|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 9:33 pm
Oliver & Ziha, Zavier & Era
Time of Day :: Early Afternoon
Weather :: Sunny day with clear Skies
Where :: Palisade Library
It was a rare moment in Oliver's life, a day when he wasn't out for continuous practice or having a game later on that afternoon. He was a restless sort but one that knew he somehow had to make himself take a break. Yet for a man like him, it was easier said then done when all he usually did was live and breathe Cricket.
He took this opportunity to take a trip to the Palisade library to visit the friend he had met who --as fate would have it--was in the same situation as he regarding the buck that walked quietly at his side. Admittedly this wasn't a part of town anyone would usually find the dark-haired male. He wasn't a walking cliche though, he was a sportsman through and through but Oliver always had the zeal for learning and reading. Yet his interest was far from tales of fantasy and romance, opting more for words of philosophers and the history of the world--and of course every book in existence about his one and only game. His hesitation and favor for books passed down to him by his family and the smaller more stalls that stood on the pathways of the old city lay solely on the fact that he felt he didn't exactly fit into this part of town. It felt stuffy.
Yet today he was quite a vision of a proper lad. Dressed in brown checkered pants and a deep brown vest over a simple white button up shirt, a far cry from his dirty brown shorts and loose tops. He felt a soft touch on the back of his hand, his eyes meeting familiar gentle greens that attempted to comfort him. A smile crossed his lips, lifting that hand to touch the buck on his head, stroking it softly. Even if no words passed between them it was easy for them to understand each other, and sincerely Oliver needed Ziha much more than Ziha needed him. The company never failed to calm him. He gave the male a little smile, chuckling and nodding his head in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Ziha."
It wasn't long till they came upon the building, the structure old and weathered yet still sturdy and showed its delicate carvings and design with great pride. And with this view, the young man momentarily paused, brown eyes surveying the exterior up and down, impressed with the elegance it exuded easily. So Zavier works here-- he thought to himself, having a brief pause of hesitance as he realized that perhaps Zave would be busy or that if the blonde would mind his impromptu visit. He fought in himself for a moment at that, bringing a hand up to his shoulder in habit. Well it couldn't hurt to say hello? In any case it would be a treat for him to see the other again.
On a normal day he probably would have realized that bringing an animal like Ziha surely wasn't going to bring any good reactions from the people inside the building. But at the moment the young man was certainly excited for another meeting with his new friend and his guardian that everything else slipped his mind as he climbed up the stairs and opened the doors of the library with Ziha behind him following loyally.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2012 1:51 pm
He knew something was coming, he just didn't know what. With his nose literally in a book, fingers meticulously working to rebind the tome of his employer, Zavier could feel his Guardian's sudden awareness of something outside -- a familiar presence, she told him, one he'd be happy to know of. Of course, with snippets of images and vague feelings, it was all terribly unclear and the blonde hardly knew what she could possibly be referring to. She offered a brief, 'loud' sort of joyous feeling and then fell silent, prompting his blue eyes to lift from the waves of inked parchment to glance in her direction -- even though she was outside in the spacious garden of the 'library.' Tilting his head subtly, he turned his eyes forward when he saw movement near the entrance -- and understood Era's joy immediately, as it echoed through him entirely.
Zavier recognized Ziha first, knowing that deer even full grown; his cream coat and patient aura were impossible to mistake even at his distance. But with Ziha came a sharply dressed brunette, and though he rationally knew who he was looking at, his brain chose to fumble and trip up a few times before he was able to piece the suited young man as the lesser-dressed cricket player he'd met not that long ago. The bookbinder had always heard of the phrase 'cleaning up nicely,' but he never really appreciated its tone until he saw the dark male in his equally dark attire. Zave stood from his seat abruptly, trotting over to the supervisor of the 'library' and murmuring to him with excited undertones. Getting the okay to take a break, he quickly rounded a few of the lower book shelves and desks and made his way towards Oliver with an indomitable grin. He wore his usual attire of buttoned leggings of a dark material, a cream colored undershirt and a rich dark blue vest that only served to wash out his eyes even further.
