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 Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2013 10:01 pm
Who: Cesc and Eth
When:Early August, perhaps two weeks after the end of the jungle meta, late afternoon
Where: A beautiful state house, rented out for a spectacular wedding
Weather: Warm but breezy; with all the windows open, the house is cool and nice
"I am certain he would love a little company, you know. Ah -- he is just in the back now, would you both mind saying a little hello?" Vivi was saying to her photographer acquaintance, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
All around her, the bustling sounds of wedding preparations continued, with decorators twirling silk ribbons around chairs, and florists making final tweaks to centerpieces. Vivi herself stood beside a massive five-tiered cake, complete with white buttercream and silver dotted decorations, dressed in a light blue cocktail dress and cream heels. It was a massive wedding -- 1,000 guests, they said, and all upper-crust -- and so she and all the other workers in charge of the affair were certain to look their best. Shepard stayed behind in the bakery, and so Vivi had taken Cesc along, asking three and four times if he was fine to do so, to be her helper.
Now, as she stood talking with Leo, for the first time in her life as a guardian she wondered if she should have mentioned Cesc. She badly wanted for him to meet Leo's graceful and beautiful charge, who'd come with her guardian but did not seem to be averse to the idea of meeting one of her fellow kin. She seemed so calm and well behaved, and her conversation was light and pleasant. Vivi felt sure she would be a tonic to Rhedefre -- especially the way he was now.
Ever since his excursion into the jungle, the dawn frei was quiet and sometimes despondent, pensive. He'd trimmed his hair and hid the remainder beneath a plain black ballcap that had seemingly become permanently attached to his head. He was still healing, the wide cut on his head still stitched and bandaged, his hands rough and his antlers mangled and bruised. The scratches that littered his face and arms were healing but still present, and his gaze had become somewhat distant, his smiles mechanical. It was obvious to the three of them, but it was Rhedefre who had decided to put himself firmly in the back-of-house duties for the foreseeable future.
Vivi lead the duo to him now, opening the door and ushering them in.
"Rhedefre?" Vivi called. "I have someone that is here to meet you, ah?"
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Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2013 10:16 pm
It was certainly a pleasant surprise running into Vivi again; Leo knew little of her occupation at the time of their first meeting and really it was only a matter of time before they would end up working together, directly or not. With Ethiriel ever linked to his arm he walked alongside the woman, his own eyes wandering while he soaked in the extravagance. He’d never live in a place like this, nor would he rent it out or possibly come to a party under normal circumstances but he was being paid a hefty sum for his photography work and he was sure to dress to the nines – at least attempt to. He hadn’t worn a suit in so long it was surprising that this one still fit him.
It was difficult dressing Ethiriel for the occasion, the branches stemming from her shoulder blades making most gowns impossible, but they had managed to find a lovely wine-red piece that clasped around the neck, allowing her back to be bare. She wasn’t used to the excess fabric draped around her ribbon but she managed, floating just a bit higher than she normally would have to keep from feeling the fabric drag along the ground. With so many well off people around, her eyes kept catching glimpses of various different silver pieces; it nearly made her head spin; seeing so many things wasn’t something she was accustomed to.
The female had also remained quiet throughout their trek, feeling distracted and disoriented. She had recognized Vivi’s voice immediately when approached but her perfume and the scents of cakes and sweet foods were strong, almost overpowering. It wasn’t that she didn’t like the woman, not at all – it was a mere case of sensory overload.
Upon the door opening Leo peeked in, raising his brows at Cesc’s appearance. The poor boy had gone through hell, it seemed, even if he knew little about what had gone on out in the woods. They had received an invitation but he was far too busy to go and he didn’t want Ethiriel to go alone. ”Afternoon, Rhedefre. My name’s Leo, and this…” he started, tapering off at the end while gently bringing his arm forward, motioning toward the Frei with his hand.
”Ethiriel,” she chimed, her voice just as calm and polite as Vivi remembered. From what she could tell, the Dawn Raeven smelled similar to an early morning, almost like walking outside while the dew is still fresh upon the Sun’s break, mixed with a natural musk that she couldn’t place other than that of a mammal. She offered a bow, tucking her hand just below her breast in the motion. "It is quite the pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir Rhedefre."
