searched deep within her, and within himself. “One day… I will forgive myself, one day my people will forgive me. Perhaps, you can find it within you to forgive me” he hummed then, a waltz. |
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Post by Seaslug on Jan 19, 2022 3:16:20 GMT -5
The Captain had quite the singing voice, and Jasmine strummed gently on the bar again, as the other joined in her singing. “And I say, aye aye!” She giggled then, knocking back her glass once more. A bit of whiskey dribbled down the corner of her mouth and she reached for an orange slice, dabbing the bit of whiskey from her lip before popping it into her mouth. Her brows raised as Vinelle continued to sing, humming rather harmoniously in the background. “That’s a crowd favorite,” Jasmine nodded and remarked, chewing on another orange slice.
“Ha, you’d love to know all that I know…” Jasmine replied in a sing-song voice, spinning on her heel almost perfectly, before knocking over a a wooden storage box. “Fuuuuuck,” She bit her lip slightly, pushing braids out of her face as she playfully kicked it, turning back towards the bar. “Very smooth, Jasmine.” The Tiefling chuckled slightly, looking back up at the Captain sheepishly. Droplets of red wine splashed up at her and Jasmine swatted at Vinelle, pulling a mint leaf from the tray and holding it between her finger like a shield, before laughing as she slid it over her tongue.
Her mouth stayed open slightly as the Captain stepped towards her, electric fingertips tracing along her collarbone lightly. Breath hitched in Jasmine’s throat as she gasped softly, the cigar smoke filling her mouth. She inhaled; the earthy, floral flavor from earlier colliding with citrus and mint, leaving a harshly cool feeling on the inside of her cheeks. “Tell me then, Captain…” Jasmine leaned forward, whispering against the other’s mouth. She allowed Vinelle to press into her lips, gently parting to allow the witty tongue to slip through as she pressed her hips into the Captain’s.
As if from thin air yet whip-like, a crimson vine slithered alongside Vinelle’s leg, trailing across her thigh to the middle of her arm like a feather, before twisting around her arm and pulling fingers away from her dress. “What of those who moan it?” Jasmine bit into Vinelle’s lower lip gently before leaning away, shifting her eyes downward to grin at the sight of her tail, which held the Captain’s arm away slightly, wrapped around her wrist like rope. Her eyes were playful, as she traced Vinelle’s other arm up into her hair, entangling their fingers within each other. “Will you make me walk the pla—”
“By Gods, who is - is that the servant? You, girl! What is your name?” A shrill voice echoed with the tasting room, pulling Jasmine from her bliss, her tail unraveling slightly from the other’s wrist.
The room however, continued to swirl, colors and sounds mixing together and Jasmine scrunched her brows as if to focus, only to end up giggling hysterically. “Wait - wait..Fu—let me get this straight,” Jasmine pulled away completely from Vinelle, glass crunching beneath her boots, wine lapping at her heels. “You mean to fucking tell me, we’re the only other bastards in here—”
“I am not a bastard.” The other Tiefling narrowed her icy blue eyes, straightening her shoulders back as she turned up her nose in disgust. “You will not insul—”
“And you don’t even know my name?” Jasmine interrupted, pupils dilating as she took in the other. In the months she had been here, Jasmine had only ever caught glimpses of her — Castleport Academy had a strict and rigorous program (or so she heard), and the other Tiefling was an acolyte — meaning she had just begun walking the path of light, and no doubt under extreme scrutiny of the Council. “I know you! I know that you’re Orphelia…and you’re from Lunestra and…that everyone thinks you’re a bitch.” Jasmine maintained an overdramatically-interested tone before flattening on the last word, eyes narrowing as stopped a few beats away.
“No matter how fancy your robes are…” Jasmine’s citrine eyes glanced up at the pale horns protruding from the other’s forehead. “You’re still a little Devil.” She spat, cursing her own, forgetting then that even she hated being called such a thing. But in that moment, it didn’t matter.
Orphelia’s eyes widened with anger, and she stiffened, fists clenched at her sides. She glanced over the other Tieflings’s shoulder at the other woman, frown deepening on her lips. With a breath, she exhaled, looking back at the red one. “Not all of us are fallen from grace,” Orphelia quipped, smirk beginning to form. “Or abandoned.” She ended icily, turning on her heel to walk out of the room. “Oh, and don’t worry about returning to your post. I’ll see to it you’re properly fired.” With a scoff, Orphelia left the room, slamming the door behind her.
Or abandoned.
Jasmine’s tail twitched behind her slowly, circling around her calves as if she herself were prey. She turned back to Vinelle, her eyes glowing with intensity. “Take me with you,” Jasmine blurted, taking a step forward. “Anywhere - just fucking take me.”
~~~
Alessendrie couldn’t help but hold her breath, feeling the energy in the room shift as the Prince approached her slowly. She took a deep breath, allowing him her hand, though it trembled beneath his touch. Ezekiel watched him — Alessendrie felt the weight of his single pupil, pressing tightly against her neck as it rest of the chain. “Don’t…” She started, but the words fell away, as the heat from Corvin’s fingers triggered goosebumps across her skin. She sighed, turning her face from his.
“You know nothing about me,” It was an honest answer; no matter how electric the air felt between them, no matter how long it’d felt they’d known each other. “You know nothing of what I’ve done or what I strive for.” Alessendrie’s voice felt different, as if she were saying words without thinking of them. She focused her eyes back onto the Prince, noting the sadness and regret behind them. “And I know nothing of you.” Alessendrie said truthfully, hesitantly slipping her fingers between his.
A simple truth spell would solve things, Her thoughts teased at her. He would never know. Alessendrie considered her options — what else did she have to lose? If he were to find out…it would be a matter of losing the very little trust they shared, probably respect…Alessendrie sighed again, leaning her throbbing head against his chest as she pondered over all the worst outcomes.
I will find a way to free you.
It never ended the way I wanted it to.
The mage blinked and looked up at the man, searching his eyes. “I never wanted it to end…” She found herself saying, instinctively wanting to pull away, embarrassed and confused with herself. His hand was warm, and she still felt cold — Alessendrie reached for his fingers once more, squeezing them gently as the simple steps awakened their feet. “Do…do you trust me?” The mage asked, pulling her fingers to his palms as she began to trace sigils. “Look at me.”
The Cerulean Room began melting away, the wallpaper dripping into the floor, swirling into new patterns and fractals. Alessendrie watched Corvin’s blue eyes widened and she interlocked their fingers again, standing a bit on her tiptoes as she leaned into him. “Inceptotum portempra." She whispered as the floor began to unearth around them, wilting and then blooming again rapidly, hundreds of flowers now at their feet. The walls became a sky, moon shining onto a stone courtyard. In the distance, soft violin and piano. The stars above them seemed to twinkle their own melody.
“Allow me some…mystical ambiguity.” A soft smile formed on Alessendrie’s lips as she guided the Prince’s other hand onto the small of her back. She gazed around them, awestruck at the glamour she erected — yet another show of the surge in power she was now experiencing.
