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 Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 8:34 pm
Quote: Plot: Charlene went about her business like usual, her routine of admiring the moon each night, and on one particular occasion someone else caught a glimpse of her and decided to come over. Characters: Charlene and Luka
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Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 9:12 pm
 
tab Charlene was still worried about what happened in the history class that everyone got trapped in that poor town filled with war. Something that she had never really wanted to live, but despite that, she had and...she felt better for it. Something about experiencing it firsthand made her realize that there was still a lot for her to learn so she would be able to help those around her. It was a few weeks later, at the full moon when she walked out to her usual spot. There was a bench that someone had put there, for what purpose she did not know, but she found it a very nice place to sit so she was able to admire the moon. As she walked towards the spot, she carefully made sure not to step on any flowers, her blue eyes watching her steps as she ran her fingertips against the passing bushes. She had always loved nature; it was something that remained a constant even in the times that changed around them.
tab As she finally made her way to the bench, she pulled her skirt underneath her legs, sweeping it with her arms as she settled onto the cold material of the bench. She lifted her head up and her eyes quickly found the moon. It was at the perfect spot that she didn't have to lift her head too high but yet, it wasn't hidden behind the forest. It was the perfect backdrop for one who lived a majority of her life in the moonlight, and not just because of her kingdom or powers. Her pale complexion made it hard for her to tan, and so she found bathing in the moonlight both calmed her and reduced her wrinkles. Well, she wasn't sure, but she had never noticed any. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath of the night air before she breathed out and slowly opened her eyes. She smiled to herself, her hand raising up as she a soft beam of light began to form in her palm, a message beginning to form in the mist of the moonlight that was in front of her. She sent messages late because of how they communicated but she knew that Bree was sound asleep. As she soon would be.
tab When she finished with her message, she raised her hand slightly and the light was absorbed by the white light cascading over her and it vanished. She rested her hand back onto her lap and a gentle laugh left her lips as she closed her eyes again, the moonlight bouncing off her long blonde hair, her ankles crossing as she tucked them under the bench and she tilted her head up letting the light wash over her. That was the beautiful thing about the moon, no matter where she was, it was there too. ' I miss home...my beautiful girl...but I can always feel comfortable no matter where I am...' she thought to herself as she relaxed her shoulders, feeling content. Assuming she was alone like she always seemed to be...
 
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Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 10:24 pm
 After the madness that had been their most recent class, Luka had spent his time doing anything and everything he could to keep his mind off of it. He’d gotten drunk and had some interesting conversations with a guy named Fane. He’d worked out with a few new buds named Hasan and Alastair. And he’d spent as much time as humanly possible out in the trees. Here, in the quiet of the woods, he could decompress. No one bothered him. No one looked at him with the same haunted look he knew to be in his own eyes. He wouldn’t run into Blondie or the b*****d or any of the others he’d seen in that hellhole. No, here he could just be. And he needed it more than he’d ever admit.
On this particular night, the full moon danced over the branches of the forest and cast shadows over his form in the trees. His hands moved quickly over the piece of wood he’d brought up with him, cutting bits of it away with his dagger as he hummed softly to himself. He hadn’t the foggiest idea as to what it would be, but that wasn’t going to stop him. The creature within would show itself soon enough. All Luka had to do was pull it out slice by slice. The task was one he’d done more times than he could count over the years. It was his way of occupying his mind. And, who knows, maybe he could give it to his sister or one of the people he’d met recently. Was it weird for a dude to give another dude a wooden animal?
While the question bounced around his head, soft footsteps on the grass alerted him of a newcomer. Who in the hell would be out here at this hour? Other than him, obviously. Shifting on the branch, he scanned the area around him before coming to a stop on the individual in question. Long blonde hair, willowy frame, and blue eyes that seemed to glow a bit in the moonlight. For a moment, he found himself caught. Was this one of those wood nymphs he’d read about? She caressed the nearby foliage so sweetly, it had to be. Shaking his head, Luka did his best to clear the silly thoughts and refocused his attention on the woman.
’Have I seen her before? She has to be royalty of some kind to be out here. Or perhaps a duchess? She’s definitely not staff. What is she doing…?’ Amber eyes followed her every movement as she settled on the bench, snowy brows rising at the sight of light forming what appeared to be words in the beam of moonlight she was sitting in. Holy crap,did she really just do that?! Fascinated, he tucked his dagger back into its sheath and set the piece of wood on the branch above him. He could always come back for it later. There was something far more interesting than his figurines in the woods with him now.
