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Post by ulrica on Dec 12, 2010 0:32:22 GMT -6
Guilt came over the dragoness as Zenithe explained his view of the aristocracy. You fool... This is the world you were born into. It isn't something you can escape. No matter how hard you try... She couldn't tell him that he had just described the very man her father was. She couldn't tell him that her father had almost single-handedly destroyed the lives and jobs of countless men and women who had tried to stand in his way of power. I just won't. That's it, I just won't. Misae decided silently. But he had rubbed off on her hadn't he. That terrible man had warped her heart so completely she had once almost thought exactly like him. And now, power came first in her mind. She was constantly thinking about the hierarchy of things and wondering who she should bow to, and who should bow to her. She treated her servants like they were lower than her, hardly paying them any mind unless she was ordering their services. They were paid well, but what was money compared to kindness? I'm just like him aren't I....
The dragoness was jerked out of her thoughts when Zenithe abruptly turned her about to face him. She blinked in surprise, suddenly finding herself looking into his blood red eyes. "Oh..." She breathed quietly, for a moment forgetting he could hear her. When would she get used to those burning garnet eyes? Never. Your heart will stop every time. A voice sneered with mock sweetness. "Before I forget to tell you, I don't want you to ever try to hide your emotions or feelings from me okay? I want to be able to know what you're feeling. Yes if you're sad it may concern me. If you're hurt or hurting I want to know. If you hide them from me it will just make me even more concerned and feel that you don't trust me enough to be able to help you through it. Hiding them will make me feel bad in the fact that I won't know what's wrong so I can be there for you." Misae's cheeks reacquired the rosy tint they had held briefly during diner. Did he know she was hiding her feelings from him, or at least trying to? Did he know she was trying to soften the truth about her father? Or was he simply saying that "before he forgot"? His hand pressed gently on her head and laid it against his chest, pulling her close into a tender embrace. She blinked once then relaxed into his arms. This was right, why should she worry? Because if he ever learns the truth about your father, he'll hate you by relation... The voice snarled gleefully; she did her best to push it away.
They stood there for a few moments, he holding her and she clinging to him with her good arm as if he was the one thing connecting her to this world. All to soon for her, it ended and his arm was simply around her waist again. She tried not to be to upset by this, but she missed the nearness and the safety she felt in his arms. "Now lets go in." Zenithe said, a smile showing in his bright eyes. The dragoness nodded and they continued on into the stable.
"Ahhh!! Lady Misae!" A familiar voice called as they entered. A scraggly old man came walking toward them, leaning on a cane and limping a bit as he walked. "Samuel! How's your hip holding up?" Misae asked him, a warm fondness creeping into her voice as the stable manager neared enough to grasp her outstretched hand and kiss the soft skin above her knuckles. "Well, it's doing better since you helped me with it those months back." The old man said with a grin, while tugging at his white beard. "And who might this young man be? Quite the impressive limbs my boy!" Samuel's bright green eyes had lit upon Zenithe's wings and tail at that point, one brow quirked with curiosity. "Samuel, this is Zenithe. He'll be staying with us for a while, as long as he likes really." The dragoness replied, shrugging a bit and looking up at Zen while she spoke, looking back at the human when she again fell silent. "Ahhh, I see. Well, it is good to have you my boy. Good to have you indeed." Samuel smiled at Zenithe, then turned back to Misae. "Now my dear, I expect you're here to check on that young filly of yours eh?" The dragoness grinned, nodding her head. "Well come along then." The old man turned, beckoning for them to follow. "I put her in one of the broodmare stalls, she looked a bit warm so I thought I'd let her walk a bit and settle. She's been rubbed down properly, I watched James do it myself, and she had a fresh oat mash, plenty of hay, and her water trough was filled as soon as you arrived."
There came a high whinny as they stopped in front of a large stall. "Well, she's obviously happy to see you isn't she?" Samuel teased as Misae stepped away from Zenithe to approach her mount. "Hello my sweet, Suntaria..." The dragoness cooed as she cradled the horse's soft nose in both hands and gave a light kiss to her velvet muzzle. She stroked the filly's cheek and scratched her forehead, patting her neck before turning to smile at Zenithe. "Zenithe come say hello." Misae requested, holding out her right hand to the man.
