Gold.
While Zero was quite uncertain what gold actually was, the way she described it made him feel like he hadn’t seen it yet, and he wondered if it would be his favorite as well. It all made sense, the thought suddenly snapped into his mind. People always asked ‘what’s your favorite color’ and the question had always confused him until just now. There were so many options. How could one decide? While the darkness of the black was soothing, comforting, familiar, he found he enjoyed the brilliance of the sky and the beautiful shade of Bridgette’s eyes.
He thought about how to answer the question he asked, all the while shifting his weight so to compensate for the many, now loose, pages in his grasp.
“The color of your eyes.” He said thoughtfully. He didn’t mean anything by it, he just didn’t know the word that matched the shade. “I think I like that one.” Satisfied as they came to a halt outside the library, the Carpathian grimaced. He could already smell the billions of pages.
How long had he stayed away? How much knowledge was there? Perhaps there was information on his race in one of the books, or one of those boxes that had a screen that could answer anything. Maybe he’d try that.
Shifting his weight Zero managed to tuck the destroyed cook book under his arm as he leaned forward and snatched the door, pulling it open and holding it for Bridgette, shooting a glare as some guy walked by and nearly bumped into the little baker. His protectiveness was spiking it seemed, and it was more hard not to just run after him cursing. He inhaled and relaxed, seconds later, trying to grasp this want. Kill. Maim. Destroy. The three words summed up what he’d been doing for his whole life.
“After you.”
A gentleman. That was how Bridgette now viewed Zero. Though conflicted it seemed from the way he reacted to the very things that happened around him, he soon embraced ideals like he was but a lad. How interesting he was now becoming in her eyes. The marks on her wrist started to diminish which meant she would not require attention to them. She gently eased her ruffled sleeve down over her wrist, and stood waiting to enter the library as Zero tucked the loose pages beneath his arm and then said “After you.”
To this, Bridgette offered a shy smile, and took the steps to enter the library. By the sounds of voices and the movement of others they were not alone anymore. It was not surprising since this would be one of the few places in the Mansion where you are able to unlock certain mysteries, in particular the very ones you would have about yourself. Bridgette knew that she was human, for she had no real special talents. She couldn’t move at the speed of light, nor could she vanish from view at a whim. What she did know, in the solitude of her room was that she was able to bend her body into ways that one would not regard as normal. Flexible, would be the word you would use to describe her ability. Of course, her past remained just that, and haunted her as much as it did many others in the mansion. She had not sought out others to question them of how they came to be in the Mansion, though at night when she lay to rest, it was first and foremost in her mind.
The scent of the many books on the shelves gave her a sense of peace.
Turning to Zero, she then extended her hands and asked.
“I would er…be ‘appy to see if the book can be..er..bound again.” Bridgette didn’t know the librarian, but hoped that someone in the library could be of assistance. Her fingers would just caress the very back of his hand, in a gentle way.
Already Zero disliked this place, unlike his companion who seemed, if nothing else, completely relieved and relaxed to be here. There were so many…people. His sharply tuned, somewhat pointed, ears heard a voice asking ‘May I help you’ from somewhere unseen and this only made him tense all the more. Great. He waited until Bridgette was inside, not minding the little silent girl who was popping in and out of view, and let the door fall after him, simply focusing on the baker. She was the anchor, his anchor, that kept him from running around and gracing certain residents with a nice fist to the face.
When she stepped up to him and her fingers barely brushed against the skin on his hands he couldn’t help but smile. It was goofy and looked weird on his face, since honestly they were both used to a growl or a glare, or blunt rage.
“I have to come with you.” He insisted. “It was my fault the book ended this way.” A nod was given as he handed the pages over to her. Hell he’d give her anything…And just like that the Carpathian was caught in those bright orbs of her’s and he sighed softly before breaking away and sharply turning his head. The moment of affection and care was abruptly disrupted by the over bearing need to protect and in this strange place he wasn’t about to mess around with such a task so he stuck next to Bridgette like glue, or an overly attached mutt, and rolled his shoulders back slightly.
Only then did he answer the voice of an unseen being.
“We need assistance with…re-binding a broken book.” Broken being used lightly as the book was plain destroyed, though the pages were still in tact, just honestly needed cleaning. “If of course you have the materials.” The mansion had everything, he wasn’t sure why he was asking…Yet somehow felt it necessary.
The Mansion truly had to be one of the strangest places that Bridgette had ever encountered. The masked being that had asked as to the pair’s plight, soon became distracted by something large outside the window and instead of offering assistance took off out the door.
Blinking, Bridgette was not sure how to respond and in behind her a stack of books was knocked onto the floor by another member of the household. This soon had a young lady going over to assist, leaving Bridgette and Zero to fend for themselves with the destroyed book. Sighing softly, Bridgette gestured towards one of the desks that had some supplies and binding materials. A help your self desk, if you will. Bridgette moved slowly, with her full skirts creating a hush sound as they swept over the carpeted floor.
With the necessary equipment, Bridgette then asked Zero; “We…can fix it ‘ere, yes?” The young baker then went to get a small jug of water and some rags to dab away the blood from the splattered pages, while the binder and glues would be able to be used to put the many pages back together.
Bridgette now believed that the Librarian was not in, and only those that sought to find out information about themselves and their predicament in being trapped in the Mansion were on hand.
Coming back with the water jug and cloth, Bridgette took a seat and used her hand to gesture that perhaps Zero could do the same. If they worked together, the task should not take long at all.
Zero frowned to himself as the voice seemed to get distracted and wander off. Great. Like he knew how to work a library! A growl would have previously formed if he hadn’t been trying so hard to be….good. A tiny sigh passed through his lips as he watched Bridgette look around, almost helplessly. If only he knew how to make books. Grumbling he was about to go sniff out anybody he could find but she spoke just then, in her adorable accent.
When she sat down he took a couple steps closer and then she beckoned and a chuckle escaped him gently before joining her. He sniffed at the jug of water and then looked at the pages they had to work with.
“Here.”
The butler started to flip through the pages, withdrawing the ones that had been soiled by the erh…certain blood bag that’d been tossed by a certain Carpathian. Pulling the papers that were touched with red free of the stack, he set them aside carefully and set up the papers in the proper order so that it’d be easy to put the papers back.
“You wipe the blood, well dab really. Wiping might ruin or rip the paper. I’ll pull the papers out and give them to you and put them back when you’re done. Then we can work on binding….Or try to figure it out.” It was the most he had spoken at once and honestly he didn’t find himself minding as he sat down next to the baker, flipping through the cookbook as he retrieved the pages. There weren’t many, but there were a couple with large blotches that consumed most of the page. He worked silently, golden hues lowered as he seemed completely focused on the task at hand, As he slid the papers over to Bridgette one at a time, he’d take the ones that were recently cleaned and find their proper place in the cook book.
He hoped that it would make her feel better. To put a lock on their…interesting hour long past. He wanted to see her smile…And it was the motivation.
Placing the jug of water down carefully, Bridgette started with the worst pages. Blood spots like ink blots that were varied in the size and colour. To get each out would require care on her part, and Zero suggested that dabbing would work much better, as wiping would only spread the blood further onto the pages. Happy with this advice, Bridgette took a cloth and with a single digit she dipped the cloth into the water before starting to dab lightly upon the first page. The trick worked, much to Bridgette’s delight. Zero would be able to see the slight crease upward as her lips curled into a smile, that widened as she tried a second page, and then a third. Each piece of paper handled delicately, like it was a great work of art or manuscript to a play – not some humble cook book.
Zero took each page after it was cleaned, putting them back in chronological order which would make the binding so much easier. The stack of papers grew and grew until finally the damage had been cleaned away. With Zero sitting close by, and working with Bridgette they made light work of what was quite a task.
Once all the pages were done, Bridgette reached for some binding tape. This would form the arc or spine of the newly fashioned book, and then she would attach the binding to the original book’s cover. To watch her work, Zero would see the slight pink tip of her tongue, that edged out past her lips as she concentrated on the task. As she closed the cover finally, she pressed a hand to the cover and let out a great sigh of relief.
“It’s…good as new, Zero.” She said with a soft voice, passing the book to him to see for himself that through their team work, they had been able to save the treasured tome.
“I am…most er…grateful to you.” Again with the smile, Bridgette tilted her head slightly to the right to catch sight of his warm ember colored eyes.
When the book was completed, Zero paused and looked down at it and sighed in relief. Thank the everything, thank the colors. He couldn’t have stood to see this little plan backfiring, to see it not working out as well as it had, to destroy the book a SECOND time. He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair, ruffling it slightly as she expressed gratitude, something that made him freeze.
People cursed and yelled and gave him the stink eye. Thank you was so foreign. He couldn’t stop the smile that broke out.
“No don’t thank me. Thank you Bridgette.” He said thoughtfully, trying to put the right words to voice what he was saying. Carefully he reached over and brushed a lock of her beautiful chestnut locks and tucked a strand behind her ear and then withdrew his hand sharply as if he realized he made a mistake. The next words spoken had such care, admiration, and affection strewn into them, spoken in no more than a whisper, he found it almost hard to believe it’d been from him.
“You showed me the world.”
A genuine smile as he got up and slid away from the desk and bit the inside of his cheek. He wanted to carry her off and go explore this new world. He wanted to brush a hand over her cheek and feel her lips. He wanted to taste how sweet her blood was and make her his. But he had just met her, and this overwhelming affection would drive her away, or so he figured. This sensitivity to others was new, annoying almost, but he respected…Respected her.
“It’s late.” The Carpthian said to distract himself from the growing want. He wanted nothing more than to stay there and talk, but it was rather late out by now and he didn’t want to keep her up, she was human after all. A grin. “I hope we cross paths again Bridgette.”
He turned to walk out of the library, forcing himself not to look back over his shoulder. Lords. Maybe he’d never feel this way about another, but as he departed he felt more uneasy and he could feel the darkness dancing beneath the surface.
She was truly his light.
The quiet hush of the library was replaced by the soft words spoken by Zero. Bridgette stole a glance of how he ran his slender fingers back through his hair and ruffled it in a nervous gesture. All this so new to him. Kindness and thanks shown after what had started as a terrible quarrel. A warmth in the blush of Bridgette’s cheeks blossomed as Zero said he needed no thanks, but that he was thankful for her. Not only had he brought color to his black and white world, she had shown forgiveness. A rare and beautiful gift, in this dark place.
Not taking her eyes off his, when Zero moved to brush back a lock of her hair, Bridgette bowed her head ever slightly – savoring the coolness of his delicate touch. Each second passing, each word causing her chest to swell as she caught her breath and held it. For a moment, she was simply lost for words, and only when he went to stand and said that it was getting late, did she remember that it was late for her. As a baker she was always up at the crack of dawn, not only to make her pastries but to catch that beautiful golden light as the Sun rose over the horizon.
Bridgette gently eased her chair back and then stepped out, so that she could push the chair neatly back in place. Forgetting the book and the fact she was in this most public place in the Library, Bridgette crossed the floor to where Zero stood, and then she went up on tip toes and kissed both of his cheeks delicately. Her lips feather soft as they brushed the cool of his skin.
“Merci…Zero. We will…meet again.”
She seemed to stand in that same place for a minute, then remembered the book, and spun on her heel to go fetch it. Bridgette didn”t want to turn the book in. Not now. This book was a symbol of her and Zero’s budding friendship. Catching the book up and holding it tight to her bosom, she then gave a curt bob, before hurrying out of the library and turning the corner to head up the stairs to her room. Like a bird in flight she ascended the stairs, only to disappear around a corner.
Hearing the baker’s footsteps had caused Zero to halt his departure and turn somewhat, just in time for Bridgette to plant a soft kiss on each of his cheeks. This was not something he could have guessed would happen and he felt a strange tingling sensation on his cheeks and crinkled his nose a bit trying to figure out what was happening to him as she walked off, hopefully towards her room to get some rest after the trying day. He chuckled, remembering that she had slapped him earlier but was now kissing his cheeks.
“I hope so Bridgette.”
But she was long gone and the Carpathian cleaned up the supplies that they had used, making sure that the area that had been so convenient was left clean for the next desperate person who needed it. The male left the library without hesitation, honestly annoyed with all the different smells from the thousands of books, and headed towards his room down the hallway. The two seemed to be roomed on the same floor, it was a wonder they hadn’t met before, but he was a bit grateful for that. It just made him cherish the moments all the more.
-TC-
House Brax “What is Dead may never Die”
Current King: King Brandon Brax
Heir: Joffrey Brax
Area of Influence (Land they rule)
The Night Lands
Seat (main home of the ruling house)
Stonesalt Hall
Soldiers
60’000
Gold
40,000,000—
House Brax is famed for its many victories in battle. with the largest army in Eranor and a history of ruthless military leaders, house Brax truly lives up to its ruthless name. House Brax and house Blackstone are partner houses, marrying into each other and forming strong alliances over the years.
The sounds of thundering hooves filled the air as a massed contingent of the Brax army came thundering into the courtyard of Castle of Brax. Slowly a massive armor clad being dismounted a black war horse covered in sweat. As this being dismounted the horse he would look around with a sense of unease. The castle was dark and seemed unoccupied which was not how he left it. Slowly Brandon would remove his helm before scowling as he felt this pang of longing for a women he loved dearly. Ever since he had left and the women he loved vanished he had been devolving into a war hungry fiend. This time he had just returned from a border dispute with some elves that had been trying to encroach upon the brax lands which didn’t go unnoticed for long. Slowly Brandon would look about before sighing gently and muttering softly. “I miss her terribly…I hope she returns soon..” After looking about the deserted courtyard he would slowly walk into the castle before making his way into the throne room and sitting upon his throne in silence. As he sat there his thoughts turned to the one women who had made him truely happy if that was even possible for a demon while his eyes fluttered and a soft worn out groan sounded from his lips. A few moments later after the groan had sounded from his lips Brandon was asleep in his throne for the time being though it would take little wake him.
Deep within the mountain valley between the Mountain of Medusa and the three hills sits the ancient tree of Freare – the home of the Witches Council. It had been a few good months since the defeat of the Witch sisters against the Prince of Laegess when they tried to take the heart of Princess Tempest of Brax. Having regrouped, though battered and worn, the sisters had renewed their pledge to see the end of Tempest, though she was now the new Queen of Laegess since marrying Prince Sirus. Sirus was sworn in as King by a delighted audience that even included the ghosts of the Casterly, and the royalty of all surrounding kingdoms, with the exception of the House of Brax.
The Night lands had not been the same, since Minerva had broken the cursed collar that she wore around her neck, and gave her life as it were for that of her daughter and her husband; King Brandon. The three sisters had come to discover this, when a raven was dispatched by one of the loyal followers of Minerva’s secret coven. Included with the parchment was the remains of the collar along with a vial of Minerva’s blood, that had been kept by the Witch Queen for emergencies. It was with these pieces, that her sisters had formulated a plan, that would bring back their dear sister from Purgatory. They needed the fourth child of Cessena, to bring about the end of Tempest once and for all. So long as the child of light and dark exists, there can never be the fufillment of the rise of the Witches to absolute power over all the lands.
Within the ancient oak at its very centre was the hallowed gathering spot of many a witch from the night lands. Word had spread amongst the followers of Cessena that the three sisters had enough of their dear sister’s belongings to bring about the return of Minerva. The one thing they needed was a young woman’s body that would act as the new vessel for their sister. Having kidnapped a farmer’s daughter from the local dairy, a few of Portia’s friends brought the blind folded girl into the sanctum as Minerva’s blood still in the vial and the cursed collar were brought out on a velvet cushion. Delighted hisses and cat calls sounded out as the room was glowing from the many candles that burst into flame. Such power was being felt as dark creatures descended on the tree from all around. The Northern war had come to another end, and the King would be returning to a near empty castle. This was why. Dark magicks attracted those of evil hearts and none was as evil as Minerva.
Portia danced up to the blindfolded maid, who was begging to know what was happening to her.
“You’re a special guest, my dear.” Portia chortled as all around her cackled and laughed. The maiden shivered as Ethel came up beside the girl and whispered in her ear. “We have a surprise in store for you.” The eldest sister, Delilah then brought up the cursed collar of King Brandon of Brax and placed it around the girl’s neck. At first it just hung there, still broken. The true magic would only respond to that of Minerva. It could tell that this was just an ordinary milk maid. Deliah handed Ethel the vial of Minerva’s blood, which was tipped slowly into the bubbling cauldron at the centre of the room. Each of the witches present then brought their tributes, be it possessions, dead animals, herbs and potions, all tipping them into the cauldron. The contents of the cauldron began to glow, as each of the witches started to chant. A ladel was dipped into the cauldron and then carried by Delilah to the lips of the girl. “Open wide…and drink!” Delilah ordered, as each of the witches formed a circle around the maiden. One by one they joined hands, small cuts in their palms fusing together their blood as their chorus grew louder – singing for the return of their leader.
The maiden who drank the potion started to have convulsions, as her body rippled as though thousands of maggots were writhing under her skin. She screamed and cried out, though her hands were tied behind her back. The witches voices grew louder, swaying back and forth as they waited for the impossible to occur. The girl’s head tipped forward, drooping down. Her winter white hair started to turn black. Longer and longer. The collar around her neck became like that of a snake that latched on to its own tail and then shortened till tight up against the girl’s neck. The maiden’s dress which was a simple smock, began to lengthen and became a long black gown with spider webbing like sleeves. The witches all cast their eyes up at the figure. The air was now ripe, as a long and lonely cry came from the lips of the girl. Her head starting to rise as her hands snapped free from the rope binding. The blindfold fell away as the Witches stopped their chorus – staring at the woman in the centre of the room.
The transformation was complete. Each of the witches released their hands from the other, with Delilah stepping forward. She cocked her head to the right and then whispered; “Minerva?”
As The king of Brax slept fitfully he would mumble incoherently though one name kept coming up over and over again…Minerva. Suddenly Brandon’s eyes snapped open as he felt that one connection he had been craving come back to life. Almost at once the warrior King of Brax leaped from his slouched spot in his throne before making straight for the stables. As he walked down the grand halls of the Brax castle he would bark out. “Ready my horse…I’m going for a ride…” The squire who happened to be following him nodded his assent before peeling away to ready the kings horse simply known among the night lands as Harbinger. Once the king had arrived in the stables he would rest his left hand upon the pommel of his trusted sword “SoulStealer” as he waited. A few minutes later the squire came out with the steed fully saddled and ready to go. Brandon effortlessly mounted the steed before spurring it into a gallop and thundering out of the courtyard with a determined grin written over his face. Quite frankly he was either going to come back with Minerva or not at all. As he rode the steed hard he could not help but think of Minerva this whole time and the chance to reunite with his beloved wife.
Minerva raised her hands and turned them over, admiring her youthful skin. Her long nails were a deep shade of red and were fashioned into sharp points. She reached up and found to her surprise that the collar of Brandon was secured around her neck. Charmed to be linked to that of its Master, it meant that it would not be long before King Brandon himself was aware of the Witch Queen’s return. Minerva reached for a gilded hand mirror and brought it up so she could stare at her reflection. As beautiful as ever, the Queen smirked as the Witches all around applauded her return. The three sisters that had arranged this all gathered together as they watched Minerva with a certain fascination, but also were a tad concerned for she would not know of the current state of affairs in all the lands. As Minerva set down the gilded hand mirror, she turned to her sisters and clapsed her hands together.
“Sisters…I take it you have good news for me. That the child of light and dark…the child whose name I dare not say for fear of throwing up, is…dead?”
Delilah, Ethel and Portia all looked at the other and then the trio seemed mute. Each not sure who should dare speak about….Tempest. They all did a rock off, and it was Portia who lost. She stammered as she stepped forward.
“Well..well…uhm..we were this close to killing the girl.” Portia said with a creased brow. Ethel then blurted. “That dopey fae Prince came and saved her right at the last minute. It was terrible. Delilah got kicked in the head by some white horse.”
At this Delilah nodded. “I still have the scars.” She lamented. Minerva scowled and then asked. “And Prince Joffrey? Where is he? Is his head on a spike?” At mention of the Pirnce, one of the other witches mumbled that he was in exile. To Minerva this was not good news at all. It seemed that a lot had gone on in her absense. Picking up the edges of her black gown, she marched out of the Hollow, and into the grounds of the Witch sanctum. All around were members of the King’s court, that had come to bare witness to the return of the Witch Queen. She came to a clearing and placed a finger to her collar. The pulse of life of the curse could be felt and she swallowed hard. Her eyes closed as she spoke with a dark tone.
“My King…I hear you coming for me. The collar bites into my flesh. Your hold on me as strong as ever.”
The Witch Queen’s words sliced through Brandon’s mind causing a bemused grin to cross his face. Just as she finished he allowed the collar relax upon her neck though it remained snug as ever. It was a few moments later the thundering of hooves filled the air causing the gathered nobles to spread before the arriving king. Brandon would bring his steed to a stop before Minerva before dismounting and walking over to her. Once he had approached her he would retort rather darkly. “Would you expect anything less my dear wife and queen?” After speaking he would pull Minerva into his arms and turn to face the gathered nobles. “Back to the castle we go for a grand feast in honor of the queen’s return..” Slowly he would then lead Minerva over to his steed before remounting his horse and extended a hand down to her to help her mount the horse for their ride back to the castle. Once she was mounted atop the horse Brandon would spur the mount onwards back towards the castle. As the two rode with Minerva behind him Brandon could not help but smile like a love struck fool. Oh he was glad his wife had returned to him and his side as queen as well. Though there would be much talking between the two that night during the feast as Brandon had pined for her so much that he had almost devolved into a creature of pure hate and rage which was a fright in itself to see.
The three sisters emerged from the Hollow and watched as the King of the Nightlands had come racing over the hills on his dark steed. Oh, he had felt the pull of the curse of the collar and his arrival was not at all unexpected by the trio. Each looked to the other as they huddled together and watched their elder sister be swept up by the lovesick King. How many nights he must have pined for her after her supposed death? The Night lands had not been the same. It was as though a dreaded curse befell the lands for Minerva’s taint had touched many a soul. Now she was back, and there was hell to pay for those that had led to her demise.