Pushing off the branch, he fell to the grass easily and dusted off the back of his pants. Wouldn’t be a good first impression if he introduced himself with bark and sap covering his backside. The sound of him was sure to alert her, but he made sure to clear his throat as an extra measure. He didn’t want to scare her. Especially if she’d been in history class with them last lesson. Holding up his hands, Luka showed her he came in peace and set an easy smile on his lips.
”Pardon my interruption, Miss, but it wouldn’t be right of me to be out here with you without you knowing.” A boyish grin quickly replaced his smile as he watched her, stepping a little closer but making sure to do it at a pace she would be okay with. ”I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you. I’m Luka. What, may I ask, is your name? And would it be okay if I joined you on this lovely evening?” Gods, it felt weird talking in such a way. He was used to just saying whatever popped into his head. But, for some reason, this one had him pulling out cards he hadn’t realized he had. She was refined. Elegant. And he felt like a grungy streetwalker in comparison. He did his best to ignore this, of course, and kept his expression friendly as he waited for her response.
Location: Woods Company: Pretty Nymph Thoughts: 'Is she glowing? Or am I losing it?’
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Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2025 10:26 am
tab Charlene wasn’t expecting anyone to be out in the field or the woods this late at night. The late hour was why she felt comfortable using her power so openly like that, as any use would give away where she came from and she already had a few people know where she hailed from. She had given herself away with Pascha, even if he wasn’t processing things quite as fast as he normally would have. She knew he’d put the pieces together eventually. That and the dark skinned man who joined them last minute…something told her that he could figure it out, but it wasn’t like she was a princess or a prime person in the kingdom after all. That was Princess Menodora.
tab A sudden sound from the woods snapped her out of her thoughts and her blue eyes widened before she looked over towards the source of the sound. An animal? Another person? Who would be out there? She heard someone clear their throat and clearly from the tone it was a man. She gripped her dress slightly for a moment, did she just get herself in more trouble? However when he stepped out and into the light so she could see him she relaxed slightly, his grin either a clever ruse to hide his intentions or honest, and she had a feeling he wasn’t trying to pull a fast one over her. She relaxed her shoulders and returned his smile, her relief probably clear as day on her face. She wasn’t used to keeping airs when she was out here, and she appreciated that the man didn’t seem to be bothered by it. ” Oh, well I do appreciate that.” she replied quietly, before she registered his name, nodding her head. ” I don’t believe we have met…my name is Charlene. It’s a pleasure to meet you Luka.” she blinked in surprise when he asked if he could join her and she smiled almost shyly, the last time she had interacted with someone so closely it ended well, perhaps she could look forward to this too.
tab She uncrossed her ankles and with another nod she slid down the bench slightly, leaving a spot for him to sit next to her. ” Of course. Be my guest.” she looked back up at the moon as she listened for him moving closer and to sit next to her. She smiled softly as she tilted her head a little, figuring he would mention if he saw anything when he felt like it. ” So, what brings you out here so late?” she shifted her legs slightly so she faced him a little more. As she awaited his reply she took the chance to look over his appearance. His hair glowed in the moonlight it was so white, and there was something that pulled her in about his eyes. She couldn’t place why she almost immediately felt like she could trust him, but she did.
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Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2025 8:13 pm
The momentary panic in her expression had him cursing himself. Damn it, he could have handled that better. Scaring pretty women wasn’t something he enjoyed doing. Unless they wanted it, of course. But he had a feeling this one wasn’t that type. He kept his hands where she could see them as he waited for her to deal with his presence. Thankfully, she seemed to relax a bit and he took a cautious step closer. She reminded him of a doe in the woods, which had a slight twinge of amusement pulling at his lips as he kept his smile in place.
”Oh, well I do appreciate that. I don’t believe we have met…my name is Charlene. It’s a pleasure to meet you Luka.”
Ah, there it was. Charlene. Yeah, she definitely looked like a Charlene. Classy, sophisticated, elegant. And damn it, she was gorgeous. Like, lives in a tower and is waiting for Prince Charming to come whisk her off to Happily Ever After gorgeous. And he had a sappy a** and splinters in his hand. Should he even try to sit beside her? Maybe the grass would be better. Would that be weird? To have him sitting at her feet, looking up at her? Would she look more like a goddess than she already did? His mind raced with similar questions, all of which he promptly ignored when she moved.
” Of course. Be my guest. So, what brings you out here so late?”
Well, now he had to sit by her. It was the only proper thing to do. And he was a prince. In title, anyway. Forcing his feet to move, he closed the distance between them and joined her on the bench. Long legs stretched out before him, crossing at the ankles as he relaxed back. He linked his fingers behind his head to tip his face up to the stars, looking over the heavens.