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Post by Raven on Jan 19, 2022 13:55:50 GMT -5
Vinelle’s lips parted slightly in awe, as she felt the crawling warmth of something about her leg. She sucked in a breath between sensations and pulled back as her hand was grasped. She had a devilish grin plastered across her face as Jasmine pulled her hand away. She could feel the strength in the grip, and she pulled at it slightly, grinning as she urged closer to the woman.
Vinelle’s gaze turned as an impeding voice crushed the silky vibe above. She moved to a wine stained table and sat atop it, her legs dangling off the edge as she watched curiously. There was obviously some lingering feude, she watched with a grin. The sass of Jasmine made her internal drum beat faster, her legs shifted slightly as she crossed them.
As Jasmine sniped and bit – Vinelle stifled a giggle. The world moved slowly, and their words were like colors from their lips. Jasmine spit orange and red, bits of yellow and even bits of purple – they danced through the air like streams of thoughts. Weaving and flowing, circling each other until they blended into a shining color of a burning sunset, against the horizon – a full red moon cascading over Cetus, and reflecting onto her sails.
The other Tiefling – Orphelia, Jasmine knew her name. She seemed to know the woman well, her details and story. Orphelia had nothing but darkness to spew, colors of dark green, hectic blues mixed with a toxic strain of black. They weaved into a muddy mess of colors, which now painted the ceiling above her, and rained down slowly in small droplets of colors that fell over her body.
“Seeya~ bitch” Vinelle waved to Orphelia as she left. She leaped from the table and twirled. The rain upon her body dripped over her skin, paint over her body. Her hands touched her shoulder and brushed down her own chest, as if to rub this imaginary colors into her skin and merge with them.
Vinelle grinned as she stepped forward, one leg perfectly placed before the other. She sashayed towards Jasmine and she reached a hand forward. “Did you really think I had any intention of leaving you here?” she questioned with a grin, her glittering honey hues peered to the sensational being before her. She grasped her hand then and pulled her close with a sudden strength, especially for her size. “I’ll take you, any where – I’ll just fucking take you” she grasped the woman’s forearm and spun her until she was pushed against the same table she sat upon before. Her hands gripped both her arms and she leaned inward, her lips grasped the sternocleidomastoid about her neck and bit down with a lustful force.
***
Corvin leaned his head down slightly, his nose grazing against the top of Alessendrie’s head as her forehead pressed between his pecks. He sucked in a breath and slowly let it go, he held for, for just a moment. It seemed to last for eternity, until she glanced to him once more. Her iridescent hues pulled him in, as he peered to the every angle of her mind and soul, it trapped him and absorbed him…
I never wanted it to end… the gentle words released a wave of flutters within his chest, what seemed to be an entire kaleidoscope of monarchs, releasing to the heavens above. He leaned his head back and felt his body tremble, then he smirked. “I can feel ” he muttered and shut his eyes briefly as the sensation consumed him. He opened his eyes once again. Look at me he nodded his head gently. Do you trust me “I trust you…” he spoke in a broken whisper, barely audible. He tilted his head slightly as their steps moved slowly.
Corvin held his hand upward for her, his gaze turning to her fingers which traced over his palm slowly. The silky incantation slipping from her lips, a language he didn’t know – but admired. The power in her words reverberated across his chest, a lingering feeling that he used to be so accustomed to. Now – he craved it. That power. He felt naked without it. It was hers now…
“I don’t know you” he muttered, recalling the words she grazed past. “But I want to get to know you” he turned his head about, as the world morphed around them. Like a burning candle, the wax of the world melted away and something else was born about them. The colors of blue and purple – the twinkling magic about them, reflected in his eyes as he enamored the view. “Wow…”
Corvin turned her slowly in the dance so he could peer past her shoulder. Where were they? It tasted different, the air was sweet and cool, mountain fresh. The shimmering floating flora glittered and seem to sing some crystalized melody, over the violin and piano. He smirked brightly now and he found himself carried by the rhythm. “You are mystical ambiguity incarnate…” he spoke with a smile and then he allowed his hand to rest upon her lower back, with a gentle grip.
He danced with her, like nothing of their dance prior. He felt the energy between them, with each pull of his arm – he tugged upon her. When she twirled, his world spun. When she would come back and move her hips against his, he felt a churning beast within his chest. He leaned his head back with another spin, they would move about each other – sparks would catch between their chest with each passing graze.
“An unrequited passion of blind pleasure” he spoke, poetry from his thick voice. He spun her again and grasped her hand as she came to, the song of the moment coming to its closure. “That is what we are, what we have always been. A bud waiting to bloom… but the sun and air escaped her, she was lost in the stars. Starving and craving, only the passing memories of joy to thrive on…” he hummed as his eyes closed. “I abandoned my calling for the mysteries of the world, when the greatest one stood before me” he opened them once more and peered to her. He peeled from her arms briefly to look about the world around them. His hand, however, was still laced in her fingers. “In all of the times I thought I would die…” he looked back to her with serious eyes. “I saw this place. I’ve seen it a hundred times. I don’t know… where we are, but I’ve been here before…”
***
Vinelle let out an exasperated sigh as she sat upward, she was sitting atop the hips of Jasmine after what seemed to be an episode of never ending climax. One after another – until the world collapsed upon them. Leaving just a pool of sweat upon the table. She brought her hands to her tunic, which she buttoned slowly upward. Her corset was thrown to the ground, her leather tights some where else, boots – somehow one was atop the wine rack lining the wall.
She slipped from the woman and licked her lips slightly, the taste of her still lingering upon her flesh. She peered to her boot, standing now in just a tunic. She sucked in a breath… trying to summon her magic, but alas. It would not come. She grunted and stuffed a foot into one of the open Wine slots and jumped upward with strength, her fingers kicked the boot and it fell from the top. Vinelle smirked as she walked back towards the woman.
“Do you think we should clean up?” she spoke with a grin. Her mind blowing high was lingering, though passing with time. She pulled her pants on and pulled her corset onto her, lacing it gingerly with swift fingers. The wine on the ground was beginning to dry slightly. “Nah” she laughed then.
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Post by Seaslug on Jan 19, 2022 22:26:23 GMT -5
I’ll take you, any where—
The red Tiefling took another step closer to the Captain, her tail thrashing behind her hips excitedly as Vinelle pulled her close, spinning her towards the table. She moaned at the teeth on her neck, running her hands across Vinelle’s shoulders and back, pulling the woman forward, into her. “Captain, my Captain…” Jasmine said breathlessly, as it seemed the entire world caved in around them, just as she caved in against Vinelle’s mouth and teeth and hands and…
~~~
To call it dancing would be an understatement — the pair glided along the stone, fireflies shimmering around their bodies as if cheering them on. The steps came as natural as breathing to Alessendrie, who gripped onto the Prince as he twirled her, smiling softly once she was back in front of them again. “I’ve never…” She began, grasping at the words that rested on the tip of her tongue. “I don’t know why I’m so drawn to you.” Alessendrie admitted after a beat, swaying in his arms against the wind. “I think I like holding your hand.” The mage tried her own hand at honesty, feeling her cheeks grow hot with embarrassment.