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Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 5:43 pm
For all the others were dressed nicely, and for as nicely as Rhedefre generally attempted to dress to functions, the dawn stag was looking decidedly casual. His hair was covered by a black baseball cap, with his ears and antlers poking out of holes at the top. His antlers were bare in some spots and velvet-covered in others, with dark brown, yellowing bruises in the bare spots. His boyish face hadn't been shaved in what looked to be a few days, but closer inspection of it showed that it was a calculated move -- the stubble faded the appearance of many scratches over his jaw and cheeks, and the hat took the eye away from the long line of stitches over his temple. He wore a grey hoodie over a plain blue t-shirt, the sleeves pushed up to the elbows to let him work. His hands, too, looked rough and bitten.
And he still looked tired, his gold eyes distant and unfocused as they entered, and the smile he offered the newcomers quiet and slim. He hovered behind a table of impressive-looking desserts, individual chocolate cakes with gold leaf decorations, and he was careful as he moved aside to greet the newcomers.
"He is usually called Cesc," said Vivi pleasantly, still half in the door, knowing that she would have to pull back into the main dining room shortly.
"I am," confirmed the dawn frei, his voice deep and smooth. There was some exhaustion there, too, but it was well-masked with good humor and a pleasantness that showed his usual disposition. He smiled at Leo and shook the man's hand with every evidence of pleasure. "But anything you feel comfortable calling me is fine -- Cesc, Rhede, Rhedefre. Lovely to meet you both."
The smile faltered slightly as he extended his hand to Ethiriel, and his motions were gentle as he touched his fingertips just barely to the tea frei's shoulder, as though to show he meant to greet her.
"You have overqualified me," said Cesc. "I am afraid I will have to ask for a demotion, if it is all the same to you."
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Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 6:00 pm
Leo was quick to take the buck’s hand though his grip wasn’t firm, careful of any lingering tenderness the poor boy had. Much like Vivi, he was going to have to leave shortly but he certainly was eager to meet the male Frei – always eager to meet new Raevens in general.
At the touch of his fingers Ethiriel’s head dipped down in attempts to see, her hand pulling upward and resting lightly on his arm. Still in Leo’s grasp she didn’t pull closer but her smile faded, eyes searching for his form but with his dark clothing against a somewhat light backdrop she couldn’t make out anything in particular. ”I am afraid I do not quite understand,” she announced, allowing her hand to trail lightly against him as Leo decided to retract with her finally having made contact. Finally hovering closer, her hand meeting his shoulder and delicately cupping his neck, her other finding him after clumsily bumping into his chest and doing the same. Once in place she leaned in, giving him a quick kiss just beside his lips – on one cheek, then the other. ”A gentleman is always titled with ‘sir,’ Rhedefre.”
Scratching his nose, Leo took a more casual stance by tucking his thumbs into his slacks, nodding toward the two. ”She, uh… likes to use full names. Anyway,” he said, gently placing his hand on Ethiriel’s shoulder for just a moment, letting her register the warmth before pulling away again, ”we have to go back to the front and work. Take care of Cesc okay, Ethiriel?”
His tone was light and playful, even if it didn’t show on his face.
”If he so allows me, I shall. I know you will work hard, Leonard,” she said, attempting to mimic the humor in his voice but falling short. In the time between her hands had found their way to his face, lightly tracing his jaw and stubble with a somewhat amused expression, even if she could barely make him out.
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Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 3:33 pm
There was a look of mild relief over Vivi's face as Cesc spoke, and there was a carefulness to her smile as she looked over her shoulder at him when she returned to the doorway. She could not leave her post for long, she knew, and she was comfortable with how things were progressing. For a few days now, she'd been anxious about the stag's recovery, his everpresent exhaustion and his easily-tired conversation. But now, he seemed to be rousing, or trying to -- maybe a new friend was just what the doctor ordered.
"Lovely, it is a lovely habit," she said of Ethiriel's penchant for long-form names, smiling broadly at Leo. "But I must go back now, so Cesc, you will remember all her sweetness to tell me later, yes?"
"Indeed," the stag answered. There was an absent quality to his voice as he spoke, and his eyes blinked twice rapidly as the tea raevan kissed his cheeks in the French style, friendly and greeting. Part of him tensed -- he still felt dirty, days after the mirror told him he was clean. Automatic, obedient, he returned the kisses to her soft, smooth cheeks, his stubble grazing her as he did so. "Leo, a pleasure."
She touched him, still-healing scars and pinpricks of facial hair under her fingertips, and Cesc squared his shoulders not to shiver. It was a blind hello, an exploration, he knew, but it was strangely intimate, and he was still raw and bruised.
