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Post by Guest on Oct 6, 2015 5:14:24 GMT
[Day 1, Night 1]
What does one wear to a dance lesson in the- was it just a lesson? Was it more like a date? If so.. What does one wear to a dance lesson date during the middle of the night at a garden when they weren't supposed to be out? Vivienne clearly had no idea. The only garbs she had were less than fancy or fashionable and made her blend in with the night. Only the scattered street lamps picked her form out of the darkness as she ascended through the districts and into the gardens. A couple of people were about.. Cute couples probably up to the same thing she was. She'd snuck out for Den's sake! Snuck out of her own home like a coon that'd gotten into the trash!
If her brother found out she didn't know what he'd say. Willem's impression of Aleksandria was cautious to say the least but Vivienne had yet to understand why. The woman appeared polite and charming.. But there were two sides to every coin. Viv would just have to keep an eye out for the other side. Another excuse for her late night disappearance would be on hand until then.
Holding herself to brace against a chilly wind she sat on a bench to wait. The pixie haired woman wasted time watching the eerie forms of the statues.
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I don't have kik.
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Post by blacknoise on Oct 6, 2015 13:23:53 GMT
Why didn't she own anything nice for Den's sake?! Aleksandria tore through her dressers, searching desperately for something that wasn't a tunic or gambeson. Finally, she came upon a black blouse and trousers. She assumed they were mourning clothes of some sort, but she had never worn them.
Face contorting, she decided it was 'good enough' and dressed herself. As she started towards the exit of the pub, the place she stayed in the city rather than walking all the way out to her estate, she ran into Red Valiya by the door. The second in commanded motioned with her hands, signing out the words, 'Going out?' Alek simply nodded, not having the time to explain herself. Quickly, Valiya signed out, 'Viv?' Blushing ever so slightly, Alek nodded and slipped out while Valiya signed a few less than appropriate things.
Hidden in the night, she arrived at the garden and quickly surveyed the area for anyone spying on her. Not finding anyone, she headed back towards the center. However, as she approached, she observed Vivienne slipping into the garden and watching the statues. Sneaking around, Alek moved behind Vivienne and alerted the woman to her presence by whispering, "It's really beautiful in the night. Sometimes, I think the statues watch us, and I feel strangely comforted- ah, but enough about me. How are you? Are you ready?"
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Post by Guest on Oct 6, 2015 20:04:02 GMT
"It's really beautiful in the night."
Vivienne's chest jumped when a woman's voice tickled her ear and an airy gasp parted her lips. The short hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She didn't know if it was from shock or the sudden closeness between herself and Aleksandria. Until the woman finished speaking Viv dared not turn to face her. She didn't want to reveal a frazzled, red-cheeked face. Get a grip, girl!
"How are you? Are you ready?"
"Yes," she replied after regaining herself. "I'll apologize before this starts. I'm afraid I haven't tried dancing in.. years," the young woman admitted rather blandly. But inside she was feeling quite sheepish about the whole thing. Nobody wanted to humiliate themselves in front of others.. So Vivienne waited for instruction with her slender arms crooked nervously behind her back. "After you."
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I don't have kik.
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Post by blacknoise on Oct 7, 2015 2:00:50 GMT
Alek could barely see Vivienne in the dark, momentarily annoyed about her concealment. She could see in the dark normally, but not as she was now. But who was she to blame? Her concealment helped create these wonderful feelings, did it not? In addition, what Alek could not see, she could still feel. Reaching out, she brushed her hand across Vivienne's cheek, reaching up into the back of her pixie hair, before gently pulling it back and across the side of her neck. All very gentle and, 'orientating' for Alek. Smiling, she said, "Don't worry, I believe in you, you can do it."
Taking Vivienne's right hand in Alek's left, pulling it up to shoulder height. Smoothly, Alek took Vivienne's left hand and placed it on Alek's right shoulder. Next, Alek gently traced her hand up the other woman's back and rested it against her shoulder blade. As she did so, she spoke quietly, though not in a whisper. "Hold your arms shoulder height, keep your legs loose and straighten your back."