”I’m always out here. If I could set up my hammock and sleep out here, I probably would. It’s weird sleeping in a dorm. For me, anyway.” As he spoke, he tipped his head to the side to look at her once more. Seriously, was she glowing? Or was that a trick of the light? Maybe he was spending too much time in the woods. And yet, he found himself unable to look away. A boyish grin took over his features for a second time as he studied her, hoping he wasn’t making her uncomfortable with the way he was looking.
”What about you, Charlene? What brings you out to the woods at this hour?” Even as the words popped out of his mouth, he realized he really didn’t have the right to ask. He cleared his throat once more, trying his best to follow the manners he knew his mother had taught him once upon a time. ”Of course, you are under no obligation to tell me. Feel free to tell me to shove it if it’s personal.”
Location: Woods Company: Charlene Thoughts: 'I have never felt more like a commoner than I do right now!’
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Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2025 12:11 pm
tab Charlene had recognized him from around the school but she mostly recalled seeing him with a couple of the others who clearly worked out. As he sat down next to her she allowed her eyes to wander slightly, if only for a moment. He had muscles and certainly looked like he was working out often. She closed her eyes before looking back up at the sky with a gentle smile. ” Are you? Funny…we must never have crossed paths before.” she supposed she shouldn’t be surprised when she wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the night air. She glanced over to him as he mentioned sleeping in the dorms. Aha, that was it. He didn’t scream royalty but he was still well-mannered, surely he was more an outside person.
tab When he asked what she was doing out in the field, only to quickly turn it around she couldn’t help but laugh. She covered her mouth as she pulled herself back together, surprised that he seemed so worried about offending her. She really hoped she didn’t come off as stuck up, she didn’t intend to! She shook her head before she smiled at him, letting her hand drop to around her chin. ” Oh that’s quite alright! It’s what one would come to expect, seeing as I asked you first.” she found the air around him quite relaxing already.
tab She was a little hesitant showing him but surely he had seen already. ” I come out here to send messages to my daughter.” she held her palm out again, the light of the moon centering on her hand. She held it for a moment, before she closed her hand and it disappeared. ” She has the same powers, so we’re able to talk even while she’s away at school herself.” she looked over to him, tilting her head slightly as she hummed gently in thought. She found it kind of nice to have company at night, even though she hadn’t had it before. Perhaps it was the relaxed nature that he seemed to carry but she felt similarly when she was with Lord Sverre, she could be herself if not a little more.
tab Charlene set her hands on her lap and a small, almost shy, smile began to form on her lips as she looked up again at the open sky. She enjoyed the view from here for that reason, the sky was open and bright, a clear view of the very being that was her kingdom. She didn’t know where he was from, but she knew better than to ask. ” So…” she began, her eyes shifting to look over at Luka again. ”…you’re more a nature person I take it. How did you end up dragged into all this…” she waved one hand softly as if to indicate around her. ” If you feel like answering, if not, I understand.” she almost copied him word for word, to tease him. But the words felt strange for her to think, never mind say.
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Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2025 11:27 pm
The feel of her eyes on him didn’t go unnoticed, but he made no move to call her out on it. If she wanted to check him out, she was more than willing to. He had stared at her a bit from the shadows so he had no room to be bothered by it. Granted, she looked far better than he did, but he wasn’t going to confess that either. No, he’d let her do as she pleased when it came to looking at him and bit the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning like the big goof he usually was.
”I tend to stick in the trees. The stupid curfew they try to enforce around here has almost cost me a time or two. I’m just glad they don’t do bed checks. Mine hasn’t been slept in for almost three days now.” A mischievous tone echoed from his words, something he didn’t bother to hide. He wanted nothing more than to have one of the staff try and make him stay in his room. It would make things a lot more fun for him, that was sure.
The sound of her laughter tugged at something in him and had his eyes widening a bit in response. Okay, he had to get her to do that again. If he had thought her glowing before, seeing her enjoying herself took it to a freaking twenty. He could do nothing but stare at her for a bit, in awe of what that simple thing had done. Of course, it was only for a second. Then he was snapping back and forcing himself to look at anything else but her. No matter how much he wanted to. Unfortunately, he found himself unable to accomplish such a feat the moment she admitted her reason for being outside.
”You have a daughter? And her powers are…” He watched her display, fascinated at the way she seemed to hold the moonlight in her hand. Ah, okay, she was from Luna. That made sense. Since he knew the rule about confessing where they were from, he made it a point not to comment on it. He simply shook his head, his smile returning as he looked from her hand back to her enchanting features.
