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 Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 7:25 pm
She listened intently, imagining. It must have been terrifying, to be left behind like that. But the logic made sense; if he had relied entirely on his father for aid, he never would have learned to be efficient on his own. And although she had never watched him track, or seen him wield a weapon, she believed him. After all, he had broken Lawrence's nose and caught the fox, in nearly record time, after suffering a grave wound. She tucked her hands under the side of her head, and curled her knees toward her stomach, smiling as she listened. "He must have been a very intelligent man." She said softly, watching as he gave in and rolled off his side to lay on his back. She remained on her side, eyes on his face.
"I am sure it is a skill you will find even more useful in the near future. I imagine it will aid you immensely." She was sure it already did, as it kept him alive, but soon, she was sure it would keep him alive in ways he might not have previously imagined, before the wolves and the fae. The war would not be easy on anyone, but she wouldn't be surprised to see Thorne finding it easier than most. Certainly easier than people like herself. Money was only useful in so many situations; what would she do, when money proved useless in saving her? What could she do? Nothing; unless wolves found piano tunes threatening. But she would not voice those concerns; rather, she joked lightly. "Perhaps someday you can teach me something, and then I might actually prove useful." She laughed softly.
But her laughter died quickly, expression turning serious. "Thorne...when do you think we will see them again?" She whispered, referring to Gwyn and his army of wolves. She hated waiting...Living in fear everyday. He had come so suddenly at the ball; had slipped past the guards and had committed murder well before anyone had noticed. She could turn a corner at any time, and be torn to shreds by wolves before she even realized what was happening. A terrifying notion. She just wanted to know, and though she knew Thorne didn't have those answers, she still wanted to hear what he thought.
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Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 8:49 pm
"That he was." he replied after a moment. It was a sore spot, but not off-limits for conversation; Thorne had spent several evenings over the summer speaking his thoughts to Valerian, and the deer's intent listening had eased the pain. He tried not to think about where he would be without him. Her movement beside him caught his attention, and he brought his gaze from the skies back down to her.
"It has kept me alive so far," he laughed, "I trust that I will be just fine." The hunter was tough, and the coming times were just another storm he would weather, he was sure of it. His eyes were light with amusement at her words. Of course he would teach her, if she asked; she would likely never master it as he had, but it certainly wouldn't hurt either. "Whatever you want to know, just ask." If nothing else, she could at least have a bit of fun trying to learn. He couldn't see her killing anything (he didn't think she had it in her, either), but if it could help her defend herself and escape he'd spill every ounce of knowledge he had.
Thorne caught the change in her features, and his expression sobered as well. He couldn't know for sure, no one could, but the way her voice quieted he knew she was scared. If everything went south even her family's estate in Palisade would offer little safety.
"When the snow falls." he said, voice soft, "The house of winter is strongest after the equinox, if they stay true to legend." He freed one arm and reached over, fingers brushing against her hair. "The northern reaches will see them first." After the past year's incidents during the winter months he had little doubts about that. Missing people, mysterious tracks... they would come from the north bringing snow and cold. Could they survive until the spring thaw? He'd rather not dwell on it.
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Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 9:44 pm
Whatever she wanted to know? Caroline blinked, considering the offer. What was there to ask? Plenty, she imagined, but she drew a blank. She had no idea where to begin asking, so for now, she remained silent. She would think it over later, alone, and if they were ever to meet alone, she would bother him with questions.
His answer made her shiver. Before the snow falls. Is that why he had asked for her to visit before winter? Because he had a feeling that the war was coming sooner, rather than later? That their time was more limited than she had hoped? Closing her eyes briefly, Caroline curled tighter in on herself, seeking a sort of warmth and comfort the fire could not provide. A subtle movement of her hair had her opening her eyes again, and she blushed softly, noticing it was Thorne's hand, fingers caressing her curls.
The distraction brought her back to her resolution, the promise she had made to herself, to enjoy their moments together. There would be plenty of time later to agonize over the impending dark days. Slowly, she slipped a hand out from underneath her head, and reached up to stroke the pad of her index finger against his palm. She titled her head back slightly, a better angle to fixate her eyes on their hands. Her eyelids drooped as she lapsed into thought, and she hummed quietly to herself as she explored the callouses on his palm and fingers. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open and traveled to rest on his face. "Do you like my hair?" She inquired, voice soft and teasing. She smiled coyly, finger pausing in it's movements across his hand.