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Post by Xenoxice on Dec 12, 2010 1:20:08 GMT -6
Zenithe walked into the stables with Misae as they were greeted by an old man. His eyes studied the man as he listened to Misae and him talk. His attention was taken when the old man had asked who he was but before he could speak, Misae had already introduced him. "Samuel, this is Zenithe. He'll be staying with us for a while, as long as he likes really." With the old man's reply Zenithe bowed his head slightly in thanks to the kind words as he smiled and turned back to Misae. Wait a minute... Zenithe's gaze turned to look at Misae next to him. As long as I'd like...? A smile of pure joy came over his face, still hidden behind his mask. That statement says a lot about what you want Misae.... And it enables me to hopefully acquire what I want as well.... Your heart, trust, love and devotion. I hope one day I can hear you tell me you love me. Following in tow as the old man led them to Misae's horse, Zenithe just kept thinking to himself silently at how he could best make Misae happy and get closer to her. His thoughts interrupted however when they arrived at the stall and Misae stepped forward to the horse. Zenithe stayed back looking on at her from behind. Look at her.... she looks just like an innocent little girl with her horse. So beautiful and peaceful. "Zenithe come say hello." He jerked his head around a bit as if confused for a moment as his daydreaming ended. He stepped over towards the horse. "Hey there. You're the one I rode on from the town." He spoke gently, patting the horse's neck and looking over at Misae for a moment before looking back at it. "You're a magnificent horse to be sure. Strong and trusting. You got us here safely."
Still petting the horse, Zenithe leaned over to whisper in Misae's ear so the old man couldn't hear. "About your little guilt trip earlier when I was talking outside the stables, yes I felt it. And I want you to know I don't care if anyone you know, relative or not, is the living embodiment of all that I hate, It won't change how I feel about you at all. Even if you yourself are like that. You have a good heart Misae and you're strong. Don't let any of your thoughts weigh you down or assume I might react a certain way. I will ALWAYS accept you, your past and everything else the way it is and NEVER hold it against you. How could I ever anyways? You're the one person I'm truly in love with. Now aren't you?"
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Post by ulrica on Dec 12, 2010 2:45:15 GMT -6
Misae smiled as Zenithe patted Suntaria's strong neck, his voice gentle and soothing. The filly's large brown eyes soon closed in contentment from all the attention she was receiving. "You're a magnificent horse to be sure. Strong and trusting. You got us here safely." Yes, you're a good horse Suntaria. You're my good girl. The dragoness thought lovingly as she stroked the horse's soft cheek, every once in a while tickling the base of her throat with gentle fingers.
"About your little guilt trip earlier when I was talking outside the stables, yes I felt it. And I want you to know I don't care if anyone you know, relative or not, is the living embodiment of all that I hate, It won't change how I feel about you at all. Even if you yourself are like that. You have a good heart Misae and you're strong. Don't let any of your thoughts weigh you down or assume I might react a certain way. I will ALWAYS accept you, your past and everything else the way it is and NEVER hold it against you. How could I ever anyways? You're the one person I'm truly in love with. Now aren't you?" Zenithe whispered in Misae's ear, his voice low enough that Samuel couldn't hear. Again the blush rose to her cheeks - It seems I just can't get rid of this thing... - and she turned her face down. He had said he was in love with her, said it completely out right. A shy smile came to her lips and her heart made a quick little stutter. He was in love with her. There was nothing in the world that could have ruined that moment. Boy was she wrong.