The collar did loosen, but only a touch, as the King held Minerva and gazed into her wicked green eyes.
“Back to the castle we go for a grand feast in honor of the queen’s return..” He said with an air of pride. Barely asking the question on how it was she returned to life. Perhaps he simply didn’t care for details, but rather only cared about the result. The many nobles and creatures of the dark did as their King decreed. They all made for a hasty return to Night Lands Castle, while the King rather take his bride back on his steed. An offered hand up and she was soon at his back, her arms winding around his waist and locking on tightly. A sharp kick to the horse’s flank and they were away. Galloping towards the ancestral home of the Brax family. Minerva kept silent for now as they rode, the wind loud as it whistled past them.
Night Lands Castle.
The path that led to the grand bridge was now decked with many fiery torches to lead the King homeward. Knights had come out in their finest armor, to show respect for the return of the Queen and her King. It was as though life had been breathed back into the dark castle. The wolves cried – their song was one of welcome, but also forboding. The Queen had many plans now that she had returned to the living. No doubt the news that Tempest was still in the land of the living troubling, but that could change ever so quickly. Prince Joffrey? A thorn in the side of the Queen. He was a spineless gnat in her opinion. His love for the Angel Selene – Daughter of the deceased Casterly was his ultimate downfall. She would surely arrange for scouts to be sent out and track the bastard son of Rose and Brandon down, if it was the last thing she did. As for the Casterly,. time would be on their side. Minerva was yet to learn of the child Queen. She knew there was a son, Derek – but as to what became of him was still anyones guess.
Riding through the last set of gates, the Queen murmered in her King’s ear.
The thundering of hooves filled the courtyard before ceasing as King Brandon brought his steed to a stop before he dismounted the faithful steed. After dismounting he would extend his hand upto his wife and Queen Minerva. It was then with a great reverence that the demon king would lower the witch queen to the ground. Just as the king lowered the queen to the ground would a delighted squeal fill the air. “MOMMY!!!” The little terror of the brax castle named shirya would come tearing across the courtyard towards her parents in a gleeful blitz. With a chuckle Brandon would reach down and intercept their beloved daughter and sweep her into his embrace. “Hey there Shirya..Miss your daddy?” He would ask with a content smile to which Shirya would nod to her fathers question before making a motion that she wanted to be held and coddled by her mother Minerva. It was quite clear by the actions of the young princess that she wanted nothing more then to be held in the loving arms of her mother.
Stonesalt Hall was the domain of true evil and the ancestral home of the Brax family since as long as one could remember. Its stony towers stretched up to touch the very dark clouds that swirled around its flag masts. Heads of traitors and enemies adorned pikes on the bridge that lead to the castle gate – a sinister warning that treason was a killable offence. Change was truly in the winds, with the return of Queen Minerva the Witch who had brought about the fall of Prince Joffrey single handedly, and the capture and subsequent death of Queen Metia of Casterly. Her untimely end had come when she gave up her life for that of her daughter Shirya some time before, so as the Queen was being helped down from the King’s steed, it would be a shock surely to see this same young girl emerge from the inner castle to see her father and mother reunited. As the family motto goes “What is Dead may never Die”. No truer word was ever said, especially in the case of Minerva.
Hearling the delighted squeal of the child, who was embraced by King Brandon and swept up into his arms, Minerva stood back a moment, to observe the pair together. The child was still a scamp, but a beauty that came from her Mother’s own good looks. The King was content to hold the child and speak with love and longing having been away from his daughter due to war in the lands. The child nods to her father’s question and then reaches with both small arms to be held. There was no way taht the Queen could deny the child this and so she takes the girl from her father’s arms and holds her to her own bosom.
“My sweet one…how I have missed you.” Minerva said, winking slyly at her husband as she stroked her daughter’s hair with care. Was it possible that the Witch Queen could show such affections when her heart was darker than coal? Minerva rocked the child to and fro, before setting her down and then mused. “My my how you have grown. From such a small seed, to this tiny flower before me.”
Picking up the edges of her skirt, she walked to the King’s side and then urged him to take the pair inside. A fine banquet awaited them surely, and no doubt there would be entertainers, jugglars and magicians to bring laughter to the hallowed halls. There was so much to discuss and plot, that was for sure. The child would surely have questions as well as to where her Mother had been, and just why she was brought back.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The first days after Milo’s birth were rough on Dixie. Trying to go from being able to sleep when you wanted to, to suddenly having to feed a baby every three hours meant that she soon discovered the joys and responsibilities of motherhood. Milo’s first bath was a scary experience, as she found little Milo to cry every time she tried to put him in the water. The nurses were a great help, but Dixie prided herself on being independent, and struggled getting through bath time. The nights were spent walking the crib up and down the halls while many other patients were asleep. Dixie would hum an AC/DC song as she made her way up and back trying to get Milo to go to sleep. No sooner would she get back to her ward, it was feeding time again. The day to leave hospital would come and poor Dixie had bags under her eyes from lack of sleep.
Waiting outside the hospital, she stood with Milo in a capsule and bags of gifts at her feet. Logan had said he would organise a car for her, since it would be pretty awkward bringing them both home on the back of a bike. <3>
IceTe3a: He had stayed with Dixie to comfort her throughout this new experience, he managed to be allowed to stay in the hospital room with her over the days until they would clear both Dixie and Milo from the hospital. He had already organized one of his bikers to come drop off the car and take his bike back to their place with strict instructions to not scratch the paint in the slightest. He knew Milo wasn’t his child but he would treat him like he was all the same, honestly he couldn’t wait until the little tike was old enough so he could teach him about engines but for now he was just happy to have a new addition to the family. Finally the day came when they were discharged from the hospital, he had quickly given both Dixie and Milo a kiss before running off with a bulk of the gear to fetch the car, leaving Dixie with a few items and Milo to carry. It didn’t take him long to run down to the car park where he slid into his 1979 chev impala, it stood there on thick walled fat 19” pure black with chrome trimmings, the interior was a light brown leather, as the seats both in the back and front went all the way along with no breaks on them. Turning the engine over she came to life with a grunty v8 roar that would echo throughout the car park, he was quick to drive it outside and come to a rolling stop in front of the hospital right next to Dixie. Quickly he hopped out of the car “I got it love!” racing around the car he smiled as he picked the gifts and clothing bag from Dixie’s hands, giving her a light peck on the cheek he threw them in the back seat. Opening the passenger front door he waited for both Dixie with Milo to slide into the car before he closed the door. Racing back to the other side he jumped into the driver’s seat almost rushing as he wanted to get them both home quickly to settle in so Dixie can relax, with his left arm he slid her over across the seat so she was right next to him, wrapping his arm around her gently he smiled as he looked down to Milo “Ready sweetie? Let’s take the little tucker home, you’re both knackered I bet“ with a light squeeze to show his love to her he drove off towards their home where their pups were surely waiting in anticipation for their return.
CharlotteCarrendar: Hearing the delicious roar of the V8 engine did lift Dixie’s spirits. True to his word, Logan brought the car around, and was an absolute gentleman in helping her get all the gifts, flowers and baby gear into the back seat. With the baby capsule fitted snugly and Dixie was sure that the baby was strapped in securely, she got into the front of the 1979 Chev impala and snuggled beside Logan as he pulled out from the curb. She was so relieved to be out of the hospital. Some of the nurses were great, others she tolerated. Maybe now that she was heading home, she would be able to work into a routine. As the car sped along, the baby gurgled happily. Dixie knew right then and there. ”The baby loves the car. I should have just borrowed this at night.” She said, almost joking. Dixie rested her head on Logan’s shoulder as they drove along and did her best to keep her eyes open. She’d not had a lot of sleep the night before, and it was starting to show. It was then Dixie remembered the puppies. How would they react to the baby? They were babies themselves. So many things started to fill her sleepy mind, and she yawned as they finally pulled into the driveway of the Queenslander. Dixie blinked and rubbed her left eye with her fist before waiting for the car to be parked. Smiling crookedly at Logan, she asked. ”Are you ready for this?’ She was meaning if he was ready for all the sleepless nights and fun that came with a new born. <3>
IceTe3a: As they pulled into the brand new Queenslander he looked over it with a slight smile on his face, as he glanced around at the big property with freshly laid grass it was sitting on 3 acres of prime dirt that was now fitted with the best grass money can buy, so a perfect large enclosed place for the child to play around in when he grew older, it of course was backed off on the large warehouse where the car and bike shop where, it was perfect his work was right next to his home. As he turned the car off he heard Dixie ask if he was ready for this, the 28 year old Biker leaned back as he looked down at her, cupping her cheeks he leaned in as their lips met; his kiss was one of passion as he held her cheeks for a moment before pulling back “Better bloody believe it” he smirked giving her a cheeky wink. Then an aggressive bark and howling echoed as he leaned down slightly and peered up the staircase, there was jack arched up on the top of the stairs barking down at the unknown car. He chuckled as he looked back at Dixie He’s gonna be a protective one” as he got out of the car he walked around to the passenger side as he helped Dixie out of the car, leaning into the car he strapped the bags of clothing against his back and picked up the baby carrier that had Milo laying in it happily, looking down at Milo he smiled as he walked over to Dixie and wrapped his left arm around her pulling her in against him “Welcome home you two, Come on up we go” he leaned down slightly as his arm snaked around Dixies waist and legs lifting her up into his arm as he carried the tired Dixie and Milo towards the house. Jack of course realizing who they were started backing with excitement as boof came scurrying outside letting off an excited back of his own. Walking up the stairs they started to run around his feet as he shook his head with a smirk “Settle down you two, come on.. Inside” With that Jack barked and rushed off inside whilst Boof gave chase happily. As they reached the front door that he had left open, he walked inside and put Dixie down, turning to her he looked down and smiled “you, Bath.. Relax.. now” he smirked as he slapped her ass giving her a light push “I got bubs” walking past her, he went straight for their room and placed the baby carrier down on the floor by the wall, picking Milo up carefully he placed him gently to lay cradling in his left arm, “G’day lil tike, you gonna behave for mummy and daddy?” he smiled as he slightly rocked Milo back and forward, wiggling his right index finger infront of Milo; Milo’s tiny hands gripped his large finger as he let out a tired yawn. “Want a coffee love?” he said as he was still watching Milo, slowly he walked his way towards the kitchen to make himself a Coffee and one for Dixie if she wanted one as well. He was going to more than do his fare share of looking after Milo so Dixie can recover from the last few days, he was already used to working around with using one hand so this would be rather easy.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Jack’s barks and growls were a bit of a surprise. Dixie chuckled when Logan said that the puppy would be the protective one. ”I can see that.” She replied, amused by the puppy’s behaviour. She knew the car was a lot louder than some of the bikes, and that too may have had something to do with the barking. Getting out of the car, Dixie was in awe of how Logan was taking everything in his stride. From putting all the bags of clothes on his back, taking the capsule with one hand, and then hoisting her up on his other hip, he was like Hercules carrying all of his new family up the front stairs. In all honesty, Dixie didn’t mind at all. In fact, she could get used to it. Finally reaching the top landing, he set her down and welcomed her home properly. She reached up and ran her fingers through her hair, as she wondered just what to tackle first, but Logan had it all under control. He put in the order that she was to go and have a bath and relax. The very thought of luxuriating in a tub of bubbles simply made her weak at the knees. ”Really? You sure you will have everything okay with the dogs and the baby and….” but she didn’t even have to finish her sentence. He was already off and away with the baby. Ordering the dogs to settle down, and then scooping up the baby from the carrier and holding him with his left arm whilst cradling Milo gently. Seeing that Logan had it all under control, Dixie headed down the hall, and then turned into their bedroom. Everything was as she left it, and the bed made, the clothes basket empty. Dixie wasn’t returning to a house full of chores, and to her that was an immediate relief. Taking her hair out of her ponytail holder, she released her black locks so they would tumble freely down her back, as she walked into the bathroom. Oh how glad she was that she had arranged to have a large TV put in there. Dixie leaned over and turned on the faucets, letting the bath fill with hot water, as she hummed, and found some bath salts and oils. This was going to be sheer heaven. The first chance she had to take a well earned break from the little one. She heard Logan sing out if she wanted a coffee. Naturally, she sung out. ”You bet!” Dixie still had her love of coffee, right from before the pregnancy. Stripping off, with the bubbles in the bath rising, she tested the water temperature, before stepping into the bath and sinking down up to her shoulders. The relief was more or less instant. <3>
IceTe3a: – He could hear the bath running as he smiled lightly, he heard jack and boof running around excited that they were home the two were playing amongst each other. As he had two cups ready for the water to be boiled he walked over and toasted two pieces of bread, it may have taken a bit longer but with Milo cradled in on hand he managed to do it with ease. Looking down as he saw both pups sitting waiting to be fed, he chuckled slightly as he walks to the fridge, pulling out two steaks he flung them out the window so they landed on the patio, Jack raced outside with boof close behind to find their food for the night. “That’s the pups done, Eh Milo? The toaster popped as he placed them on a plate and buttered them up with butter and vegemite, the water boiled soon after as he poured the hot water into the cups. Placing the plate in between his fingers where he was holding Milo in, he gripped the two cups in the other and walked towards their room once more “Let’s go bug mummy for a sec, shall we?” he smiled down as Milo made some happy sounds. Walking into the bedroom he could hear the water had stopped running he walked in to see her laying down enjoying the bubble bath as he smiled “Here ya go love” he placed the cup of coffee down on the tub with the place of two toasts with butter and vegemite down next to it “Cuppa and a snack, I think we’ll order tucker tonight but for now eat your vegemite” he smirked giving her a wink as he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “Say bye bye mummy “ he said as he looked down at Milo waiting, [b] “ No? Okay than “ he laughed playfully as he stood up and walked outside “What you wanna order love? Anything you want” he smiled as he leaned against the wall, he placed either hand under Milo’s arms and held him up above him blowing on his small belly in which he would slightly smile before yawning “Lil tuckers knackered! I’ll feed him and throw him into bed, Formula ok?” he glanced down to Dixie not really sure but he had a slight idea, if anything it was pure instincts at best.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Dixie watched Logan come in and being so careful to bring in her favourite vegemite toast and a coffee as she was relaxing in the bath. ”Thanks hun.” Dixie said, eagerly taking a bite from her toast, as she was starving. At the mention of ordering in, Dixie couldn’t agree more. ”I’d kill for some pizza.” Having had hospital food, she lived for the day she could have something as wicked as Pizza. She happily ate her toast in the meantime, as Logan had everything under tight control. He even got the baby to say bye bye to mummy, which made her laugh. Logan was such a natural with Milo, it was hard to believe. Taking a sip of her coffee, she let out a sigh. It was so good to be home. Her thoughts turned to the baby again, which wasn’t hard, when she heard that the baby was tuckered out. ”Finally?” Dixie sang out. She was sure the baby slept when Dixie couldn’t take it anymore. Maybe the homecoming wore the baby out. When Logan asked if formula would be okay for a feed, Dixie didn’t hesitate to answer. ”Yes, I think that is a good idea. Give me a tiny bit longer in the bath, then I can get out and help you.” She felt a tiny pang of guilt for having this time to relax, but Logan was kind enough to look after the baby while she did. Soon she got out of the bath and dried herself down with a fluffy towel, before padding out to her bedroom. Being able to wear clothes again that were her size before the baby came along was a blessing. She soon found some jeans and a large black t shirt, and wound up her hair in a loose bun, before heading out to find Logan, but not before grabbing her empty plate and cup and taking them to the kitchen to clean up. Being home again was a great feeling. She wasn’t being rushed into a schedule, but she knew when she settled, she would have to work out a feeding and sleeping plan for the baby. For now, she wanted to enjoy Logan and their newborn. She went to find where they had disappeared to, since the house was quiet once more.<3>
IceTe3a: – He nodded as she said she wanted Pizza and that formula would be best for the baby, he smiled as he took Milo cradled in his left arm again out of the bath, walking to the Kitchen he picked up the phone and dialled the local pizza place “Yeah two pizza’s one meat, one supreme, delivery, garlic bread coke.. yeah, uhuh. “ as he was ordering the pizza he was reading the formula on how to make it, warming up some water to the right temperature he placed it in the baby bottle with two and a half scoops of the formula “ Yup this address, round the back just come through the gate Cheers” He smiled as he closed the lid on the baby bottle and started to shake it, after a bit he dropped a small amount on his palm to feel the temperature which was spot on warm. As he placed it to Milo’s lips he watched as Milo took the bottle in his hands gently and started to drink the formula, he heard Dixie walk in as he turned around and looked up at her smiling “It’s all good darling, I’ll burp him and put him to bed, you can either relax on the patio or come say good night”he smiled as he walked over to Dixie and kissed her lips gently. Waiting for Milo to finish up, he placed the empty bottle on the table and raised Milo against his chest so Milo’s chin was resting on his shoulder, a few light pats on the back and a burp came out as he chuckled lightly “What a rippa” he gave Dixie a wink, as he thought she might want to hold him before placing him in bed, he turned to Dixie and placed Milo into her arms carefully before walking in behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist gently and pulled her in to press her back against his chest while he leaned his chin against her “I think we’ll be fine darling, Don’t stress to much I’ll always be around to help out so the work load isn’t all on you” after a few minutes pass from cuddling her he was followed her into their room where a second baby crib was set up right near their bedroom, for the first few weeks the baby would obviously be sleeping in the same room and then moved into his own room which they had fully furnished.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Seeing Logan had everything under control, for a moment Dixie stood with her arms folded, just taking it all in. Her smile was infectious and when she heard Milo burp and Logan’s reaction, she couldn’t help the laughter. It was so adorable. ”Better out than in.” she said, rubbing the baby’s back and sharing a kiss with Logan before he let her take the baby by placing it in her arms. You could see the little fella was starting to fall asleep, his eyelids heavy and he kept yawning. Smiling, Dixie started to walk the baby towards their room, where a small crib had been set up, identical to the one in the baby’s nursery. Feeling Logan wrapping his arms around her and resting his chin on her shoulder, as she set the baby down, and started to tuck him in, Dixie had never felt so much love in her heart. She thought for sure that Milo wouldn’t go to sleep right away, but sure enough, within a few minutes he did. Dixie ran her fingers lightly over the baby’s head, and then slowly pulled her hand back before covering Logan’s hands with her own. ”I don’t know what I would do without you.” She said in a hushed voice, trying not to wake the baby. Dixie turned around in his arms, and whispered. ”Shall we go out to the patio to wait for dinner?’ Dixie knew that the takeout pizza guy should be coming along soon. She wanted to enjoy her down time in Logan’s arms. Milo let out a small hiccup, and Dixie froze for a moment, as though the baby was about to wake up, but taking a quick look, Milo settled again and was sleeping peacefully. As she walked out with Logan she asked. ”Might need to have some of that formula myself if it makes you go to sleep that easily.” <3> [/b]
IceTe3a: He smiled as he felt her resting her hand against his, a slight kiss on the back of her head as she asked if they should go outside and wait for the pizza man, he nodded as he was about to leave he heard Milo hiccup and watched as Dixie stopped mid walk, he snickered slightly to himself as he waited for her to ok the moment and walked out with him in tow. As they walked through the hall and towards the outside patio he smirked as he placed his hands on either side of her waist and picked her up [b]“Oh I’m sure we can find better ways to spend your energy” he smirked as he quietly but with slight haste walked outside to the patio where the two pups were enjoying the large space as they chased each other, you could hardly hear them barking from inside but they were. Setting Dixie down he sat on the chair outside and pulled her down to sit on his lap, where he kissed her neck softly and held her hands gently “I love you Darling, always remember that” as he pulled her in close he was more than content with his new home and new family, he had given the boys the week off so he could settle in with Dixie and the new baby before opening shop so they had a full seven days without anyone having to disturb them for anything. “We have a whole week alone to settle in “ he smiled and kissed her neck once again as he heard the Pizza man pull up, he watched as he walked through the gate and placed the Pizza’s, garlic bread and coke down on the table in front of them. Logan slipped him 50$ which was more than enough “Keep the tip mate” he smiled and nodded as the Pizza guy walked out towards the gate and disappeared, Jack finally took notice and bolted for the gate starting to bark, he chuckled slightly and opened the two boxes of pizza “Dig in love” he said, as he waited for her to start before grabbing a slice for himself and munching into it, he already had two glasses set outside on the table for the coke as he poured them both a glass whilst munching on the pizza. “Feeling better? We still have to tell tito” he nudged her with a smirk
CharlotteCarrendar: – The moment Logan pulled Dixie up to him, taking her hands and declaring his love for her and his new family, Dixie felt the first few tears. She wasn’t normally one to cry at the drop of a hat, but these were happy tears. Her eyes glistened as they shared a kiss. ”I’ll never forget. I love you so much, Logan.” She had to stop herself from full on crying, but course the sound of the pizza man arriving was beautifully timed. With Logan off to pay for it, she snuck inside and grabbed a few tissues, to wipe away her tears. Coming back out, she heard the bark of the dogs, and then the delicious smell of the pizzas. Her mouth was already salivating. She took a seat on his lap, and made herself comfortable, before reaching for that first slice of pizza. One bite and it was like heaven. Dixie made happy sounds as she munched away on the Italian fare. ”You don’t need to ask me twice. I’m famished.” Dixie reached for her glass of coke, taking a sip before another bite of her pizza slice. News that they had the whole week to get settled without worrying about work or anyone bothering them came as a welcomed relief. ”That is just the best news.” She could feel the stress falling away as she settled back onto Logan’s lap. But one thing she had forgotten through everything was….Tito. The gasp that left her mouth as she realized that he had no idea where she was, or the fact she had the baby, would be a real shock for the lanky Italian. ”How could I have forgotten Tito?’ Dixie blurted. She hoped that her former employer was not too cross with her. Hopefully he would understand. ”I’ll drop around during the week. Once I’m settled.” She knew that it was something she should do, but right now Tito could wait. Dixie then asked. ”Were the guys okay about being off work a week?’ <3>
IceTe3a: -He chuckled as she had come to realize she completely forgot about Tito, that Italian would be going off by now that much was for sure. As he finished up his first slice he took a fair gulp of his coke and smiled as he went for a second slice, “Yeah, best pay him a visit sometime this week no need to rush though” as he took another bite he cuddled Dixie happily, He knew she was the one for him and there was nothing anyone could do or say to him that would change his mind. Leaning back he glanced around the yard and smiled “Later on we should put a play gym in for Milo” he nodded to himself in agreement as he heard her ask about the guys having a week off he laughed and shook his head, “Are you kidding? Their most likely getting smashed at some pub having a good time all week, no doubt they’ll thank you “ he smirked as he finished up the second slice of Pizza at this point boof had smelt the food and came running up stairs, jack followed suit obviously curious of what Boof was doing they both sat down near the table looking up as they begged for some pizza “What you think give em a slice each? “ he smiled and kissed the back of her shoulder before resting back with his cup of coke, slowly sipping at it, night came quickly as he threw his jacket around Dixie to keep her warm while they enjoyed their patio whilst eating a well deserved dinner “ We’re going to make great parents, especially you missy”he smirked giving her a light nudge. He cuddled her gently while she continued to eat, he smiled lightly and knew soon she would need some sleep
CharlotteCarrendar:- Dixie watched the two dogs looking up with expectant eyes, and bottomless stomachs. She couldn’t say no to those two. Giving each a slice of pizza, she laughed as they both took off in different directions to enjoy a share of the main meal. Tails wagging and then the sound of slobbering. Dixie went back to relaxing, easing back into Logan’s arms as they enjoyed the night, just the two of them. Both agreed that Tito could be visited later in the week, as he wasn’t really a priority. Dixie giggled at the suggestion of a play gym for Milo. She couldn’t imagine him using one straight away since he was a newborn, but for the future it was a good idea. ”A timber fort.” Dixie suggested, thinking that would be great for a little boy to play in. Happy in the knowledge that Logan’s employees would be thankful for the time off, she felt that everything was working out for the best. Finishing the last of her pizza slice, Dixie let out a small yawn, before settling her head back to rest on Logan’s shoulder. Her fingers lightly strummed his, and before he knew it, his Dixie girl had actually fallen asleep. Right there and then. <3>
IceTe3a: He watched as Dixie fed the two pups a slice of Pizza each, as they ran off in different directions to feast on their earned meals he smirked slightly as he heard Dixie suggest a timber fort ”A timber fort.. with a bar!! And a beer fridge! Pool table~ “ he was raving off to himself almost making it sound like a man cave, as he felt Dixie lean back and relax against him, looking down after awhile he noticed she was asleep, he smirked as he knew it was time to put his baby girl to bed. Slowly he picked her up in his arms without waking her and walked her into the bedroom, removing the quilt and sheets he laid her down on the bed taking her shoes and the jacket off, he left her in her shirt and jeans. Covering her he leaned over and kissed her goodnight, slowly Jack and boof came trotting in and looked up at him as he pointed to the end of the bed, both tails were wagging as they jumped up and curled near each other giving off a yawn. He walked out of the room and around the house checking the doors were locked and switching lights off until finally he came into their room one more, closing the door quietly he walked over to the crib where Milo slept quietly, leaning in; he softly kissed the child’s head with a smile. “You’ll always have me around to be your father, I promise I’ll take good care of both of you”he made sure Milo was covered comfortably before stripping off his shirt and boots, he walked around to the other side of the bed and came to lay down flat on his back, Dixie rolled over towards him as he easily guided her to half rest on his chest with his arm under her and wrapping in to cuddle her closely keeping her warm. With a light smile on his face he closed his eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep whilst thinking of his new family and his fond memories of being with Dixie, it was hard to believe the two had come so far in such little time it was almost surreal but he was thankful for all of it.