"I will endeavour to deserve the prefix," said the stag, genial, and the skin beneath Ethiriel's fingers tightened as he pulled his lips into a faint smile. He hesitated, suddenly unsure of the correct decorum. "May I -- get you anything?"
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Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 3:52 pm
Offering a quick nod, Leo was quick to follow Vivi back into the other room – though he was just as pleased as the woman over how things seemed to be working out, at least for now. He was sure things would be fine in here.
Eventually her idle exploring led her fingers downward just as she had felt his cheeks pull into a smile, lightly tracing the lines of his neck and collar before finding his shirt, hands smoothing out his shoulders while she soaked in the feeling of his jacket’s fabric. Ethiriel’s eyes wandered aimlessly, still clinging to the hope that maybe some part of him would stick out in her vision, though she definitely enjoyed the warm sensation he gave off – his essence teasing her soul. ”I assure you… You may not be one in shining armor but you are more than a mere gentleman,” she cooed, lifting her chin to blindly search his face; from that distance she could make out his outline just a little bit better but he was still dark, still undefined. He was the first to greet her as she would and that was already a point in her book, not to mention how gentle he was being and how soft his tender voice rang in her ears.
”You are too kind to offer, Rhedefre. I believe for now I am satisfied with your company alone.” The tea Frei’s smile softened, hands still idly sizing him up as they drifted wherever Cesc would allow. ”If you would be so kind to lead, I would love to know more about you.”
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Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 4:08 pm
She was so gentle, so light. The weariness in Cesc's eyes did not reach her, and so he felt he could look at her without restraint, without polite glances to-and-away. She was all delicacy, her features fine, without makeup or enhancement. There was a naturalness to her that was captivating, her sightless eyes framed with dark lashes, the texture of her skin healthy and vibrant, like blooming petals.
She was exquisite.
He looked at her with quiet eyes, his mouth closed, allowing her fingers to ghost over him. Usually so socially adept, Cesc felt at a loss at what to say to his fellow frei, dropping his eyes and gently clearing his throat. What did he want to say? To know more about him. He struggled to think of what was worth knowing. It was a terrible and defeatist way of thinking, one he was wholly unused to, but it was like the blackness of the jungle had tracked in to his head and he was still trying to expunge it.
"You are very kind," he said quietly. His voice shook on his next compliment, with something like embarrassment. "And I -- hope it is not forward to tell you so early that you are very beautiful."
"As for me, I ..." His voice went out with a sigh, like it was suddenly extinguished. A note passed, and he returned. "I am not sure what to say. I work as a baker with my guardians -- Vivi, you have met. Do you often accompany Leo to his assignments?"
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Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 4:26 pm
The silence was not uncomfortable, not for Ethiriel, and she was eager to soak in every inch of Cesc as he seemed content to allow. With some time, her hands traveled down and met his, taking one daintily in her own and running her fingers along the lines of his palms; her fingers splayed, gently tickling just beneath the cuff of his jacket as her palm rested flat against his. After a brief moment she drug her fingers back over his palms, then the top of his hand and back up his arm, shoulder, neck and then jaw. Her curiosity didn’t stop, cherishing his stubble against her fine skin. There was a fondness in her own eyes, easily seen.
Her smile pulled lightly at the compliment, lips parting for just a moment with a quiet hum. ”No… There is not a single compliment that could flatter me more.” While she couldn’t see him Ethiriel did direct her eyes softly upward, toward his face, in hopes that it would bring her point across. ”Believe me when I say I wish I could offer you that same courtesy.” The smile across her rosy lips did not fade but her eyes softened, narrowing with the slightest bit of emotion that didn’t pull at the rest of her features.
Cesc’s deflation didn’t go unnoticed, Ethiriel’s hands still eagerly working their way around his features. Her already delicate touch softened, an extra bit of tenderness added in sympathy but she was relieved to hear his voice return, her head tilting just the slightest bit. ”Indeed, I do. Leonard frets incessantly over my wellbeing. Even while busy he insists that I be in the company of others or in his line of sight,” she said, a certain fondness in her voice that any Raeven could empathize with when it came to their guardians.
There was a brief silence, filled with quiet searching as her hand met the corner of his stitches, fingers flinching back at the raised flesh and thread, her expression falling. It felt unnatural, and while she didn't know what it was, Ethiriel didn't like the feeling. ”Forgive me… I have not been made aware of your troubles; only that you carry a heavy burden on your shoulders.” It was an invitation, coaxing him to confide, to vent if necessary but she did not push. The Frei’s hand slid back down against his stubbled jaw, fingers gently resting against his hairline while her thumb softly ran over his cheek – her other against his neck.