It was an odd question, she realized, but was not just something that had randomly come to mind. There was something sweet about the way they treated one another, and it...confused her? No, not the correct emotion. It...interested her. She wanted to know more about it, more about the things she felt, more about why he said and did certain things. Perhaps a simple question would prove to provide a fleck of insight.
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Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 3:47 pm
He had not expected her fingers to brush against his hand, but Thorne was pleasantly surprised. For a moment he sat quiet, content to allow her to amuse herself. Her skin was soft compared to his; he had never noticed on the chances their hands had touched for the simple fact that she seemed to perpetually be wearing dainty gloves whenever he bumped into her. At her question his fingers paused briefly before continuing on with what he had been doing. Of course he did. Thorne was quite positive that he liked much more than just her hair, but could he admit that to her? He wasn't sure he could even admit it to himself. He had always considered himself a loner, better off on his own. The sense of calm she brought out of him, his gruff facade all but broken... he couldn't piece it together. This was something he had never been taught.
"Mm," he replied after a moment, catching the coy expression on her face, "A shame you always keep it pinned up." Was she testing him, or genuinely curious? The fuzzy feeling that had pooled in his chest made it difficult to determine which was the case.
Thorne gave her hand a delicate squeeze before pulling himself into a sitting position, eyes watching her intently a moment more. He tore his gaze away to stare into the fire for a moment, the flames beginning to die down. Between the logs orange-black embers could be seen now, hissing quietly. "I have something I want to share with you," he spoke carefully. For once, his face was impassive, but slowly he lost his control and his expression curled into a smile.
"But you have to wait until tomorrow." He would have no problem going, but he doubted Caroline would want to follow him into the Wardwood at night- no matter how tempting the offer. There was no way he would force her to do it, either. Even in broad daylight he was sure she would have reservations about it, but it really was only just up over the hill...
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Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 4:26 pm
Her smile widened until her cheeks ached, her heart fluttering warmly. It was a good enough answer for her. Her face brightened with color, and when she next spoke, her voice was barely audible. "Maybe I will leave it down more..." She said maybe, like it was something she would have to consider, but she knew that wasn't the case. Her mind was already made up; at home, she would leave it pinned, as her mother preferred, but with Thorne, she would leave it down and loose. For him.
He sat suddenly, releasing her hair and staring down at her intensely. She was startled by the quick movement, and the intensity of his stare left her curious, and a little worried. Had he heard something threatening from the woods? Was it something she had said? She parted her lips to inquire, but finally, he spoke, quelling her fears. She visibly relaxed, and at the mention of a surprise, her expression brightened. Something to show her? She sat up quickly. "Really? What -" He spoke again, and her face fell slightly at the mention that she would have to wait.
Lips pursed, she considered this. She hadn't planned to stay the night - she hadn't planned anything, really - but thinking it over...it made sense. She didn't want to make the trip back home in the dead of night - and she doubted Thorne would allow it - and with Samhain ending tomorrow night, her parents wouldn't return home until at least then, and so they wouldn't expect to see her until at least the morning of November 2nd. Thankfully, in that sense, it worked out. But to stay the night, to sleep in the same vicinity as Thorne...she blushed, turning her head away.
"All right." She said softly. She hadn't brought anything to sleep in, but shrugged mentally; sleeping in her current attire would suffice. She was certainly excited to spend more time with Thorne, and to see this surprise. "Am I...are we...sleeping out here?" She inquired, finally glancing back over to catch his eye.
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Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 6:36 pm
Thorne tried to keep a straight face to tease her into thinking they were staying outdoors; he ending up laughing instead, offering his hand and helping her up to her feet. "Of course not, that would be a little too backwoods for me even." He grinned at her (that was only partially true). "There is a room at the end of the hall that you are welcome to." The hunter decided against telling her that was normally his room. The last thing he wanted was for her to be bothered that she had usurped his bed from him, after all. He'd park himself in the other room in front of the fire and sleep well enough there.
Gently he steered her to the door back inside, greeted by Valerian on the other side with a slightly put-out expression. Thorne waved the deer off, avoiding making eye contact with him, and gestured Caroline in the direction of the aforementioned room. "I'll be out here if you need anything."
He waited until she had disappeared down the hall before finally collapsing into his chair, chin on his hands as he stared into the embers in the fireplace. Valerian came to his side after a while, settling in front of the fire where Elowen had previously lain. He took up much more space than the smaller doe had, shadows dancing across his pale pelt. Thorne sat like that for some time, mulling over his thoughts in silent contemplation.