IceTe3a: He watches as Eryda jumped off her horse, with sword in hand she took lead after accepting his request, you could smell them before you could see them as they gave off a most unpleasant odour. “ Frost trolls are a lot stronger than were’s, you best stay on Mersa for safety Cali.” he slid off Mersa leaving Cali to sit on her by her lonesome, as he watched Eryda’s figure walk up into the distance he followed suit keeping his distance enough to give her room but he still wanted to watch her fight the vial creatures. With Mersa and Eryda’s horse following up behind, the townspeople had their doors locked fully aware of the situation by now some even peeked through the windows to watch the upcoming battle. “ I will step in if you can’t handle it” he smirked whilst he said this, almost a playful taunt he knew she would bite back as he looked her up and down with an arched brow, he loved her for her personality and her body. The frost trolls had seemed to have broken into the towns live stock as the cries of animals started to echo throughout the mountain terrain, it was up to Eryda to deal with them this time, he stood there waiting for the battle to start, his lip still bleeding as the trail of blood started to drip down to his chin it didn’t bother him and it never came to him that it may drive Cali stir crazy.
CharlotteCarrendar: – With each step carefully taken, Eryda listened for signs of where the Frost trolls were in the vicinity of the town. Shutters and doors slammed, while frightened villagers huddled inside, knowing better than to take on such beasts on their own. More powerful and vicious than the weres they lived up to their namesake. Xo of course alighted from the Warg and advised Cali to remain on the massive wolf like beast. The blood Elf’s face grew sad from not being able to join in the battle, but she knew better now than to argue with the Witcher. Especially now that his wife had joined them in their quest. Up ahead, Eryda came to a stop – her ears pricked to hear the sounds of animals being slaughtered and most terribly by the Frost trolls. The cattle yards no doubt is where the Frost trolls struck. About to take a step in that direction, she overheard her mate say that he would step in if she could not handle it. A light shake of her head was all he got from her. To think that she needed his help when it came to a pack of Frost trolls. ”Protect your client.” She shot back with as she took off towards the animal enclosure in a sprint. Her speed and agility were well noted. Leaping up onto a railing, she could see four frost trolls, two of which were fighting over a cow, the other two were already half way through some sheep. Balancing on the railing, she then leapt down doing a forward somersault. A loud cry erupting from her lips that was sure to get their attention all too late. The first Frost troll reared up, covered in sheeps blood, and she drove her sword right into it’s chest, and then tore the blade upwards – cutting it right open up to its neck. It shrieked horribly, dropping to its knees, while the others released their kills and moved in on the red witcher. <3>
IceTe3a: He watched as she ran off into the darkness seeking out the frost trolls, she could handle herself he knew that for a fact. Turning back he walked towards Cali as he came to a stop just next to her left leg, glancing around the town they were used to the frost trolls in a town like this, no one really bothered they all knew what to do. Most men ventured to the local tavern in groups to make it slightly safer, the streets were lit with burning torches, fire was something frost trolls despised, it resembled light and fire of course, two things they were weak against. They would need to find a room to spend the night in for the night after Eryda was through playing with the trolls, he glanced up to Cali as he wondered just how long she could last without feeding, would she be hungry again it had been quite awhile since she last fed. “ After the masters are alerted to this, we venture to the mundane, be prepared for anything once we are there.” He turned his back to Cali as he peered around in the darkness keeping a look out, he could hear Eryda screaming out a warriors battle cry as he knew the fight was now in full force. A slight smirk chiseled its way across his face as he knew she would do him proud. : Vlad was sitting on his throne his eyes closed as the day turned to night, for the vampires who never slept this meant nothing. He was thinking.. planning his next move, but first he needed the formalities out of the way, to convene a council, put people in their proper titles such as commanders in the new army and to help run the kingdom, lastly he needed to choose a bride.. he could smell the sweet scent of the many females that roamed these halls, wearing clothing that only showed off and emphasized their features, as they seductively walked about while eyeing him off. They all wanted to be his bride, although female vampires were the dominate ones in the vampire race and the higher ranking of the sex’s he was their king and they needed to equally show him respect without making themselves look weak or less dominate than he, it was a chess game something that needed to either be done boldly or delicately and over time; who chose what path was up to each female. Although each female was.. as beautiful as the last, that was his problem they each were just as beautiful as each other. Although his own preferences were known throughout the kingdom, much like his blessings of silver. He was the strongest and tallest male vampire in the kingdom a true warrior, but the female he would want by his side.. was yet to show herself, he imagined her with black hair much like his own.
CharlotteCarrendar:- The closeness now between Cali and the Witcher had her finding herself almost salivating. It was hard to describe, let alone contain such a craving that she had for his life force – his essence. She could still see the stain from drops of blood that trailed along his bottom lip and she licked her only lips. If only…if only. The torchlight was the only light offered that night to ward off those lurking in the shadows. But with her shining green eyes, Cali could see perfectly well in the dark. Brought back to what he was saying when Xo mentioned the mundane village being their port of call after they deal with the council, she remembered that that was where her husband was. Some hideous mundane Queen had him her slave, and that was something she was going to fight to change. Staying seated on the Warg, Cali offered. ”We can start off again before dawn. Once your mate has finished dealing with the Frost trolls.” What she wanted to say or rather ask was how would his mate feel if she needed to feed off him in her presence. That was always in the back of her mind. In the distance, you could hear Eryda’s blood curdling war cry. A head rolled out from under one of the cattle yard fences, as she felled yet another Frost troll where he stood. The other two knew that if they continued to fight, she would end them as well, and so they both gave up their kills and fled off into the night. Her face bloody and her chest heaving from exertion, she sheathed her blade, and simply started to walk back towards where she had left Xo and the Blood Elf. No doubt she was going to need a bath. :: In the Vampire castle, word had spread of the rise of the new King, as the former Queen had made a hasty retreat after her declaration of war with the Witcher race. Now all the females of the court were passing the King’s throne, each more beautiful than the next. But one of the last to bring up the rear was a girl that was far different than all the others. She had skin like porcelain, eyes the reddest of red that were hued with a light grey sheen. Full lips and onxy coloured hair that flowed down and rested just above her ass. Taller than the rest, she walked with a refined air. A noble, there was no question about it, and one that would be ideal as a future bride of the new King. Her name…Xyira. <3>
IceTe3a: He heard the soft footsteps that had to be his wife Eryda as he turned around, watching as she came out of the darkness covered in blood and sweat with a simple smirk. He smiled as he walked up to greet her, grabbing her shin with his index finger and thumb he moved her face around as his yellow hues examined her fine skin, looking for any wounds that may have occurred, he was very protective of her and this was one of his ways of showing her he loved her. Reaching into his jacket with his free hand he pulled out a concoction of herbs in liquid form, something he always brewed up for Eryda to keep her fit and healing strong, since she didn’t have the same healing replenishment he did; his alchemy helped her healing and usually gave her a few vials before she left amongst teaching her basic herbology and alchemy. His thumb let go of her chin only to press against her bottom lip, pressing down on it her lips parted willingly as he poped the top of the vial “Drink this, darling. “ he said simply as he placed the open vial to her lips as he slowly tipped it into her mouth he watched with a slight smile of a lover. Waiting for her to finish drinking he closed the cap and placed it into his jacket once more, his thumb slipped from her lips as they bounced close, now taking her chin again he pulled her in slowly bringing her to a kiss as he kissed her with a loving passion for but a moment before pulling back “Well done “ he said as he turned to face the same way she was, his arm wrapped around her back as his fingers wrapped gently around her side. Leading her towards Cali he nodded towards the Tavern “Food some drink and find a room for the night, then we shall resupply and continue. Cali, go ahead into the Tavern I need to speak to Eryda alone for a moment” he said this while looking at Cali, as he waited for her to leave and enter the Tavern he turned to face his lover and smiled. “Cali.. needs to feed, She feeds on the magical life force of others. As you know my life force cannot be drained so easily.”he sighed slightly as his eyes met hers, he went silent for a moment “She’s feeding off mine, so she doesn’t kill others it’s for the best until the jobs done. “ he didn’t know how Eryda would take this, he only knew she could quite possibly be pissed that someone else was touching what was rightfully hers. : As they passed, he sat there listening to their feet tapping against the floor, he did not bother to open an eye to glance at any of them. He was waiting to see who would be brave enough, it was no secret he liked it rough, he liked his women to be beautiful and affectionate but dominating and rough at the same time, a rare thing to find in deed like the perfect blood flower. A scent hit his nose as he took it in, his eyes shot open as he glanced directly at one particular female for a moment, she was beautiful.. stunning even, taller than the rest of the females by far; her skin looked soft and delicate as her eyes had a look to them that could not be denied, he was examining her for but a second before he closed his eyes again. It was more than he gave to any other female before she had obviously sparked his interest for a moment, he couldn’t deny that she looked exactly like the female he would want, but looks were not everything to him as he leaned back into his chair the back of his head resting against the throne itself as each arm spread against the arm rest, he wanted a female that wasn’t afraid to inflict pain.. to dominate.. to love. He wanted more than someone who just wanted to improve their social status but that was a hard find, although the female vampires took quite easy to harming males, using them as their toys he wanted all that and more he wanted a female to claim him as hers and only want him. Soon he would have to retire from his throne and start working through other details that needed his attention.
CharlotteCarrendar:- With a welcoming gaze the red witcher stopped before her mate, and allowed him to administer the vial that would help replenish her after her battle with the Frost trolls. She closed her eyes, drinking down the last drop, till opening them and finding that her love had swept her into his arms and sealed the drink with a kiss. She kissed back just as fiercely, only to then be swung back in the direction of the Warg and of course the blood elf. The Blood elf had waited quietly, not really ready to try and engage in conversation with Eryda. She just didn’t feel it was her place. The couple walked back together – unified, and this made up for all the months that they were apart. Already in the back of Eryda’s mind she was planning how to spend their first night alone together, but as she thought this, Xo went to ask the Blood Elf to go off ahead, as he wished to speak to Eryda alone. Once the two had been left, Eryda looked at Xo quizzically, wondering what it was that he wanted to talk to her about without the Blood elf in ear shot. What he had to say had her jaw fall open. ”She feeds off you?” It seemed simply to incredulous to believe, till it was explained that it stopped her killing anything else along the way out of hunger. ”Forgive me, but…I really don’t like another woman…sinking her fangs into you, let alone touching you. It was bad enough that I thought Valencia had finally gotten her way.” Eryda broke free from his hold, as she turned her back for a moment. Normally she wouldn’t care, for she knew that his love for her was true but she had never come across this type of situation before. She didn’t doubt Xo’s fidelity, she simply didn’t like the idea of another woman getting ideas. Looking back over her shoulder, she had to ask. ”What if she becomes addicted to you? Hmm? Have you ever considered that?” It was a very good question. :: Xyria stopped before the King, and went into a low curtsey that showed off ample bosom that was strapped down beneath what was a Victorian styled gown. Sheer black cloth only accentuated the smooth curves of her form. ”M’lord.” her voice was rich and sultry, but had a rough edge to it. ”I am Xyria, a dark child with very strong tastes in the exotic.” The smile that appeared on her lips oozed sexuality and prowess. She could have any man that she so desired, and right now, she wanted the King. Boldly she took the steps up that led to the throne, and then circled the throne, like a black panther that stalked its prey. Her scent was unlike the others, leaving one light headed. She finally stopped at the side of the throne, and purred. ”Shall we play a game?” <3>
IceTe3a: A simple smile against his lips as he knew Eryda was jealous of the thought in another woman touching him, her question was well within reason as she turned her back to him. Walking up slowly to her, he wrapped his arms around her waist as he pulled her back in against his chest, his chin simply came to rest on her shoulder. He kept quiet for a moment as he thought about the question as he gave her a sideways glance “We will have to do better than that, re unite her with her husband and send them on their way before it happens.. he chuckled slightly as he gave her a light nudge “Kind of sounds like a challenge, suited for people of our skill, think we’re up for the challenge? It should prove dangerous… She will need to feed tonight. he smiled and kissed her neck giving her a light squeeze “I will organize her a separate room away from ours, allow her to feed and then, come back to you just in time for your bath. Go now get us a room and wait for me” He smiled as he led her into the tavern, giving Eryda a slap on the ass he left her on her on for a small while. He walked over to the counter and paid for two rooms on opposite ends of the building throwing Eryda the key to their room he smiled giving her a wink. As he turned he could see Cali in the far end, slowly he approached her, his fresh blood still dripping from his lip “Come I will show you to your room, and you need to feed” he took her by the arm and slowly lead her down the hall to her room, as he opened the door he placed the key on the side table by the door and walked straight in waiting for cali to walk through he was standing with his back to her in the middle of the room. : He could hear her footsteps as she came up and introduced herself as Xyria, he listened as she circled his throne, her scent was seductive and potent to capture the heart of any man. He did not show off that he was interested though as she continued to examine him, he wanted to see just what she was going to do. She had proposed to play a game, he did not want to come off easy or desperate as he waved her off “I am no child, go play games with the children if you must” he made it look like a denial but he wanted to see just how far she was willing to go.
CharlotteCarrendar; – Eryda simply hated the feelings of jealousy. The rise of what was like a nasty green goblin within her that she wanted desperately to swat away. But it had been months since she had spent but one night alone with him, and this was what she sought more than anything. His arms enveloping her, while resting his chin on her shoulder showed that he had the utmost respect and love for her. The key to stopping Cali getting addicted was to reunite her with her blood elf husband as soon as they could. That was the challenge. Eryda let out a sigh and then nodded in agreement, she was never one to shy from a task and this was how she needed to look at it. The Blood elf did not love her mate, she simply needed his essence the same way others needed food to live, air to breathe. She wrinkled up her nose, when Xo said he had to go and let Cali feed on him and that he would do it in a room that was as far from their own – on the other side of the tavern. Knowing that she was bloody and with torn clothing, she accepted that she needed to go and have a bath, and pushed off to do so, but only with Xo slapping her arse on the way. Eryda left him with a knowing smile, before ascending the stairs in the tavern to a room that would be perfect for their needs. A warm bath was just what the doctor ordered. Cali; who had been waiting for the Witcher saw the red Witcher go the opposite way to Xo and She was brought along by the arm to what would be her room. “Come I will show you to your room, and you need to feed” There was not mistaking the hunger she was feeling, and when he led her into her own room he stood in the middle of the room like he was waiting for her. Tentatively she shut the door behind her and crossed the floor. Her eyes sweeping over him till coming to his lip, that had the drop of rich blood. She didn’t mention the red witcher, or speak of her husband. She went up on her tip toes and kissed away the blood that was over his lips. A soft purr escaping as she let her lips trail down to his neck, her body heaving as the need grew stronger. A gasp and she began to feed at the spot between his shoulder and neck, her nails digging into his form. It wasn’t sexual, but it was damn close. :: Xyria smirked as the new King said he was not a child, and didn’t wish to play games. The black haired vampire ran her tongue across her top row of teeth and then was shocking. Xyria straddled him in his throne and ran her claws through his hair, making no mistake that she was ballsy enough to try such a move at the chance of rejection. ”I take no prisoners, M’lord…only toys. Not the kind for a child, either.” Her nails extended and he would feel them press into his scalp. <3>
IceTe3a: He waited as he heard Cali close the door behind her, the room went dark but he could still see as he heard her feet padding against the wood floor she circled round, his eyes glanced down to her as she came up and kissed his lips almost sucking on them, a brow arched as he knew if Eryda knew about this they would both be dead on the floor quick smart. She wasted no time as her teeth sunk into his neck just down near his shoulder, her lips pressed forcefully against his skin as he came down to a kneel to her will, he could feel her purring against his skin as she fed off him, he could feel his life essence seeping into her mouth as she sucked down with force. He allowed this to go on for awhile and wondered if she would be able to hold herself back, as time passed by he pressed his fingers against her shoulders“Enough cali? “ she had been feeding off him for some time and he wondered if she had her fill yet. : vlad heard what she said and arched a brow slightly as she came down to straddle his lap on the throne, his eyes opened slightly as he looked up at her, his eyes looking deeply into hers as her nails dug down into his scalp “Can you handle me though? Can you tame me? “ he smirked as his eyes almost dared her to, it went unnoticed but the other females slowly disappeared from the room leaving the two alone, Xyria had said she wanted him as her personal toy, but would she really? He wondered just how dominate she was and if she would even be able to utilize him for only her needs.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Cali fed so strongly that it brought Xo to his knees, unlike other times when he had simply stood and watched her. Only when he pressed his fingers to her shoulders and uttered if it was enough, she withdrew from him. Cali appeared almost groggy with the sheer amount of energy she had just consumed. Her lips parted and she breathed heavily through her mouth. ”I don’t know what came over me, Witcher.” It was true, the addiction had taken a firm hold of her being. She looked away timidly, and brought a hand up to her mouth as though trying to wipe it clean, like she had gorged herself. Looking about the room, she gathered herself, and then realized that the Red Witcher would be waiting for him. ”You should go. I will be ready to leave at first light.” Cali stood there and waited for the Witcher to take his leave. Meanwhile up the other end of the tavern, Eryda was peeling off her blooded and torn clothes, leaving a trail right up to the large wooden slat bath. Steam rose from the tepid water, and she reached up to tie back her hair so that it was no longer sitting on her shoulders. She threw one leg over and then the other, before sinking beneath the waters till it was up to her neck. The light sound of the water lapping the sides was the only thing heard, as Eryda was bathed in a simple candle light. The Red witcher reached for a bar of soap and then started to wash the stain of blood from her body, all the while missing her beloved, who was alone in a room with the Blood elf. :: Xyria stared straight into the new King’s eyes as he asked her but a simple question; could she tame him? A dare? Or a challenge? All the other women had left the chambers leaving the new King to explore this woman that had taken her place on his lap. ”Even the most deadly creature becomes putty in the hands of a skilled lover.” She extended her claws further and glanced behind her to see that they were indeed alone. ”Question is, can you sate my lust?” The words were edged a wicked tone. Xyria ripped back the King’s coat and shirt, exposing to her his chest. She sunk her claws into the soft flesh between his shoulders and chest and dragged them down as she licked at his lips. Toying with him. <3>
IceTe3a: As she got off him and came to a stand he could see a surprising feature across her face, she seemed to be in shock he could not help but to wonder why as he came to a stand himself, he ran his fingers against the spot where her lips were pursed against his skin feeling the bite marks as they slowly healed. It only took moments for his body to react and start to take care of itself, of course this would increase the scent of his magical essence in the room as his body was using it to repair what injury he had sustained. “I intend to, we will come for you at first light to gather supplies then be on our way, goodnight Cali” he said as he turned and headed for the door. Opening the door as he went through he left Cali alone to her thoughts whilst the door closed, stretching his neck slightly he walked across the hall and up the stairs towards his own room as he took note at the weary travelers who had come to find food and drink for the night, he had spent enough time away from his wife and didn’t bother wasting time as he quietly came to the door with a slight smirk he opened it without a sound. Coming into the room he closed it just as quietly, noticing Eryda had just slipped into the bath he smiled, taking off his shirt and weaponry as it laid down on the table without a sound he was now shirtless creeping up to her back as she laid there. Slowly he descended onto his knees directly behind her as he kissed her neck gently whilst his hands ran down her shoulders slowly looping around bringing her into a cuddle “I am yours once more my love” : He felt as her nails grew further they dug down into his scalp as they slowly coursed through his hair, a slight smile of amusement as their eyes were looking into each others, . ”Even the most deadly creature becomes putty in the hands of a skilled lover.” she rebutted as a slight chuckle escaped his lips, “Perhaps, a skilled lover and a dominate master.. Pain is pleasure they both work as equal wouldn’t you say? he could feel her weight pressing down on his lap as she sat there straddling him, her eyes examining his form as her claws sunk down into his shoulders slowly they dragged down onto his bare chest grazing the skin they passed over ”Question is, can you sate my lust?” a simple smile as his lips parted “I wouldn’t be who I was if I could not do that and more.. There is only one way to find out isn’t there my dear?”he just tempted her to utilize him, treat him like an object of hers as that is all males were to the females of their race. His eyes wondering up and down her form as he wondered if she could be the one, the only female he would need to feed his every needs which in turn was the needs of the female, it was common that the king or queen would take more than one to fill their needs but on occasion they were lucky enough to find that single one that met their every desire, but was she able to?