"I figured I'd find you two out here." Assyrian said brightly, Della standing quietly behind him still in the form of a clouded leopard. For the sake of the horses, however, she quickly shifted into the skin of a Maremma Sheepdog. He got a certain smugness at the jolt he saw from Misae's shoulder's and the sudden stiffness that ran down her body at the sound of his voice. Well you didn't actually think I would leave you alone with him for long did you...? He thought slyly, striding toward them with long graceful steps. "Ah! Why if it isn't the young Master Assyrian and his Della come to visit!" Exclaimed Samuel who immediately went to shake Assyrian's hand and give Della a kind pat on the head. "I didn't get a chance to speak with you earlier when you had first come in, but I hope you've had safe journeys since since our last meeting?" He asked, holding tightly to the shapeshifter's hand. "Of course Samuel, but why on earth are you still awake at such an hour?! It must be almost midnight by now!" The old stable manager smiled, tugging on his scraggly beard. "Well you know I've always been a night owl myself. But what about you? Off seeing to the festival preparations no doubt! Always working, you are!" Assyrian grinned mischievously, clapping Samuel on the back before heading off with the man toward where Misae and Zenithe stood. "Why of course! I look forward to tasting your lovely wife's pies again this year, my man! Now, is this Shadow's stall?" The man asked once he came to the second broodmare stall which stood across from Suntaria's stall. "You sure did a wonderful job on him. Why, he looks as if he's never been ridden a day in his life much less covered with foam!" Samuel tugged gleefully on his beard, his green eyes sparkling at the compliment. "Well thank you Master Assyrian, thank you! Oh! I've just remembered, the missus left me something to give you! I'll be right back with it!" Then the old man scurried off down the path, heading into the tack room where he began rummaging around for the 'something'.
While he waited, Assyrian rubbed Shadowfax's velveteen nose. Scratching the stallion's forehead and patting his neck. The whole time with Misae glaring daggers at his back. "You can stop looking at me like that, I'm not going to burst into flame." He finally said without turning. Della fell back on her haunches with a huff, seeming to roll her eyes. "Oh if I had my way you'd be charred to a crisp by now..." Misae swore, raising her right hand as if to yank him around to face her. However, Assyrian was too quick. In the blink of an eye he had spun, grabbing her right hand with his left and pinning her left arm between them by pulling her tight against him with his right hand. "But you don't get your way. In fact, you never seem to get your way when you're around me. You always give in. Why is that?" While the dragoness was left floundering for a reply, he released her and she stumbled back a step or two before catching her balance. "Is it because deep down you know I'm the one you will always be with? Or is it something more?" Assyrian continued before she could say anything, his voice calm and inquisitive but the implications of his words were sending Misae into a rage. "Don't push her too much love... She is quite strong even now..." Della cautioned in his mind just as the dragoness started talking.
How dare he touch her in such a way?! And in front of Zenithe?! Oh gods! What will he think?! She was aware of herself falling backwards as Assyrian released her and she caught herself before actually tripping. "Is it because deep down you know I'm the one you will always be with? Or is it something more?" The man prompted, the wry glint in his now blue-green eyes revealing the amusement he felt. Misae heard Della whine lowly, the dog's eyes worriedly watching the two shapeshifter's arguing, but she paid this no mind. "Assyrian....." A single word and it was almost completely a snarl. Though she got some sense of achievement at the slight widening of Assyrian's eyes and the flinch from Della, she forced the growl from her voice and continued. "Assyrian, that is enough. Grow up. What I do is none of your concern so stop acting like a jealous school-" "Jealous?!" Assyrian cut her off, his eyes fading into a slight pink. "Jealous? Really?! Of all the words in your vocabulary and you think jealous describes me right now?!" He laughed mirthlessly, running a wide palm down his face. "Look at him, look at yourself! I just spent almost an hour digging an arrow out of your ribs that he!-" suddenly, his left hand darted out, grabbing Misae's right upper-arm and pulling her close; he yanked her around to look at Zenithe then, jabbing his right index finger in his direction, "put there!" He twisted her around to face him then, grabbing her left upper-arm with his right hand and bending down to stand face-to-face with the dragoness. "I know what you're thinking now, 'it wasn't his fault', 'you're the one who hesitated', and all these other excuses. But it was him that brought the soldiers around in the first place! That was his arrow Sae! HIS arrow and you took it!" Della whined then and Assyrian released the dazed woman, his face almost pleading. "Can't you see I'm trying to protect you...? You don't know him, and!...." He let the sentence drop, simply shaking his head as Samuel came trotting back down the pathway waving a shirt over his head as if it were a banner.