-
By the time Thorne was finding himself waking up he was stretched sideways across the chair, legs slung up over the arm with little care. The deer lay in the same place, still snoozing contentedly even as the hunter began to stretch and stir. He sat up and rubbed his shoulder, stiff from sleeping in a strange position. The ribbon holding his ponytail in place had somehow gone missing in the chair, and his hair hung loose at his shoulders. Grumbling a string of profanities under his breath he slowly worked himself back up to his feet, slinging two logs into the hearth where embers still faintly glowed below ash. His fingers worked at the muscles in his shoulder as he shuffled to the kitchen area to begin making a pot of tea.
As if he had been struck by lightning Thorne suddenly remembered that he had a guest in his home, and his heart nearly leapt to his throat as he peered down the hallway. There was literally no way he was going to go wake her; she would have to hear him puttering about and come out whenever she was ready. As if he was listening to his thoughts Valerian's head suddenly rose, a smug expression crossing his features as if to say 'I know what you're thinking'.
"Enough out of you," Thorne muttered, searching the cabinet for a pair of mugs.
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Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 7:24 pm
Oh, good. Caroline breathed a sigh of relief, taking his offered hand, and standing with his aid. She nodded slowly at the mention of the room, and as he led her back to the door, she wondered if it was his room he meant for her to have for the night. She couldn't imagine he would have a guest room...Or was it his father's room? Had he kept the room intact, all this time after his father's death? It didn't seem practical, and Thorne was very practical, but she wouldn't have judged him for it. Still...the thought of sleeping in a dead man's bed was unsettling, but it was not a concern she would voice.
They entered the cabin, and were met by Valerian, who was all pouts, and Elowen, who simply glanced up from her spot on the floor. Thorne led Caroline toward the room, and Elowen clambered to her feet, brushing past the pair to enter the room first. "All right...thank you. Good night." She said softly, and entered the room, closing the door behind her. Inside, Elowen sniffed about, presumably scouting for potential threats, and Caroline stood in the middle of the room, glancing about the dim room. It was small, but cozy, void of unnecessary frills, much like the rest of his house. The longer she stood and speculated, the more certain she became that this was Thorne's bedroom. Her heart fluttered nervously, but finally, she allowed herself to look at the bed, and tentatively, she crossed the room to sit on it's edge. Elowen, content, had finally taken up a spot on the floor, and was looking up at Caroline. She snorted, as if to say that Caroline was being silly. "Oh hush..." Caroline whispered, running her hand over the blanket.
After a while, exhaustion took over, and she was left with little choice. Unlacing her shoes, she set them beside the bed, and pulled the covers back, slipping underneath. Warm, comfortable, and tired, Caroline pulled the covers up to her chin, and buried her face in the pillow. Thorne's scent enveloped her, and it didn't take long for her to fall asleep...
Grunts, footsteps, and the squeak of cabinets finally roused Caroline. She groaned, stretching tiredly, and slowly opened her eyes, sights immediately landing on Elowen, who was already awake. The guardian was lying patiently, clearly waiting for her chosen to wake. Groggy, and disorientated, Caroline yawned, and threw the covers back, sliding out of the bed. She was only half aware, and without much thought, she moved across the room to open the door, exiting the room.
But a few steps down the hallway, she froze, eyes wide and horrified. She was suddenly very aware of where she was, and who she was about to face. With a squeak, she turned and fled back into the room, throwing the door shut behind her. She couldn't believe she had almost faced Thorne in her current state; surely, she looked a mess! Heart beating rapidly, she inhaled and exhaled slowly a few times, attempting to calm herself.
Hands flew to her hair, and she searched the room with her eyes for a mirror. Ah! There; she spotted small, hand held mirror. Hurriedly, moved and picked it up, checking her reflection. A groan; just as she had thought, her hair was tousled, wild, and her clothing wrinkled. Great. Sensing her chosen's disdain, Elowen watched her, amused, as Caroline attempted to smooth her appearance. It helped a little, but she admitted, not as well as she would have hoped. Well...it was as good as it was going to get. Still, Caroline cast a worried glance down at Elowen, to which Elowen simply shook her head, and stood, walking toward the door. Caroline sighed, setting the mirror down gently. Elowen was right; she had to leave the room at some point.