"Oliver!" he called out joyfully, extending his hands and taking one of the cricket player's with familiarity. Squeezing the other's calloused fingers gently, he lifted one hand from the hold to extend to the buck as well. "And Ziha! My, you grew up to be beautiful, didn't you?" He smiled softly at the Guardian before his excited grin dimpled his features as his pale eyes returned to Oliver's rich browns. "I am so happy to see you -- both of you -- and Oliver! You look spectacular, that is -- you've always had form but this attire, and -- goodness, where have my manners gone?" Drawing in a steadying breath, he released Oliver's hand and clasped both of his own together in front of him, eyes still holding all his happiness when his expression took on a more polite curve. "Welcome to Lord Godfrey's library." And then the expression broke - he really couldn't help himself! - falling into that happy, dimpled grin all over again. "To what do I owe the pleasure? Are you here on business?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 4:04 pm
With long quiet strides beside his chosen, Ziha's bright green eyes immediately landed on the darker doe that he had felt long before they stepped in the structure. Though in a different room he recognized her quickly, subtly brushing his nose on Oliver's hand and sending him that wave of familiarity. Yet Oliver didn't need his guardian to share that air of comfort, meekly looking around the library slightly intimidated but feeling easily relieved when he had spotted the man among the people, books and long tables. He was bright among the sea of dull and bright confusing colours and he brought a smile to the athlete's face when he was approaching him.
"Zave," he echoed the greeting with a low whisper, still rather unsure of the proper decorum in a library of this size? Not wanting to offend the already staring few patrons that noticed him and his huge buck. He laughed, nodding his head to look at Ziha, the pale animal bowing his head with the greeting hand of Zavier. "He grew up to be a huge one." He indicated the grand antlers with his eyes, not willing to retreat his hand from the other's grasp. "Ah---wh---" And so he was rendered speechless by Oliver's compliments, and not missing how the older man said about his form--he was noticing that? What did that even mean-- Whatever it meant it brought a shy smile to his face, coupled with an embarrassed chuckle as he squeezed the hand in his. "Thank you---- I'm just not in my usual dirty, tacky clothing, that's for sure. And of course you look wonderfully sharp as I've seen you before," his voice was certainly louder than the whispers he had started with, taken by the enthusiasm of the other. "Happy to see you too."
Warm brown eyes swept through the room once again when Zavier formally welcomed him to his place of work, his awe not waning one bit. "It's lovely here, a huge place, that's for sure..." Oliver not so secretly did love books and though it was slightly overwhelming, he did enjoy the sight very much. "S'my first time in a library like this." he said sheepishly, shaking his head at the next question. "Business? Naw, just wanted to ---see how you are," he gave the blonde another big warm smile, "And I'm glad to see that you certainly do look well."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 9:48 am
"Ah!" he exclaimed with surprise, pale eyes a touch wide. "Really? Just -- me?" Clearly, this was something that had never happened in the man's years, as the happy flush against his pale skin and the indomitable smile that crossed his features told as much. "Oliver, I'm sure you've more important things to do than check on me, but I'm -- I'm grateful. Sincerely." Zavier's crescent moon eyes lowered for a moment, abashed, before lifting to look around the private library again. "If you've time to stay - even a moment -- come, come!" And it seemed the paler of the two was intent for Oliver to stay irregardless of his time table, as he again retrieved the athlete's hand and this time used it to lead him through the library.