CharlotteCarrendar: – Left alone in her room, Cali looked away from the door that the Witcher had just gone through. He had been polite to her after she had fed, and not made light of the fact that she sensed that perhaps her actions had gone too far. Cali couldn’t possibly imagine what would happen if her desire to feed became so great that she lost herself in a terrible frenzy. It had not ever happened to her before, but she knew of those that had such sore addictions it drove them crazy not to get their fill. Slowly, Cali sat herself down on her bunk. She brought her fingers up to her lips, where she could still feel the sensation of warmth from the Witcher’s body. The blood elf knew she would have to find her husband and fast…leaving this place behind and hunt on the plentiful beings in her own world. To stay too long here, she endangered everything. :: The light splash of water was heard as Eryda washed herself down with the soap covered sponge. Dabbing lightly, and her back to the door, she did not hear her husband enter silently. Only when he draped his arms around her and kissed her neck, did she show a smile. At last, time alone for the pair. Xo said he was hers once more, and she didn’t doubt it for a second. Turning in the bath so that the pair were facing each other. Her eyes trailed down his neck, and she saw the remains of what was the blood elf’s fang marks into his skin. Eryda had to fight back her feelings of jealousy once more, and so she brushed her lips to that of her husband’s. ”Show me you are mine.” she whispered in a husky voice. It was not just a request. :: The Vampire maiden with hair the darkest onyx had toyed with the new King. Long deep scratches now graced his flesh, and her fingers danced across these same scratches till she zeroed in on her future lover. Her head tilted back slightly, and the long white ivory dog teeth extended beyond her crimson lips. She seized the back of the Vampire King’s head and tore his scalp to the left, exposing his neck for her delight. A wild cry and she sunk her own fangs deep into his supple skin – piercing the flesh and she gripped his arm with her free hand, whilst feasting on him with a wicked sense of rough play. <3>
IceTe3a: He smiled as he watched Eryda flip around in the bath so she was laying on her stomach and facing him, he smirked as she asked him to prove he was really hers, he didn’t need her to say it twice as his arms linked behind her neck gently, leaning in his lips met hers with passion as he held the kiss, his right hand sliding down to cup her cheek for the briefest of moments. Pulling back slightly he looked down and smiled “If you miss me that much, you should never leave” he laughed playfully as he knew she was a free spirit and truly loved him but her work was her work and she went where it took her, regardless if it led her away from him. It was no lie he did prefer her to travel with him and would much rather her to always be by his side but this was not always the case. Gripping her shoulders softly he flipped her onto her back as he kicked his shoes off, stepping in the bath he sat on the edge as his legs were inside, he leaned her in against his legs as he took up the sponge and soap slowly he rubbed it over her body as his hand explored her whilst cleaning, he started with her chest as he leaned down and kissed her neck with a soft peck. “ Do you plan to stay for good this time and find work together?” he smiled as he knew it was on the cards for them to permanently stay together at one stage. : He watched as she leaned back slightly her long white teeth extended past her lips as his head was ripped to the side exposing his neck, soon came the pinch from her teeth biting down in his neck as he gasped slightly, he could feel her slowly drinking from him as her hand gripped down against his arm, his blood would have a powerful flow about it, something rare in the vampire men as he was the strongest of them all to date. His arms wrapped around her as he took her in closer to his body, this was a gesture of acceptance, he had chosen his bride. It would be officially sealed later but for now the two have expressed their interest in each other, and both had accepted to spend their eternal life with each other, him as her personal toy and object. This was all a part of Vlad’s plan as it was the first step in securing his title to the throne next he would have to give out titles and positions in the kingdom to those worthy to keep it running, it would be a long few weeks before the kingdom was like its former glory back before the vampire wars.
CharlotteCarrendar; – That first kiss. Such raw passion displayed was just what Eryda needed from Xo. This was proof without a doubt. It was like he was claiming her all over again, and thoughts of the Blood elf soon faded into nothingness. To see his smile, and then tell her that she should never leave him, brought a slight shrug of the shoulders. Eryda had only ever known the life of a loner and up till now it had suited her. Meeting up with her lover on brief occasions like this, then going their separate ways to where they are needed. Kings and nobles with money to spare that needed the expertise of a Witcher to deal and do what no one else would. But nights were often lonely ones and Eryda never took another man to lay with her out of need. This is what made their meetings so good. Sharing what little time they had together made it all the more romantic. Eryda allowed him to move her so that when he entered the bath she would be laying with her back to his chest. This enabled him to massage and wash her cares away. Thinking for a moment, Eryda offered. ”I have a feeling you need me more than ever with all that has come to pass in my absence. The Council will not be pleased, and then of course there is the war…and returning the Blood elf to her husband. I know I will be happy to see the back of her.” Was that another touch of jealousy? Eryda couldn’t help it. She turned her head so she could see the Witcher’s face. ”Maybe it is time, I came home for good.” That was her way of saying yes, that she would work with him and travel wherever he would go. :: The feeding frenzy from the black haired Vampire maiden was more than enough to prove that she was worthy to be the new King’s mate. She drew her head back and then gripped the sides of his face, kissing him hungrily, all the while writhing upon his lap. Taking all she could from his body in a show of unbridled lust. Her cries of passion filling the empty hall as she used him and well. His arms wrapping around her only confirmed this fact. Breaking the kiss, her eyes dilated and blood staining her lips and chin, she softened slightly. ”I am yours…as you are mine.” <3>
IceTe3a: -He smiled finally hearing that she was willing to stay by his side for good, each night they were apart he was in constant worry, never fully knowing if they would be reunited. A sigh of relief as his free hand started to massage the knots in her body allowing her muscles to relax once more. Slowly he would wash her body all over until she was clean, dropping the sponge into the water he went to work on her body giving it a deep and strong massage to allow her to relax, reaching over the side with one hand he pulled out a purple liquid filled vial, popping it he allowed 3 drops to hit the water as it was a potent mixture of flowers mainly lavender which was rare and unknown to most, it would give off a strong relaxing scent to help relax the body, calm the steel like nerves as well as heal the body from any wounds she may have within the warm waters. He always had a vial made up but only ever used it when they were together, kings and queens have paid handsomely for even a single vial of this was worth a kings ransom, he was the only one who knew how to make it and where to get the required ingredients “ I’m glad to hear you say that love, It takes worrying off my mind and only shows more room for love. Please relax and allow me to work your tolling work out of your body” slowly but surely he massaged each muscle on her body skillfully, having learned all the proper pressure pads on one’s body was key as it helped with the healing process as well Eryda seemed to enjoy it. He smiled as he wrapped his arms around her waist and started working on her legs whilst his chin laid upon her shoulder. : He felt her pull back as he smiled looking up at her, she kissed him with a fierce passion to show her delight in her new toy and new found title. Leaning back she advised that they were each others, he nodded in agreement as he smiled “We have a lot of work to bring our race and kingdom up to its former glory my darling, I wish you by my side for each step and each decision” He just told her that he indeed wanted her by his side and furthermore her hand in raising their race to its former glory and then some, such power given to the bride of the king was a rarity but that is how Vlad was, as long as she could satisfy his needs to be utilized as such an object.. her object and she stayed faithful to him only; he would be more than happy to entice her with more stature and please her beyond her wildest dreams.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The subtle fragrances rose with the steam as the vials did their work to make this bath all the more relaxing and tranquil. Eryda could feel the delight and release of tension from her body, which at times was weary from all the battles and fights that she got into. The red haired witcher’s lips parted as she released soft sighs. His hands feeling for her pressure points and knowing just where to rub and where to be gentle. Xo was more than skilled. Years of learning, had meant that he could provide well for any woman he did so chose, and there was no one above Eryda. There was nothing to the pair could not accomplish together. Eryda bowed her head as she felt the press of Xo’s chin on her shoulder, his hands working her thighs thoroughly. ”I’d forgotten how good this feels.’ Her voice; almost breathless at his touch. The love that he exuded from his gentle ways only reinforcing her love for him. Eryda brought her hand up from the water, and cupped it to Xo’s cheek. A rare display of affection that she afforded no other man. Would they get much sleep this night? That remained to be seen. For now they simply enjoyed each other’s touch and the intimacy from being alone. :: Xyria had passed the test to show her dominance towards the King. A display that meant she was fit to rule alongside him. But there was much to be done. The former Queen had done a great deal of damage, and soon it may come to pass that a war would be waged. Xyria was unafraid. Still straddling his lap, and running her slender fingers along his face she answered his call. ”Our race will rise to greatness, and all who doubted us shall be put to shame.” <3>
IceTe3a: Feeling the soft touch of her hand cupping against his cheek made his skin shiver as he rubbed his cheek against her open palm slowly as he enjoyed her touch, his fingers slowly dragged up her legs and came to rest on her stomach as he worked the pressure pads on her stomach, making sure to be firm but gentle. [b] “ You’ve been gone for far too long, I make sure you’re in perfect shape before I let you leave anywhere” he smiled lightly as he kissed her fingertips, it was true he sometimes made excuses to force her to stay in his company for a day or two longer until he knew she was fully recovered, even if she never realized it. “ I believe the masters will be pleased that you’ve chosen to stay with me from now on, we have a lot of work on our hands between reuniting the lost love of Cali and her husband and finding the Vampire queen and dealing with her and her army.” he smiles knowing the days ahead would be long and hard but they will be together which will make it all worthwhile. He continued to work her body with his fingers making sure to massage each muscle into relaxing, this was something he only ever did for her a more personal gesture than something he’d commonly use freely on anyone. The night was getting late as they had spent a great deal of time in the water, it was now slightly warm as he chuckled. ” time always seems to fly whilst I am with you” he got out of the bath soaking wet as he walked over and picked up a drying cloth, walking back to the tub he stood there waiting for Eryda to climb out so he may dry her down. : “Indeed it will, we need to make sure the witchers treaty with our race stays true. “he smiled as he looked up into her eyes, her skin rubbing against him almost drove him crazy as he knew she was now his and his alone. Knowing full well of what work would be needed to be done just to get the kingdom up and running again, he pressed his fingers to her lips gently as he ran them across tracing the outline “Where do you suggest we start my dear? “ His eyes watching hers with deep love for her, a bond like this is not something that came easy as to pick a life partner for eternity was a rare sight but it was common, the rarity of it working out for eternity was the hard part, although he could not see any issue with having Xyria by his side for eternity, her beauty was unrivalled none could stand in her shadow let alone by her side although he had never seen her before.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Rising up from the now cooling waters, the droplets ran down Eryda’s bare skin and there was a subtle sound as she stepped out of the bath and into the towel, that Xo had waiting for her. She treasured his affection, and he made her feel truly blessed. No other would receive such attentions and this made her smile all the more. Feeling his large calloused hands rub the towel over her body, she felt totally unashamed in her nakedness. The soft light of the candles illuminated the pair as the stood facing each other. Xo spoke of how he would ensure that she was in perfect health and shape for when she ever did leave. Perhaps she needed to reinforce what she had already agreed too. With her soft hues gazing up at him, she made her vow true. ”I say it here and now, I’m not leaving you again. No amount of gold, or treasure….no adventure is greater than the journey I take this night with you.” Eryda slowly took the drying cloth, and now it was her turn to do the honor of drying his body. Gently her hands moved, working to dry each and every inch of his body. Praising him almost. When at last they were dry, she draped the towel on a chair, and then took his hand. Leading him to the bed, she gestured for him to lay. When he had done so, she crawled into bed, and her body half covered his own. Skin to skin, beneath a wool cover; Eryda’s hands danced across his chest and down his side. Fingers strumming, while she stole kisses that ran from his neck to his chin. She would make him remember this night, the reunion of the Witchers. The morning would be the start of the new adventure but for now she just wanted him to herself. :: Xyria rose from the King’s lap and her dress flowed down to the floor as she stood before her King. Hand extended for him to take and rise himself. So much was to be done now, and the people, the vampires of the Kingdom needed reassurance that the new King and his chosen could lead them to greatness. Xyria had stood out from all the other women of the court. Unlike her predecessor, she had no interest at all in the likes of the Witcher. She wanted a man to dominate, and found that in the new King. ”Let us show the Kingdom, the future of the Monarchy.” <3>
IceTe3a: Watching as she slowly dried his body, he stood there naked in form though it hardly fazed him, it allowed her to see all his old scarring and his new scars from battle a symbol of his skills no doubt. He heard her promise to him that there was nothing in the world that could drag her away from his side anymore, she now preferred to be with him as he smiled, he was happy with her decision and knew it was hers fully as he’d never force her against her will. As she lead him towards the bed he laid down on his back, his hues watching her as she came to lay ontop her fingers working their way against his skin as he shivers in kind, feeling her lips press to his for a brief moment before she started to kiss down his neck, his arms wrapping around her as he knew she was showing her appreciation towards him. He was happy to have her by his side and still in love with him, that was more than he could ask for. He leans in and kisses her with passion as his fingers slowly trace her back muscles, “ Darling, your presence will always make me happy and be more than enough for me” his fingers grasp under her chin as he kisses her again with a strong passion almost forcing their lips against each other, a slight smirk as his teeth nip against her bottom lips playfully. “ Perhaps now I can protect you and keep you from harm “ giving her a cheeky wink as he knew she could more than easily handle herself in any battle. : Watching as she came to stand in front of him, he almost missed the feeling of her weight against him as he felt her fingers slide from him only to ask for him to rise with her, he accepted the gesture and rose to come standing behind her, their bodies pressed together as he stood taller than she was. She wanted to take a stroll through the town to allow the towns people to see their new king and queen? He smiled at the gesture and nodded “A casual stroll would be good” he smiled gently as he walked to her side, gently he took her hand and guided her out of the castle towards the town. People would cheer or bow in respect for their new king and queen, it would be obvious that he had chosen her as his bride. It would become lawfully official later once time allowed it but for now for them it was already official .
CharlotteCarrendar: – A wry smile came to Eryda’s lips when told that now Xo would be able to protect and keep her from harm. It had been a long time since a man offered to do that for her. She let out a light giggle, and moved to be on top of him completely, and then posed a cheeky question. ”Who is going to protect you from me?’ This was sealed with a lover’s kiss, as in the background the candles were now burning low, with wax dripping to form puddles on the floor. This was when the couple would unite properly, making love beneath the warm covers, their bodies the perfect fit to the other. :; With Xyria and Vlad leaving the main audience chamber to the warmth of the gathered crowd, Vlad could be pleased with the acceptance of Xyria so readily. She may have proved to him to be worthy, but she was yet to do so publicly. :; In a land a good two days ride away, in a run down castle that had been abandoned by its host, the former Queen was screaming and plotting her revenge, as a healer tried to work on her scarred flesh. She pushed the girl away and a bowl of foul smelling ointment hit the floor, sizzling on the stone tile. ”I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE ON THE WITCHER…AND ALL HE CARES FOR!….THIS IS NOT OVER…THIS IS NOT OVER!!!” <3>
CharlotteCarrendar: – All it took was that simple action. Watching Adam shrug, then say that he didn’t have a choice in it anyways caused Rain to lower her arms slowly. Almost like she was defeated in a sense. Sure, he was going to allow her to do the maintenance; but she was so used to him fighting her all the time. What had happened? While Rain remained by the door, it was Eve that sprang into action. This was what she was good at, and she knew it. Sidling up alongside the operating table, she reached for special adaptors that were linked to a much larger computing system. The scientist smiled down at Adam as he lay perfectly still. Silently awaiting the maintenance update. ”You’ll do a lot better after this.”She said with a soothing voice. Rain kept well back. The words said earlier, about how she was in love with Adam were right on the money. Only thing was, she had not yet admitted it to herself. Through all their tumultuous relationship, it was only during this morning that they had shared something she deemed to be almost magical. A closeness she had not had with anyone for such a long time. Rain quietly mumbled something incoherent and then left the room. She would head up to the top of the bunker and go sit outside to gather her thoughts. As the door closed with a bit of a thud, Eve looked back at where Rain had been standing. She gave a slight smug grin, before returning to work on Adam. Switching over the systems, the upgrade programme would start to load while Eve monitored the progress. <3>
IceTe3a: Laying there waiting for Rain to come over and start updating his systems among other things like she had pleaded he let her do, Eve walked up to him and started as he was about to get up and say something but it was too late, Eve had already started as the thought crossed his mind. His body was now motionless as his movements were shut off for the processes, he could only watch as Rain walked out of the room and disappeared around the corner. ~ Where does she think she’s going~ he thought to himself as he felt Eve update his systems and start to do routine maintenance on his body. He looked up at Eve as she was doing her thing with a light smile on her face, he was slightly pissed that Rain had made this big plead with him and then not follow it through, he was now stuck with Eve doing her job that she asked for. Honestly he’d rather not have Eve working on him, as he was still iffy about the whole update and maintenance thing. He watched as she updated his Systems, he could see it all coding and installing through his HUD, it wouldn’t be long until he was done updating.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Eve didn’t seem at all phased, as this was all part and parcel with procedures to keep Adam in tip top shape. She had performed similar operations on him years ago only he probably didn’t remember it due to the memory wipe. She continued to monitor the progress, checking on stats and then going as far to do a slight physical examination to test muscle tension. ”I know you can’t move independently while this is taking place, but I assure you that your systems will be much better after this.” Again, no mention of Rain which was done intentionally. Soon, the last of the data would be fed through, and Eve would undo the jack terminals and withdraw the equipment. Threading it back into the main computer terminal, she then turned around and leaned on one of the work stations. ”All done. See, that wasn’t so bad, was it? <3>
IceTe3a: Finally the systems were updated as Eve took the jack terminals off him as his normal functions were given back to him. It took a moment for it all to kick into gear as he finally sat up on the operation table and glanced at Eve after what she said, shaking his head he sighed. “I’m still not used to it Eve, that’s why I asked you two to leave me alone to do it myself” slipping off the bench he stretched his muscles as he noticed the difference straight away, he was only running on half his gear as he needed the update and maintenance, now he was fully operational again, as he gave Eve a silent nod and walked towards the door “Feel free to do what you do best Eve, I’ll inform you on anything that happens”Walking out the door, he switched his field of view so he could see Rain’s heat signature, she was upstairs and outside, switching back to normal he ran across the room and up the staircase, as he came to a walk up the top of the staircase he silently walked out the door and right up behind her with a slight smile “I would have rather you had done it, why didn’t you? “ walking next to her, he sat down close to her side and playfully nudged her shoulder with his gently as he looked down at her smiling. “What’s on your mind, Rain?