Reluctantly, Caroline exited the room for the second time that morning, and slowly made her way down the hallway. She continued to pat at her curls, one last attempt to smooth them, but as she came into view, she dropped her hands quickly, cheeks flushing with color. "Ah...good morning." She said shyly, fidgeting nervously. Elowen snorted, and brushed passed her chosen, to once more lie down in the middle of the living area, near Valerian.
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Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 8:20 pm
Halfway through preparing tea Thorne could have sworn he heard the door close down the hall, but a quick glance in that direction revealed nothing. He and Valerian exchanged glances for a moment, shrugged, and then returned to the rest of what he was doing. Besides tea he had gathered a collection of foods into one of his packs; dried fruits, bread and cheese, a skein of water. He set it aside just as the water was ready, and finished up each cup to allow the leaves to steep. His hands closed around his mug, inhaling deep; something about that slightly earthy, bitter smell was just what he needed in the morning.
He set the mug back on the counter for a bit longer, rummaging around for something to get his damn hair off of his neck. After numerous muttered profanities he finally located a tie, reaching up to loop his hair back into its usual style. Thorne had his arms stretched up and hands in his hair when he finally heard a distinctly feminine voice from the hall behind him. Turning, he managed to give Caroline a smile even with the tie between this teeth. "Mornin'," he mumbled before retrieving the thing to finish messing with his hair. He paused briefly, giving Elowen an incredulous look as she passed before settling near the other deer.
"Did you, aah.. sleep alright?" the question came out of his mouth innocently enough, and he certainly hoped that she had gotten some rest. He had spent half the night awake, fidgeting and shifting before finally exhaustion had claimed him. Thorne was a light sleeper on the best of nights and the simple thought that a lovely woman who he was likely entirely too attracted to (he was still not admitting that, but Val also kept giving him that knowing look) was also in his home had been too much.
He rubbed his sore shoulder absently for a moment, then pointed towards the steaming mugs, a faintly sheepish expression on his face. "I hope you like tea."
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Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 9:24 pm
Did she sleep all right? Caroline's blush intensified, recalling what it was like to sleep in what she assumed had been Thorne's bed. It wasn't as large or as soft as hers, but if she was being completely honest with herself...she would have slept in his over hers any night. Of course, the moment that realization came to mind, the color in her face darkened ever further, and she ducked her head briefly. Five seconds into the morning, and she was already making a silly fool of herself.
After what she hoped was only a second, she lifted her head to look at hime, hoping some of the color had gone. "I did...thank you. I...hope you did as well..." She stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, glancing about, until Thorne motioned toward a pair of mugs, tendrils of steam rising from the liquid held inside. "Ah...yes...thank you..." She said softly, and slowly walked toward him and the tea. Delicately, she curled her fingers around the handle of the nearest mug, and brought the lip of the mug to her mouth, taking a sip. It was earthy and bitter, but warmed her from the inside, and gave her an excuse to remain silent. She needed a moment to compose herself.
Turning, she leaned her back against the counter, eyes on her bare feet as she took frequent, tiny sips. She lapsed into thought, mentally berating herself. Here she was, alone with Thorne, with the entire day to themselves, and she was going to clam up? Sensing her thoughts, Elowen lifted her head, and stared across the room at Caroline. Through their bond, she could feel Elowen's confidence, her special warmth, reserved only for Caroline, and knew that Elowen was urging her not to worry. She nodded subtly, lowering her mug slowly. After another pause, she turned to face Thorne, smiling up at him. "So...what was it you wanted to show me?" She inquired, tilting her head inquisitively to the side.
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Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 8:39 pm
A amused expression crossed Thorne's features briefly, catching only the dip of her head and not the flush on her cheeks. He held his own mug in his good arm, quietly inhaling half of the tea as she herself settled down a bit. At least she had gotten more rest than him, from the sound of it. He had leaned against the counter himself as they lapsed into silent for a moment. The mug was half way to his mouth again when Caroline seemed to gain some resolve, turning to face him.
"Oh," he replied, half surprised, "I hadn't forgotten that. It involves going for a walk, however." He cast her a glance. "Sort of... a forest walk. Just a short one." Thorne hoped that in broad daylight she would be comfortable enough with him nearby; it was less than ten minutes in, and a light trail even had been worn from his paths to and from the cabin.
Valerian rolled from his belly to his side on the rug, taking up a great deal more room than his previous position. He wanted to go on a walk. Thorne had kept him from joining his little get-together the night before and now he was desperate to get outside and stretch his legs. He cast his chosen a baleful look from the floor that went largely ignored (whether on purpose or accident Thorne was not making it clear, however).