”Intriguing. I would not have guessed you to be a mother, especially one with a child old enough to be in school. You look…amazing.” Yeah, that was cheesy. But, the words were out and it was too late to suck them back into his mouth. Luka lifted a hand to rub the back of his neck awkwardly, doing his best to play it off when she started speaking again. Oh, thank the gods, was all he could think when she turned things onto him. It was an easier topic and one that didn’t have him tasting his boots.
”Nah, I’m okay with answering.” He shot her a playful wink, catching her attempt to tease and using it to his advantage. ”I was asked to keep an eye on my sister. Well, technically, my half sister but still. Our father worried about her and offered me something in return for keeping her safe. So, I gave up the easy life of sleeping in the woods and doing as I pleased to be locked up in classes that are designed, in my opinion, to torture us rather than teach.” Echoes of history class flashed back in his head, forcing him to look away to keep her from seeing the emotions that were sure to be playing over his face. No, he wasn’t going to burden her with that. She had been through it as well, so there was no doubt that she held her own trauma from the lesson. Instead, he shoved it all down and shifted in his seat to keep himself comfortable.
”Have you ever slept outside, Charlene? Maybe gone camping in the woods where you’re from?” New topic, new way to keep her talking about easy things. Hell, he just wanted to keep her talking. If she was, he could stay with her a little longer.
Location: Woods Company: Charlene Thoughts: 'Breathe, Luka. Just breathe…’
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Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2025 11:46 am
tab Charlene couldn’t help but smile slightly as he spoke about not using his dorm room. She couldn’t help but wonder what else he might be up to other than sleeping but that was none of her business, not at this point. She laughed softly under her breath, nodding as she looked back up again. ” I’m pretty sure they know I do this every night, I’ve made it clear why I do it, so perhaps they give me a break.” it wasn’t like she usually made a habit of staying out once she sent the message, but tonight was an exception. When she found him staring at her, she didn’t say anything but her cheeks dusted pink at the realization. She smiled shyly, she had been flattered before but it was another thing for it to be without words said.
tab She knew mentioning her little girl was either a deal breaker or not, but with Luka it didn’t seem to matter too much. He still was curious about her and for some reason that made her heart swell slightly. Especially as he rubbed the back of his neck and tried to play off the words she felt the pink on her cheeks deepen, and she for once had to avert her eyes. She smiled, looking down at her lap and pushed her hair back behind her ear. ” Oh…? Well thank you…” she tried to pull herself together before she lifted her eyes up again. ” She’s five, so barely school age, if that makes a difference.”
tab It didn’t help when he teased her right back, the duchess getting caught off guard as she widened her eyes ever so slightly. Her expression softened as he spoke of his sister and she admired the fact that he cared enough to drop the life he had previously to come be a support for his sister. ” How kind of you… I’m sure she appreciates it.” she said softly before she thought back to history class, one of her hands briefly moving to her hip as she felt a flash of hesitation and she recalled the pain she’d felt for the first time when she hadn’t managed to dodge the sword. She closed her eyes and breathed out, she knew better now but that didn’t make it easy.
tab She opened her eyes and his question pulled her back into the moment as she removed her hand from her hip and shook her head. ” I have not… although it sounds like it would be quite the experience.” she smiled with a child-like curiosity. ” My home is probably much like what they say about families with reputations. It can be quite…” she paused for a moment before she breathed out, she was safe here, she could say it. ”…stuffy, perhaps even worse for me since my mistake has been held over my head.” she looked back up at the moon and sighed softly, before she looked back to Luka. ” Would you recommend it? Perhaps if I had someone to go with I would be able to have fun.” she knew her words came off like she was flirting but, honestly? She was a little bit.
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Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2025 6:53 pm
”Ah, so you have permission to skip curfew. You’ve gotta tell me how you did it. Was there a slip you had to get signed? Because, I swear, if I have to face off with the old man that watches this place again, I might lose my mind.” While he was, mostly, joking, he really hadn’t enjoyed his few interactions with the groundskeeper. Marco had no chill and seemed to enjoy tossing his a** back into his dorm whenever he stepped out of line. How that old geezer had bagged a woman that was as attractive as the nurse, Luka would never know.
The color on her cheeks pulled his focus when she spoke again, yanking at his insides in a way that had him wanting to lean in. To reach out and touch. Damn it all, he was sinking fast. He had to get himself under control. She was a lady. A well bred one who didn’t need him drooling all over her skirts. This wasn’t his first time speaking to a woman, so he knew he could do better. Granted, she was a woman of substance and not someone he was hitting on in a bar, but Luka tried not to focus on that little tidbit.
