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 Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 11:45 am
█║ WHO: Oliver & Ziha (Aric Val), Zavier & Era (Chrystali)
█║ WHAT: Amid the return of the wolves, Zave asks Ollie to accompany him to leave offerings at the Wardwood.
█║ WHEN: Starts in the morning.
█║ WHERE: Palisade to Ashmoor, and finally to the Wardwood.
█║ WEATHER: Really freaking cold.
It was early enough that morning that even the birds were a little sluggish, their chirps distant without the sun's warmth to stir them to action. There was just enough light from the rise of the golden orb in the east to give a delicate touch to the city, the lights that lined the streets going dim and those that traversed the city at such an hour being very few and far inbetween. The sky hadn't yet settled on the blue it would take for the day, but it hadn't dissuaded the young theologist from crossing the street at a brisk jog with his hands in his jacket pockets, a plume of his breath visible in the cold winter air.
Zave wore darker colors to keep warm, more than content to nestle the lower half of his face into his cobalt blue scarf as he walked, the tips of it fluttering with his brisk pace. With the rich color of the fabric covering his smile but not hiding each breath he took, he came to pause at a door - a door, he was certain was the one addressed in a fateful meeting what felt like a lifetime ago - glancing over his shoulder to make sure Era was secure across the street. With the doe simply staring at him with a small twinge of impatience, Zavier smiled and lifted a gloved hand, knocking on Oliver's door.
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Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 12:37 pm
Oliver was a true early bird, up and ready to start the new day even with the subtle light just peeking out from behind the dim sky and dark clouds. He usually woke up early for his morning rituals, exercises, but at this season it was even too cold for the athlete. And now that he had the fully grown buck with him as well, settled near his crackling fireplace with his head settled on the deep burgundy rug, he had someone else to care about now. Although honestly, it felt like Ziha was taking more care for him, upset that he would even consider going out for a run at this type of weather! So it was a huge surprise to him to hear that knock on his door, settling down his coffee mug and his book (a Cricket book that was like his life manual) on his wooden table. Ziha's ears twitched, standing up from his resting place and walking close behind his chosen, already knowing who their visitors were.
His home was modest and humble, from the outside even a little shabby but once one would look inside his home, it was surprisingly very well made inside and -- cozy, at least to Oliver, it reminded him about his childhood home a lot.
"--Yes?" he opened the door just a little bit, asking in a curious and even slightly suspicious voice to the unknown guest. But as soon as he recognized the man -- even if Zavier's face was half hidden by the scarf wrapped around him, he opened the door fully, a mixture of surprise and a smile on his features. "Zave?" The brunette asked in confirmation but already ushering the man inside his home, feeling the rush of cold air from outside.
Oliver had a tan turtleneck on with modest bottoms, his home heavy with the scent of morning coffee and distinct sweetness. It perhaps wasn't as warm as it could be, the fireplace rather old and rustic but it was comfort enough from the harsh cold outside. "Please! Come inside! It's freezing out there!" He insisted, tilting his head to the side in interest of why the man would visit him now -- but not that he was complaining..
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Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 11:33 pm
"Oliver," the pale-blonde lifted his chin from his scarf, allowing his cold-red nose and bright smile to be seen clearly. The sudden ushering made him laugh, putting a hand on the man's arm to stay his gesture. "It is cold, but I'm afraid I must be brief, my friend -- though not too brief to not remark how wonderful your home smells! Goodness!" Unabashed, he leaned into the athlete, his nose almost pressed against the man's shoulder as he breathed in the inviting scent of rich coffee and something sweeter that he couldn't immediately place. Zavier hummed softly in his delight as he withdrew again, beaming that smile between Oliver and Ziha, once he noticed the buck was there, "And a good morning to you too, handsome Ziha!