She felt The Eye flutter open at the sound of the Prince’s poetry, and she looked down expectantly, as if waiting for something bad to happen. Chaos, destruction, macabre…Despite her subtle paranoia, she felt grounded in this moment, felt in control…Alessendrie hummed softly as their feet continued to carry them along the melody. “But I want to get to know you," Corvin's words echoed in her ear, stealing her away from sureness as she glanced back down at the Eye again, unblinking and staring back up at her.
“Even now?” Alessendrie circled back, pulling back from him to get a good look at his face. “Do you genuinely want to know me, or do you just want to ‘save me’?” Her voice was solemn, shaking her head slightly at him. “I’m not a prisoner either, Corvin. Despite what you may think.” The last bit came out grumbly, and the mage attempted to play it off with a clearing of the throat. “I’m not sure how it felt to you…but for me…” She could feel the copper chain heating up, the Eye’s pulse thumping against her own. She inhaled sharply, releasing her breath as she twirled again, spinning back into him, this time facing the beauty she created. With a swift motion, she folded his arms around hers, pressing her back against his chest — just as she’d seen Princess Selenia do all those moons ago.
“Your thoughts will not be your own… they will be dark, corrupted.”
A waterfall suddenly appeared to them a short distance away, cerulean water pooling around stones as a small pond was created. “I feel…grounded.” Alessendrie sighed rather happily, tilting her head slightly at the serenity around them. “I mean…just look at what I’ve created.” She was nearly breathless at her own power.
The mage unfolded from the man, grip still on his hand as she pulled them towards the pondbank, where the grass appeared teal, violet flowers peeking beneath the blades. Tugging on his arm, Alessendrie kneeled down, skirts pushed under her knees. The grass was soft, cloud-like and she smiled as she patted the space next to her for Corvin to sit.
After a beat she turned to him, a sheepish expression on her lips. “I pulled it from your mind,” Alessendrie said softly, running her fingers through the grass. A purple ant crawled up her finger and she hummed, gliding it over the earth as the bug returned to its home. “Our minds.” She laid back, eyes turning up to gaze at the blanket of stars above them. “The lines in our palms travel all the way through to the core…I may as well have been tracing the very folds of our subconscious.” Perhaps a bit too honest, and Alessendrie pulled a hand to her lips in awkward silence.
The splashing waterfall and soft violins began to lull her, silver pupils glancing up briefly to catch Corvin’s. “I thought you deserved something nice for once…” Alessendrie’s voice trailed off, barely above a whisper as she turned into the Prince’s shoulder, dozing off into a gentle, slumber.
~~~
Jasmine’s body shivered as Vinelle’s warmth left her, sitting up away from her as she pulled onto her clothes. The table rocked as she shifted her weight, avoiding the wet spots that pooled against the wooden. “Fuck…” The Tiefling groaned with satisfaction for what felt like the hundredth time over the past hour. She watched as the other struggled with her boot, pawing at the wine rack until success.
Chuckling, Jasmine snaked her tail around Vinelle’s hips, trailing along her stomach before wrapping around a belt loop, tugging her gently. “I think…” Jasmine reached out with a hand, pulling her sleeves to draw the other towards her face. “That I’d like to see the sunrise in your eyes.” The Tiefling pecked at Vinelle’s shoulders, her neck, her cheek. “There’s a skylight in the planetarium.” Jasmine lifted herself off the table, pulling down her skirt as she smoothed it across her lap. “Come…again.” She winked, grabbing the other’s hand as they walked through the mess they created, back into the main corridor.
The planetarium was one of the few rooms in the estate Jasmine was truly enamored with; they strolled the halls until arriving at the now-broken doors, glass crunching underneath their feet. “I just know this was your doing,” Jasmine teased, a sleepy laugh escaping as they traversed the room, climbing up velvet-lined stairs to a small terrace alcove. Nestling into the couch, Jasmine opened her arms wide, eyes twinkling as she watched Vinelle.
“Sorry in advance — I’m a loud sleeper,” The Tiefling snorted playfully as the tiny woman fell into her arms, snuggling close under the moonlit sky. Her fingers danced along Vinelle’s scalp, tugging at her hair with one hand and caressing her arm with the other. “Sing me to sleep?” Jasmine yawned, digging her face into a pillow.
~~~
The sounds of clinking china awoke a sleeping Alessendrie. Her golden hues fluttered open just in time to notice Elaine, one of the house servants, scurrying away as she shut the door behind her. Fresh coffee and the scent of honeyed buns filled the mage’s nose and she stirred awake, jumping slightly at the body she wasn’t expecting beside her. “Mm,” Alessendrie yawned, swiping at her eyes gently as they focused in on the sleeping Prince.
His arm was draped around her hips, faced tucked into her shoulder as a mountain of pillows lay beneath them. Alessendrie slipped an arm free; pushing hair away from his face, lingering on his cheek only for a moment as she slid from the bed, peeling his body from hers gently. Memories of the previous night flooded her mind and she couldn’t help but smile; them waltzing, the stars shining down on them in favor. She made her way over to the small table, pouring a cup of coffee for herself before tucking a knee under her body, plopping onto the couch comfortably.
The sunrise peered through the curtains, a new day lapping right at their heels. Alessendrie sighed as she thought of what might lie ahead of her — no doubt she’d have to reckon with Gregor Valendorf, her mentor, and what she had done to her father. She stole another glance at Corvin, running a finger through her own locks as she sipped quietly on black coffee. What have I gotten myself into, she thought, ignoring the scorch as the coffee slipped down her throat.
This is only the beginning, dearest Mage. A sick voice penetrated the gentle morning. Her coffee was suddenly tar, thick and poisonous, gripping at her throat. We do not have to be enemies. There is room for our goals to align.
“W-what are your goals?” Alessendrie found herself asking, lips brimming the edge of the cup cautiously, the tar bubbling up into her face. A sickening crack thundered in her skull and she gagged, before their was complete silence. Instinctively she reached down at her necklace, but the Eye was shut, like fleshy metal glued on her chest.
“You say we aren’t to be enemies…yet you don’t answer my calls?” Alessendrie muttered, gripping the cup tighter in her hands. A sharp crack jolted her and she looked down, a thin slice across her palm, shattered pieces of porcelain in her lap.
As if on cue, sharp knocks were at the door of the Cerulean Room, Elaine’s soft voice calling from the hallway. “Miss Morthover? Prince Corvin? Breakfast will be served in the main hall shortly. The bath suite is available for use.”