Holding Vivienne, Alek began slowly acting out and describing the movements of a basic waltz to Vivienne. "Start with your feet together, envision yourself standing in a small box. Step back with your right foot, step your left to the side, bring them together, step your left forward, bring your right up and to the side, then together again. As you do so, count. 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3..." The two were entwined in a slow, gentle dance. Alek was most acutely aware of the close proximity of Vivienne, her heart raced with every whispered word. She found it a mixture of exhilarating and wonderful.
Pulling Vivienne close, she spoke again in low tones, "See? Not too hard."
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Post by Guest on Oct 7, 2015 17:28:54 GMT
Nobody had touched Vivienne like Alek did. Wait. That was a lie. There was a young man in Merring Breach that fancied her a couple of years ago. First he tried to win her affections through showboating and flattery. When that didn't work he tried a more physical approach. Willem didn't need to tell her that Jonny Pilking was a rotten boy in need of a good whipping. But everything about Aleksandria's touch was different. When the taller woman reached behind Vivienne's neck her initial reaction was apprehension - fear of being alone, being tricked or hurt, being with another Jonny. The young woman's chin followed the path of Alek's hand until it was visible again. Nothing happened.. and the pleasure of that fact was evident on her face.
Vivienne became putty under Alek's hands. Like a sculpter molding clay she took the shape of a practiced dancer. Her back was straight and her arms were propped up precisely as they should be. Why was it so easy? What made her move like this without thinking? A simple touch seemed to put her in a trance or a conscious dream where following Alek was perfectly natural. Dancing wasn't difficult.. not their dance. Not in the box. Vivienne moved timidly in-time with the music of Alek's voice. She could feel the hem of her dress swaying gently from side to side, kissing one calf and then the other. That's when Viv realized she had stopped watching her feet.
"See? Not too hard."
Spoke too soon. Locking eyes with her partner interrupted the spell of footwork fluency. Trip! Oops, that step wasn't where it should be. Feet skipped to realign themselves with Alek's but tangled themselves instead. A quick step right and then one forward send Viv bumping forward into Alek's chest. They only stumbled back a few feet but it was still embarrassing!
"I'm sorry! I apologize, again.. I was fine, I just- I can't-" What the hell are you trying to say, Vivienne? "I can't look at you while I.. do it," she managed to say while wrapping her palm around the back of her neck. That was smooth.. Very flattering, she thought.
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I don't have kik.
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Post by blacknoise on Oct 8, 2015 4:22:41 GMT
The dancing was so sweet, bringing back old memories. The few sweet ones she still held, somewhere, hidden deep within Aleksandria's consciousness. Memories of the women at the orphanage teaching her how to dance when she was so young, how she practiced in secret when still a squire, memories of incorporating simple dance movements into combat. How easily these memories flooded to her. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to rely entirely on muscle memory as she described the dance to Vivienne. It all came so natural, and the nostalgia-
It was most surprising, when Alek did open her eyes to look back into Vivienne's, that the dark haired woman tripped and tangled herself into Alek. Despite falling into Alek, the trained warrior instantly and instinctively snapped a foot back and steadied herself to catch Vivienne. Falling into her chest, Alek held her for a moment as she stuttered out an apology. The redheaded woman found herself not wanting to let Viv go, but her better judgement took over before the moment became awkward. Smiling and chuckling gently, she lifted the taller woman up and helped her regain her balance. Shaking her head, she shrugged off Vivienne's apology and responded, "Please, don't worry about it. It takes some practice, and that we have a good amount of time for-" She did not even realize how fast her heart raced until she heard the shaking in her own voice, had then gentle fall of Vivienne into her really brought forth that strong of a feeling?
Taking her hand, Alek looked back into Vivienne's eyes, finding the fact that Viv found her distracting highly amusing. Something about the woman calmed the anger that would have naturally risen within Alek at such a mistake. It was as though Alek was an entirely different person around her, or was she? For a split second, a doubt slipped itself into Alek's mind. Was this who she really was? Was the fighter, the necromancer, the unfeeling killer, were they all parts of her that were never meant to be?
Casting aside the thoughts, she focused on the dance. They held only two nights together, at the moment, and she would treasure them both.