But I am remiss -- I don't want your warmth to escape if you decline me." Re-situating his scarf about his shoulders so it partially hid his chin and brushed his bottom lip, he spoke in the manner of one who was too excited to speak clearly. "I know we talked about you -- you know, coming with me? To see books, and -- this isn't to see books, mind you, I'm going to the Wardwood. To pay tribute. And -- you needn't come as far as that, or -- rather, what I'm asking is if you'd like to accompany me to Ashford?" His pale eyes looked both hopeful and boyish. "I've a carriage because it's so cold, I'd need to take a horse the rest -- oh heavens, it doesn't matter." He laughed a little, almost shy, glancing over his shoulder again at Era. Her rich pelt was so stark against the snow, she looked like a dream to him. She was there for him, though, a comfort, and it helped to settle him.
Turning his head to again look at Oliver, he squeezed the arm he was holding. "I'd like to invite you for a carriage ride to Ashford and dinner afterwards as thanks, if you're not busy."
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Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 3:01 pm
He didn't even mind the gust of wind that passed as he spoke to Zave, seeing the warm smile that revealed itself from under the scarf. A frown of concern appeared on his face, a hand touching the pale blonde's back as if to warm him, even though Oliver was definitely more under-dressed for the winter than him. "Anything wrong?" he asked inquiring about the sudden visit, though a smile and a warm rush of blood crept on his cheeks when the scholar leaned against him to smell the rich aroma.
Ziha on the other hand took graceful and delicate steps towards the visitor, his cool green gaze on the familiar human as he bowed his head in greeting. He was collected, but that wasn't the same for both of the chosen right now that were in the small home. "--Ah? Y-yes?" Even Oliver was feeling anxious as Zave talked, but soon it melted into a smile that was even warmer than the fireplace that crackled on as they talked. "Now?" It was sudden, of course, although he had already made up his mind. Oliver probably didn't take everything in the man said before he decided, too caught up in the prospect of traveling together. "---But yes! I mean, yes I would love to accompany you, Zave!" He added hastily, chuckling and a little in a panic for what he had to bring for this trip -- to which Ziha crept behind him and pushed his nose gently at his back, making the brunette let out a little laugh.
"Oh ah, that's right, where is Era?" he followed Zave's eyes to see the vision of the boldly coloured deer against the pure white snow, momentarily in awe. "If-- if you want to come in and Era too-- it's bloody cold outside, I'll prepare really fast!" He stumbled a little on his words, smiling and taking his own hand to put over Zave's. "I have coffee or hot chocolate on the table if you want some."
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Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 10:31 pm
The scholar's features lit up visibly, his pleased smile practically closing his eyes for how slim the crescent moon was that they formed. "Would you really? I'm -- so much obliged, I -- thank you -- " Zavier tried to cease his delighted bumbling long enough to hear what Oliver had to say, bobbing his head in understanding. "Very well, that's a fair request -- coffee and hot cocoa?" The blonde's eyes practically glowed as he stepped into the warm abode, almost boyish as he said the words. "No wonder you -- the house -- smell so good." Whoops. "You're too kind, I -- I am good, I will -- wait." He merely glanced out the door towards Era - conveying the invitation that was declined - and quietly shutting the door behind himself. "Era isn't fond of being indoors, but thank you for the invitation."
Loosening the scarf around his neck for a moment to allow the warmth of the house to flood over him, he perked up immediately, first facing Ziha to delicately rub his hand against the pale nose in affection. "You've a lovely home, Ziha." And while he waited, he contented himself with looking around the house, though he wouldn't dare venture too far in; the last thing he wanted to do was to become too intrigued or interested to go. That, and it felt incredibly personal to be in Oliver's home, even if he couldn't pinpoint why. Awash in the scent of the house and the sweetness that Oliver himself carried, Zavier took in a deep breath and sighed with a small happy sound, settling his gaze on Ziha and paying the buck special mind for the moment.
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Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 4:36 am
The brunette chuckled, nodding his head. "I love my --- many cups of coffee and cocoa especially on a snowy day like this." He smiled in understanding when the other mentioned the doe. "Ah, that's too bad. She's very unlike Ziha over here." And he gave the light buck a little glance as he approached his guest, content that he would keep the man company in the time that he would prepare. "S'cuse me." With a polite bow of his head as well, he traveled upstairs to his room, mentally listing what necessities he was to bring.