"If that's all right, of course." Thorne added after a moment, pausing. There was no way he was going to force her into the forest against her will just for a silly idea. To him it was familiar; comfortable, even. To Caroline... she had seen it once years ago when Elowen had called her to the great tree within, but since then many things had changed. Certainly there were no wolves lurking in his backyard, but the thought of what could be out there might very well be enough to scare her... and that was the last thing he wanted to do.
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Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 12:18 pm
A forest walk? She should have known. Eyes widened slightly, and her initial reaction was no. Wolves, fae...who knew what lurked in the shadows of Wardwood? And with the solstice approaching, who could say they wouldn't make an appearance, taking the chance to prey on two humans foolish enough to enter their domain? But she didn't verbalize these concerns; rather, she tried to push emotion out of the equation, and think logically. Thorne had lived here all his life. He knew the Wardwood well, and surely, he entered it daily. The odds of encountering danger today, in broad daylight, a short distance in, were slim. And even if her fears were realized, Thorne knew had to handle himself.
Besides, there was clearly something he really wanted to share with her. He was a relatively private individual, so for him to want to show her something that she assumed was personal...it meant something.
Finally, she nodded slowly. "All right...let me just get my shoes." Setting the mug down gingerly, she padded down the hall, entering his room to gather her shoes. She sat on the edge of the bed, slipping her feet into her boots, and lacing them up. Quickly, before she could change her mind, she returned to Thorne's side, clasping her hands together, so she would not fidget, and reveal her nerves. She told herself to focus on her excitement and intrigue, rather than her worries. "I am ready when you are." She said, offering him a small smile. Elowen stood and came to Caroline's side, butting her nose against Caroline's elbow. She looked back, reaching forward with one hand to pat Elowen's neck, silently wondering if their guardians would accompany them, or once more, remain behind.
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Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 7:59 pm
Thorne had been surprised that Caroline had actually decided a trip into the wardwood was alright; although his face certainly didn't show it. He hadn't gotten his hopes up in case she had refused, but the grin that crossed his features showed he was exceptionally glad that she had agreed. As she disappeared to retrieve her shoes he grabbed the bag he had packed earlier, motioning to Valerian on the floor. The deer practically leapt to his feet in excitement, barely sitting still long enough for the hunter to swing the pack over his shoulders. "Don't be fresh," he murmured in the buck's ear, patting his side. He opened the door to let him prance outside, calming considerably in the crisp autumn air. When Caroline reappeared he offered her a smile, and held the door for her and Elowen before he followed them outside as well. On the way out he grabbed his crossbow from beside the door, slinging it up and over his shoulder.
He inhaled deeply as the door closed behind him, the fresh air bringing him back up to full awareness (he never was a morning person). Thorne motioned for her to stay close, and although there was no immediate danger... it was a good excuse as any to have her near to him. He was sure she wouldn't mind.
It was the best time of the year to travel in the Wardwood. All around them as they walked trees carried leaves bright like embers, some already covering the ground below them. Occasionally one or two would drift from their branches to join the others below, barely making sound as they hit. The forest was quiet save for their footsteps as they followed a faint trail. To him this was comfortable; the weather was nice, the woods were clear and he was was with company that he actually enjoyed (immensely, of course). Ahead of them, Valerian had picked up his pace to bound up a small hill, standing alert at the top before disappearing over the other side. Thorne let out a loud whistle and the buck's head briefly popped up into view before he returned to whatever he had gotten himself into.
"When my father and mother built the cabin they picked it for this location," the hunter spoke after a moment, "They wanted to be near town, but also have their own little corner of the world." He had heard that story from his father, at least, and he believed him.
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Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 9:05 pm
It seemed their guardians would be joining them, and she was filled with a sense of relief. She was also glad to see Thorne taking his crossbow along, a detail that did not go unnoticed as she walked outside. She enjoyed her time alone with him, and she didn't care for violence, but venturing into the Wardwood...she would accept any and all form of security.
The door swung shut behind them, and Caroline cast the cabin one, last wistful glance, almost hoping she had declined the invitation. But she refused to let her fears interject; she really wanted to see this surprise, and Thorne had seemed so excited. She perked as he motioned her close, and he didn't need to tell her twice; automatically, she was at his side, nervously looking around as they entered the Wardwood. She resisted the urge to cling to his arm like a child, but stood as close as possible, her shoulder brushing up against his arm. He was nearly a foot taller than her, and so close, his scent mingled with the crisp autumn air; it was pleasant, and somehow, did make her feel better.