CharlotteCarrendar: – Rain didn’t expect to hear Adam come out of the building, so was slightly startled when she heard his footsteps approach. He took a seat right down beside her and she glanced at him side on as he gave her something of a playful nudge. “I would have rather you had done it, why didn’t you? “ There was a slight pause before Rain would answer. She looked straight ahead as though trying to not let him see her expression. ”Eve seemed so keen.” Not exactly honest on her part, because Rain wanted more than anything to do it. She would have made up any excuse to touch him. Looking back, she could see Adam was smiling down at her. It truly was the most remarkable sight. He was incredibly handsome – rugged, yet attractive. Rain was seeing him in a whole new light. The worst thing was she feared that what Eve said was true. Trying to change the conversation, she said simply; ”It really is beautiful out here. So different from the horrid rot of the cities. If I didn’t have to find my father, I would love to stay here.” <3>
IceTe3a: He smiled as he listened to her excuse, he chuckled slightly and shook his head in disbelief “And what anyone else wants has ever stopped you doing what you want, since when? “ his smile was wider as he laughed at what he had just said, he went silent for a moment as his hues scanned the beautiful scenery that was laid out before them, it was beautiful out here the sun had a gold shine to it that made all the colors that much more vibrant. He knew Rain was upset, something else was bothering her as she said how she loved it out here, and would live out here if her father was with her. He almost forgot about her father, he was her equipment and he smiled to himself, even though he was her equipment he could still do as he pleased without her saying so. “Wait here” he smiled at her as he quickly got up and jogged around the side, over to the Horse shed he walked inside looking for his motorbike. Pulling off a dusty grey tarp the dust kicked up as it showed a hidden 225 Yamaha dirt bike, getting on it he placed his foot on the kick start and gave it a good kick and rev, as the bike roared to life. Driving off with great speed he came around the front of the house and pulled up with a smile in front of Rain “ Quickly!! Get on!! “ he smirked and didn’t wait for her to get up as he reached over and pulled her off her ass playfully and dragged her over to the bike. He would wait for her to take a seat on the bike behind him and wrap her arms around him as he took off in a cloud of dust, they drove for awhile as the cabin was far out of sight, he was weaving playfully through the field eventually he came to a stop in the middle of a field that was covered in knee high golden grass, perfect cover he thought to himself “This is far enough” he smiled as he got off the bike and stood waiting for her to get off the bike herself.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Adam got up so suddenly that Rain wasn’t sure what he was doing. Sure, in the past she wouldn’t just let anyone jump ahead of her to do what she herself wanted to do but for some reason it just felt awkward down with Eve. Adam insisted she wait there, and then ran off to the barn. What on earth was he after? They had already been for a horse ride. But soon the rumble of a motorcycle’s engine was heard and at great speed he tore around the house pulling up just in front of Rain with a spray of gravel and dust in his wake. “ Quickly!! Get on!! “ Rain’s mouth fell open. This was so spontaneous and before she could even open her mouth to respond, he had pulled her up off her ass and onto the bike. Rain felt his hands reach around for hers and then draw them around his waist. Instinct kicked in and she held on really tight, moving in right behind him so her body was nestled against his. Another loud roar from the bike and then were off – leaving the farm house behind as Adam rode the bike with speed. Weaving in and out from the dirt road to the fields and then eventually they came to a large field that had the most rich and lush golden grass. Finally, when he brought the bike to a stop, he got off the bike first holding it and then said ] “This is far enough” Rain was awestruck by the beauty of the landscape. She swung her leg off the bike and came to standing. Her hands rising up to rest on her hips, as she surveyed the countless hills that were all covered in the same high grasses. ”It’s beautiful.” She was simply stunned at the majesty of the land. <3>
IceTe3a: He smiles as she got off the bike, he looked her over head to toe, as she had her back facing him. He was always one to do as he pleased and was never one to beat around the bush, he knew what he had to do to make what he was going to ask her more comfortable for her. Walking up slowly behind her, he wraps his arms around her slowly and pulls her in to press her back to his chest so their bodies were pressed together as his arms hung loosely around her, his chin finds its spot gently resting on her shoulder as he nodded “Mhm, one of my favorite spots to visit” he spun her around slowly as he looked into her eyes and smiled, leaning in without warning, his lips pressed gently against hers, as his right hand cups her cheek gently; holding the kiss for a few moments as his other hand trailed its way to press against her back, he continued to hold the kiss as he pulled her body down slowly to lay on top of his, as he laid down on the grassy floor all the while making sure the kiss wasn’t broken. His hues were looking into hers, as his hands ran down her arms slowly, his lips pressed with slightly more force against hers now as his hands entwine around her fingers. Slowly he lead her fingertips up his body, and to the sides of his head, just hovering bellow his pads on the sides of his face. His fingers letting hers go as his arms wrap around her body gently keeping her on top. Finally he broke the kiss and leaned his head back with a smile “I know what I am asking, and I know what risks are involved. Find your Father, Rain” he was asking her, to use him like a laptop, to search through him and find the hidden files and memories, anything and everything that would help her gain her father back even at risking him harm.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Rain didn’t expect Adam to come up behind her. Actually wrapping his arms around her and bringing her back so her back was resting to his chest. It was like something from a wonderful dream. This perfect setting and now being held by the one man who had once treated her with such loathing, now holding her as a loved one. She couldn’t help but smile, her arms resting over his. She didn’t want the moment to end, till he turned her around and practically took her breath away. A kiss. A kiss that had more feeling in it than anything she had experienced. A small cry was lost as he brought her down below the height of the golden grass and kept the kiss going. Their eyes locked on each others as they shared a closeness – a new bond. But soon as he took her hands and brought them up to the pressure plates on either side of his head did she realize what he was doing. The sacrifice he was about to make. For her. “I know what I am asking, and I know what risks are involved. Find your Father, Rain” He was smiling and asking her to do the one thing that brought his absolute pain. Almost breathlessly she whispered. ”But it will hurt you.” At first she was reluctant, but then it was the way he smiled at her. The look in his eyes. He wanted her to do this. If they found her father, perhaps then they could truly be together and live out their lives in peace here. A moment’s pause and then Rain did two things simultaneously. She leaned in and as her lips met his, her fingers pressed in, and she started the search for her father within Adam’s mind. <3>
IceTe3a: He smiled as she said that she would hurt him if she did that, he already knew the pain it would cause him and he was prepared for it this time. He was going to reassure her that it was ok and he wanted her to do it, but she pressed her lips down on his and kissed her. He was smiling into her kiss, as he realized he was starting to get feeling for her. He felt her fingertips press into his pads as his body movements stopped, she was using him like he asked her to, as a laptop. He felt her searching through him as her lips were pressed to his constantly, the scan was looking for anything on her father. Pictures, files, memories as a pop up came up once again *Memory fragments found, would you like to repair and play these memories? Warning – May cause permanent damage to the systems * while this warning came up asking if she’d like to continue, files were being brought up on her father with pictures and data, all stating about his work with Zen and Adam, even her father’s personal diary was brought up, all this information would be fully accessible by Rain, basically stating what his plans were with Adam, and what he was going to do to protect Rain and how he was going to get Adam’s help to disappear. If she would allow his systems to repair the fragment memories, it would take 5 minutes of excoriating pain for Adam, eventually it would play Adam’s memory of the night that he helped her father to escape in the full, including a scene of a self sustaining bunker where her father was hiding, although nothing was said about the location nor any land marks to give it away.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Warning after warning kept coming up as each file – each fragment like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle were all starting to come together to make a clearer picture of the events that led to the disappearance of her father, and what role Adam had to play in that. Everything from journal entries to details on Zen. Each time a warning came up, Rain would kiss him again, until finally she blurted out something. The final piece to the puzzle and again…the warning. She knew he was suffering for this. It pained her just as much to know he was willing to put himself in danger this way. Rain locked eyes with Adam as she was about to give the clearance to repair the fragmented memories. ”I love you, Adam”Four very powerful words. Said with conviction and meaning, as she wrapped kept her fingers pressed to his pressure pads. The mental lock fused between them. Could her father have ever foreseen that the man that was made to protect her, would be the very same man she would fall in love with? Rain waited for the final warning clearance, and the truth behind her missing Father. <3>
IceTe3a: He was in pain as the search continued and the files came up as she started to read them all, it would start to show light onto what exactly happened to her father, his eyes were looking directly into hers as she kept coming down for a kiss, he was falling in love with her. He knew it, as he wanted to smile but couldn’t as she came down for another kiss he heard her say “ I love you, Adam “ and he knew that he loved her and she loved him, as she pressed ok. The dream was repaired as it started to play the memory, showing Adam sneaking into her father’s office at midnight, there was no audio but the image was perfect. Her father had been waiting, as the memory continued to play showing them escaping Zen headquarters with a few dead guards, and stealing a jeep. After that it was mostly driving and silent talking that couldn’t be made out, after a few hours of clip and excruciating pain for Adam it showed them pulling up to a secret bunker as the floors opened and took the jeep down into the underground. Then Rains father and Adam hugged, as her father’s hands came up to his pads, Nodding at Adam with a smile and his lips said “Thank you, Adam” the screen went blank, this was obviously where her father had done something to Adams memory. The memory was finished and all the data was repaired and able to be viewed now without causing Adam any kind of pain, it was only up to her what she read first.
CharlotteCarrendar: – It was like being on the set of a silent film. Though everything was in colour. Rain found herself there, like a hologram as those in the moment were Adam and her father. Rain could feel herself asking questions but there was no way they could answer. After a bit she stopped, and continued to experience the journey of the two men. Breaking out of Zen headquarters, much like what they themselves had done. One thing though, there was no sign of Eve. A long jeep ride, much like the one that they took to escape Zen. Why was this almost like history repeating itself? Rain could then feel the pain that Adam was experiencing as this show was unfolding, and in the physical world, she kept her lips pressed to his. It would only take a few minutes more. Could he bare it? Then she saw them at some sort of military styled bunker. It looked nothing like the one that Adam had built. Where could this bunker be? Was it out in the country? There was no tell tale signs to say that was the case. The jeep was taken underground. And then she could see the two men hugging. Her father; thanking Adam. Then it was over. The memory was at its end. At that point Rain’s fingers fell away from the pads on the side of Adam’s head. ”He planned all this. He must have.” The shocking realization that it was her father that disabled the memories. Was it to keep him safe from detection? That made perfect sense, but why? Rain brought her head down and rest it to Adam’s chest. She didn’t want to move. She just wanted to hold him. <3>
IceTe3a: It was finally over as she let go of his pads on the side of his head, slowly his body came back to life, as he took in a deep breath. All his body movements were now his own as he sighed out in relief “Wew..! that was interesting.” he smiled as he looked into her eyes and leaned in kissing her gently, his arms wrapped around her gently as he holds her close “How about we just stay here for awhile” as he leaned his head back down into the soft grass, he smiled as he glanced up casually into her eyes, his right hand extends up as he brushes a strand of hair from her face up behind the side of her ear so it would stay there, it was about mid day and they had quite awhile before it got dark “ At least we know where your father is now… we’ll find him soon Rain, I promise” he smiled and rubbed her back gently.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Adam was right about one thing, it was interesting. It was the start in finding just where her Father was hidden. Now at least they knew that he was underground in a bunker – probably one that he had made, or he had Adam make on his behalf. There were a lot of questions no doubt, but for the moment Rain seemed to care more about Adam’s wellbeing than finding her father. As he stole a kiss, she said to him. ”I can’t believe you did that for me.” Taking the pain and allowing her access. She was truly grateful, but also felt so much more connected to him than before. He was touching her, willingly. Not as a directive, not being forced too. She remembered blurting out the fact that she loved him. He must have heard her. “How about we just stay here for awhile” That was the best idea ever. Now that the pain had gone, they could just enjoy each other in this ideal setting. With the wind just blowing the golden grasses gently, they were hidden in the midst of it. Almost one with the landscape. ”I don’t want to go back yet. I just want to stay here, with you.”Again, Rain rest her head on Adam’s chest, her cheek nuzzling softly. She heard him make the promise that they would find her father and soon. It brought a smile to her face, as her hand found his, and their fingers interlocked. ”Together.”<3>
IceTe3a: He smiled and nuzzled her softly as their hands interlocked, a sigh of relief escaping his lips as he looked down at her form laying on top of him, who would have thought the female he had woken up to all those weeks ago would be the one he fell in love with. He smirked slightly at the irony of it all, as he leaned in and kissed her head gently “Yes, together”he went silent for awhile, just enjoying her company as he watched the clouds roll past, the wind was gentle to them as it rolled through the field and gently caressed their bodies as it passed. It was the perfect day for it, time almost seemed like it was standing still for the two, as the time went on, he started to playfully tease her, and roll around the grass with her, always ending on his back with her on top. They shared laughter together as they joked and she ran off as he gave chase, only to tackle her to the ground gently with a playful smirk on his face, leaning in he kissed her passionately “I love you, Rain” he didn’t even faze saying it, as it was easy to tell that he meant every bit of it. Rolling around onto his back he pulled her over on top again, noticing it was already late afternoon, a short smile as he pecked her lips with his “We should be getting back soon, I think a hot shower and dinner sounds about right. Perhaps Bambi tonight? “ he smirked and wiggled a brow.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The afternoon was spent simply enjoying the other. From playful teasing, to running and tackling Rain to the ground. Like two young lovers discovering the other for the first time, and sharing in the bliss of being alone and able to express themselves. It was only when they were rolling around and laughing, that he took her and kissed her with such passion, that it almost took her breath away. Unexpectedly, he told her that he loved her. Rain felt the tears of joy come out of nowhere. She was in heaven. She kissed him back just as fiercely, and felt like she never wanted to let him go. But as the day wore on, it would be time to get on back. Rain finally nodded in agreement, and was about to stand when he suggested they have Bambi for dinner. Rain let out a loud laugh. ”Just so long as you don’t tell Eve what it is you are cooking.” Rain got up off the ground and then reached for Adam’s hand, so they could ride back to the farm house. <3>
CharlotteCarrendar: – The morning brought with it a new beginning for everyone in the underground bunker of Adam. Throughout the night, Rain had snuggled into Adam’s form and for once she actually slept soundly. Hard to believe one might imagine from the rocky start that they had just weeks before. As the sun was now rising and by the sounds of things Eve was already up and about exploring her laboratory, Rain would start to stir. Opening her eyes slowly, she could make out the room that she and Adam had shared. She started to stretch and let out a quiet yawn, before sitting up and rubbing her eyes. Looking down she actually smiled at Adam. Again, another first. ”Good morning.” She said, again another yawn following. ”I think I can hear Eve just outside the door. Or is that her techno pup?’ <3>
IceTe3a: – It was early morning the sun must have been slowly rising by now, the slight sound of the life support system that was in each room of this bunker was buzzing as it flowed out a cooling air, replicating the chill of a cold summers morning. The life system was fully automatic and changed its temperature throughout the day, it also pumped in higher levels of oxygen into the air allowing the body to be worked more; this entire bunker was one fully functioning training ground. He felt Rain rubbing up against his skin as she slowly started to wake up, her movements were slow at first as he felt her sit up. Opening his eyelids slowly he looked up from laying on his back to see a smiling Rain as she said good morning to him, “Morning” he replied back, he was going to say sorry for the cruel trick he did last night but thought better to not bring it up. Sitting up he stretched his arms with a slight yawn, it was morning and he had made sure today was their RDO. He still wanted them to familiarize themselves with the place and have a relaxing day before getting back into the worlds issues. It was easy to forget about the real world this far out in the country, no one ever came out this far and Zen had no interest with farmland so there were never any patrols as it was a waste of resources to them. Sliding out of bed he was stock naked from her utilizing him to pleasure herself, all in all he didn’t really mind that she did that; it was bound to happen sooner or later so no apology was needed. “Coffee?” he was asking a question to Rain and giving an order to the room as a low beep tone was heard and the boiling of a jug. An automated coffee machine was hard at work brewing up a fresh batch of coffee, when done it would pour the strong black liquid into a large jug that was set in front of it near the counter. His bare feet padded against the floor as he made his way towards the shower “Coming? “ he suggested as he walked into the bathroom, reaching in he turned on the rooftop shower, it started spraying out hot water from the ceiling. This type of shower was much better as it sprayed out a wider birth, the water was hot but not that hot that it burned the skin, slowly the room started to fill up with steam as he stepped in the shower and raised his face upwards allowing the water to hit his face and run down his body.
CharlotteCarrendar: – It was a totally different environment, with everything electronically controlled. From the very air that they were breathing; to the coffee that was now brewing, simply by a voice command from Adam. This was going to take some getting used to. What was also different was how Rain and Adam were interacting with each other. There was no talk of what had happened the night before. Her attempts to dominate him from using him as a sex toy more or less; and his cruel joke with the amplified sound of a storm – the one thing that truly terrorized Rain above anything else. Hearing Adam say “Coffee”, Rain nodded and slid out of bed, standing on the floor in bare feet. She only had on her lace smalls, and watched Adam get up – still naked from the antics of the night before. Rain couldn’t help but watch him enter the bathroom where he asked if she was going to have a shower. No longer feeling self conscious around him, she took off her bra and then dropped her panties to the floor, before heading off after him and stepping into the large shower cubicle. Rain held her hand out to the water spray, and then she walked beneath it – letting it spray its hot jets over her naked form. Her eyes closed, she let her face go right under and felt the warm sting of the shower spray. It was actually invigorating and refreshing. Bringing her face down, she reached for a bar of soap and started to lather her body over, all the while sneaking peeks at Adam’s wet physique. She wasn’t game to say anything, but he would be able to know what she was thinking from the mind link. Rain definitely found him attractive. <3>
IceTea: He heard her step into the shower as it was big enough for both of them to be in there. Turning his head slightly he watched as she came in under the water, the water dripping down her naked form; it was weird that this is the closest they have been near each other without one of them threatening to kill the other, but it hardly bothered him. He preferred shower gel as he rubbed the foamy gel substance all over his body, scrubbing it in good to wash away any blood and dirt he may have on his form. Slowly the water rinsed off his body as he turned to face her, he looked her up and down a few times as he watched her shower. He wasn’t one for being subtle nor did he hide it, he was more to the point and blunt as he didn’t worry about being caught looking at her he simply smiled and started to rinse off his hair. “ Find what you’re looking for? “ he chuckled as he let his fingers run through his hair he watched as she grabbed the soap and started to rub her body down “ Just watch what you’re grabbing “ he said in a cheeky manor as he raised his head up to the ceiling and closed his eyes allowing the showers water to run down his face and body once more.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Rain was busy washing herself down with the soap, when she looked up only to find Adam was now facing her. With water streaming down his head and face, then his torso her eyes kept going lower before snapping back up when he asked her if she had found what she was looking for. Oh, the meaning behind that could be taken two ways. Course, he had to add to it. “ Just watch what you’re grabbing “ This brought something of a nervous laugh from Rain, who set the soap back up on the soap dish and said in a saucy way. ”You’ll be the first to know if I do.” The tension between them – well, for Rain was building. Getting as hot as the very water she was bathing in. She knew the night before had been about a battle of wills – about dominance. This feeling however had nothing to do with being dominant or being right. She was seeing Adam completely differently, and she was yet to fully accept it. Rain rinsed her hair and the applied shampoo and started to rub it into her scalp, her arms raised over her head – her exposed breasts now awash with soapy water and bubbles. It was hard to not look at Adam, especially like this. <3>
IceTea: He smirked at her answer and chuckled as he leaned against the shower wall, folding his arms in he continued to watch her shower as he arched a brow whilst looking at her breasts, they bounced about as she moved her arms up and down scrubbing shampoo into her hair. She was still standoffish towards him, he had accepted what she thought he was, equipment and it didn’t bother him now as accepting it seemed to make life easier for both of them. With accepting it there was also a mutual respect almost, he chuckled and slapped her bare ass playfully [b} “You do that “ [/b] he replied as he grabbed the sudsy bottle of shampoo and started to pour it on top of his head, dropping the bottle he applied his fingers and ran them through his hair, soaking in the shampoo. He watched her from behind, just wondering how comfortable she was around him, she showed last night she had no issue using him as her sex toy, and he honestly had no issue, sex was sex in the end of it. But just how comfortable was she, as she thought of him as equipment she obviously wasn’t shy around him. He came in behind her standing close as he waited for her arms to drop down, a smirk on his face just to test her, “ grabbed everything you need? “ he waited for her response.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Rain felt him fall in behind her as she had just lathered up her hair. A playful smack to her backside had her jump slightly, and she felt around for the wall and where to stand to get under the water spray to rinse the shampoo not only from her hair but from her eyes. Blinking the water away, she swept her wet hair back with her hand only to hear him ask if she had grabbed everything she needed. Was he testing her? She had already shown that she was no longer shy around him, and had gone as far to use him for her own gratification. She had yet to take down the conditioner bottle and pour some in her hand to use on her hair. So she answered him, honestly. ”Not yet…why? Do you think I should?” Now she turned to face him, and you could see already by the rise and fall of her chest, that she was getting aroused by this game they were playing. She started to wonder. Was she still a dead root to him? She stopped talking, looking up at him as the water sprayed the back of her head and back. <3>
IceTea: He heard her padding around the shower as she turned around to face him, he looked down for a moment as she asked if she should he chuckled and shrugged “you know where everything is, grab what you need to use in your shower, sponge is here somewhere I believe” oh he was playing a game with her, his twists of words would have her thinking that’s for sure, but he wanted to see if her once off last night was a one night thing or if she had full intentions on utilizing him anytime she pleased for whatever she pleased, this is where he got curious and wanted to see if she would step up to her words. Rinsing off the shampoo out of his hair, his fingers dragged through his hair as he smiled; raising his face up once more into the spray of the water. The shower room was fully covered with steam as it was hard to see in here now, even being this close it was getting hard to make out what was where.
CharlotteCarrendar:- The rising steam was making it hard for either to see. The glass was fogging up and the water temperature was rising, or was that simply Rain. Adam was now teasing her, that was for sure. Tempting with such things as there was many things easily in reach…all she had to do was grab them and…use them. Was this cruel in a way? Perhaps. Rain’s eyes darted for the sponge, then the conditioner bottle. But she then felt herself looking back at him. He was smiling at her, the water having rinsed his hair clean. Last night, something changed between them. She couldn’t take back how she felt, though it had not been expressed verbally. She opened her mouth to say something, and then let everything fly to the wind as she pushed him to the wall of the shower, and reached for the back of his head, to pull his face down to hers so she could actually kiss him. It would be shocking to say the least. Her pent up desires spilling over like a flood. Last night wasn’t one off, and it was not about using him. This was different. He would hear the unmistakable moan leave the corner of her lips, as she kissed him hungrily – drawing their bodies together. <3>
IceTe3a: -He watched her as she looked from the sponge to him, suddenly he found himself pushed against the wall as his back pressed up against the cold tiles she brought his head down and forced a kiss on to him. He smirked against her lips and then returned her kiss with one of passion, his fingers press into her back gently as they run down her soft skin and find their place on each ass cheek, pushing her in closer to him as he pulled back with a smirk. “Got everything you need now, to shower with? Are you planning to use me as your sponge? “ he smirked as their bodies rubbed up against each other, the change between the two was immediate and completely opposite to what they started out as, they were basically enemies towards each other. But these days he was completely hers, claimed by her in all ways. He could see the upside to being her equipment; it could be fun to say the least. It was still early morning, so they had ample time to mess about before the day had to start, but it was a day for relaxing that was what he had said last night to them both.