"See Master Assyrian! The missus, she stitched this up for you good-as-new!" Samuel exclaimed happily as he neared Assyrian, holding the old shirt out. "Thanks Samuel, and tell Helen I send my deepest gratitude to her as well." The man said before shaking the stable manager's hand. "I'll see you tomorrow at the festival though alright? I suddenly feel rather tired. Sleep well, good man!" With that, Assyrian trudged off. But not before stopping one last time at the doorway. "Oh and Sae," he called back with a smile, "would you have done the same for me?" And he was gone.
Misae watched Assyrian's retreating back, heard his seemingly happy words, and watched again as he exited the stable; the darkness swallowing him up before the door could completely close. Would you have done the same for me? He had been smiling, but his eyes.... Would you have done the same for me? So gray... So sad... Would you have done the same..... She had hurt him. So dark, and gray... She had hurt him. For me....?
"What a nice boy he is!"
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Post by Xenoxice on Dec 12, 2010 13:06:51 GMT -6
With Assyrian's appearance Zenithe froze for a moment. I knew this was going to good. And here he is to ruin everything.... Letting out a sigh and rolling his eyes he decided to try and ignore his presence and kept petting Misae's horse. As he strode closer and closer he never once turned his gaze to look at him. That is until Assyrian took the liberty of pulling Misae close to him. Zenithe's head turned just barely enough so one of his eyes could see past his hood. A scowl came over his face for a moment. But quickly subsided as he turned it back to the horse. Ignore him.... He's doing it on purpose. Zenithe listened to every word of the argument forming between Misae and Assyrian. With each word Assyrian spoke, his own emotions kept changing. At first his own were felt but began to blend with Misae's. Even as Assyrian had been accusing him of Misae's most recent accident, he still didn't turn his eyes towards him. He was just waiting for him to leave. But before he did, his last statement nearly sent Zenithe into a rage. "would you have done the same for me?" He had turned around at this point and watched him walk out the door. I can't believe you would even THINK to say something like that to Misae right now.... Calming himself down he walked next to Misae and gently grabbed her hand. "The tour can be put on hold.... Let's go somewhere more comfortable." He led Misae back to the library they had come out of before since it was the only room he knew of, or the way to, at the moment with a couch or bed. Once inside he closed the door and unexpectedly picked Misae up and layed her down on the couch, sitting himself down as well, laying her head on his lap.
With a sigh he looked down at her and began stroking her hair lovingly. "Okay. Outside in the stables when you called him jealous I think you were right. He IS jealous. But he's also angry and sad at the same time. His emotions are mixed. He's jealous that I came into the picture and began getting so close to you so fast. He's angry that you took an arrow that came from the guards when you barely know me. And he's right. The guards were after ME and you took a hit for it. And he's sad because I think he believes deep down, you wouldn't have done the same for him which was why he said that. He mentioned he's trying to protect you but in reality he's just being OVER protective and possessive. You're the only thing he has aside from his little shape-shifter. I have no doubt in my mind you would have done the same for him as you did for me. You're close to each other I can tell, and I can see that both of you would do anything for each other to keep each other alive." He paused for a moment with a smile coming across his face. "You need to go talk to him. Tell him straight out how you feel about me so he knows. Tell him that you can live your own life and his protection is very much appreciated and nice, but that he's taking it too far and he needs to stop trying to live your life for you when it comes to me. You said you know he'll support you at least in his head of your decisions. Just let him know he needs to stop treating you like a helpless child, incapable of making your own decisions." Zenithe pulled his mask down and leaned over kissing Misae gently. "You can call him in here and I'll be right by your side through it all. You can tell him everything. You're strong and not afraid. I know. And if he tries to interrupt you then tell him to let you finish before he talks. I think he's been acting the way he has been around me because he doesn't believe he has hardly any boundaries when it comes to you in my presence and he's just trying to show his own feelings, but being a bit too extreme with them. Call him in here and let's do this together okay? This has to stop and it'll stop tonight." His smile was clearly seen and his eyes showed he meant every word he said.
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Post by ulrica on Dec 12, 2010 15:01:28 GMT -6
Would you have done the same for me...?
"The tour can be put on hold.... Let's go somewhere more comfortable." Misae was aware of Zenithe tugging her out of the stable, but none of that mattered. "Bye Samuel..." She managed to call as the door shut, her last vision of him being the old man tugging curiously at his beard. However, he was soon gone from her sight and she was being pulled across the grounds.