He lead them carefully through the widest of spaces between racks of books and unmanned desks, used to taking that particular route to get Era into the back gardens (though she eager went herself, as she was less a fan of the musty tomes as he). Once to the back of the high-roofed building, he released Oliver and opened the curtained double-doors with flourish, the land that sprawled out behind them in the private estate almost like a portal to another world: where the library's rich wood tones and bold dark reds and guilt gold ended, the vibrant green of the garden began, encircled by high, dark trees that lined the distant boundaries. The walkway was lined with white stone, even the central fountain marbled in a light, polished manner; but amidst all the green and white was the color: every manner of sunset -- pink to red to orange to yellow and all the variants inbetween - sprawled across the rosebushes that lined the pathway, leading the eye to the farest reach of the acreage. With spots of purple and white off to the sides for display, higher brush concealing private areas to have tea and barely-visible crests of gazebos for meetings, it was no small indicator that Zave's employer and owner of the private library was a wealthy nobleman indeed.
And there, amongst all the spectrum of color, Era waited with forward turned ears, all dark, rich and earthy colors against the vibrant summer fare. Hardly waiting for Zave to usher the two out and close the door behind them, the doe tipped her head in acknowledgement of Oliver and her Chosen's reaction to him that only she could sense before taking a few steps to the side to stare at Ziha. She neither approached him nor offered any sign of remembrance outwardly, save for the subtle flicker of her ears forwards and back in a concealed show of interest.
"Era," Zave spoke to the doe as he turned back to join Oliver and Ziha again, giving her a chiding look, "be nice. You knew they were coming before I did so don't be playing innocent..."
The doe simply lifted her chin, almost defiant in Zave's claim, though her honeyed eyes never left the blonde-pelted buck.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 1:27 pm
Eyes widened in mild surprise at Zave's reply. "Of course you." he simply said, distantly feeling that perhaps he was--coming on too strong with it? Yet the pale blonde's cheerful, abashed expression at that made Oliver do a double take, forgetting what thoughts he may have had prior, warm eyes focusing on the reaction of the other. And he could only stare for a few seconds before he shook his head in response. "W-well! You're a friend of mine and we did promise to see each other again didn't we? And what better way to do it on a nice day like this?" A smile crossed his face, nodding his head and lead him towards wherever--because for the life of him, he probably wouldn't be able to navigate this huge library himself. And much to his surprise, the light hand took his own calloused ones, making the freckled brunette look at their twined hands in slight embarrassment. As he expected though, Zave's skin was as warm as he had remembered.
With his hand firmly in Zave's he was pulled along easily, brown eyes looking up and down the tall rows of books and to the sudden greenery that took over suddenly but no less beautiful as it certainly was. Ziha followed quietly of course, letting his pale eyes gaze at all the different elements around, curious in his stare. But as they came upon the garden his eyes notably brightened, finding this place much more pleasing to the eye, giving a little approving sound at the wide space.
"Ah-- is it alright for me to be here?" he asked as the warmth left his hand, eyes a tad wide in awe of this place. "I've never been to a place this grand..." once again he turned around completely and scanned the place, almost missing the deep brown doe that approached the paler one. Of course Ziha had sensed her early on, bowing his head in acknowledged greeting and this time he was the one who approached her, merely moving closer to her just right as not to hit her with his newly grown antlers.
And with this, Oliver smiled and let out a slight chuckle. "Hello Era. --They certainly knew it for sure." He let his gaze rest on Zave now, his happy expression in place. "This--this all is certainly something ain't it? Next time it's my turn to leave you stunned." Teasing slightly and genuinely glad to see his friend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 11:12 am
Breathing in deeply the mild air, Zavier felt peaceful as he looked over the verdant gardens, thanking whoever was watching over him to bless him with a stunning view and equally stunning company. "It's not open to the public," he admitted, pale eyes watching the two deer for a moment, "but you're a colleague of one of Lord Godfrey's favorite workers, and more importantly, a Chosen; it would be in poor taste to offer any less than a few peaceful moments here." Zave flicked his attention back to Oliver as he spoke, all smiles by the end of it. "That and I think Lord Godfrey would prefer our Guardians here than in the library, lest they have a taste for old parchment."