CharlotteCarrendar: – The pair had definitely done a 180 when it came to how they were with each other. From practically trying to kill the other; to now sharing affections in the shower of his underground bunker. The heat of the water had nothing on what this pair could reach, as Rain let go her inhibitions and went wild with her ministrations. ”I need more than a sponge.” she said breathlessly, as she leapt upon him and then rode him till he would be pushing her back onto the shower. His response fuelled her own desires, as he returned her kisses with the same level of passion that she gave out. Soon her wild cries would fill the room and she would scream his name for the very first time. Rain would clutch him tight as she felt her body tense from the intense sensations he brought her. <3>
IceTea: She suddenly jumped up on top of him, he caught her as her legs wrapped around his waist, his arms supporting her up as she rode him. She started moaning in response to him, she even cried out his name as he leaned in and kisses her neck his lips rubbing up against her soft skin, they were both under the shower as he held her up. She would have to go harder than that to force him down, he could handle her movements for the moment as his body tensed on hers he smirked as he whispered in her ear. “ I Enjoyed last night, I can see the bonus of being your sex toy” he then leaned in and nipped her earlobe as he felt her body pushing against his.
CharlotteCarrendar:- To hear Adam say that he enjoyed last night was a reward in itself. He cheekily told her that he could see the bonus in being her sex toy, and she could see this as being a very good part of their growing friendship. The way he made her feel, by his own touching – kissing and rubbing her only made her feel completely whole as a woman. The nip on the earlobe sent a shock through her and she was clearly seeing this as more than just play. Was she falling for him? It wasn’t unheard of for adversaries to suddenly find a mutual attraction. ”Just so long as you are my sex toy, then I think this is going to be enjoyable for both of us.” The water continued to spray them while she kissed his neck in a show of affection. She knew she would have to get out of the shower soon, but for now she wanted to enjoy this new found feeling for Adam. <3>
IceTea: Her smirked as she said as long as he’s only a sex toy and nothing more, he knew that she felt more or at least that’s what her body was telling him. She kissed him with affection as he smiled and ran his hand through her hair clearing up her face he kissed her back with the same gentle passion before placing her down on her feet, they had spent quite awhile in the shower. “You know where to find me when you need me “ he smirked and gave her one more look up and down before walking out of the shower and finding a pair of jeans. Putting the jeans on he didn’t care that he was wet, his body would dry itself sooner or later. He walked over to the jug of coffee and poured two mugs full, adding a little milk and some sugar he left hers on the bench and took his in hand, as he lit a smoke and took a sip of his coffee. “Eve will want to see the farmland today, you should come. he smirked at his invitation for her to join them.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Being left in the shower, Rain cleaned herself thoroughly before stepping out and grabbing a towel. Adam was already dressed in jeans (wet mind you) and making coffee while she dried herself down. The idea of seeing the farm for the first time in the daylight was actually something she wanted to do. No need to worry about the world and its dramas today at least. For once she felt excited about spending the day with Adam. Even with Eve tagging along. ”Sure, I’ll get dressed and have this coffee while you find Eve.” This was so unusual. There was no angry retorts or hollow threats being issued by the pair. They were getting on, and it felt good. Going to a closet, she managed to find a shirt and jeans, and went to put them on as she could smell the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee. Once dressed, she headed over to the counter and took up the coffee cup in her hands, cradling it as she blew on the hot liquid. <3>
IceTe3a: – He watched her get dressed as he smiled, sipping his coffee and taking a drag from his cigarette he arched a brow as she said for him to find her, he realized he had not shown her the coms in the room yet. “Coms Active – Room two Eve, get ready we are heading out to see the farm in 10 minutes, meet us at the front door to the cabin” the coms then turned off as he turned to look at her smirking, she was enjoying her coffee. He walked over to his walk in wardrobe and put on a buttoned flannel red with black strip shirt, he didn’t bother buttoning up the shirt as he reached in behind the clothing and pulled out a simple .308 rifle with a scope and a few rounds. Walking back out to where Rain was he shouldered the rifle “No need for big guns on here, it’s just for the wild animals “ he smirked and nodded for her to follow him through the door, holding the door open for her he would wait until she went through and follow her out closing it behind him.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Placing her cup in the sink and washing it out, Rain turned to see that Adam was sporting a .308 rifle with scope and was holding the door open for her as he said there was no need for big guns on the property. Smirking, Rain swaggered out the door in her country look jeans and shirt, only to see Eve standing there, still dressed in what looked to be lab gear. ”Good morning Rain…Adam.” She spoke with a friendly tone and looked pleased that they were about to go up to the farm, where Eve would get to enjoy seeing the animals that lived on the farm. Truth be told she had been up a few hours and had waited silently for the pair to be ready. Eve walked to the front door and then waited for Adam to activate it and let them out into the sunshine. <3>
IceTe3a: – He looked out as he noticed Eve was standing there, closing the door behind him as Rain walked out he smiled “Morning Eve, ready to see the animals? “ he smiled as they walked to the front door, it swung open and they climbed up the stairs to the wooden cabin on top. He walked over to the front door and swung it open as the sun’s rays beamed in, it was a beautiful day with blue skies and a gentle breeze you could hear the animals already roaming about doing their daily life. “So there’s sheep, cows, deer, birds, horses and a few dogs around here somewhere. “ he smirked as he stepped out onto the grass, walking around the side of the cabin something they wouldn’t have seen last night was the horse stables where he kept the riding gear and the horses usually spent their days around it in the shade. He walked over there leaving the two girls behind to have a look around as he placed his rifle down leaning against the wall and started to prepare three of the horses for riding, he looked on the ground and found his black cowboy hat, picking it up he didn’t bother dusting it off as he placed it on his head. After a few moments the horses were ready, leading the horses over to the girls he smirked as he watched Eve, who would have never seen a horse before “This one’s yours eve “ he chuckled as he handed over the reigns to eve, her horse was a female brown mare she was more calm than the other two young horses which is perfect for Eve who was a first time rider, handing over the reigns to Rain he nodded to her “That one’s yours, she’s a bit wild much like yourself “ he smirked at his own cheeky comment, he knew Eve would want to examine the horse and touch it for awhile so he walked over to Rain’s horse and offered a shoulder to step up onto so she could get onto the horse as he kneeled down onto the ground.
CharlotteCarrenar:- The sun streamed down and the true beauty of the farm became more apparent as Rain and Eve walked out into the light of day and could see, smell and hear the very animals that lived on the property. Rain stuffed her fingers in her pockets as she walked forwards, and kicked a small rock along – taking it all in. Eve on the other hand was simply astounded. You could see her head darting left and right. The unusual sounds of the animals left her wanting to learn as much as possible about each and every one. ”Horses?” Rain inquired, definitely finding something new to smile about. She hadn’t ridden properly since she was a kid and it was one of her favourite pastimes. Adam had left the girls momentarily as he went to get the horses and get them saddled up to ride, while Eve was running her hand over the tall grasses from one of the nearby paddocks. Seeing Adam come back wearing a black cowboy hat, Rain smirked and said.”I always knew you were the type to wear a black hat.” Like he was one of the cattle rustlers from the old western movies. Taking the reigns of the horse he had provided for her, Rain then used his Adam’s shoulder to help her mount her horse, which she did so easily. Rain looked like she was born in the saddle, as she leaned forward and patted the horse’s neck. The horse was said to be wild like her. That had to be tested, that was for sure. ”Think you can keep up with me, Adam?’ Rain teased. In the background, Eve was studying the horse. She didn’t know how to ride, let alone mount one. She just stood there, stroking its head and smiling. ”Nice horse.” Adam was going to have to help her get up on it by the looks of things. <3>
IceTea: He felt Rain step on his shoulder and up on to the horse, looking up as she had asked if he could keep up he smirked “Oh, I think the real question is how long can you last” he gave her a wink and was distracted when he heard Eve’s voice calling the horse a nice horse, he peered around Rain’s horse and saw Eve standing there patting the horse, he shook his head and chuckled lightly. “Eve… you sit on top of the horse and ride it. “ he walked over behind Eve, and wrapped his hands around her waist, with ease he picked her off the ground and swung her on top of the horse. Putting the reigns in her hands and her boots in the stirrups, coming to a stand he looked up at her “ Use the reigns to guide the horse in the direction you want to go, give it a light tap with your foot to get it to move and pull on the reigns to slow it down, simple “ he chuckled walking over to his own horse he mounted up and kicked its sides lightly as the horse moved forward, he lead them towards the middle of the property they started to pass by sheep and cattle that were grazing on the tall grass, slowly he was leading them to a fresh water river that was teeming with life, he used to go down there every now and then to fish, he even left his fishing gear down there. Looking around it was a beautiful day “So, this is my own peace of heaven, I work off the land and train downstairs. What you think? “ he chuckled lightly.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Rain actually turned slightly in her saddle, and watched how Adam had to help Eve onto her horse. It was like watching how one would place a doll on a horse. She simply had no idea how to ride, or even how to sit properly. It was all so very new to Eve and the wonderment kept shining through with her unusual green eyes. ”Tap with my foot to go and pull reigns to stop. Okay.” She took the advice like it was cooking instructions. When Adam came back past Rain to get on his own horse, Rain leaned forward and said. ”She has no clue, does she?” Truer words never having been said. Soon however they were off and the girls followed along behind Adam, Rain keeping up better than Eve, whose horse was pretty docile and slow. At one point Rain gave her horse a bit more than a tap and galloped ahead of Adam. He would be able to see her ass bouncing in the saddle as she rode past him, her hair swept back by the breeze. She pulled on the reigns and rounded back to the stream which was teeming with life. It really was such a beautiful setting. ”I can imagine living here all my life and never growing tired of it.” Rain said, as Eve came up behind her slowly on her horse.”Where are the deer, Adam?” Eve was keen to see a live deer, like the deer head in the cabin. <3>
IceTe3a: – He watched as Rain came galloping past, he smirked as he watched her ass bouncing up and down, as she rounded back to meet them at the stream he got off the horse and sat down near the stream “ Don’t worry about tying the horses up, they’ll stay close and graze “ he heard Eve ask about the Deer and he smiled as he glanced across the river“ There they are, they’ll come over soon, they’re quite curious creatures once they are used to us. he chuckled as he knew the other girls would soon join him, he placed the Rifle on the ground near him as he laid down on his back and looked up at the sky watching as birds flew past. He sighed slightly in relief as he pulled out a cigarette and started to smoke it, sure enough the Deer started to cross the river and come closer to them, He had fed the deer before on a number of occasions so they were used to human contact, he was sure they wouldn’t mind being petted by Eve. As he watched the deer’s slowly coming closer he chuckled “ See, here they are joining us “ he wondered if Rain would get excited about the deer as well, perhaps she hadn’t seen one for a while or never seen one before.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Rain alighted from her horse easily, then gave it a friendly pat so that it could wander nearby and graze, which it did. Eve…on the other hand was a little out of sorts on how to get off. First, her right foot got stuck and then she seemed to forget to hold onto the reigns a bit longer. Basically she fell from the horse, spooking it just enough to give a little kick before it ambled to join the others. Sitting up with a bit of leaf litter in her hair, Eve said. ”No harm done. I’m fine.” Which sounded rather comical when you saw the state of her. Since she was now sitting, it was perfect for the deer had been crossing the stream obviously hopeful for a feed. Rain crouched down near Adam and held her hand out as one nibbled along her open palm, only to pull its head back sharply due to there being no food there. ”Aren’t they sweet?”Rain said, drawing her knees up as she sat herself down and then rested her chin on the tops of her knees. Eve was a little more noisy, trying to pat the skittish creatures, that kept coming over then leaping away. It was pretty clear that Eve had a lot to learn on how to be and handle animals. <3>
IceTea: He watched as Rain sat down near him and started to pat one of the deer’s saying how sweet they are he smirked and looked up at her as he laid there “They can be, in the right Pasta sauce “ chuckling lightly as he glanced over at eve, who had fallen off her horse and was acting way to fast for the deer to get comfortable he sighed “Eve.. Slow your movements down, no need to rush or be nervous just.. act natural they’ll stay and let you pet them if you do” it was shaping up to be a nice day as he knew it would be drawing to a end way to soon. “I’ll cook us up something for dinner when we get back, and we can talk business over dinner. he looks at Rain and then at the deer “What you reakon invite the deer over for dinner? “ he chuckled again as he yawned slightly and started to relax more, Eve on the other hand was still moving around to fast. He glanced over at the horses who were happily grazing on the fresh grass around the stream, it was way to peaceful here. “I’ve thought about just living out here.. and never returning to civilization, just.. starting fresh ya know? “ it was a possible thing to do out this far, as no one came out here but he had promises he needed to keep and Rain wanted to find her father so he would have to wait to retire.
CharlotteCarrendar:- Adam really was a tease when he mentioned that the deer were really sweet in the right pasta sauce. Rain coughed loudly at the very idea, while in the background, Eve was up and around, trying to pat the deer. Now, Adam could see she was way too fast in her bid to get to know them, but of course in her excitement and curiosity, Eve was like a child at her first trip to the zoo. Her inquisitive programming meant that she simply could not stop chasing them as she was gathering as much information as she could. With Rain sitting down next to Adam, the background scene behind them was amusing to say the least. Rain was trying to hold a normal conversation for once, as the sound of excited squeals, feet treading through leaf litter, and the call of the deer making for quite a din. One deer did come close to Rain, and Adam asked if they should invite it for dinner…literally. Rain smirked as it got spooked away by the child like Eve in behind them. ”That is if you can contain Miss Adventurous behind us.” Coming back to what Adam was saying about wanting to just live out here and not return to civilization; had Rain have a sombre thought. Out there, somewhere was her father. She still had not given up hope of finding him. ”I’d like to just stop and let the world go on in a place like this. But…I won’t feel fulfilled till I find him.” Surely he knew what she meant by this. <3>
IceTea: He watched Eve race around chasing after the deers as she tried to catch them, she really was sheltered. He smiled as he glanced over to Rain, listening to what she had to say, he could understand where she was coming from; glancing at eve he wondered how she would react to him shooting a deer. “ Well I suppose we best find him first so I can retire in peace here, perhaps you and your father could join me” he chuckled as he came to a stand and picked up his .308 “Eve, time to go. he was going to shoot a deer but best thought not to in front of Eve as she was very emotional at times. Turning to face Rain he smiled again as he tilted his cowboy hat “Come on then “ he said smiling as he walked over and helped Eve up onto her horse “You’ll get used to the farm life Eve “ he chuckled and walked over to Rain’s horse and waited for her to come over so he could give her a hand.
CharlotteCarrendar:- The deer were scattering thanks to Eve’s constant attention. You did have to wonder just how she would react to one being shot for dinner. That was something that had even Rain concerned. ”She really is sheltered.” Of course she was. All she knew was the insides of the Zen compound and of course she learnt everything via the computers and the internet. To physically experience the great outdoors and wild animals like this was all too real. Rain came to stand and brushed off the leaf litter from her backside, as she watched Adam graciously place Eve back on her horse. Her wide eyed excitement had not yet abated. ”Already?’ Her response to Adam having said it was time to go. Clearly she was enjoying the outing immensely. Rain mounted her own horse with the help of Adam, and turned it around to head back. ”Should I lead Eve back while you….you know?’ She meant about him killing a deer and diverting Eve from that so she wouldn’t get all upset. <3>
IceTe3a: – He chuckled as Rain suggested she distract Eve whilst he killed a deer, shaking his head he smirked as he mounted his horse and rode close to her “Already got bambi in the freezer he whispered so only she could hear. Forcing the horse to walk towards their home he nodded and smiled “Yes Eve, once you get used to the outdoors you can come out as often as you want, but for now let’s get you two acquainted with your new home” with that they rode off in a gallop, he purposely rode close to Eve’s horse to force it to gallop as Eve wouldn’t know how to make her horse gallop, it didn’t take them long to get back to the cabin as he smirked and dismounted “You two go inside and downstairs I’ll put the horses away.” he waited for them to dismount before he took the horses and led them around to their open stables. Taking off the riding gear from the horses he hosed them down with cooling water and pulled out a big stack of fresh hay for them to chew on. “Good girls “ he smiled as he casually jogged over to the cabin and downstairs to meet the girls
CharlotteCarrendar: – Riding back at a speed that Eve had not done before made her look and sound funny as Adam kept abreast of her on the ride back. Rain held back a certain distance, knowing it was not good to ride too close in behind. She had had the most wonderful day out on the farm, and really wanted to see more, but Adam wanted them all better acquainted in the house. Besides, as he had whispered that he had Bambi in the freezer, there was no need for him to kill one of the wild deer that Eve had been chasing around. Pulling up hard as she rode in towards the house, Rain dismounted and handed Adam her horses reigns, as she waited for Eve to be helped off her horse. Given the go ahead to go inside, Rain had to practically take Eve’s arm and lead her in, since she was starting to get excited about the chickens.”You can chase those tomorrow, Eve.” Rain said with a chuckle, as Eve pouted, but then did as she was told and went inside with Rain. Back down in the bunker, Rain went to get a drink of fresh water from the kitchen, while Eve went back to exploring the large lab. Taking a sip of water from a glass, she then noticed Eve watching Rain. Rain looked about herself, wondering if she had mud on her or something on her face. ”What?’ Rain asked of Eve. Eve feigned innocence and then said. ”You love him, don’t you?” <3>
IceTe3a: – With the horses all packed up he walked into the cabin and shut the door behind him, they won’t be going out for the rest of the day not at this moment anyway. Walking down the stairs he wondered where they had gotten off to, where they out exploring the bunker? He walked over towards the armory trying to find them as he listened for their voices. Finally reaching the armory he looked around, nowhere in sight. He wasn’t about to go on a wild goose chase so instead he flicked his sight to Thermal imagery and surely enough he picked out their location, over in the labs of course he should have guessed. Walking casually over towards the labs it took him a while but he finally made it, walking in he glanced at the two of them “So eve, like the labs? he smiled and looked around with a nod on his face, he had no clue what half the shit in here did, they just looked… labby that was his word for it basically if it looked like it should be in a science lab he put it in here. “So what were you two on about whilst I was away” stretching his arms a bit he knew he would need maintenance and to update his software soon, but he wasn’t about to tell the girls this, both Rain and Eve could do the job and the last thing he wanted to get into was those two working on him that just be weird and he knew if they found out he needed it that they wouldn’t take no for an answer, so he decided to stop stretching and lean against a counter, glancing over at Rain he forgot she could read his thoughts and was rather hoping she didn’t hear what he was just thinking and he slowly started to back up a little bit while rubbing the back of his head.
CharlotteCarrendar:- It was the most unusual thing when Adam entered the lab area, and Eve had just asked Rain the 64 thousand dollar question – if she loved Adam. Rain’s cheeks blushed so fierce, and she actually had to turn away and place down the glass on the table, when confronted by Adam. Eve, was more than happy to explain how she loved the lab, and that it had everything she needed to work on. Including Adam himself. Now, Rain could mind link Adam easily, and as soon as she twigged that he needed to do maintenance and update his soft ware, her instincts told her to do it. She wanted to do it. Rain felt this need to, but then Eve looked at Rain again and said. ”Well, do you?” Course this was back at her earlier question. Rain, was afraid to admit it. She immediately got on the defensive. ”We were just discussing…uhm…” Eve then looked at Adam and smiled. ”She’s shy.” No kidding. To deflect the situation, Rain blurted out loud. ”Adam needs maintenance, Eve. Care to…help him out.” She hated asking, but under the circumstances she felt it was better this way, than openly admit her feelings. Eve beamed at being asked. ”Sure. Adam? May I?” <3>
IceTe3a: He arched a brow as he watched the pair, they were discussing something earlier and Eve just asked if she did, did what exactly? “Well does she what? he looked at Rain and then Eve ,confused slightly he had stopped backing off. Suddenly Rain blurted out that he needed maintenance and software updates he turned to her slowly as his jaw dropped slightly “You snitch! he said in a playful manner but then Eve just asked if she could and she looked happy he scratched the back of his head and grunted slightly “No no, I prefer to do my own maintenance anyway, I can handle it. Thank you though Eve. he glanced over at Rain giving her a look as he sighed at hoping he just escaped that one, he knew fully well his self maintenance skills were poor at best as he wasn’t to good with software updates or maintaining high tech equipment, he was designed to kill after all. Hoping that would be the end of it as Eve wouldn’t be the type to force something on him, and Rain looked like she didn’t want to do it anyway he seemed to be in the clear. “So.. shall we continue looking at the place? he was hoping to distract them or at the very least change the subject.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Adam playfully called Rain a snitch. Sure, she was too, but she had done it out of fear that her true feelings would be exposed. She tried hard to bury them deep, but it was now getting harder too. Eve didn’t have the same ability to mind link like Rain did, so she had no idea what was really going on between the pair. She accepted Adam’s decline for help with his updating and maintenance, though Rain knew better. Quietly she sent her own message to Adam as she fell in behind them while they toured the Lab with an animated Eve. ~I will help you later with the updates~ She stole a glance at Adam and then pretended to be interested in one of the computers as Eve continued to lead Adam through. Later on, when they were alone it was pretty clear that they were probably going to talk. Was he ready to hear the truth? <3>
IceTea: He walked around the lab as they looked at all the equipment with a smile, he heard her in his mind stating she was going to help him later. ~ No thanks, that was a rejection to both of you. I’m still funny about other people doing maintenance and updating my software~ and it was true he felt weird about it even if it did make his systems work a lot better, the only way he would get on that operating table in front of those two is if it was forced, he smirked slightly as he knew Rain may try that. Coming to a big screen with computers and tvs around it in the lab he knew exactly what that was for. “ Here is your Com’s station if ever we’re out on the field you can reach us through this, help us out with intel and scouting and so forth, step up Eve you’re a part of a team now “ he smirked as he knew she would enjoy being the teams medic and lead scientist, she was defiantly a valuable member of the team that was for sure. He could feel his arms getting stiff whilst moving he needed to ditch them two so he could do his own maintenance/ “Soo you two can do what you please, I’m just going to go do something for awhile catch up later yeah? “ even though everything that would be needed to make him run like the day he was built was in this lab he didn’t need any of it to do a bodgey maintenance job on himself, as he turned on his feet slowly and casually he started to head for the door.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Now, regardless of the fact that Adam had just declined both women to help him with maintenance, seeing him acting slow and then trying to make something of an escape after showcasing the lab’s comms started off something of a competition between Rain and Eve. He just rejected Rain mentally, and Eve frowned as she watched Adam move to the door. ”You need help, Adam. Let me help you.” At this, suddenly Rain sprang forward. ”No..no, its okay, I got this.” Eve then raised her voice. ”You said I could help him.” Rain immediately replied. ”Yes…but that was just so you would shut up.” Oh ,now the cat was coming out of the bag, and Eve started for Adam. She crossed the floor staring at Rain. ”Should I just tell him?” This brought an angered growl from Rain…like Eve was suddenly on her turf.”You wouldn’t!” Then Rain ran for Adam and tried to block his path at the door. ”Please let me update you.” Eve then said what Rain had feared. ”She is in love with you Adam.” <3>
IceTea: Than it all started, first Eve asked again and then Rain insisted and it went on like this for awhile then the two started at each other. He was almost at the door when Rain blocked it off, he glanced at the two and sighed as he shook his head. Eve than stated Rain was in love with him and he chuckled slightly as he turned to Eve “Her? In love with me? You can’t love something that’s not human “ he had just quoted something Rain had said awhile back chuckling again slightly as he didn’t know what to do with these two girls bickering “ Now as for you two.. Neither of you is helping me. I’ll do it myself, I’m quite capable. That’s enough about that from the both of you, you two stay here and learn to work together no more fighting between you two, got it? “ he sighed slightly as he rubbed the bridge of his nose, hoping they would start to learn to work together instead of this fighting, when did they start fighting? He couldn’t remember but hopefully it would stop soon, turning to face Rain he arched a brow and nodded his head to the side “Move “ it was a request more than anything.