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Post by Raven on Jan 20, 2022 1:00:52 GMT -5
Corvin lifted a brow as the woman spoke of his hand, he found himself fighting back a smile. His cheeks bunched and flushed over a bright red. He cleared his throat as he ascertained a strand of masculinity, of whatever he believed it was. He twirled her and came to her. Do you genuinely want to know me…. Or do you want to ‘save me’ . The Prince chuckled slightly and moved his feet with hers, his hips pressing against her leg as he moved her into a turn. “Even now” he replied assuredly. He stopped looking to their feet and peered to her eyes. “I’ve been called a fool, I’ve done foolish things, am I a fool for wanting both?” he questioned with a small shake of his head, a smirk to follow it. “I know only what I know, my lady” he nodded his head and spun her. As she placed her back upon him – his hands moved to her shoulders, then down her shoulder blades and about her hips, until they snaked around to lap over her own, he moved from side to side, his head curling in to breath upon her neck. Grounded… The words sunk into his chest. He sucked in a breath through his teeth as she spun away, his arm extending. Ezekiel was no doubt working his magic. The friendly space of power and control, a façade. By the way she held her smile, the way she spoke of it – he knew it well. That power. Gods that power. He bit the inside of his cheek and then he broke his stare with a smile. “I suppose, I cannot save what does not need saving…” he finally agreed and followed her onward, post the song. His boots crunched over the delicate grass. The place was swarming with gentle ambient sounds. Some singing owl of sorts, humming and crystal passing sounds. It was all too comfortable and soothing, it helped not that his heart throbbed to every breath he shared about Alessendrie. From the way she smiled, to the way she moved her hands into the air in a spin, to the slight sound in every S and T, to the breathy sigh that seem to slither between sentences, to the aura of concentration that brought him into the moment – for once, in his live, he seemed to see. Corvin turned his blue eyes to the woman who pulled him down towards the ground. He slowly moved to a single knee, he grazed his fingers through a lush patch of grass. He plucked a single blade and lifted it up – spinning it slightly in his fingers as he admired it. The texture, the sound of its flesh as he rolled it, the sweet scent it emit post rip. He moved to lay down next to her, he dropped the single blade and plucked another with an idle hand. He turned his head and peered to her, his cheek pressed against the pillow of grass. “Pulled it from my mind….?” Corvin questioned with a soft low voice. He turned his head to stare to the milky sky. It was painted with lush strokes of blues and purples. Stars filled every empty space, glittering in the far distance, but yet – it felt so close. Like he might pluck one from the sky and it would turn to a lingering firefly, to float into the forest of Fae before them. Corvin pulled the new blade of glass taught between two fingers and brought it to his lips. It began to sing a sweet pitch, like a harp in the air. He played a short little melody, of only just a few notes… but they sang in the air like a mystical instrument, ringing against the waters and mountains. The little piece of grass fell atop his lips, it sat for a moment – and then he huffed. It fluttered into the air and dance away, to land else where. “I…” he shut his eyes and breathed slowly. “My father hates mages….” He shook his head “Science is the answer, magic is a corrupted form of science… however” he pressed his lips into a thin line. “However his greed is his ultimate fallicy, as would any King, but his was… perversion.” He shook his head. “He sired an Elf Halfling, with intention of breeding his own mage… I learned of her early. He kept her locked up in the underbelly of the castle. And… she would cry, and I would hear it… every night. And eventually – we began to communicate. She… could talk to me. With her mind.” He turned his gaze and looked to Alessendrie. “Her name was Laralie, she was my sister… At the time, I was 14, she… 10 or so? She had been under that castle for… 10 years and I never knew… Well, we created…” he held his hands up “this” he shoved them forwards and smiled. “It was just whispers and silliness… and then… I went to sleep one day and woke up here. She sat next to me… And we explored this land, she called it…” he chuckled “Coralie Island, the Paradise Within” he laughed then, a hand upon his stomach as he did. He grew quiet after a moment. “I confronted my father, when I was 18. Thinking I was some kind of man now” he chuckled. “She… disappeared after that. Her voice faded…” he shook his head. “From that moment on… all I wanted was to… Magic, I wanted to be around it, I wanted to have it. I wanted to come back here. So I – So I could see her again” he huffed a large sob and held it for a very long moment. “Coralie Island, the Paradise Within” he chuckled. A true honest confession. Of which he had never told a soul. A thing not even Vinelle knew. His head fell to the side, away from Alessendrie and to the lake before them. He watched the water lick the bay, a frog in the distance, bright and pink, hopping to a far lily pad. Eventually he faded to sleep. *** Vinelle tiptoed forward as she was pulled forward by a snaking grasp. Her fingers danced over the red flesh of her tail as she came to the woman. “The sunrise huh?” she spoke breathlessly and smirked. She could taste herself over the breath of the woman, it was almost as intoxicating as her. She smirked and followed behind her with a peppy step, nearly a skip. “I do like this room” she spoke as they entered it, she kicked through the glass and laughed. “Mhm!” she squeaked and climbed the stairs behind Jasmine. She reached upward and pinched the rear of the woman as she caught up behind her. “Mmm…” her fingers traced along the railing as she peered down below. The planets that seem to float high, they moved and yet not. Corvin’s demonic blade still stuck out the side of one planet, now apart of the statue… She turned and leaned against the railing. She arched her back and leaned her head back. “Mm” she dug into her pocket and pulled out a cigar, it was only a half. She struck a match and hiked a leg up on the rail behind her. She drew in a log drag and let It go. She tilted her head as Jasmine crawl onto the couch, patting the space next to her. She took another long and hard draw. One step before the other, Vinelle came to the couch and sat down on the edge of it. She handed the Tiefling the cigar and then found herself sliding up against Jasmine. Her leg snuck between hers and she placed her head upon the arm of the Tiefling. She turned slightly, so that she could peer to the sky above… the shifting clouds and sparkling stars. “Finish it” she spoke, telling Jasmine to finish the cigar. She turned her head to peer to the woman, smile carved into her bubbly little face. She then looked back up “Sing you to sleep?” she hummed softly. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back, getting comfortable. Her hands tangled with her own and she took in a breath. She sang softly, a whispering voice that crawled to the stars. “ Oh…misty eye of the mountain below…” she made it barely to the chorus once more before she fell asleep in the warmth of Jasmine about her. *** For the first time in ages – Corvin dreamt a dreamless sleep. No terrors, no darkness, no cold, no emptiness. He slept and when he woke – he woke renewed. The first REAL sleep. It did help, the nature of which he fell asleep. In a haven of his own imagination, a place of safety and warmth, and then… Corvin’s eyes slowly opened. He lay in the center of the plush blue bed. She shifted onto his back and searched the room, as if waking out of a coma. Where was he, who was in the room with him? His eyes peered to Alessendrie and his breath caught in his chest. He watched her peer to her necklace, a perplexed face painted across her aura. Her gentle voice whispered questions to her self. And so it began. Corvin shut his eyes, faking a stir. He listened to her words… her beckon to him. “You can’t just – ignore me!” Corvin stood in a pile of hay. The yellow straw was stained red, a pool of blood in the center of what was a large stables. He paced and kicked a large pile of hay. “No – no – no. You can’t just disappear! You whisper” he crouched down, gripping his fist together, and releasing it, and gripping tighter, and releasing it. “You fucking call to me. You give me this. You cry to me. You wine to me. You beg to me. –” he banged his hands together and stood.
He walked out of the stall he stood in, empty but still filthy from a horse out on the pasture. He stood in the center of the pathway through the stable. A boy lay on the ground, blood seeping from his chest. Corvin’s blade was pierced in the boy’s stomach. The boy struggled to breath and turned his head to the side. “P-Prince Corvin” he held his hand up weakly.
End his suffering….