And quickly he threw some extra clothing to his bag -- it was rather exciting, this unannounced trip, the spontaneity of it all. It was adventurous and quite daring and it gave him adrenaline. Of course he did not miss the importance of this journey. And all the more he felt that he looked forward to it, having this opportunity to spend time with Zave. His company that somehow he felt was very missing from his days.
Ziha kept the blonde company as Oliver had expected, the poised deer languidly rubbing his head against the scholar's hand on him before he settled nearby the blonde. And not too long after, Oliver came down the stairs in a little rush, face slightly flushed and with that warm smile on his face that was consistent with the homey feeling in his small place.
He had on a thicker sweater, some layers for his bottom and a blue scarf hanging on to dear life around his arm, obviously the man was a little scattered. "Sorry 'bout that," his brown eyes were bright, focusing on Zave's light blue ones before he settled his bag on the wooden table, taking a cup quickly from the kitchen that wasn't far, basically his first floor was one room. "--Here." He poured some of the hot cocoa into the cup and gently blew the smoke that rose up and handing it to his guest. "No visit to my home isn't complete with a cup of this!"
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Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 2:04 pm
Zavier gently stroked Ziha's muzzle as they waited, finding himself forgetting where he was momentarily in favor of focusing on the buck. "You're a very lucky young man," he told the lightly colored buck as though holding a conversation with him. "In a warm home, where it smells so delightful -- and -- seeing him everyday." The man could feel a small blush on his cheeks as he smiled, bashful at the words he said out loud. He didn't know why he was reacting that way -- surely, he'd said similar to actual people, even -- but it made him feel shy all the same. Perhaps it was because Oliver was so accommodating? With a small smile, he simply let it go; it would do no good for him to fret over it when he'd be in a carriage with the man for most of the day. "You take good care of him. I'm grateful." He paused, adding as a quiet after thought, "Thank you."
That was about the time Oliver came back into the room, drawing the blonde's attention and wide smile. "No need to apologize! I asked you to accompany me in the blistering cold, it should be I apologizing to you for even daring to draw you from this perfect home." Zavier had never found a place that felt like home, but he hoped when the time came that he did, it felt like Oliver's. Laughing a little at the brunette's insistence for a cup of cocoa, he gave the man a brief look of consideration before caving. "Oh, very well. But only until you get yourself gathered!" Gloved fingers extended to save the haphazard scarf from Oliver's arm, gently shaking it out. Using one hand to press against Oliver's forearm, indicating him to lower the mug for a moment, he then put the scarf properly around the man's broader shoulders, adjusting it so it wasn't too tight and would keep the most warmth in. Zavier smiled with satisfaction, absently smoothing his hands over the man's shoulders before he finally took the mug.
"Thank you," he said politely before he took a trying sip. Blue eyes lidded with enjoyment, breathing in deeply of the rich liquid. He was more a fan of tea, but it was Oliver through and through. "Delicious!"
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Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 12:52 pm
Ziha looked up at him with a gentle expression for a brief moment, as if he understood every word Zavier had said, and perhaps he did, and the buck certainly agreed with the man's sentiment.
Of course with reddened cheeks and his clumsy excitement, Oliver found it a little hard to keep still. With his chocolate brown eyes he followed the other mans hands that smoothed his scarf, rather speechless with the simple gesture, a small smile managing to pass the brunette's lips. "...Thanks." He didn't know why his hand moved up to almost take Zave's in his but thank goodness (or maybe not?) that the blonde took the hot mug of hot cocoa and took a little sip, waking Oliver from his little daydream and mentally slapping himself for what in the world he was about to do.
"Thanks good that you like it." He gave him a wider smile, watching the other take in his favourite drink for a little while, elated with the response. "Ohh--- uh. Right!" He shook his head, shivering a little even though the heat from the fireplace was still burning brightly. The athlete started to put the fire out quickly as well as putting the dishes he had back into his small kitchen which was in the corner of the same room, pulling at the scarf on his neck in anxiousness of the journey.
When it was all over and done he walked back over to Zave and took his pack and slung it over his back, eyes looking for Ziha who was already at alert, nearby the door. "I guess that's that?"
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