Era watched Ziha and, when he approached her calmly with head bowed, that seemed to be enough for her to drop her aloof stance. She tilted her head between the grand antlers, contently grooming the buck between the rack as though to acknowledge his change and status as a buck. It wasn't a full-on groom as the last time they had met, short and sweet, lowering her head when she finished to bump their noses together. It was nice to see the stoic, calm male, whose effects were as soothing on her as she was to her Chosen.
"It is remarkable -- I rarely get out here, you see, work can be trying," Zave explained as he stood next to Oliver, "but I'll take it as an excuse to spend some time with you, since you've been so thoughtful as to come and see me." His smile was earnest but a little cheeky, seeming pleased with Ollie's reaction to his workspace. "I can agree to those terms. It's a high bar to set, Oliver, but I have a feeling...you'd be splendid at being stunning." His eyes curved into happy crescents as he gazed upon his darker skinned friend, his chest still alight with excitement to have seen the athlete again. "So, then; come, and walk with me! Let us enjoy the day and the fortune of your kindness, of which I gladly reap the rewards." He laughed, then, a light and joyful sound as he made his way over the landing and to the lined pathway.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 10:11 pm
"That makes perfect sense.." he said quietly in reply to Zave. Of course he absolutely had no idea that this place was private, feeling quite special in how Zavier counted him as. "Ziha would probably end up reading all the books instead, honestly." the man said in jest of his intelligent buck who was now radiating a peaceful aura as Era had acknowledged him further.
"I thank you for accepting me in any case! S'huge in here..." again he let himself get lost in their surroundings, tilting his head up to stare at the high majestic ceiling. The garden was certainly much more comfortable to him than the confines of the library, the greenery doing so much to soothe him and remind him of the familiar outdoors. Yet the change in scenery wasn't merely the only thing soothing him, he definitely knew it was this charming, cheerful pale blonde in front of him that was making the smile stay on his lips, nodding his head and intently listening to the other. "Yeah. you should go out with me, sometime for sure." Oliver said in invitation, pausing for a brief second as Zave had called him --stunning-- somehow he was caught off guard at that, bowing his head for a brief moment in embarrassment before meeting the pale blues. "I-- just hope to live up to your expectations, Zave." he smiled, certainly wanting it to be so.
As the two chosen moved along the pathway, Ziha was merely in his own world for a moment with Era, eyes lidded in comfort with the sweet grooming, unexpectedly liking it much more than before. He let out a little breath, turning and letting his muzzle touch politely at Era's dark cheek before glancing back at the two moving humans.
The other man's genuine excitement charmed Oliver deeply, warm browns watching the smile on Zave's lips. "Is it difficult, the job?" he asked in conversation, not really familiar with this world of his but still very much interested.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 10:57 pm
The pale-haired man laughed at the idea of Ziha reading the books rather than sampling them, though it wasn't in derision. Truly, he'd not put anything passed the enigmatic Guardians. Motioning with his hand for Oliver to walk with him, he made his way off the landing and onto the path, resting one hand in his vest pocket. "Era doesn't like the library much," he said at length, knowing the female wasn't far behind, "she thinks it smells musty. The books are old."
Zavier cast the brunette a curious look with an equally quizzical smile. "You seem eager to torment me with your game, Oliver." He grinned, then, making sure there was no bite in his words. "Truly, you need only to say when and I will be there without fail. I swear it." Unaware as he was over the impact of his words on his athletic friend, he simply shrugged and shook his head a little, readjusting his glasses over his slender nose. "I have no expectations of you, my friend. What makes you so spectacular is your ability to surpass any I might have had irregardless."
Ah, the job question. Rubbing this thumb gently over the pocket watch that was settled in the fabric of his vest, he took a moment to consider before answering. "It's not easy, but it's not difficult in the sense of it being trying. You have to have small or slender hands, such as I," he lifted his free hand, waggling his fair fingers, "and be deft with them, such as a woman might sew or a man might wield a small blade. It's temporary work until I get the funds to continue my education." It was here that the man fell silent for a moment, finally looking away from Oliver and smiling almost abashedly at the ground as they walked. "I had hopes to be a professor of theology and humanities, one day." The words are said lightly, almost as if he thought he might be reprimanded for his divulged dream.