--------- Day Two --------- Night 2 ---------
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Post by Guest on Oct 8, 2015 18:44:02 GMT
Vivienne was considerably less hesitant about traveling to the Royal Gardens the second night. She was a little late but that's not what inspired her brisk pace. Like a light-footed deer she hurried silently through the streets that led to the castle. This time she didn't care about the couples walking in the shadows or the knowing eyes that watched her pass. She was one of them.. When she finally arrived she slowed her pace and caught her breath. The thin wreath of flowers in her hair hadn't fallen off, that was good! It didn't tousle her hair either.. not that there was much hair to make untidy.
"Aleksandria? Alek," the woman whispered into the still night air. Nobody answered at first so she assumed that she was alone. Then something suddenly shifted by her side! "Wh-?!"
The angelic statue to her right had shifted. A sense of wonderment took over Vivienne's features. What could that possibly mean? Had she just imagined it? No.. She was certain that the angel's arms were at its sides before. Now they were delicately held against her breast.. An all-consuming thought had stilled the woman in her tracks.
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I don't have kik.
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Post by blacknoise on Oct 8, 2015 20:10:46 GMT
Alek drifted through the garden, she had been there since early in the afternoon, sitting and 'speaking' with Red Valiya. The dark eyed woman had listened intently to Alek as the redheaded woman acted like a giddy new lover, describing her night to her confidant. Valiya did not speak, could not speak, but she signed out her joy for Alek. The second in command of The Leader's Gang knew Alek needed a love, she needed far more than she'd ever let on.
Valiya knew Alek since she was a young woman. The Alek that Valiya knew back then was nothing like the woman that sat before her now. Cold, desiring destruction, pissed off at the world, these were things Valiya would have used to describe Alek when first they met. Her mind drifted, back to why the former knight gave into her desires and started a criminal organization. High priestess of Khali, Alek had no need for money and no shortage of blind followers.
Anger. Unbridled rage. Hate filled spite. These things drove Alek back then, in the wake of her miscarriage. It was not something Alek spoke of, Valiya honestly thought she drove that memory to the back of her mind where she'd never have to experience it ever again. The priestesses of Khali believed Alek's natural talent towards necromancy should be passed on, they saw to it that she was given a child to carry inside her. But, it was not to be, for it was scarcely four months into the pregnancy that Alek was ambushed by a rival faction within the priestesses.
Alek was, indeed, their unquestioned leader, now. But then, many factions sought to take her leadership by force. Alek survived, but a poison tipped blade ravaged her body. After scarcely a month, it was clear Alek would never be able to carry children, and the one within her passed on. Those that attacked her, their families, their friends, one by one they disappeared. Some kidnapped and murdered, others outright slaughtered in their homes, utilizing the remnants of a dying criminal underworld left by the Sanguine King's rule, Alek destroyed them all.
But nothing cleared the hole inside her, so she sought to alter herself even further. Her knowledge of necromancy, her marks, and her scars became as numerous as the stars in the sky. Unable to fill a single hole, she made her entire body nothing more than an empty vessel. But that vessel was strong, and that strength drove Red Valiya to move past her own hurts to become a ferocious warrior, working for Alek. In part, Valiya was thankful for Alek's reaction back then, but now was a time nearly a decade past.
Valiya had long ago moved on, now it was time for Alek. For many years, Valiya wondered if it was even possible. Alek had destroyed herself, turned her body into something less human and more monster. She watched her operate in silent misery for so long, faking emotions and happiness. To see her genuinely happy, for once in many years, warmed the former soldier to the heart. Smiling, Valiya left Aleksandria in the garden was headed back to the pub, content to drink until she was happy simply being drunk.
By nightfall, Alek found herself meticulously smoothing a red dress she borrowed from Valiya. It felt so strange, not just wearing the dress, but wearing it because she wanted to look nice for Vivienne. Watching the pixie haired woman slip into the garden, Alek slipped around herself and slowly snuck around, attempting to surprise Vivienne. Seemingly appearing from Viv's right, Alek remarked quietly, "I hope I'm not overdressed-"
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Post by Guest on Oct 8, 2015 21:54:57 GMT
"I hope I'm not overdressed-"
She'd done it again! That familiar voice had shaken Vivienne with an airy gasp. But this time she turned around to face the little sneak! Her brow creased over hazel eyes and an arm was shoved out to push back Alek's shoulder. It wasn't anything aggressive, just a playful punch.