CharlotteCarrendar: – Rain knew he was making a request, but already her feelings were hurt that Eve had blurted out the obvious. Reminding her that he was a machine, but she had started to see so much more than that now. Adam wanted them to leave him be and let him fix himself, but she knew that she could do a far better job at it. ”Move” He said the simple word and for a moment she was caught between doing what he asked, and doing what she wanted to do. She had had such a wonderful day with him, and now she was staring at the reality that they might lose that special moment they had. Eve went quiet in behind them. Adam had made the call and Eve did as she was told, but Rain was another matter entirely. Normally, Rain would just take control. She had no qualms with it before. But now she hesitated. Finally she brought her hand up close to the pressure plates on the side of his head and in a whisper she asked. ”Please?” This was the first time she ever asked. Would he push her hand away? <3>
IceTe3a: – He stood there waiting as she continued to block the way, he looked down at her waiting. She was looking up at him with a slightly worried face, the fact she hadn’t forced herself on him yet was surprising to him. Usually she would just press his pads and do what was necessary, her hands slipped on either side of him and he was waiting for her to press the pads but her fingertips just hovered there. She simply stated “Please” as it was another request to allow her to help, but her fingertips were just near his pads ready to take control over him at any given notice with a sigh he shrugged. “I don’t have a choice in the matter anyway “ with that he turned around and walked over to the operating table taking his shirt off he placed it on the table nearby. Sitting on the operating table he slid his legs up and laid there on his back in silence as he waited for them to start doing maintenance and updating his software.
News of Simone’s pregnancy is getting about town, and for one Pandora LaRue – she is in for a real shock when she stops by her old apartment building to pick up her stuff. Can someone say “Cat fight?” Welcome to Lipstick Lies!
After a peaceful night’s sleep wrapped in her boyfriend’s arms, Pandora was the first to awake the next morning. As she stared down at Brock’s sleeping visage, she couldn’t help but smile warmly. It had been a trying two weeks for the both of them and she was beginning to think that their relationship was a lot stronger then it had been previously.
She would have liked to have spent the morning wrapped in his arms, but she had a lit to do this day and couldn’t spend it like she wanted to. Carefully extracting herself from his arms, she pressed a light kiss to his cheek before going to take a shower.
He was still asleep when she came out, drying her hair. Shaking her head, she dressed for the day in a floral print top and a pair of blue jeans. Grabbing a piece of hotel stationary, she scrawled a quick note for Brock and left it on her pillow so he would see it when he woke.
Grabbing her keys and wallet, she headed for the taxi stand in front of the hotel. Fortunately for her, Denise and George had fallen asleep in their car and were unaware of the fact that she’d left.
——
Escala Apartments
Unlocking the security lock to the building, she stopped at the mailboxes in the hall to collect her mail, making a mental note to go to the post office to put a hold on any future mail until she and Brock were settled in their home. As she walked by Apartment 1A, Louis poked his head out of the door, a smile on his face.
“Hey, Pandora. Where’ve you been? I haven’t seen you in a while. Wanna come in?” he greeted her.
Usually she would rather walk away from him as quickly as she could, but he’d been a constant presence in her life since the day she moved into the building, and in her own way, she would miss him when she was gone.
“Hi, Louis. Sorry about that. I went to Hawaii for a vacation for a few weeks. Just got back late last night.”
“Fun in the sun. Sounds like you had a good time.”
“It was…” she smiled wistfully, “…an experience.”
“You heading upstairs?”
“Yeah. I need to pick up some of my things and turn in my keys.”
“You’re leaving?” he gaped, stepping into the hall.
“Unfortunately, yeah.”
“But…why?” he was truly bewildered.
“Bad memories.”
“Oh. That thing with Simone?” Pandora stared at him.
“What? Who told you?”
“Genie Simpson.” Pandora slapped her forehead with a groan. Genie Simpson was the building’s biggest gossip and was the winner of the “Nosiest Neighbor Award” 8 years running. “She was walking past Simone and Erica’s apartment that day. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” Pandora sighed, wishing the woman had kept it to herself.
“So…how are you handling…you know…” Now that had Pandora frowning.
“Handling…what?” Pandora wondered.
“Simone’s pregnancy.” Pandora nearly dropped her mail and keys in horrified shock.
“What?” she whispered.
“I heard them talking about it.”
“How?”
“They have a vent in their apartment that’s linked to one in mine…I heard them talking about it.” He saw the look on her face and knew he’d just made a colossal error. “You…didn’t know…I’m so sorry.”
“I’ve…gotta go now. Bye Louis.” Pandora turned and headed for the elevators in a complete state of shock. One thought repeated itself over and over in her head.
The door to apartment 3C opened slowly, and the first in was a blotchy faced Simone, followed by a silent Erica. Simone immediately made a bee line for the refrigerator and opened the freezer section. She reached in and then pulled out a tub of cookie dough ice cream. Her favorite. Holding her tub in one hand, she tries to break the seal as Erica comes around the corner.
“No…not again.” Erica says, taking the ice cream off Simone and placing it back in the freezer. “We really need to talk.” Erica’s expression was now stern as Simone slinked back in to the kitchen. It was plain to see that Simone was scared to talk about it. Erica took Simone’ s hands and held them. “You are three months pregnant. That is the first tri mester out of the way. You can’t have an abortion. You need to start looking at other options, cause if I know you and I do there is no way you are going to be able to take care of a baby, let alone yourself.”
Simone pulled her hands out from Erica’s grasp and turned away from her, feeling the hot sting of tears on her cheeks again. “Why do you keep saying that? I can make a good home for a baby. I work.” This may have been true, but her work was modelling and also being a musical dancer both of which were long hours and strenuous. Erica had seen this happen before and with many on her books in the office. “A baby needs a mother and a father. How sure are you that Wolfgang will even admit to being the father. Honestly Simone, what were you thinking?” Erica headed into the lounge area just off from the kitchenette. Simone chewed her lip. She really didn’t know much about him at all, mainly cause he was a one night stand.
“Do you have his number?” Erica asked, picking up the phone and offering it to Simone. Simone shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe…but he might be on the road..you know how those rock stars are.” Simone was trying to avoid calling him, as it would be different to speak to him when they were both sober. “Call him.” Erica insisted, tossing the phone to Simone, who caught it in a bit of a juggle. “Fine!” Simone answered, going off to get her bag and her black book. Yes, Simone actually had a black book. She sat down on the couch and flicked through the book, finding his number after about two minutes. Sighing she punched in the number and waited. The phone rang for a minute before it was picked up.
“Hello, Chantelle speaking.”
“Oh I was after Wolfgang, is he in?”
“No dear, this is his Wife. He is currently in London on a tour. Mind if I ask who is calling?”
The blood from Simone’s face suddenly drained and she coughed before replying. “Oh this is just…uhm…Erica Stanton from Vogue in Seattle. Just let him know I called about a feature article. Bye!” Simone hung up quickly as Erica was about to scream at her. “What did you use my name for?”
“Because his WIFE answered the phone. I didn’t know he was married.”
“All the good ones ARE either married or gay. Well. Looks like you are on your own on this one.”
Simone fell back in the couch and covered her eyes with her arm. “Could this get any worse?”
Pandora felt like she was swimming through molasses. Simone was pregnant! kept repeating itself over and over in her mind. She didn’t know what to think, what to feel. Was the baby Brock’s? Was that the whole reason Simone slept with him? To trap him into some sort of relationship with her because she couldn’t keep a man of her own?
It was disgusting.
Slamming her way into her apartment, her temper at a boiling point, she let out a scream of rage so powerful it could be heard on the street below. She began tearing through the apartment, throwing her things into boxes she’d brought with her, not even noticing in her anger that she’d melted her tea kettle.
She stacked her boxes in the hall before sticking the keys in an envelope and taking them to the Grey’s penthouse. She dropped the envelope in the mail slot there before she turned and left.
She had called a storage company to come for her things and they’d arrived while she was dropping off the keys. She paid them for their services before they left.
She had a final piece of business to take care of before she left the building for good.
Rolling up her sleeves, she took the elevator to the 3rd floor and apartment C.
The anger radiating from her was thick and the temperature in the hall was steadily rising. She raised a fist and pounded on the door, stepping back to wait to see if it was answered.
Simone was curled up on the couch – her feet drawn up under her and clutching a satin red lips pillow as she watched Bold and the Beautiful on the television. Why she bothered with such crap often baffled Erica who believed that Simone’s life was far more entertaining than any soap opera. Every now and again, you could hear Simone sniffle and mutter something about not investing in enough condoms, when there was a loud pounding on the door. Erica happened to be already up and around, and glanced at the door as she was making some hot cocoa.
“You expecting anyone, Sim?” Erica asked, a bit worried about the sound on the pounding on the door.
“You don’t owe anyone money do you, Sim?’ Erica now picked up a baseball bat as she edged to the door slowly, all the while glancing back at Simone, who again was shaking her head, before drawing herself up smaller on the couch. This was a tense moment, as Erica unlocked the door, and then when she opened it, got the shock of her life to see Pandora of all people on the door step….and looking absolutely pissed off.
“Hello Panda….what a…surprise to see you here.”
Simone peeked up from the couch and saw the look on Pandora’s face. After today, she was not at all ready to deal with her and sung out. “I really don’t want to see anyone now. You can show me your holiday pictures some other time.”
Simone then waved her hand as she turned up the volume on the TV. Erica shrugged her shoulders and tried to close the door in Pandora’s face.
Erica was the one to open the door but it was Simone whom Pandora’s gaze landed on.
“Hello Panda….what a…surprise to see you here.” Erica stated. Pandora kept her eyes on Simone, who was staring back at her. Pandora noticed the woman was looking a bit strung out, but she didn’t give two shits. This confrontation was a long time coming.
“I really don’t want to see anyone now. You can show me your holiday pictures some other time.”
Erica tried to close the door, but Pandora was beyond caring what anyone wanted. Her palm slapped against the door with an almost painful thud and she shoved her way past Erica into the apartment.
She slapped a hand over the power button on the television, turning it off. The silence in the apartment was oppressive. Pandora glared at Erica.
“Leave. This is between Simone and myself.”
Not caring if Erica heeded her words or not, she turned her angry gaze back to Simone.
“Answer me one question…and your answer will depend on whether or not I continue speaking to you or not.” Pandora stated. She waited several heartbeats before she spoke again. “Is it Brock’s?”
Erica was practically pushed into the wall as the door was propelled open by an enraged Pandora. You could hear the oomph as Erica took the force of the door between her and the wall. She couldn’t believe that Pandora could be such an utter bitch and followed her into the lounge, only to watch her switch off the TV set power button. Simone threw away the red lips pillow and pointed at the blackened screen.
“I was watching that!”
Erica came up along side Pandora to try and get her to leave Simone alone, but before she could get a word in, she was shut down by Pandora.
“Leave. This is between Simone and myself.”
Rolling her eyes, and rubbing her sore chest, she stormed out of the room, only to be in her room with her ear to the wall, not wanting to miss this. Obviously, Pandora had issues with Simone, little did either girl know what Pandora had heard. Simone got up off the couch and put her hands on her hips, her baby bump quite visible.
“You really have got a nerve, Pandora.” She said with hostility in her voice.
“Answer me one question…and your answer will depend on whether or not I continue speaking to you or not.”
That sentence alone had Simone’s jaw drop. As far as she knew they weren’t speaking since Pan refused to answer her texts. Simone cocked her head to the right side and then said. “Ask away.” This day couldn’t get any worse than it already was. There was a few minutes of silence between them…and then;
“Is it Brock’s?”
At first, Simone let out a laugh that was more like she was releasing her breath. So that was it. The word of her pregnancy finally reached the fiery Pandora. Simone ran her tongue over her top lip, and then she narrowed her eyes and said back coolly. “Would you like it to be?” She then rolled her eyes and picked up a rock magazine that was on the coffee table with a picture on the cover of one Wolfgang Ritz. She then showed it to Pandora.
“It’s his. I was already pregnant when Brock fucked me on the bathroom floor. Next question?” She said, as she tossed the magazine back on the table.
“Would you like it to be?” Simone snapped back. Pandora inhaled a breath, struggling to calm herself. No matter how she was feeling at the moment, Simone was pregnant and Pandora was doing her level best not to completely lose her temper.
“To put it bluntly…no.” Pandora stated. Simone snorted and picked up a magazine, handing it Pandora. On the cover was famous rock star, Wolfgang Ritz.
“It’s his. I was already pregnant when Brock fucked me on the bathroom floor. Next question?”
Well…that effectively deflated Pandora’s temper, but only slightly. Sighing, she sat down on the coffee table.
“Why did you do it? You had…dozens of men at your beck and call, and you knew how I felt about Brock. Were you that unhappy?” Pandora wondered. “When I saw the two of you that day…it felt like someone ripped my heart out of my chest and smashed it into a billion pieces. It didn’t make it any better for the fact that you were my best friend. If it had been a stranger I caught him with…I don’t think my reaction would have been no less fierce, but I could have handled it better then I did.” She took Simone’s hands. “You were like a sister to me, Simone…and you broke my heart just as effectively as Brock did. And I’m trying to understand it. Help me understand it because…I want my sister back.” Unbidden, tears sprang into her eyes as Pandora relived the pain of Simone’s betrayal.
The tension in the room was still quite fierce, but with Simone now admitting that it was not Brock’s the reaction that came from Pandora was totally unexpected. To be honest, Simone thought she might set fire to the drapes. Instead, she sunk down onto the coffee table, right next to the brooding face of Wolfgang on the magazine cover.
“Why did you do it? You had…dozens of men at your beck and call, and you knew how I felt about Brock. Were you that unhappy?”
This was a question and a half. Simone went to pick up the red lipstick cushion and then sat down opposite Pandora.
“Do I ever think before I do anything?’
In the bedroom you can hear Erica sing out. “No.” At this, Simone points towards the bedroom and nods in agreement. “I honestly don’t even know why I did it. All I know…is..it happened. Did I do it to spite you? No. Not intentionally. I am pretty sure Brock would say the same. “ She sighed and pulled the cushion closer to her. “He was just one in a long line of mistakes.” Erica appeared in the doorway. She knew everything that was going on, and felt that she needed to be involved. “Wolfgang is married. He will never admit to Simone’s baby being his. So…Simone is pretty much on her own on this. Well, aside from me, but you know..”
Erica went back to the kitchen where she was making beverages, but was in ear shot.
As Pandora took Simone’s hands, Simone jerked in a reflex almost scared to be touched that way. Seeing Pandora near tears and saying she wanted to have her sister back made Simone’s chin tremble. Clearly, Pandora had forgiven Brock, though they went through hell and back to do it. This was different. Simone lowered her head, mumbling under her breath.
“I can’t take back what I did. And saying I’m sorry isn’t really enough, is it? She knitted her brow, as Erica walked over with a tray of coffee cups, and biscuits. She set it down and then sat down next to Simone. She rubbed Simone’s back and then glanced over at Pandora. “Simone is going to have to earn your trust back, and I’ll make sure she does that.”
Simone rubbed her thumbs over Pandora’s hands and whispered. “i’m really sorry, Panda.”
Erica, who was eavesdropping, poked her head into the room to lend Simone a bit of support before ducking into the kitchen. When Pandora touch Simone’s hands, Simone jerked in surprise, but Pandora let it go.
“I can’t take back what I did. And saying I’m sorry isn’t really enough, is it?”
“It’s a start.” Pandora stated. Erica popped back into the room with a tray of coffee and cookies.
“Simone is going to have to earn your trust back, and I’ll make sure she does that.”
“I’m really sorry, Panda.”
And Pandora knew that she was. “It’s a start, sweetie.” she nodded, her anger completely gone in the face of reclaiming a long-time friendship. She got to her feet and pulled Simone into a hug. “I can’t stay. I’m meeting Brock for lunch but if you need anything, you let me know. Alright?” After getting the okay, Pandora nodded to Erica and took her leave, sighing with relief once she was alone in the hall. She refrained from doing a little happy dance, it was so undignified. But she did take a moment to slide down the railing of the stairs to the second floor.
This video is a poignant example of how music can transform someone’s life. Social worker Dan Cohen creates personalized iPod playlists for the residents of a nursing home in an attempt to bring some joy to them. The reaction of an elderly man, Henry, was filmed as a part of the documentary, Alive Inside.
After just a few minutes of listening to his favorite songs, Henry is restored in some ways to the fun loving man he once was.
Pandora’s last night in Hawaii was every bit as magical as her first night, made possible by some new friends and an old relationship made new. As Brock held her close, dancing to the music playing in the restaurant, she couldn’t help but feel like things were finally looking up for her.
She was ready to return home, get back her life again.
The next morning, she and Brock were packed and ready to fly home. They met Jane and Jason in the lobby as they bags were loaded into the shuttlebus that was set to take them to the airport. She excused herself and went to the desk.
“Ms LaRue, I hope your stay with us was a most pleasant one?” the woman at the desk smiled. Pandora passed over her room key and nodded.
“I want to thank you and your staff for the kindness and hospitality you showed me while I was here. I can never repay you for that.”
“There is no need for repayment. We were happy to help. You are welcome here any time you desire.”
“Thank you.” Pandora smiled. She rejoined her friends and they climbed into the shuttle, headed for the airport.
——
Seattle – Escala Apartments – 7D
A late evening rainstorm was going as a taxi pulled up in front of the building. Two people climbed out but in the gloom, it was hard to see their faces. The trunk opened and the larger of the two began pulling bags and suitcases from it, setting them on the curb while the other held open the door to the apartment building. The driver was paid and sped off into the night, while the other two headed inside.
“Was that her?” came a whispered voice.
“Can’t tell. Too dark.”
“We need to get in there, find out where she lives.”
“Don’t you think I tried that? Place is locked tighter then Fort Knox!”
“You can’t bribe the security guard?”
“Tried that. He threatened to cornhole me before having me arrested. Swear the guy looks like one of them wrestlers you see on TV.”
“What now?”
“We watch…and wait.”
—–
After escaping Louis’s clutches…again…Pandora and Brock made their way upstairs to her apartment (Pandora doing her best to ignore Apartment 3C). Unlocking the door, she stepped inside the darkened living room, holding the door open for Brock to bring in their luggage before she closed the door behind them. She flipped on a single light and looked around with a sigh.
“Home sweet home.” she mumbled, tossing her keys on the table.
Brock set down their bags on the floor beside the entrance to Pandora’s bedroom, and then went about checking each of the rooms to make sure everything was as it should be. He already had an uneasy feeling about being back in her old apartment, and he had a nagging suspicion something just was up with the place. As for Pandora saying home sweet home, Brock sung out.
“Not for long, love.”
He meant about the new home that he had bought her, which he wanted to go and take her to see in the morning. Right now, he knew she would be tired from their flight back from Hawaii. Finding nothing out of place, or suspicious, he turned out the lights in her bedroom and ensuite, before coming back out and enveloping her into his arms.
Kissing the top of her head softly, he mused. “Aren’t you happy to be home?” It was a reasonable question, cause he got the feeling something was upsetting her. Was it passing Simone’s apartment? Or maybe not having heard back from Kali. It could have been any of these things, but he didn’t feel he wanted to press her.
Brock ran his hand gently up and down her back, while he waited for her to say something.
If Brock seemed unsettled to be there, Pandora was even more so. She didn’t know if it was because of this place, or something else. But her apartment…felt different.
Brock wrapped her in his arms, asking her if she was glad to be home. She pressed her cheek against his chest, listening to the steady beating of his heart.
“In a way.” she replied. “But…this doesn’t feel like home anymore.” She looked at him. “I feel like a stranger here. Things have changed…I’ve changed. Does that make sense?” she wondered.