"But what of you, Oliver?" Trying to shake off his own blathering over his work, he gestured to the athlete with a sweeping gesture of his hand. "You're a handsome young man, driven with a commendable career, able and kind; is there a Lady King? Perhaps one in waiting? Surely you've better things to do with your time than listen to me prattle about book binding!" Oliver looked about the same age as he, and Zavier knew that was almost beyond the norm for being married. And yet, the man was there with him rather than at home with the missus, so it only stood to reason for him to ask, or so he reasoned.
And not far behind, though lingering to stay at Ziha's side, Era was ever mindful of her Chosen. It wasn't that she didn't trust Oliver - though to be fair, she didn't - it was more than Zavier's thoughts and emotions seemed to get erratic in conveyance when he was around another Chosen and, if her memory served her correctly, quite a bit more with this Oliver fellow. She liked Ziha plenty and thought Oliver was decent enough by Ziha's presence alone, but she absolutely did not trust any human to be left alone with her oh-so-gullible ward. She loved Zavier in a way that was maternal and of equal standing as a partner or like-mind, but she knew he needed protecting from others almost as much as he needed protection from himself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 5:45 pm
"I still think Ziha would read them--and even read them to me somehow," he joked, placing his hands into his side pockets which for once was not filled with red balls he could hit around. "Still, it's pretty great to think how much you could actually learn from all those aged pages." Oliver replied thoughtfully, definitely amazed by the sheer size and amount of knowledge the wooden shelves held.
The young man gave Zave a little grin at his words, chuckling modestly at the words. "Ah Zave I have only known you for a little while but I know I can depend on you to keep your word. I am not exactly spectacular but I am eager to see you on the field with me. No turning back anymore." He was in a far more comfortable mood than earlier, it was obvious to himself and especially to his guardian who was feeling the strong calm motions from his chosen yet also an intense sort of feeling that wasn't bad in the least. It baffled the pale buck, turning his bright green eyes briefly at the man who affected his guardian so easily.
His brown eyes looked at the other's fingers as he showed his fingers, very much agreeing with Zave's claim. Oliver noticed--even felt those slender fingers, elegant and long--beautiful. S far cry from his calloused and wounded ones. He noted that pause in his sentence, listening to the man's dream and smiling at that shy expression. "And that's a wonderful dream to have--I have no doubt in my mind you will reach it, Zave. I really do." he put a gentle hand on the other's back in quiet encouragement. He wasn't as educated as Zave, never had that education yet in his own way he understood. "I understand the struggles of it all though." Thinking of the own struggles he had to overcome, he found himself very much sharing in the blondes quiet hopes to reach their respective dreams.
Yet with the next question he almost stumbled in his step, lifting his wavering eyes back to Zave's pale blues. "What--Oh--" he wasn't entirely sure how to handle these questions, there had been past matches for him, that was to be expected yet it was he who could not really commit to them, instead focusing on his own career--something that probably many wouldn't understand. But what also threw Oliver off was how the scholar yet again complimented him-- handsome?
"No woman. Merely--my career has been keeping me company." he said not with any really hint of regret in his voice, but more of an unsure tone as he caster a curious look at the man at his side. "You must be married? I mean, with a very commendable job and natural charm I suppose-- you have someone." Somehow he had tried to set himself up for a disappointment-- for some reason not having the thought that Zavier was probably married and -- that made his tone a little somber. Though he really had to know.
With this sudden, strange dip in his mood, Ziha moved towards his Chosen and touched his large horns against his side. Oliver didn't even have to look at the buck to know it was him, smiling instead and sending out thoughts for Ziha that it was nothing. And Ziha, still rather concerned, decided to leave it be and returning to the does side, finding her presence peaceful and he wanted to enjoy that while he could.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 6:28 pm
Zave nodded in thoughtful regard to the mention of the books, smiling to himself inwardly. How many times had he thought that himself? He wished he had the time to just sit and read, to absorb the information within the pages, but it was just a fancy. The man had neither the time nor the funds to have such idle daydreams, even though they visited him frequently.