So rather than succumb to dread, she simply enjoyed the moment, focusing on the positive. Thorne was at her side, Elowen at her other, and Valerian's enthusiasm amused her; she giggled as she watched him run ahead, frolicking about. The colors of the forest amazed her, revealing a side of the woods she had never considered. Lately, it had been cast as a place to avoid, a place of darkness, but threats aside...it was truly beautiful. She could see why Thorne enjoyed it.
They walked in silence, comfortable doing so, but eventually Thorne spoke, and she tore her gaze from the leaves to look up at him. His parents had built the cabin together? "How romantic..." She breathed. Her heart warmed at the thought, but then chilled as cruel reality struck; she would never experience that, would she? Certainly not if she married Lawrence...A flicker of pain in her eyes, and she looked away, staring ahead. After a moment, "I admit, I can see why. Do you think you will stay here forever? Raise a family of your own here?" Curiously, imaging Thorne here with another woman, living a life separate from her...it brought a sort of pain to her heart. She frowned, contemplating this, but did not retract her question; she was curious.
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 6:07 pm
Her question almost made him misstep; it certainly had caught him off guard. Thorne had put little thought into what else he could possibly do with his life, where else he could go... this was his home, and it had been as long as he had lived. His own family? That required finding someone he liked well enough to want to spend large amounts of time with, someone who didn't think him callous or crude for his chosen profession... and they had to respect the deer, too. So far that narrowed the list down to, well, not anyone, really.
That wasn't entirely true. There was...
Thorne cut the thought abruptly short in his head. He was a practical person, and there was no room in that to make up a web of false hopes and desires. To leave that idea open in his head was inviting disaster, and worse, heartbreak. He had already been shot over whatever it was that he had with Caroline, and yet that hadn't deterred him at inviting her to his own territory. The hunter realized in that moment that he was in way over his head with this one. Would he tell her the truth? He couldn't, not when she had little choice in where her own life was taking her. If she even reciprocated his feelings, as it were.
"I haven't given it much thought," he replied finally, and although he didn't delve deeper into his reasoning he spoke the truth. "I imagine if the area stays safe I would, assuming I ever found someone foolish enough to move out here." He snorted, and amusement was readable on his face. "Unlikely, however."
As they crested the hill, Valerian popped back into view once again, watching Thorne with intensity. Beyond him lay their destination; Willow Pond. The water on the surface was like glass, and the lack of wind for the day allowed the trees surrounding it to reflect perfectly. Most of the trees were indeed willows; tall and old, some with branches that dipped into the pond below. Their foliage was not as bright as the maples and oaks that populated the rest of the forest, but beautiful yellows and muted oranges on each slender leaf.
At the edge of the water was a small ring of stones, evidence of an old fire within the circle. A couple logs that had been cut to actually resemble chairs or benches sat around it, facing out onto the pond.
"Welcome to the Grey family's best kept secret," he teased, "Willow Pond."
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 8:29 pm
He took forever, it seemed, to answer. But maybe that was just her nerves, slowling time; she almost dreaded his answer, and she couldn't bear to look up at him, afraid of what she might see in those eyes. So she stared straight ahead, focusing on nothing in particular, waiting. Finally, he spoke, and she found herself holding her breath, but she was quick to exhale. She wasn't sure what she had expected to hear, but his answer...rather standard. Non-committal; the sort of answer she should have assumed she would hear.
Now, she felt...silly. Had she been hoping for something? Why had she been curious enough to ask? It was if someone else had asked for her, an alternative Caroline voicing her deep thoughts because she felt she couldn't and shouldn't. Confused, and conflicted, she simply nodded, unable to come up with an adequate response.
Thankfully, it seemed a response wasn't needed, as they had arrived, ending the conversation. Blinking, she took a few extra steps forward, and then stopped, focusing on their surroundings. "Oh wow..." She expressed breathlessly, eyes wide with wonder. She had seen ponds and willow trees before, but there was something...magical, about this place. Maybe it was the natural beauty, maybe it was the history, or maybe it was because she was with Thorne, and he had thought to share it with her...The reason didn't matter. She was captivated.
"It...So beautiful." She continued, eyes glassy. She was silent for a minute, and then her head snapped to the side, eyes on him. "Have you ever swung into the pond from one of the willow branches?" She asked innocently, the question the first one to come to mind.
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