Seeing Pandora being uncomfortable in her own apartment truly had Brock concerned. They had both been away from the city a while, and now to try and settle back in after all that had happened was going to be an arduous task. Brock did agree however that Pandora of old had changed. Everything from her tastes in clothes, to her demeanor. The crash, their break up, their reconciliation, finding out about each other’s true selves – all this played a part in how they were acting now.
Brock gazed down at her with a concerned expression. He knew that she wouldn’t want to spend the night at his apartment, especially after when she explained that it just wasn’t her, and yet she didn’t feel comfortable here either.
He had one idea.
“We….could check into a sleazy motel.”
This was said to hopefully bring a smile to her face, in that she might see the funny side since neither really wanted to be in her apartment.
“‘Just…the bed bugs and other nasties might be an issue. I’d hate to think what one of those CSI ultraviolet lights would bring up”
Brock was silent for a few moments after her declaration. She began to wonder if he was having second thoughts about the two of them. She herself was having no regrets. After everything they’d been through, for her to forgive him was a mighty big thing for her to do.
She was definitely a changed person after this ordeal.
She looked at him, seeing his concerned expression, but also a glint in his eye.
“We….could check into a sleazy motel.” he smirked.
That made her laugh, hard, and she clutched at him, chortling with absolute delight. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her laughter muffled as she pressed her face into his skin.
“What did I ever do to deserve you?” she giggled, bring her face upward again. “And a motel sounds nice…but nothing sleazy. The only thing I want biting me on the ass is you.” she winked, poking him in the ribs.
Getting herself under control, she stepped back to look around the place that she had once called home and realized that home was where her heart was. And that was with Brock.
He had gone out of his way to make her feel comfortable by buying her a new place to live and she couldn’t wait to move in with him. It would take some time to get their things moved in, deciding what to keep between them but it would be a fresh start for the both of them.
“I don’t want to stay here tonight.” she stated firmly.
Pandora’s laughter was infectious and he couldn’t hide his smile even if he wanted to, that he would ask her to stay in some dive of a motel for the night to cheer her up. The muffled laughter reverberated off his chest and he continued to hold her in his arms – his eyes bright from happiness. This was how he loved to see his Pan – laughing and happy.
She asked what she had done to deserve him, and he just shrugged not sure how to answer that one. He wasn’t about to break into some long winded speech. But the part about biting her ass did sound inviting. His grin from that was unmistakable and he could only make a satisfied sounding noise.
“Mmmmm.”
Course, when she came back to earth from her laughing fit, she did admit that she didn’t want to stay in the apartment that night. Truth was, he didn’t want to either.
“Then it’s settled. We book into somewhere a bit more upmarket than the Pink Poodle, and perhaps stay somewhere like the Fairmont Olympic. I’ll go make the booking.” Brock stepped back and then took out his cell, starting to search the number as Pandora would be waiting. “I’ll see if they have a King deluxe with spa tub. Love those.”
Brock turned around and headed towards the balcony doors, where he could look out onto the street as he made the booking.
“Evening. I’d like to book a room for two. Mhm….under the name Carrendar. Yes.” he then gave over his credit card details and waited for confirmation as he tapped his foot. Once the guest manager made confirmation, Brock told her they would be there within the hour. He hung up from the call and turned on his heel saying.
“We can stop at the 7/Eleven and grab some snacks. Ice cream maybe?” He really wanted to treat her.
Stepping away from her to pull out his phone, Brock thought getting out of the apartment was a grand idea.
“The Fairmont sounds lovely. I’ve ridden by there a few times. Definitely swanky.” she agreed. He found the number and went about making a reservation for them as she ducked into the bedroom to get a few more clothes. Looking through the closet, she cringed at the sight. Everything was black. Black lace, black leather, black suede…black, black, black. She began ripping things out and tossing them on the bed, items she had no intention of ever wearing again. By the time she was finished, her closet was nearly bare. She decided to keep two pair of her favorite leather pants, boots and tops because she loved how she looked in them. Everything else was headed for the Salvation Army bin.
“We can stop at the 7/Eleven and grab some snacks. Ice cream maybe?” he called out when he’d finished his call. She strolled out of the bedroom and into the kitchen to grab a couple of garbage bags.
“Make it Butternut Pecan and you got a deal.” she winked before going back into the bedroom. She began shoving the clothes she’d tossed on the bed into the bags so she could easily take them to the donation bins. And that brought to mind transportation.
“Brock? How are we getting to the hotel? I don’t have my bike and we took a cab from the airport.” she reminded him.
Reminded of how they didn’t have a car with them since they both came together from the airport, Brock then had an idea. He knew that Orson had been spending time with Erica who lived with Simone. It was probably not a good idea, but then again he was family and he might be able to help them. Course, he could just ring another cab.
“Why don’t I give my brother a call, see if he can give us a lift over there?”
Erica’s apartment – 3C
Erica and Orson were making out on the couch, as Simone came out with her hand on her stomach. “I feel like shit. She headed into the kitchen and started to rifle around in one of the cupboards for something to settle her stomach. Simone had been something of a misery guts since she discovered she was pregnant. Though she hadn’t spoken to Orson about it, since he was really just her best friend’s current crush, it wasn’t hard for him to spot that something was up with the girl. Erica broke from kissing Orson, to look over her shoulder at her gal pal in the kitchen. She was wearing pokemon pyjamas, and her hair was done up in a messy bun.
“If only the tabloids could see you now.” Erica joked, as Simone flipped her the bird.
“You take a picture of me, and I will get you back, bitch.”
Erica burst out laughing and went back to kissing Orson, who was used to their catty ways.
“Why don’t I give my brother a call, see if he can give us a lift over there?”
Pandora left her bedroom, dragging two large garbage bags of clothing. She dropped them on the floor beside the door with a huff of breath and placed her hands on her hips, tossing her hair out of her face as she did so.
“Yeah…I’m fine with that.” she agreed. She had no idea Orson was a few floors away, or that he was with the one person she didn’t want to deal with just yet.
Things were about to come to a head.
——
Outside – Sidewalk
“I could swear I saw a light come on.”
“Where?”
“Seventh floor…fourth window in.”
“So? Could be anybody. We don’t know it’s her for sure.”
“Are you using the binoculars or not?”
“Fine!”
With the binoculars trained on the mentioned window, the watcher’s breath catches as Pandora walks by the open curtains.
“Is it her?”
“Yes…oh…she looks good enough to eat…” came the moaned response.
“So how do we get to her?”
“We watch…and wait…there’s always opportunity. We just have to knock on the right door.”
Laughter echoed throughout the darkened car as the rain continued to pour down around them.
Thinking this was a good idea, Brock then put a call to his brother Orson, who happened to only be four floors down. The cell buzzed in his pocket and then Orson broke his kiss with Erica to answer the phone.
“Yo Bro…sup man?’
“Hey…just got back in town with my girl, Pan. We are at her apartment, but she doesn’t fancy spending the night here, so I booked us a room up at the Fairmont. Don’t suppose you could give us a lift over, neither of us have a car.”
“Sure dude, just let me explain to Erica, and I will be right up.”
He hung up the phone and then tweaked Erica’s chin.
“My bro..Brock is back from Hawaii with Pandora. They need a lift to the Fairmont, sounds like they are going to be having a hot night in a top star hotel. Lucky dog.”
Instantly Simone dropped a cup of water she was holding in her hand.
“He’s back? With Pan?”
Orson nodded as he got up from the couch and adjusted himself, since Erica had turned him on a bit.
“Mhm…going to go give them a lift. Why, did you want to come say hello?’ Orson was pretty clueless about the situation. Simone quickly shook her head, and dashed back into the bedroom, slamming the door. Orson shrugged, while Erica pouted. “Will you come back?” she asked, pawing at his jeans. Orson bent down and kissed her forehead. “And miss a night with you? Hur. I be back within the hour. Don’t worry.”
At that, Orson headed out of Erica and Simone’s apartment, and headed to the elevator, where he would go up to Pandora’s apartment.
He reached her floor and then went to knock on the door.
As Brock was chatting with his brother, Pandora’s own cell phone began to ring. Frowning, as she wasn’t expecting any calls for the night, she pulled it from her pocket to check the caller ID. The grin that swept over her face was brighter then any of the stars in the sky and she quickly answered it.
“Well if it isn’t the Wonder Twins!” she grinned, moving away from Brock so she didn’t interrupt his own call.
“Hey big sis! How’s Seattle?” came the voice of her youngest brother, Caleb.
“Rainy at the moment. Kind of wished I had stayed in Hawaii.” she chuckled. “Where’s Caden?”
There was a click and then the voice of her other brother came over the line. “Hey Pan, how are you?”
“I’m doing better then I expected.” Pandora smiled, daring a glance at Brock.
“Things working out for you guys?” Caleb wondered. He had wanted to jump on the first plane out to his sister when he found out some schmuck had broken her heart.
“Yeah…we did some talking…things are good, knock on wood.” she stated. “How’s school and what are you guys up to?”
“We are doing excellent. 3.5 GPA for me, Caden’s beating me by about .4 points.”
“That’s because I’d rather study then party every weekend. Caden retorted.
“I did not send you to college so you could spend your weekends getting drunk.” Pandora frowned.
“Aw come on, Pan! I hear it enough from Mr Party Pooper over here! Give me a break!” Caleb groaned.
“Caleb Joseph!”
“Oh god! She did the ‘mom’ voice! Save me!” There was the sound of fake choking down the line and Pandora couldn’t help but laugh.
“Stinker. Seriously though. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”
“Well…we were wondering…” one twin started.
“…and if it’s cool with you…”
“If we could come and stay with you for summer break? they both finished.
“Why?” she frowned.
“George and Denise have been hitting the drugs and booze pretty hard lately…and we don’t want to be around them any longer then we have to.” Caden stated.
That was all the incentive Pandora needed to agree.
“Yeah. I have no problem with it. Um…Brock and I are moving into a house together in the next week or so…we’ll have plenty of room for you.”
“Have we told you lately that you are the best sister ever?” Caleb grinned.
“I love hearing it.” Pan smiled.
“Thanks, sis. We’ll call you in a few weeks and let you know when we’ll be coming up.” Caden stated.
“Love you guys. Be safe and I’ll see you soon.” Pan smiled warmly. After receiving the same from her brothers, she hung up, a soft and pleased smile on her face.
There was a knock at her apartment door and she looked at Brock, before moving to see who it was. Glancing through the peephole, all she saw was a blue shirt. She stepped back and looked at Brock.
“I think it’s your brother, but I’m not sure. All I can see is a blue shirt.”
Sure enough the owner of the blue shirt was Orson. Brock went to open the door and there was his older brother, the blonde giant and standing there with a dopey expression. He saw the couple then wandered in and gave his baby brother a hug.“Welcome back Bro.” He slapped his brother’s back three times, before letting him go and then giving Pandora a bit of a salute. He wasn’t familiar enough with her to hug her, he felt a bit awkward there.
“Wow…you look tanned. Good holiday?’ He asked, before then noticing his brother’s scars.
“Shit…what happened to your face?”
Brock knew this was going to come sooner or later and he shrugged. “Got into a fight.” Orson then pulled his brother aside and whispered. “You…you can heal you know.” Brock pulled back from his brother’s grip and said simply. “It’s okay, man. I know what I look like and I can live with it.” This had Orson confused, and then he arched a brow, before looking at Pandora.
“You know why my brother looks like he got hit by a bus?” He was wanting answers, and it looked like they weren’t heading off to the Hotel just yet.
Brock opened the door and it was indeed his brother. They greeted each other as brothers should before Orson looked at Pandora. She was thankful he didn’t try to hug her as well. After all, she didn’t know him like his brother did.
“Wow…you look tanned. Good holiday?”
“Yeah…for the most part.” she answered, a bit awkwardly. And then he took a really good look at his brother.
“Shit…what happened to your face?” Pandora cringed at the shock she could hear in Orson’s voice. She waited to see what Brock would say.
“Got into a fight.” was all he said.
Orson pulled Brock to the side and they began to have a whispered conversation out of her hearing range. She locked her hands together, nervous, but knew the man deserved an explanatation. As if he had heard her thoughts, Orson looked directly at her.
“You know why my brother looks like he got hit by a bus?” The tone of his voice and his obvious stance as he stood next to Brock indicated they weren’t going anywhere until he was satisfied with what he heard.
She took a deep breath and decided to just tell him.
“I’m afraid that’s my fault.” she started, “but…your brother was a giant ass spider at the time and I had to defend myself or risk being killed.” she added. Before Orson could ask about that, she showed him her hand, palm facing upward. With nary a thought, a bright orange flame appeared in the center of her palm. “I’m pyrokenetic. I have been all my life, only discovering my power when I was 18 years old. When I found out about Brock…and Simone…I ran off to Hawaii for some alone time, try to put things in perspective. Brock came after me…and we had an argument…that quickly turned into a fight. That’s when I found out who he really was…what you both are. I met your Aunt Charlotte, by the way.” she stated. “Anyway…I…set Brock on fire, in his spider form so I could get away and that’s when your aunt showed up.” She wasn’t sure if she should have explained about Hope, didn’t think it was her secret alone to tell. “She said some things that made Brock and I think things over and we managed to talk out our problems. And I will regret, until my dying day, the harm I’ve caused to him. I didn’t mean to hurt him so badly and I wish with all my heart that I could take away those scars.” She bent her head, staring at the floor as she struggled to contain her still turbulent emotions over what she’d done. It would take her a long time for her to forgive herself for what she’d done to Brock. She was just amazed that he could forgive her for it in the first place.
Orson certainly was not ready for the explanation in full of what happened on the Hawaii holiday. He knew as to why Brock and Pandora broke up, well, partly but nothing after that, so this was all news to him. Brock remained silent as Pandora started to explain everything, but the part that gave Orson a fright was when he saw her create fire with her hand. The explanation that she was a pyrokentic leaving him somewhat shocked. So, she wasn’t mortal. That sort of made things a bit easier, but not when she explained that Brock had revealed his true form to her. It was almost like betraying a closely guarded family secret and something he had not even begun to explain to Erica. Erica would probably dump him in a second if she knew the truth. Orson brought his hand up to his forehead and nervously brushed back his blonde locks, before staring down at his baby brother.
“Well, that explains the scars. Still want to know why you haven’t just used your regeneration ability. I mean…dude, you are a good looking bloke….well, you were.”
Brock didn’t care about his looks, and this was when he went to stand by Pandora’s side. “There is a reason I haven’t let them heal by will. I did wrong by Pandora, and these scars are a daily reminder of what I have done and the punishment I deserve.” He was adamant about this and was not about to change his mind.
“And Aunt Charlotte went to Hawaii? Damn. I know I heard the call, but I was…kinda busy.” It was true, all Carrendar family had heard it. Orson felt sheepish about that. “I guess that explains a lot. More than I needed to know, come to think of it.”
At this Brock shrugged, but then put his arm around Pandora.
“Truth’s out Bro….she knows what we are and she accepted me, after the fight. I’m just happy that she accepted me back….scars and all.” he then pressed his lips to the top of her head. “She’s my girl….nothing is going to changed that.”
She let the two talk but one thing stuck out in her mind and she looked at Brock in shock.
“You mean…this whole time…you could have healed yourself? And you let me think…the guilt…but I…” It was rare to see her speechless. “Why would you do that?”
He moved to her side, wrapping an arm around her. When he spoke, he was looking at Orson, but she couldn’t help but feel he was speaking to her as well. “There is a reason I haven’t let them heal by will. I did wrong by Pandora, and these scars are a daily reminder of what I have done and the punishment I deserve. Truth’s out Bro….she knows what we are and she accepted me, after the fight. I’m just happy that she accepted me back….scars and all. She’s my girl….nothing is going to changed that.”
There was such conviction in his tone, Pandora felt blessed to have this man in her life.
“You would keep your face like that…for me?” she was simply amazed. He pressed a kiss to her head, letting her know that he was hers.
“Brock…I truly do love you, shocked as I am right now.” she looked up at him, her eyes bright with love for him. When she looked at him…she didn’t see the scars…she only saw the man she loved.
Brock didn’t like to think he was deceiving Pandora by not healing himself, but he laid the truth out for her. He felt he needed a constant reminder of his past sins, in order to be a better man – no matter how he looked. She knew what he truly was now, so to him the scarring was superficial compared to what he had become. When she declared her love for him again, right in front of Orson, that was when Orson took his keys out of his pocket and shook them.
“Okay you two. Before you all get mushy and get me teary eyed, your chariot awaits.” he started off for the hall, leaving Brock and Pandora alone for a moment. Brock held his Pandora in his arms, and just continued to kiss the top of her head, refusing to move.
“I just want to be the man you wake up to…and the one that you fall asleep with at night. I never want to lose you.” He meant that with all sincerity, as her words hit home.
Seeing as his brother was already leaving the scene, he started to gather up their things. “Got a few extra bags here.” he didn’t realize she was about to dump her past life’s clothes at the nearest op shop. It wasn’t just him that had changed, it was her too. Black was no longer her colour. Her love was for brighter colours…the darkness having left her heart and her life.
“Come on, before he takes off on us and leaves without us.”
Orson left them alone for the moment, telling them he’d meet them at the car downstairs.
“I just want to be the man you wake up to…I never want to lose you.”
She shook her head, holding him tight. The feeling that suffused her body was simply one of hope and joy. She loved this man, and nearly losing him made her re-evaluate the things she wanted out of her life.
She stepped back and pressed a light kiss to his lips, which was gladly returned.
“Come on, before he takes off on us…” he smiled, grabbing their things, including the two extra bags of clothes.
“I’d like to drop those off at the Salvation Army bin on the way. I won’t be needing them anymore.” she told him at his questioning look. He nodded and headed out with their things. She paused in the doorway and took a look around. She had spent the better part of 10 years in this apartment, a place she’d once called home. But it had never really been a home. It was place she simply resided. She never made the effort to make it a real home as the furniture came with the place. She had a few pictures and small appliances that she’d bought…but the rest…
She would turn in the keys in the morning after she returned for the rest of her things. She wasn’t sure if Kali was back from Hawaii or not, but knew she could simply leave them with Tony if she needed to.
It was time to move on with her life…with Brock standing at her side.
She flipped out the light for a the last time and closed the door behind her.
—-
Outside
“There she is!”
“Who’s that she’s with?”
“I don’t know. Let’s follow them and see where they go.”
The rumble of an engine started as the occupants watched the action across the way. Pandora climbed into Orson’s car, the mechanic in her sitting up and taking notice, admiring the beauty of it as she did so. She would have loved to have seen what was under her hood.
“I…love…this car…” she grinned as Brock slipped in beside her.
Brock put the extra bags for the salvos in the boot along with the bags they brought back from Hawaii. Orson was already behind the wheel of what he called “The Beast” his pride and joy. Getting in the back with Pandora, Brock chuckled to hear how much she loved his brother’s car. But she couldn’t love it as much as Orson did. Orson would make sweet love to it if it was a woman, that was how passionate he was about it.
“She’s quite the gal, isn’t she?”
Orson sung this out as they pulled out from the curb. The engine purred as Orson handled her like a pro. Brock kicked back and had his arm around Pandora as they cruised along. He had to admit, he enjoyed the ride. But then he remembered something about the car.
“The back seat get some action, Bro?”
Orson snorted at that remark. Truth was he hated to see her get dirty. “Nope…not done the deed in my beauty. Sides, she might get jealous.” There it was. Orson loved that car more than anything. Brock chipped back. “And here I was thinking this was a pimp machine.” He winked at Pandora as they continued down the road. “He probably makes the girls in his life take their shoes off before he lets them get in.” he then laughed before adding. “Wouldn’t be surprised if he kissed it good night.”
Orson simply turned on the radio to drown out his brother’s remarks.
“If you don’t mind a trail of dirty clothes to the hamper. The odd game of night poker with the boys. Might need a man cave for a pool table. My pinball machine collection. Oh, and my favorite band posters.”
“Whatever you like.” Pandora chuckled as she took her napkin to wipe her eyes, trying not to smudge her makeup. She couldn’t help but stare at the photo of their new digs. He kissed her forehead as he laughed about her fake marriage proposal.
“Living in sin has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?” he grinned at her. She smacked his arm with a laugh.
“I think I can handle that just fine. But let it be known, here and now. The garage is mine.” she warned him.
Across from them, Jane burst into happy tears, claiming that this was better then a soap opera. That set Pandora laughing, reaching across the table to squeeze the blonde’s hand. “Want to be my landscaper? I don’t have a clue about outdoorsie plants and flowers and stuff and it looks like it could use that special touch.”
Pandora realized, as she made the offer to Jane, that she’d gained a very valuable thing beside the love of the man beside her…she’d made a friend, all on her own.
Jane squealed when Pandora asked if she would consider being her landscaper for the new house. The cheeky blonde insisted on getting a look at the house that was on the phone, and immediately started to get ideas on what sorts of plants would suit the yard that they were going to have. Jason peered over Jane’s shoulder at the picture of the house and nodded to show he was impressed.
“That’s quite a home there. Kinda place you can raise a family.”
Hearing this Brock could only show a light hearted smirk, especially after the meeting on the beach with their daughter from the future. Brock drew his arm tighter around Pandora, and replied. “All in good time. I want to enjoy Pandora to myself for a while. I think she has a cat though.” You could tell his memory on such things as animals was a bit off.
Just then the band started to play a song that was close to Brock’s heart. He eased out of the booth and then extended his hand to Pandora.
“As this is your last night…I wish to ask if I may have this dance?”
If she accepted, he would lead her out to the dance floor, and place his right hand around to the small of her back, the left hand gripping her right. Staring down into her eyes he whispered.
“Let this be the first dance of many.”
To any watching the couple, you would think they were on their honeymoon, celebrating their last night in paradise. Little did anyone know the truth. Love was given another chance to live within them. Forever bound…there is always Hope.
<3>
Brock and Pandora are to return to Seattle, where their new life awaits but so does Simone. Pandora’s past is closely catching up with her. Will her step father find her? Drama galore is in store, for our Ladies Night couple.