"You need say only when," he repeated softly, smiling with reassurance at his friend. Zave knew he was no good at sports but he'd be willing to give Oliver the benefit of the doubt that he might be a better teacher than the blonde himself was an athlete. Chuckling quietly under his breath, he shrugged in an almost shy manner, though the touch to the back prompted him to chance a look at the man's face. Encouragement...and support were terribly foreign to him. All his decisions had been met with cruel hands or disappointed words, and to have this man in his corner meant far more to him than he knew how to express. His mouth moved in silence before he murmured a soft, 'thank you,' smiling again at the path.
When Oliver stumbled on his words, Zave arched a pale brow at the other, not having expected to have struck a nerve. "I see," he responded to the first bit, his tone even. "It's a happy marriage, at least." He was teasing and light-hearted about it, not wanting Olivier to think he disapproved or something equally as incorrect. It was just a surprise to him that someone such as Oliver chose to spend his time with him rather than looking at the women and their batting eyelashes...
"Me? --charm?" And he laughed again, responding as though Oliver was joking with him. Shaking his head, he mistook the brunette's slight reservation as lamenting that he had no lady in his life. Lightly touching their shoulders as they walked, the blonde shook his head and took off his glasses, his pace even and slow as he wiped the glass off on a handkerchief. "Goodness, no. I'm not married, though it's not for want of trying on my mother's side." Tucking the cloth away, he replaced his glasses and recalled his relationship with Abbey with a fond smile. "My mother tried to have me marry our neighbor -- strong young woman, she is, more than I -- but neither of us were interested." He shrugged, tilting his head to the side as he smiled at Oliver. "We're still friends. But...no, there's not yet been woman nor man to woo or be wooed by. Or perhaps there has been but I've been too busy." Zave mused this to himself with a lackadaisical tap of his chin; he enjoyed his work. It was more than enough for him.
"But don't worry, Ollie. I know you'll find someone who is worthy of your attention. You're a good man, and those are hard to find." Zave flashed another happy, brilliant smile the brunette, glancing only briefly to the deer beyond him.
Era snorted almost on cue, peering at the two before flicking her tail and taking the lead. She was a doe now; she knew courtship when she felt it, especially when Zavier was such an open book. The blonde himself may not have known, but that was all the better, as far as she was concerned. Nudging Ziha as she picked up her long-legged stride, she came to a pause at one of the forks in the road, the likes of which had a stone bench set squarely between the paths. Giving her Chosen a stern look, she made her way into the field behind it and there she lowered her head to munch on the flowers that were losing their blooms, content for the moment to ignore the humans and their odd, vibrant colors in communication.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2012 11:06 am
"And I shall." he said with a hopeful smile on his face at how Zave seemed eager for another meeting with him, and with the added entertainment of Cricket, no less! "I should be the one thanking you," Oliver said with warm brown eyes casted on the blonde's pale blues. "For being kind, for welcoming me here." Each word he said had a weight of sincerity in them, never one for false compliments and pretenses.
Oliver chuckled at that, a happy marriage! Perhaps it was, though there wasn't much for Oliver to even think about throughout his whole life--his whole career. And that was what he contemplated on, earning a short moment of silence from him.
But he tilted his head at Zave with his laugh, not that he didn't enjoy the others laughter but--he didn't say anything that would have earned it. "What's funny about you being charming?" he slightly frowned, confused. "I'm not kidding." Although his expression changed as Zave felt comfortable near him, even the brush of shoulders making him feel more at ease easily. "So I see..." for some reason the brunette was--less cheerful about hearing about this from his friend. Although he had also had the torture of trying to be paired up with a few others when he was younger.