"Tsk! Don't scare me like that," she said with a click of her tongue. "One of these times I'm really going to punch you, then you'll be sorry," she teased. Something told her that Alek wouldn't be the least bit intimidated by that threat.
While they laughed together Vivienne had taken a couple of steps back. With Aleksandria in full view she could fully appreciate the woman's unusual appearance.. She was wearing a dress! Where did she get it? It looked so nice on her but so strange too. Either way it left a new smile on Viv's face. If she'd known that her partner would be dressing up she would've worn something prettier than her typical garb (a long-sleeved blue dress with a square neckline and leather vest, if you must know).
"You look nice. I'm afraid I'm underdressed," she assured. "Oh, I brought this for you." A small fernesque brooch was plucked from the side of Vivienne's floral crown. It was small and adorned with small colorful leaves and berries. No flowers. "A crown doesn't really seem your style. I made this instead.. If- If you'll have it."
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I don't have kik.
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Post by blacknoise on Oct 9, 2015 7:14:18 GMT
Alek did not even move as Viv reached out to push her, her body like an unmovable bulwark. Laughing at Viv's 'threat,' she replied, "Hah, I'd like to see that someday."
Feeling slightly uncomfortable as Vivienne moved back to examine her, Alek attempted a smile and shifted on her toes. When the other woman made the comment on being underdressed, Alek started to argue, for even Vivienne's most simple of outfits far outclassed Alek's greatest, but quickly stopped to listen when Vivienne continued. Hands flying to cover her mouth, she stared silently at the brooch.
"I- I don't what to-" Her voice stuttered out at she gently reached out to take the brooch. Slowly, she examined the remarkable craft and flashed a hand up to wipe her eyes. She was- crying? Tears came unbidden to Alek's eyes at the seemingly simple gesture. Making a sound between a laugh and a choke back of a sob, Alek responded, "It's absolutely beautiful. I love it, I've never been given something so nice."
Without hesitation, Alek reached back and placed the brooch in her hair, utilizing it to hold the hair away from her face. Trying to gather her composure, Alek spoke, looking around and remarking, "Oh if I only- I don't have- oh- oh-" Plucking a single, white rosee that shone in the dark, Aleksandria stepped back and cleared her throat.
"I don't have much to me, and I'm afraid I'm woefully ignorant of love. But, Vivienne DeCarlisle, would you give me a dance, tomorrow night?" Making a bow, she offered up the flower, cheeks reddening with shame at not having something prepared beforehand. Her nerves were steeled for a "no." But her heart quivered for a "yes."
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Post by Guest on Oct 9, 2015 23:57:11 GMT
"It's absolutely beautiful. I love it, I've never been given something so nice."
Was Alek crying? That was something Vivienne didn't expect. The caretaker in her wanted to fix the tears and mend whatever hurt had caused them to surface. She shook her hands and tried to counter the tears with a guilty smile. "N-no. Not at all! It's not that special.. If I had more time I could've- Please don't cry," she pleaded. Alek didn't seem to be listening anymore. The brooch was already fastened comfortably in her red hair as she started to search the garden bushes for something unknown. The deep color of the berries accented nicely against it, like Viv thought it would. It was already in her hair.. that meant she accepted it, right? That thought made Vivienne rise up on her toes for a moment.
Then a confession knocked her back on her heels. Love? Is that why she wanted to dance? Did Alek love her? Heat spread across Viv's breast and made her knees shake. Something about this affair seemed so fast. These last couple of days were like a blur of feelings.. A dreamy blur of wonderful feelings. Was love supposed to happen this way? Had all men and women plunged head first into romance like a leaf plunged into the wind from its branch? A ragged whispy breath caught Vivienne by surprise. Shite! That was her breath.. she'd been holding in the whole time. Alek was still offering the rose.
"I.." You'll..? What will you do Viv? Will you let your heart do the talking or will you play 'mom' for the rest of your life alone? What will you do Vivienne? "Y-yes. Yes, I'd love to."
Arista wasn't the only one promised to dance, it seems.
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