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Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 8:18 pm
He was prepared to flinch when her hand strayed near his stitches, but Cesc couldn't find it in himself to take her hands away from him. He was tired, so tired, like he hadn't slept in months. He woke up every morning and the only thing that healed him was dawn, but when the glow faded he felt raw and unhealthy and, more than all else, tired. It had been two weeks of it and he just couldn't seem to shake it, the general malaise, the bags under his eyes he still felt were full of mud he couldn't wash off.
But not now.
It was a strange sort of feeling, but he felt that he could sleep in Ethiriel's presence. That he could close his eyes and fall asleep floating while her hands were on him and that he would be safe, that his exhausted brain could shut down for a few hours without waking with a start, worried that his friends had disappeared back into a jungle. That she could give him back the aura of calm that never quite rebounded after those three days, that still hovered strained and just close to his skin.
He wanted to lay down. Put his forehead against this stranger's and close his eyes and sleep.
The thought made it hard to be intelligible. She was saying such nice things and all he could do was think about sleep and touch.
"I can understand how he would want you taken care o--" The final word dragged as her hand went to his stitches, waiting for the burn of pain, but nothing happened. The grazing touch did nothing to harm him under the curtain of his hair, did not itch or scratch or thrum with agony.
It felt good.
A beat of shocked silence followed as Cesc dealt with the surprise and with the kind words that Ethiriel offered, and for a moment, there was simply a quiet stammer as the stag tried to spur his muddled brain into coherent thoughts.
How could it have felt good?
"I -- they -- they are stitches," Rhedefre explained after the pause. He cleared his throat. "I was, ah. I was in the search party, if you heard of it, for the doctor. I am afraid I ..." He faltered, licking his lips, trying to word himself in a way that would not burden her with too much information, far, far too soon. "... was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and got injured."
He paused. He took both of her hands softly in his, guiding them to his jaw. "It's nothing," he said, quiet. He let go of her just briefly, leaving her hands there, and reached up for his ballcap, carefully threading his ears and antlers out and letting his shorter hair fall against his forehead.
"As for my face, you can decide on your own how you like it; I will make no claimed judgment in its defense." As he spoke, he took her hands again and guided them over his jaw and mouth, along his nose and over closed eyes, into his soft, curled hair and over his strange, furry ears and half-velveted antlers, moving her hands symmetrically, to 'see' as much of him as her hands might allow. He felt a strange need for her to be able to recognize him, and more -- more, he wanted to see if her touch stayed feeling good over his sore eyes and torn skin. Perhaps it was unfair. A liberty. But he could not help himself.
And it did.
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Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2013 9:15 pm
The stag’s pause only made Ethiriel’s apprehension grow, staring up at the vague shape of Cesc’s head since proximity was kind enough to allow her. Her eyes were just the slightest bit wider, brows knit together above the pale green orbs and a frown tugged at her lightly parted lips. She nearly apologized again but by that time his voice broke the silence, playing against her ears like music. However, while it put her at ease for that brief moment, his words did not, and a shallow breath crept between her lips. ”Yes… I was… made aware of the search but, Leonard was far too busy to lend his hand and would not allow me to go alone…” she said, Ethiriel’s voice just a bit softer than it had been as her hands were softly taken in his. She offered another apology in a near-whimper, sympathetic for her new friend even if he insisted he was fine. Clearly, he wasn’t, and his words were for her benefit but even with the shift in conversation she stared, eyes softening without the rest of her face following.
The more her hands were led, her eyes became heavier lidded and brows remained upturned, allowing her companion to guide her over his features. Ethiriel enjoyed every little detail, her fingers eagerly trailing each little thing they were dragged across, and once resting against his antlers, though chipped and injured, her lips finally managed a small smile while spreading her fingers. ”I see that we complement one another…” she said, her voice light as a small laugh passed and her eyes flashed toward the branch resting above her ear.