"Oh." Was his reply to that--- the last line very much ringing in his head. The detail on who Zave was to be wooed by---he had definitely caught that. "As I said you're a charming young man," he quickly added and even wagging a finger at him. "--And that's no joke. Even when I say-- ah, you're attractive." Somehow it was---embarrassing to say, yet it was merely between friends, wasn't it? And he was merely pointing out the truth that he was seeing. "I know many would be ever so lucky to even catch your attention. You're a good man. Better than I." Oliver finished with a sincere smile.
If Ziha knew what was passing between his Chosen and the other human, he didn't show it but certainly sent some soothing thoughts back to Oliver, since the buck had felt his slight agitation at the words he was saying. He followed the doe quietly, trotting gracefully into the field of flowers, finding the environment to be--quite perfect, taking in the scent and the array of flowers that littered the ground. He moved towards Era, settling down beside her and touching his nose to her cheek before he rested his head on the lush greenery.
"Ah---so," Seemed though Ziha had send those waves of relaxation towards him, the man still felt rather---flushed at himself. Especially that the other seemed calm, cheerful (kind, charming--he could go on and on) and not noticing anything out of the ordinary. He didn't know exactly what that meant. "Would you like to sit with me, dear scholar?" Oliver joked, motioning towards the bench.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2012 6:42 pm
Zave was smiling so hard his eyes were crinkling, almost feeling like he might tear up with it all if Oliver continued to praise him so. "Ollie, you are far, far in need of getting out more if you think I -- I, who bumble and and stammer and trip up on as little as words, useless, really -- am charming!" Rubbing his sore cheeks as though that would soothe them from the ache of all his smiling, he began to laugh again, covering his glasses and eyes with his fingertips against his temples. "Oh, Oliver."
Pausing, he sidestepped to put a little more space between them, allowing him the freedom to wrap his fingers around the jacket-clad bicep of the Cricket player. "You've form," one hand lifted to curl his fingers around Oliver's chin, the delicate touch without insistence or force, "looks, a heart full of kindness and enough warmth to fill a home." Releasing his friend, he stepped further from Oliver and spread out his arms, rocking on his heels. "And I? I am lanky, the face of a teenage boy and my greatest joy is spending time with the greatest authors and minds of decades past." It was sad, when he thought about it; those he cared to spend time with were those dead and gone, pouring over their writings as his own time ticked by. Shaking his head ruefully, he gave Oliver a look that was almost chiding, as though it were a shame the man couldn't see what he could. "You're a shining star, my friend, and I -- at best, I sparkle, when no one is looking."
But the words hurt him a little, as they were words hurled at him by his own mother when he'd left her years ago. He kept a brave smile on, however, nodding towards the bench and taking the last few strides towards it, plucking at his slacks before he took a seat. Sometimes, he had to remind himself that he was happy here. That this was the life he wanted, and that the thoughts of those in his past had little hold over his future. Taking in a slow breath, he retained his smile, the likes of which eased up a bit. "But here we are," he said out loud, allowing them both to move beyond the topic of who would gain a wife first, "we two bachelors on the bench of a rich man's bounty, living the fable of Wardens of olde. Life is good to me right now, Ollie. That's all I ask for."
Era had paused in her eating to stare with weight at her Chosen, sensing the dip in his mood that just as quickly elevated. Sometimes, she swore he was going to explode, with all the optimism and light he kept inside. Snorting softly the doe lowered her head and continued her meal, subtly moving around Ziha to not bother him, but to stay near.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2013 5:01 pm
The man was complimenting him, praising him, yet all he wanted to do was give the other a warm gentle hug when Zave spoke of himself that way. He had almost believed him till the part when Oliver started to hear the other trying to even convince himself that this was all he would ever want. Then again, the athlete thought that of himself, it was hard to deny what the man had said.