“NO” Corvin shouted and gripped his head. His fingers dug into his scalp and he thrashed slightly. He grasped the blade from the boy’s gut. Just a stable hand. The boy cried out and gripped his gut, where his innards spilled from the large gaping hole in his stomach. Corvin cried out and turned. He left the Stables. The boy remained.
“Corvin – You’re going to be late” A servant came rushing forward, his servant. “The Ball is in just a few hours, we need to clean you up” he pat at Corvin’s shoulder, where blood had splashed upon it. “Quickly, come on” he grasped Corvin’s arm and rushed him back into the castle.
Corvin gasped as the memory pressed over his mind – one he pushed away. He quickly stood and threw the blankets. He froze then as he realized… it was just an image, a memory, was it the dream he was meant to have? He looked up to Alessendrie and he cleared his throat. “Good… morning” he muttered and stood upright. He wondered then… was that memory… was It like the one they shared before. Did Alessendrie experience this with him? The thought of it – he couldn’t bare to look to her. *** Seagulls. The Breeze. Sea Salt. Ale…stale ale. Lavender. Jade Leaf. Her vision came with a gentle orange ray that play over her exposed shoulder. It crawled over her cheek and nose, until her eyes felt the caress of the sun upon her skin. She opened her amber eyes to the rising sky. She felt a bobbing, her body float upward…. Then downward, in a gentle rocking motion of peace. She could feel the wood beneath her, creaking with each rise and fall. She blinked. The creaking became a snore. The rise and fall… a chest below her arm… stale ale – teeth that needing a brushing. Jade Leaf roll crumbled on the ground, just a bite left. Seagulls turned to tweeting birds in the distance. She woke away from home. Vinelle stirred and sat upward slowly. Her head throbbed from the previous night. The small woman twisted about to peer to Jasmine that snuggled about her. What did I get myself into? she reached down and stroked the woman’s cheek and then smirked. At least she is cute… she drew in a long breath and looked outward. Vinelle stood slowly, to not disturb her partner. She stepped to the railing and peered down once more. The glass had been swept up. The sword removed from the planet. The damages were already being prepped for repair. She hummed gently, her perfect little destruction. Her fingers found another Roll. She kept a healthy stash with her, always. She lit a match and puffed once more. Breakfast is served she shut her eyes. Finding the sea in the back of her mind again. |
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Post by Seaslug on Jan 22, 2022 20:55:14 GMT -5
Before she realized what was happening, Alessendrie’s fingers trailed slowly over her palm, the wound simply disappearing almost as quickly as it appeared. Scooping the shards of porcelain, she dumped them gently onto the serving chair, clearing her throat as she stood. “Good morning, Prince Corvin,” She ran a healed hand through her hair awkwardly, before slowly moving over to him. “Listen, about last night…” Her cheeks flushed, and for once she was grateful to not have his eyes fixated on her.
Even though last night had been wonderful, the mage was still full of questions — and she wasn’t entirely sure if Corvin had or was even willing to share any answers. It was if she ached for him in all the right places, but mistrusted him in all wrong ones. Or was it…aching in the wrong places, mistrusting in the right? Alessendrie inhaled sharply, pursuing her lips before blowing a raspberry, her lips vibrating softly before taking another step towards the Prince.
“Thank you for…” Alessendrie pondered over the words, wanting to choose carefully. “It was really nice getting to know you. I’m grateful for your trust. Oh! And I apologize…for just reaching into your mind like that.” Alessendrie laughed lightly as the sunrise casted a golden hue on her cheeks. “How…uh…how are you feeling?” She looked at him expectantly, catching his blue hues — the tar and His silence forgotten for now. Her cheeks flushed again, and she pulled another hand to her hair, fingers dancing along the strands, twirling sheepishly. He can’t even look at you. You probably scared him with all the mind tricks, witch. Alessendrie sucked in a breath before giving a solemn smile. “We can…do breakfast? Find Captain Frey and talk about next steps?” She began making her way across the room, tilting her head towards Elaine as they exited the Cerulean Room. “I’m sure she’s aching to get back on Cetus.”
“Miss Morthover…Prince O’hare.” Elaine smiled knowingly, lingering a gaze on Alessendrie who now looking a bit maroon. “You okay, Miss? You’re looking a bit flushed.” Elaine remarked, offering them both a cup of tea as she began escorting them down the hall. “We just got some more of that eucalyptus cream — I’d be happy to slather it on!” Elaine looked back at Corvin with a small huff. “On both of ya!” A chuckle as she continued on down the hall.
“Oh - I don’t think it’s necess-” Alessendrie began before the pair were ushered into the bathing suite. Steam and incense smoke greeted them, lavender and coconut wafting through the air, immediately calming the very stressed mage, who gawked at the center pool, already feeling the heated water against her skin. “Why does it feel like it’s been days since I’ve had a bath?” She remarked to no one in specific, setting her teacup down on a tray as a servant walked past.
“Alright, kiddos - in ya goes!” Elaine swatted both Alessendrie and the Prince, ushering them towards a changing area as she mumbled on about breakfast. “Squab eggs and fresh bread…Miz Rose has been up all dawn cooking it herself! No word from her little apprentice yet. Oh, and that Dwarvish coffee you like and crispy green potatoes and-” Elaine was interrupted one moment away of twirling Alessendrie to begin unlacing her dress.
“Elane! Elaine! They’re saying Miz Rose is having a fit! Something about a flood of wine and a fruit tray?” The shouting of another servant, who came barging towards them pulling on Elaine’s sleeve to yank her away.
“Don’t you worry Miss Morthover - I’ll handle it,” Elaine assured calmly, as she managed to loosen the grip the younger servant had on her. “Breakfast…will still be served at it’s usual time - I can assure you!” A glare towards the younger as they scooted out the door, leaving the pair alone within a cloud of steam.
Alessendrie gaped awkwardly at the door, then back to Corvin — if she was embarrassed before, she was absolutely mortified now, chewing on her lower lip as the last servant left, leaving behind a basket of cleaning products and a proper change of linens for them both. A Halfling, held her hands up nervously as she backed out of the room, apologetic look on her face. “Sorry…” She glanced at the basket and up to Alessendrie. “I’m not allowed to…” Then shutting the door behind her. Alessendrie sucked in a breath — it was true — Elaine was usually the only one present, or she just bathed alone.
“You could…head down to the dining hall early, or maybe find the Captain?” Alessendrie offered after awkward silence. “Please don’t feel like you have to…stay. Elaine can be quite bossy.” A light smile on her lips before doing a small curtsy as she moved to step behind a changing screen. “The entire estate is at your disposal.” She assured, trying to fill the air with something other than her discomfort. Sliding out of her shoes, Alessendrie’s fingers skated around her hips and began undoing the various buckles and fasteners. The tinkling of copper and water lapping softly along the sides of the tub was for a while quite meditative, enough to distract the mage before her hands skirted around, not quite reaching the lace lining the back of her dress. “Shoot…” She muttered, straining against the bodice before sucking in a breath.