With his hands still gently cupping her own, Ethiriel hovered just a bit higher to greet Cesc, their foreheads meeting like he longed for as she silently searched his now visible eyes, what she could see of his face. They were just as heavy lidded as they had been during his guided exploration, brows upturned as sympathy washed over once again. His golden eyes were muted, honey skin paled, but even then she was eager to feast for herself, to see whatever she could while she was allowed, and in that brief second she had selfishly acted on her own accord without thinking first for whether the motion would be appreciated by this man. He had his moment of self-indulgence, something she didn’t mind in the slightest and had she been aware of his underlying intentions she would have permitted it just as much, if not more – now it was her turn. The tea frei didn’t move her hands so long as his remained so large and warm over hers, still allowing him to move her however he pleased even if it meant that she was to be pushed away.
"I believe that… I can say with confidence; you are striking, immoderately so.” Ethiriel’s thumb wrapped around Cesc’s hand, gently stroking the tops while still relishing their warmth. ”I may not have the ability to make comparisons but you are very, very handsome, Rhedefre,” she affirmed, finally closing her eyes.
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Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 4:07 pm
She put her forehead on his and there was no pain.
Rhedefre felt like he was outside himself, another person. Was this what it felt like when he had control over the calm aura? When it was allowed, as it hitherto had, to extend in a wider radius around him? He'd never thought of it. Never wondered what it must feel like to be on the receiving end of it.
But, as he well knew from trying to help Anya, calmness did not take away pain. It just supplied a way to let go of fixating on it, of caring about its presence. This was not the same. This was the feeling of healing. The absence of hurt. Ethiriel's touch was a tonic.
How stupid.
He wondered, distantly, if he was making things up. Organizing things the way he wanted them to be. Making himself feel better when all he felt was skinless and raw and unprepared. He hated feeling this way. Hated the fact that he could not get rid of it after hours of rest or thousands of words of reassurance and comfort. It was as though a thick, humid fog had settled around him in the jungle and he couldn't seem to shake it off, an impenetrable layer of hurt and disillusionment. And this woman, blind and beautiful, had reached a hand into it. Laid a finger on his damp skin.
He had to be imagining things.
But then, it felt so good...
He took a moment to find his voice.
"You are too kind," he said. It was a compliment, and a sweet one, and he would take it. She could not see his garish colors. The tiredness in his face. The strange lines of his mouth, and the awkwardness of his antlers' rise. If it gave her pleasure... "And anyway, it would be rude to correct a lady."
Rhedefre pulled his lips into a smile. It was small, and there was no joy in it, but he managed one, anyhow. It was slow, and distant, and the confusion he felt knit his brows. Before he could stop himself, he heard himself asking:
"Do you do it on purpose? Your gift. The touch."
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Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 5:01 pm
With each word he spoke, each breath he took, she could feel it as if it were her own. With their foreheads pressed together, his hands still warmly over her own, her entire system acted as a tuning fork, each vibration felt – even the most subtle of movements. Ethiriel enjoyed this while she could, but once again his words tore her from her moment of contentment. Opening her eyes, they lazily attempted to focus on his bright golden ones; however muted they appeared to her. Finally, without jostling his own, the female frei slid her hands back down toward his jaw, guiding Cesc up to face her fully.
Near-sightless eyes locked with his, she gently pressed the tips of their noses together. As he seemed to have habit of doing, just as Ethiriel was to speak he beat her to it. The question, however, was unexpected in nature and clearly threw the silver raeven through a loop.
Pulling her head away just a bit so that their foreheads were no longer touching, she searched his eyes as best as she could, the slightest hint of frustration on her delicate features visible. ”Once again, I’m afraid I find myself unable to understand…” Ethiriel said, her voice trailing off as she tried to read him. ”How does my touch differ from any other?” In response, her fingers lightly, mindlessly, trailed his features until the tips met with his forehead, hesitantly tracing along his swollen flesh and stitches. This time she didn’t remove her hand, instead allowing her entire palm to rest against him, her skin oddly cool against his.
Softening her expression, she continued.
”Rhedefre… Allow me to flatter, perhaps,” she said, her thumb carefully caressing his forehead and brow, ”You cannot correct the truth. My sight is… not anywhere near conventional… but I stand by my words. You are very admirable in appearance.”
Ethiriel held no smile, no shadow of one like Cesc’s, her brows upturned as she stared as best as she could. She hardly knew Cesc, he had shared very little about himself and seemed eager to keep it that way for now, but she wouldn’t stand to let him talk so poorly of himself – it was a poison, one that was difficult to wean from and it nearly pained her to hear it pour from his lips. There was nothing wrong with him; even if he held the weight from that trip, it didn’t reflect on him as a person. He was handsome, a gentleman and his words echoed confidence that had died.