"/Zave/" he said, a little chidingly this time, shaking his head. "I--I'm not a shining star, nor a guy who deserves all that praise.." he laughed nervously, warm browns staring back at those pale blues behind the glasses. "I'm not really close to that --" The man was about tongue-tied with all that he wanted to say but couldn't articulate well -- curse his inability to be eloquent. So he put a gentle hand on Zave's shoulder, delicate as the touch that the scholar had on his chin. "And I am the same, this is-- probably all that I would need." He said a little softly, finally a small smile on his lips. "You're a wonderful person, Zave. Amid all these great people you study, you may forget that, I don't know much about history and the old ways but I know a great person when I see one."
And Ziha in turn felt the turbulence of the emotions that hung on the hair, a green eye on his Chosen. He had felt many extreme dips in his mood yet-- this one was an entirely different feeling to him, he observed quietly in his spot although fully welcoming Era if she so wanted to rest with him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 6:34 pm
"You are to me, Oliver. And you'll not change my mind, my friend." The blonde smiled up to the brunette, a briefly curious touch of unspoken question lighting his eyes. "Probably? That's vague." He was teasing, of course, but Zave didn't want to linger on the topic that had very nearly struck a nerve too close to the home he was no longer a part of. The man much preferred when his friend was smiling and excitedly talking about cricket; it was more natural than this strange sort of gravity that was forming between them. It pulled at him, the weight of it, making his heart ache a little. "Come, sit with me. Tell me what you've been up to since we first met? I thought of you, the other day, when I overheard Lady Beatrice and her son discussing the game two weeks ago..."
And the discussion was easy from there, speaking of things that were near and dear to their hearts -- of cricket, of a new find of books and a market sale Zave planned to check out later -- but it didn't last long. He was on break, after all, and ever mindful that he was at work, he knew it couldn't last the rest of the day. That, they'd have to reschedule.
"But if you'd like to accompany me to the other townships when I raid them for discarded books, I'll make sure to treat you to lunch." Briefly clasping Oliver's knee, he gave the dark-haired man a winning smile before he stood up, facing him properly. "We've also cricket to play, my friend, but until then, I'm afraid I must earn my keep here." Zavier smiled a little more widely at his own teasing words. "It was delightful to see you, I'm -- I'm really happy you stopped by." And it was as honest as he could ever be in so few words.
Era, having spent the time alternating between munching fading blossoms and grooming Ziha, now nudged her paler companion in fond farewell. Flicking her tail a few times, she delicately picked her way out of the field and came to a stop just behind Zave, interjecting their farewell with her presence. Someone had to keep her Chosen in line, after all, and it was rarely wise to depend on him to do so.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 2:39 pm
It was so very easy for Oliver to talk with Zave this way, finding an immediate sense of comfort and connection with him. He always got carried away when he spoke of his craft sometimes, and it was no surprise that other people would grow weary of him fast but this man wasn't like that. With his honest and kind disposition, sincere smile and curious nature -- it was easy to be with him.
Of course Oliver was also in awe of this environment the blonde worked in. It wasn't a place he was familiar with at all, in fact it was the complete opposite of what he did in a way, but he was curious and probably mostly enjoyed the way his friend talked about the things he loved with a twinkle in his eyes, smiling and at ease.
He laughed, "I'd like that, maybe I don't look it but I really am fond of books," Oliver shook his head, "No please I want to treat you to lunch. I hit you on the head, invaded your workspace and I need to redeem myself." The young man joked, in good spirits. "Cricket shall wait as well," and with that he got reminded of his own appointments to keep, bringing up a hand to ruffle at his once-neat hair. "I ----" Oh dear, that smile. "I'm glad too." He replied with a hint of nervousness in his voice, returning that wide smile.
And Ziha was ready to leave as soon as Oliver had that thought, the visit spent resting with Era and watching her pick the blossoms in her mouth. He walked behind Era, bright green eyes looking at her deep golden ones. And with a bow of his head he moved to his Chosen's side, letting out a delicate snort at the mood he was in.
"I'll see you again, Zave -- soon." The brunette bowed in farewell.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