“Wait - Corvin?” Alessendrie called, peeking from behind the screen. Her dark hair lay in waves around her shoulders, gold eyes glittering against the sunbeams that fell from the skylight. She met his eyes, chewing on her bottom lip. “Would you mind helping? I can’t seem to reach my lace…” Alessendrie explained, turning her body to expose her back. “It’s a bit tricky, as you have to loosen the bottom first, then the top, then back at the bottom again.” She moved her hair over one shoulder, running her fingers softly through the waves as the Prince approached.
She stiffened a bit as she began to feel her bodice loosen around her ribs, exhaling sharply at the feeling of sweet release. “Gods, sometimes I forget…” Alessendrie laughed, pulling her hands to her chest to hold the bodice in place as Corvin continued fiddling with the knots. “Hopefully Elaine pulled out something casual for me to wear — don’t think I could make it two days in a row.” She tilted her chin over her shoulder, offering Corvin a sweet smile, before stepping a beat away from him, her garments now loosened. “Much appreciated, Prince Corvin. See you at breakfast?” Alessendrie blushed before stepping on the other side of the changing screen, allowing the gown to fall at her feet, tiptoeing over to the large bath before the Prince could see her.
Crystalline water, warm and relaxing — Alessendrie waded into the bath, up to the middle of her neck. “Oh…my…Gods...” She dipped her hair back, hair slickening to the back of her neck as when she straightened up. “Heavenly.” She whispered, massaging fingers into her the muscle in her shoulder. She closed her eyes and was silent for a moment, appreciating the satisfying and serene energy. The stress of yesterday and last night was forgotten, Him and his sickly voice - forgotten. Alessendrie hummed, smile on her lips before the sound of footsteps brought her back into the room.
“Elaine was right - you do look a little tense.” The mage admitted, gliding through the water to lean a bit over the edge. “You could perhaps wait outside? Bathe after me?” Alessendrie pondered, brows knitted together. “Well, the water and breakfast would probably be cold by then. The steam is already starting to fade a bit. Simple heating spell could do the trick.” She said, tapping her fingers on the bath’s edge. “Hm…I could…” No, he would never agree to that - he’s a nobleman by Light’s sake, The voice in her head chastised as the words caught in her throat a bit, blushing slightly.
“I mean…ifyouwantedtogetinquicklyIcouldturnaround?” Alessendrie sped through the offer, turning a deeper shade of red as she ducked herself a bit deeper into the water, it rising from the top of her shoulders to the middle of her neck. She exhaled slowly before trying again. “If you wanted to get in, I could turn around? I can heat the water and we can…uhm…sit back to back?” Might as well have just asked him to take you right here! Gods, stop being desperate. Alessendrie shook her head suddenly, moving away from the edge.
“Actually, I’m sure it’d be no problem to draw another bath after breakfast. Elaine probably won’t mind.” She offered a reassuring smile as she tuned away from him, wading back towards the center of the bath. “So I’ll see you at breakfast then? I’ll try not to take too long.”
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Post by Raven on Jan 22, 2022 22:27:14 GMT -5
Corvin turned and peered to the servant who came in, an elderly like woman with many wrinkles to her face. Her smirked slightly to her banter which seemed to be full of constant worry, and care. A kind of pestering of a woman he had come to miss, the constant servants ushering him around. He glanced to Alessendrie, his eyes watching her reaction, a slight smirk as she tried to argue with the woman.
The short lady quickly ushered them out. Corvin glanced to Alessendrie and smirked "It was nice" he finally replied, to her apprecitation that she mentioned. As they were ushered in, the door closed behind him and he cleared this throat. The room was a warm mist, comforting and relaxing... His eyes took in the luxurious room, it was gorgeous in design. Just like the entire estate - he was coming to appreciate it a lot more over the stoney caverns of his castle-home. Or what was home.
Corvin stepped forward awkwardly, eyes glancing to Alessendrie as she was ushered to to a changing curtain. He wasn't exactly sure what was happening, but it seemed they both had little choice. "Uh-" he went to ask a question, but they were interrupted by another servant. His brows pulled together - some chaos in the Estate? It made him think for a moment - just what Vinelle was up to. She was unsupervised, on the soil? Surely she was getting sea-jitters...
Corvin cleared his throat as the woman rushed away "Well, I mean - I do uh.. need a bath..." he stammered slightly, he forced himself to take in a deep breath and let it go. He heard her struggling slightly, little gentle breaths of defeat as she fought against her own clothes. When she called for him, he turned around swiftly, as his back was turned to the curtain. His blue eyes met hers and he cracked a smile "Sure..." he stepped over, his boots clicking on the slightly damp tiled marbled floor.
"Bottom first..." He stepped up behind her. He traced her defined shoulders, and how her back arched slightly into the curve of her spine. "Okay" he spoke with a slight shudder. His fingers reached to the laces and worked at them tediously, and then upward. As the lace gave away - her back became exposed. The gentle ditch of her spine carved into her back, a perfect symmetry of design. He felt a flush come across his cheeks and he took a step back, his boot scuffing slightly. He cleared his throat "Right" he whispered and stepped back.
"I couldn't imagine being squeezed like that.. you know, crazy" he spoke idly, his mind wandering over too many thoughts at once. All things he forgot how to do, to feel, to think, to choose. He turned his gaze to her as she came from the curtain. He looked to her neckline, shoulders, clavicals.. he gasped slightly and then shielded his eyes. "Apologies" he muttered and turned swiftly.
His chest heaved slightly as a wave of embarrasment washed over him. "Well.. I suppose, then I will see you at - " her words of pleasure spilled from her lips and sent shocks down his body. Corvin bit at his lower lip slightly as she turned and came to the edge, the soapy water sudding about her shoulder line, shielding the rest of her body from him.
Corvin felt himself grip his own wrist, an urge crawled over him. He cleared his throat and a blush cascaded over him. Seemingly this entire time he had hardly muttered a word, she float from stream to stream. He smirked to himself, a flush crawling over his reluctant cheeks. "Alessendrie" he finally spoke with a deep and soothing voice. "Turn around already" he nodded and chuckled.
As she did - only the sounds of his fingers could be heard. His clothing meshing slightly, just a crispy sound over the gentle water sounds. Then some movement - he pulled his red jacket from his body. His hands worked on a tunic under until his chest was bare. Though he appeared lanky, hidden under his guise of attire was a man in peak physique shape. A chiseled chest and abs, what he lacked in sure size was defined and carved. The rattling of a belt, and dropping of pants. He kicked them off, and his boots, into a pile near the entrance of the water.
A single step into water, the gentle plashing sound. He stepped further in, his eyes watched her closely. As if she should would suddenly turned around and see him. He waded now, the water was noisy as he slowly approached it. He cupped his hands into the water and then held them upward. The water crawled down his forearms, rolling over the hills of his biceps. A low grumbling groan came from his chest as the warmth rolled over his skin, causing goose bumps to raise the dark black hairs across his arms and chest.
His steps came closer and closer to Alessendrie as she stood in the center of the pool, still facing away. Soon enough the water touched his chest, and he stood behind her. His eyes looked to her damp hair, a bead of water trailing down her neck and over her shoulder blade, just before dipping into the water. He slowly moved his hands until two hands fell upon her shoulders, he pressed his thumbs between her shoulder blades and massaged with a deep and powerful grip.