Time passed in a daze for her and the next thing she knew, Zenithe was laying her head across his knees and gently stroking her hair. "His emotions are mixed... Jealous that I came into the picture and began getting so close to you so fast.... Angry that you took an arrow.... He's just being OVER protective and possessive.... I have no doubt in my mind you would have done the same for him as you did for me. You're close to each other I can tell, and I can see that both of you would do anything for each other to keep each other alive." He paused then, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly so that Misae knew he was smiling. This was making her feel better. His touch and the fact that he was so near to her, supporting her and caring for her. The dragoness was so happy, she felt loved and content with this man. She felt safe.
"You need to go talk to him...." Misae tensed briefly, the soothing nature of his touch smoothing down her muscles again. Tell him that you can live your own life and his protection is very much appreciated and nice, but that he's taking it too far and he needs to stop trying to live your life for you when it comes to me. You said you know he'll support you at least in his head of your decisions. Just let him know he needs to stop treating you like a helpless child, incapable of making your own decisions." He's right. I'm not a child, I can do what I want and Assyrian just needs to learn to deal with that. She decided, just as his lips brushed across her forehead then met her own softly. While it was brief, it was warm and comforting; Misae moved her lips against Zenithe's softly and a smile turned the corners of her mouth when he pulled away. "You can call him in here and I'll be right by your side through it all... Call him in here and let's do this together okay? This has to stop and it'll stop tonight." The dragoness nodded her head, sitting up to lean against Zen's broad chest. "You're right. He needs to know that I'm not going to be shoved around by him on this. He needs to know that there are boundaries to our relationship." She looked up to kiss his cheek then pulled away just slightly. "I'll call them, hide your face. It won't take him long to get here." Was her short explanation before her eyes closed.
The dragoness expanded her mind, searching for the golden consciousness that was Della. "Della, bring Assyrian to the library please." Her reply was instant. "We're down the hall." Misae's eyes opened and there was a shadow of concern in them. The wait wasn't long, perhaps a few seconds, and Assyrian stood in the doorway. She couldn't remember him looking so tall, and worn; his age showing in the haggardness of his face. The rose pendant that hung over his chest now grasped tightly in his white-knuckled hand. For a brief moment he glanced at Zenithe, a fire rising then dimming behind his silvery pink eyes. "You summoned..." Misae's breath hitched at his voice, it sounded so dead. So lifeless.
Would you have done the same for me....?
"She wants to see you." Della said quietly, once more in the form of a clouded leopard as Assyrian led them toward the kitchens. "Yea well let her want. I think she made it clear who she's chosen." He replied angrily, feeling betrayed and hurt by Misae's growing bond with Zenithe. He could feel it, almost see it strengthening every time they were together. "Assyrian...." Della argued, disappointment plain in her mental voice. The man groaned audibly, running a hand through his hair but turning away from the kitchen door to continue on toward the library. He paused at the large doors, taking a moment to breathe. It didn't feel like he was actually alive as he pushed the doors open, surely this was some alternate reality. Some bad dream he was soon going to wake up from. Surely he would open these doors and see- No, it wasn't a dream. He had been a fool to think so.
Misae sat close to Zenithe, his hand grasped tightly in hers. Even though she stood and put some distance between them at Assyrian's entrance, the man's heart still throbbed painfully at the sight of them being so close. "You summoned....?" He prompted when Misae simply stared at him silently. She gave a small hitch at the sound of his voice which confused him at first before he realized how he must sound. Releasing the rose pendant and taking a deep breath, the man ran a hand down his face. "Sae, what do you want?" Assyrian said, this time making sure to hide some of the pain from his voice. "Assyrian-" "There's only so much I can do Della." She sent him the mental equivalent of a smile and he felt her head nudge into his head. "I was going to say thank you." He was silent, in both senses. Finally, Misae broke the silence.