”As for your question, I am without true answer. I am doing nothing willingly,” Ethiriel stated, her voice still soft and careful as she spoke so close to Cesc’s face. Her right hand remained on his jaw, her fingers cupping gently beneath his hairline, and she was sure to keep the other tenderly against his forehead.
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Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 5:53 pm
Cesc swallowed. His eyes burned with relief as she touched him, leeching away hurt, like a hand expertly undoing knots, gently combing them away. He felt like clarity was within his grasp with her hands on him, like a breath of fresh air was possible.
Sleep. Like sleep was possible.
He wasn't imagining it. He knew they all had powers. That Basil could parrot voices and impose his will on sound. That Iorek had strength and Zurine her ice, Melisande the power to light and inspire, Eiry the talents of a ghost. Xiu with blood -- and his own terrible power, the horrible liberty he carried around with him everywhere.
They all had something, why could this not be hers?
It bothered him that she may not even know. That her brow was knit and her eyes spoke confusion at his words. He was not the greatest company just then, he knew that. But he could at least attempt to be clear.
"I am..." Cesc began before he composed his thoughts correctly, the opposite of what he'd wanted. He continued through regardless, with only the barest pause. He'd started, and he couldn't stop, couldn't bare to stop. "I am -- hurt, you know, I got... into trouble, in the jungle. Especially here." His hand gently touched her left, where it rested on his temple. "And for days, these two weeks since then, I -- I can't --" He stopped, shaking his head.
Why was he telling her this?
She had to know what she could do.
"It doesn't stop hurting. I got nicked a lot, everywhere. My antlers... and my head, it hurts all the time." His voice was thick, and it dropped to a whisper. "And if I touch it, any of it, against anything, my hair, the hat -- it burns, it hurts. But you -- not when you touch me. Nothing hurts when you touch me. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for that, whether you know it or you don't."
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Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 6:15 pm
Sympathy rose from within her chest, her hands lightly trembling against his skin as she hung on each word and she couldn’t help her expression as it fell. Ethiriel was patient, allowing Cesc to speak freely and truthfully. Indeed, it was a wakeup call; she had no idea over any of this, having been kept somewhat hidden from others, though she couldn’t blame anyone for that.
However, knowing, hearing that she was helping, that she was taking such pain away from someone who had gone through so much and bore it for so long… it somehow managed to put her at ease, even if her worried disposition didn’t falter. Her thumbs continued their idle caressing, her forehead pressing against his once more as her eyes focused on his. Ethiriel’s voice was somewhat weak, somehow meek and humbled by such news. ”While… while I do not have the slightest… I am…” she started, a weak laugh on her breath as a meager smile crept across her rosy lips, ”I am glad to know that I am of help to you… If I am able to ease your pain, I will gladly do so… for as long as you need.”
Her right hand slid softly down the lines of Cesc’s neck, forefinger running along his tendon until it met the fabric of his shirt and from there it clung lightly, her palm flat against his clavicle. While his abilities were suppressed, weighed down by his recurring nightmares of darkness and deadly greenery, she could still feel the dawn within him, his scent warm to her senses.
”I am sure you have heard it repeated several times, I do offer my condolences… I cannot imagine the amount of pain you bear with you,” Ethiriel said, her voice lowering once more as her eyes closed, the corners of her lips pulling inward in a slight pout before returning to their natural, neutral curve. ”It is not fair that you must carry it with no relief…”
Even if she was his momentary relief, it wouldn’t last forever – even though she wished it could.
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Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2013 5:21 pm
So she hadn't known.
Cesc marveled inwardly at Ethiriel's talent, the part of him that was still detached and well enough to do any marveling. His eyes were quiet but held a deep respect in them -- she could take away pain without even the knowledge of her power. And suddenly the sweetness of her disposition, the naturalness of her beauty, sleek and organized but somehow untamed, made perfect sense to the stag. She held nature within her. Of course she was healing.
"You are too kind," he said, quiet. "Please, don't overextend yourself. It's not as bad as you think."
His expression darkened momentarily as she continued, so sweet and sympathetic. She did not know, regal and well-thinking creature, that he was at fault for his own wounds. At fault for the wounds of others. Why should he get relief if they had none?
But he was weak. He could not pull away from her. Could not spoil her sweetness.
Instead, he said again, very quietly this time, hiding the guilt that tried to lace its way into his voice: "You are too kind."
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