He shut his eyes briefly and he saw the flickering image of the Paradise land, and the scent. But really - it just smelled like her. He found himself leaning inward slightly, chest pressing against her back, his nose hovering over her neck as he felt himself becoming inxocated. He opened his eyes as he caught himself and his hands stopped massaging... "Sorry" he muttered and his hands slipped away. He turned then, slowly. Until he backed up and they touched, a gentle bump. He paused and then leaned his shoulders back slightly. He let out a deep sigh as he left himself relax, leaning more onto her now as he felt her weight against him. He let out a soft chuckled and then brought his hands to his face to rinse it slightly.
"Can't say I really can say the last time I had a real proper and good bath" he spoke, a slight bump in his voice of nerves. He looked upward to the decor of the cieling and took in a relaxed breath. The water seem to begin to heat again, the steam sinking into his lungs. He let it out slowly and glanced over his shoulder to her, as if to check if she disappeared on him. "Do you think.. this all happened because you crave adventure? Saving a Pirate, basically commandeering her ship" he smirked "You'll get a lot of adventure with her, she can be a handful..." he filled the awkward silence with his voice, noise.
He cleared his throat and chuckled "Everytime I look at you" he whispered out of no where. He laughed then "Never mind" he muttered and shook his head.
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Post by Seaslug on Jan 23, 2022 3:20:24 GMT -5
Alessendrie couldn’t help but blush at the Prince’s response. She couldn’t help but be embarrassed and giddy all at once, biting down on her lower lip hard to fight back a satisfactory smile. “You’re rather quiet this morning,” She remarked, hoping to fill the air with something other than her desperation. “Are you sure you’re alright? I mean…you’d tell me if something was wrong, wouldn’t you?” Alessendrie wasn’t sure if she was ready for either answer, and swam a bit aways to give him some space.
She tried tuning out the sounds of the Prince’s clothes peeling away, but found her breath hitching in her chest at the clanging of his belt buckle hitting the floor. His body entering the bath caused small waves to radiate across the water, and Alessendrie took that moment to heat up the water slightly. From below, her hands pulsed slightly before a gentle bubbling rippled around them. She reached up and touched at her necklace, its fleshy eyelid still closed — but she was grateful anyway. Without a single word, or even thought it seemed, Alessendrie was able to increase the bath temperature. It was as if the moment she willed it, it happened.
A different kind of heat pulled the mage from her thoughts, inhaling softly as the Prince waded over to her, his hands dancing along her shoulder blades. “Mm…” It was barely a moan, but Alessendrie pulled a hand up to her lips anyway in embarrassment. Goosebumps dotted themselves along her skin the moment she felt Corvin’s breath on her neck, and she exhaled, leaning back slightly as he touched his chest to her back. She tingled all over, shivering slightly despite the heat, dunking her shoulders back under the water once the Prince pulled away. “I already told you…I like your hands.” Alessendrie teased, lightening the mood as she felt him turn away from her. She cast a glance over her shoulder just as he did and she giggled.
Soft giggles turned into hearty laughter at his remark, Alessendrie leaned back again, pressing her back into his. “I can’t imagine there being any sort of bathing anything on Cetus?” It was barely a question, as Alessendrie was grinning over her shoulder, golden hues watching the droplets of water dance down his temples, to his chin. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Captain Frey bathed in the ocean. She probably uses a conch to scrub her bits,” She was joking, and grateful to finally be loosening up — if she could only get the Prince to do the same. “I wonder what nonsense she’s gotten into.” Thought traveled back to what Elaine said about Miz Rose before Alessendrie would shake her head as they both bobbed in the warm, soapy water.
“Ah ah — it is knowledge I crave, not necessarily adventure.” Alessendrie corrected, turning her body slightly. “And I didn’t save anyone. Or at least that wasn’t my intention.” The last part was a bit mumbled, before she realized she was almost facing him. She pressed her back against him quickly, shrugging as she began lathering her dark waves between her fingers. “That ship is a vessel of knowledge - literally!” She said excitedly, thinking back to the lore she’d shared with them the night previous. “Even if its Captain doesn’t think so…” She rolled her eyes then. “What can I say? I like to know everything about all the things I shouldn’t.”Like you, she dared not say it out loud. Leaning away from Corvin for a moment to dip her hair back under the water, her ears caught the tail end of a whisper, and she rose slightly out of the suds in curiosity.
Alessendrie sighed before turning her body again, this time pressing a shoulder into his chiseled back. “Hey,” She nudged him gently but kept her eyes focused ahead, fighting the urge to glance at him. “Until yesterday, we’ve had the pleasure of being in each other’s company only once before. And now we’re…” Cheeks flushed again, Alessendrie laughed nervously before turning again, leaning her back against his once more. “Queen Maeve said something to me that night,” she recalled as she pulled an orange sponge from the basket. “That magic couldn’t change destiny.”
After a beat, Alessendrie turned finally, her golden eyes darting across his back, taking in every muscle, every dimple. Slowly, she brought up her hands, cupping his shoulder blade with one, massaging the sponge into his skin with the other. She waded closer, her chest grazing his back ever so gently as she leaned in to count freckles.One…two…three…Her breath caught in her chest, hands lathering across Corvin’s skin. “You may not be a mage…but surely you have changed mine.” Alessendrie said softly, resting her cheek on his soapy back.
~~~
The gentle pulsing of her head pulled the Tiefling from her dreams — a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds no doubt brought on by all the aged wine and international drugs. Her vision was a bit cloudy as she pulled her yellow eyes open, rubbing at them slightly with her hands. A yawn escape from her mouth and she smacked her gums, instinctively reaching towards the floor for a bottle of whatever she had on hand. That’s strange — coulda sworn I swiped a bottle of rum last week, Thoughts of annoyance flashed across her mind and Jasmine let out an exasperated sigh, wondering if Miz Rose found her stash again. She sat up, eyes fully adjusting to…a room that wasn’t hers. “Oh fuck.” Jasmine inhaled sharply before a recollection of the previous night began to echo in her mind.
The vials, the cigars, the pirate…Jasmine gawked across, eyes landing on the tiny woman as she puffed on a cigar with her eyes shut. Jasmine smirked before swinging her legs from the soft couch, stepping onto the floor with bare toes. An empty bottle of wine rolled across the stone and she bit her lip, looking back towards the other apologetically. “Moooorning,” Jasmine offered, her eyes quickly back to scanning the floor for something, anything she could gulp down.
Spotting a swig of rum left, Jasmine tiptoed over towards a table, knocking the shot back before taking a deep breath. Though chaotic, the Tiefling still had a morning routine — and waking up in the planetarium she wasn’t supposed to be in, with a pirate she wasn’t supposed to be with was not a part of it. Feigning a smile, Jasmine began grabbing at her clothes, shaking them lightly as she brought them to her nose, before scrunching up her nose. “Aaaand of course everything just smells like fucking pussy.” She barked a laugh, pulling a dress over her horns anyway. “God, did we even take the clothes off?” She questioned, bending over to pull on boots as the sun shone down on them.