"I want an apology." She said, her voice strong and determined. Assyrian rolled his eyes, now holding more of a pinkish tint to them. "An apology for what? Speaking my mind? I will not apologize for that so what else, 'cause I know you're just dieing to demand something so say it. Just say it." Misae bit her lip, glancing from Assyrian to the floor then back again. "I want you to stop trying to force me and Zenithe apart. It's not going to happen. I've invited him to stay as long as he wants, and seeing as how this is my home then that is my decision. Not yours." Assyrian smirked, anger rising to thicken his blood. "Sae you don't even see what he's doing. He's tearing us apart and-" "No Assyrian." Misae said sharply, cutting him off mid-sentence. "You are tearing us apart... There are some things that you can't change and the relationship between Zenithe and I is one of those things... I'm sorry Assyrian but he's here to stay... As long as he wants, he's staying." The shapeshifter ran a hand down his haggard face, suddenly advancing on Misae and grasping her arms tightly. "Sae-" He never got to finish, as the hard joint of the dragoness's wing suddenly clubbed him across his temple. Assyrian fell hard to his left, stumbling to hit one knee against the ground before catching himself and standing again. "You just-" He ducked beneath a blast of fire that had been aimed at his head. "Misae what are you doing?!" The dragoness simply glared at him with the cold, emotionless eyes of her father while sparks danced about her fingertips.
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Post by Xenoxice on Dec 12, 2010 16:32:58 GMT -6
As Misae sat up and leaned against his chest Zenithe smiled at her response. "You're right. He needs to know that I'm not going to be shoved around by him on this. He needs to know that there are boundaries to our relationship." Shaking his head in agreement, he smiled knowing that soon enough things were going to smooth out and there wouldn't be so much tension. "I'll call them, hide your face. It won't take him long to get here." Re-covering his face with his mask just as Misae had mentioned, soon enough not even moments later Assyrian had walked through the door. Listening while sitting on the couch still as they began to argue. Zenithe watched as Misae stood up for herself against Assyrian and demanded for him stop his foolishness. A smile came across his face slightly. That is until Assyrian had approached Misae and grabbed her arms. That's when the wing came across his face. Wincing a bit he thought to himself. Ouch... that had to hurt a bit. But it was when the fireball went flying past Assyrians head his gaze turned to Misae and he quickly jumped over to her side. Holding her waist with his right arm and using his left hand to turn her head to make her look at him. He spoke gently with compassion but loud enough that Assyrian could hear. "Hey now. He deserved that first hit for the way he's been acting and not apologizing for it I admit. But just take it easy. I don't want you two to hate each other because of me. Alright? He's been here for you for a while and I don't want ruin the relationship you have." Caressing her cheek with his left hand he turned to face Assyrian and offered his hand to help him up.
"Assyrian...." Zenithe's tone had changed from gentle and compassionate to firm and calm. "I'm talking to you now as from one man to another. No challenges, no games." He pulled his mask and hood back and even his hair once again to show him his true face. "Hear what I have to say. I can understand your feelings as to why you don't like me. I'll be blunt and honest with you right here, right now so there's no mistake about it later. I'm in love with Misae. She knows I am too. I don't want to come between the relationship you two have together which is why I've been trying my personal best to get along with you. Out in the stables I could have easily gone on an outburst. But instead I swallowed by pride and took your accusations like a man, respecting your opinion and keeping my mouth shut. How do you think most people meet? They have no idea the other person even exists until they stumble into one another. The relationship between the two people grows, some very slow and others very fast. Misae and I are one of the times it's very fast. How do you think it affects the friends of those when the new pair meets? The same way it's affecting you. But you don't see those people going out of their way to try and break them apart." He paused for a brief moment to allow his words to sink in with him. "I ask you. Can you not trust and respect myself and Misae enough to make our own decisions and live with them? I realize your level of trust, in me at least, is minimal if not non-existent. Mostly in part due to my previous professions if I'm not mistaken. But people change Assyrian no matter how old they get. And Misae has changed me whether you notice it or not. So I'm asking as someone who wants to try and be your friend, will you please allow the relationship between Misae and myself grow the way it has been unhindered? She may have chosen me to form a more intimate relationship but that doesn't mean she has abandoned you or feels any less towards you than the way she did before nor have I made her try to do so." Zenithe stood waiting for a reply from Assyrian. Wondering if anything he said had sunk into his thick, stubborn skull.
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