“Miz Rose is going to fucking slaughter me.” Jasmine groaned as she looked up, shielding her eyes from the sun. “Don’t be surprised if I’m on a platter instead of serving you one.” She told the other as she began making a hasty exit. “Oh, fuck, uhm…” She stopped, turning back to the Captain. “Last night was otherworldly .” Jasmine admitted, twirling a braid around her finger before wincing apologetically. “Thank you for…everything, Captain…” If it was possible for the red Tiefling to blush redder, she would have at her own forgetfulness of the other’s name.
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Post by Raven on Jan 23, 2022 19:33:15 GMT -5
Corvin turned his gaze over his shoulder as he heard the water moving about, he caught a glimpse of her body sinking into the water, her hair dipping into the water. He found himself biting at his lower lip slightly as he forced his eyes forward. They looked to the plants and vines that crawled the ceiling’s ledges. He chuckled, his shoulders bouncing slightly against hers as she commented on the bathing on Cetus.
“Actually, there is a pretty decent bathing room in the ship. You generally have to queue up… but there is this old crone, her name is Ms. Betty. An old ass mage, she can remove the salt from the water – heat it up for you, and if you pay her in pudding bowls – she will wash your hair for you, scrub your back…” he laughed then, as he felt like a complete idiot. “Cetus is a very very interesting ship, but you might actually like it. For a Pirate – Vinelle runs a tidy ship” he laughed again, this time hearty.
“A conch shell? I have seen her eat soup out of a conch shell before” he laughed “No no – she is a collector. If I didn’t know her, I’d pin her for a lost Princess. She like’s the very nice soaps, and candles, and she is a connoisseur of chocolate.” He turned his head slightly to glance to Alessendrie. In that moment their gazes passed each other, he could be heard smiling as he turned back forward.
“Ah.. knowledge, my deepest apologies for getting that incorrect” Corvin joked, though his voice still retained its thick royal depth. “That ship really is something else… if it is knowledge you seek, Mystery to uncover?” he glanced again, he couldn’t stop trying to steal a glance in truth. The brief image of her bare shoulder… the movement of her hands as she talked, how it flicked the water around. He wanted nothing more than to look at her face as she spoke. He began to get this craving – the way her cheeks bubbled slightly, the dimple in her face when she smiled. It was addicting. The conversation, to him, was fragmented without the image of her lips spilling the words, and the way her eyes would glow – no doubt. He could only imagine what she looked like – speaking with such joy, Knowledge. This is all she wanted. As she had practically turned about to see him – he could feel her eyes upon his skin, and he fought everything he had to not turn and meet her… but she quickly turned back around with energy.
A nudge from her ripped him from his thoughts, or his imagery, perhaps. He turned his head over his shoulder once more, cutting jaw sitting on his shoulder. “I suppose you are right. We danced a few times now” he brought a hand to his own arm now. Rubbing the sudsy water into his skin, idly scrubbing at his arms. He had forgotten – he got in the bath... to bathe. Don’t turn…
Then she spoke words that made his heart thud wildly in the cage within. “My…mother?” he questioned softly. Don’t turn around. He felt a depth in his chest then, he placed a single hand between his pecks, as if to calm his own chest. “Did.. she really?” he questioned. He turned his head once more – but then he heard shifting of water. He stood up straighter as he felt her skin upon his back. A sponge squeezing across his shoulders… a tingling sensation that crawled from his neck down his spine. He sucked in a breath and held it, his shoulders driving back just slightly – unintentionally.
“I suppose… it is truly only Destiny that could have done all of this” he spoke through a shaking breath. What was it about her? Why was her energy so intoxicating, why did she make him tremble inside and out. Or perhaps, how. Was it her magic? Was it the eye? No… it was like this, that dance too… Corvin looked up to the ceiling for a brief moment.
Corvin turned then. He reached for her hand which held the sponge, and he gently placed the sponge on his chest. He tilted his head then to peer into her eyes, something he wanted to do – since the moment they met in the middle of the pool. He tilted his head and then finally smiled, a dark flush across his cheeks. A droplet of water crawled from her eyebrow, over her cheek and finally dripping off her chin. He smirked and then reached forward and sunk his hands into her hair. His fingernails massaged into her scalp as he returned the favor. While his body yearned and burned – he was determined to maintain innocence in his actions.
As he ran his fingers through her hair, he closed the distance between them, their chests pressed together and he drew upon her own warmth and comfort. His fingers met the end of her hair and grazed down her spine, until finally he relaxed his hands about her waist. Corvin pulled her closer and found himself burying his head into her neck, an embrace that seemed to cure his every pain that crossed his mind and soul. He stayed there for what felt like eternity. He did nothing else but hold her, as several moments passed he finally pulled his head away and he smirked to her. “You are right, I’m not here to save you…” he whispered. “You’re the one who did the saving…” he spoke. Though his eyes were glassy, he sucked back what he considered his weakness. “Will you let me journey with you then, in search for Knowledge?” he questioned as his eyes searched hers.
***
Vinelle found herself atop her ship, hands upon the oak wheel. Thumb rubbing over the same exact spot as usual, so much that the wood had lost its enamel and was slightly discolored. Years of rubbing the same spot. She looked upward – the wind shifted her hair back behind her, fluttering it slightly as they cruised as a good speed. She smirked, a toothy grin. It was a perfect day. The wind was on their side. The engine of the ship hummed happily…
Mooooorning
Vinelle shut her eyes and suddenly she stood with a hand upon a rail, cigar in her mouth. She drew deeply and turned her gaze, she said nothing as the young tiefling acquainted herself with her surroundings. She took another long puff and then released a gentle sigh. The sounds of clothing shaking around, stomping of the woman, her rambling words.
“Jasmine” she spoke and turned, leaning her middle back against the railing as she looked to the horned woman. “Miz Rose won’t do a thing to you” she spoke and held the cigar up for the woman and lifted a brow. “You’re mine now” she spoke with a grin and nodded, for her to take the Cigar from her. “We leave today, you will board my ship with me. And we will not return to this God forsaken place…” she spoke and then brushed her hands off on her pants. It was not decided as a team, if they truly were… but regardless, Vinelle was. She couldn’t stay in this estate another day…
“Oh, and last night?” Vinelle stepped forward with a smirk. She placed a single finger under Jasmine’s chin, lifting her head slightly, and then she flicked it slightly. “Not half bad”. Vinelle walked past the woman and then stopped, she threw her hip to the side and then glanced over her shoulder to the woman. “Welcome to the crew” she chuckled and then made her way down the stairs with a mystical step.
She made her way down the hall – her stomach grumbled loudly. “Food?” she questioned a passing servant, who lead her to the dining hall. Vinelle threw the doors open – expecting Corvin and Alessendrie to be sitting at the table. “What?” she muttered to herself. No one was here. Servants stood, the table was set. “When is breakfast served?” she questioned one of the servants.
“30 minutes ago, madam” the servant bowed.
“Captain-“ she corrected the servant and then found a seat at the table. “Okay, whatever, fine by me. Maybe Corvin is finally get his dick sucked” she spoke aloud and plopped a piece of bread onto her plate, and began loading it up. She waited for no one, but ate happily…
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