”Aw, that’s a fun age. She’s just learning how to read and write, correct? Does she have a favorite subject in school?” Okay, maybe he was laying it on a little thick, but he’d never known anyone close to his age with a child. Babies, yeah. But not kids. While he waited for her response, Luka wondered what her daughter looked like. Would she share the same coloring as Charlene, the golden locks and startling blue eyes? Or would she look like the male that had sired her? He was tempted to ask, but swallowed the words before they could escape. It wasn’t his place.
Her comment on Alosa appreciating his presence had him grinning once more. Gods, he hoped so. He adored his sister, more than anyone else in the world. Even after such a short time of being with her, Luka knew he’d do anything to keep her safe. To keep her happy and content in her life. It was an odd feeling, to say the least, but he knew he wouldn’t change a single thing about it. The relationship he had with his little sister was paramount, something he wouldn’t hesitate to confess if she ever thought otherwise.
”Gods, I hope so.” Was all he could say. Anything more, and he knew he’d go into word vomit mode and start spewing all the mushy things he’d been thinking. Charlene might have been a lady, but even she was sure to have her limits. Thankfully, she saved him from himself and confirmed his previous thoughts. She was in a class much like the royals he had seen growing up. Proper, poised, and prissy. Or, rather, she’d been raised in such an environment. To him, well, she seemed different. Sophisticated, definitely, but not snobby. Approachable. Especially when she mentioned a mistake.
”It is. One I say everyone should try at least once in their lifetime.” He started, trying his best to find the right way to voice his thoughts. It wasn’t in him to believe that a child was a mistake. He was the byproduct of a coupling that shouldn’t have happened, and his mother never thought of him as a mistake. Of course, this also made it hard for him to keep his big mouth shut when others did. ”And anyone that would tell you that your daughter was a mistake should be…punished, for lack of a better term. Or, rather, a more polite one.” Gods, he felt stupid when he spoke. Why in the hell was that?! Shaking his head, he lifted his eyes back to the heavens and tried to get himself in control. He could do this. Or so he hoped, anyway. Clearing his throat, Luka put his smile back on his lips and motioned towards the woods around them.
”As for you going camping, we can always try it out tonight. Give you a trial run just to see what you like and don’t. I, of course, will be your guide and show you all the tricks and tips that come with spending a night under the stars. Interested?” It was his way of trying to pull the mood back to playful, his amber gaze shifting back to hers at the last word. If she shot him down, he’d just keep talking about silly things. So long as she didn’t tell him to beat feet, he’d be happy. Location: Woods Company: Charlene Thoughts: 'There is something seriously wrong with me tonight…’
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Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2025 9:30 pm
tab Charlene couldn't help but smile at the thought of Luka and Marco going at it. She shook her head as she thought about it, before she looked over at him and his gold eyes. " Oh, so you've met him then. Sir Marco is quite the...curious one." that being the polite way to say that he was lacking in emotions other than frustration. She tilted her head slightly and hummed before finally replying again. " It's less...permission and more they know I'll do it anyway, and I don't stay out all night. Perhaps that's the issue they hold with it?" she shot him a look of almost amusement before she nodded her head and a fond, loving smile appeared on her lips. She hadn't expected him to know of the developmental stages.... never mind being interested in it. " She tells me her favorite is art, but that's likely because she can play with paint." she raised her left hand up to the side of her mouth, her eyes closing softly as her smile widened slightly. She felt happy that someone actually showed interest in her life, the one thing that she always knew would be a constant. It almost made her heart race a little bit faster, a feeling she hadn't really felt for years.
tab She pushed her hair behind her ear as she looked over at him as he spoke of his sister only briefly. She could hear a handful of emotion even with his simple words and she let out a gentle, short sound of contentment. She had never really thought about camping before, it sounded like something that would be quite nice, and she could only imagine what fun Bree would have. When he pulled her attention back after a beat of silence she widened her eyes slightly, looking back at him. She knew he at least humored her when she spoke about her daughter, but for him to say...that he thought they should be punished? She was admittedly curious about what word he would have used but this was neither the time or the place she was sure. She wouldn't want to ruin the mood that they had slowly begun to form.
tab His attempt to pull the mood back certainly worked as she met his eyes and relaxed her shoulders, her head lolling to one side softly. " Tonight? Whatever shall the groundskeeper think?" she asked the question softly, but clearly didn't expect an answer. She knew he wouldn't like it. " If you're my guide, I don't think there will be any doubt that I'll enjoy it...therefore I shall take you up on your offer." she didn't know exactly what it would entail but she knew that she enjoyed his company and part of her didn't mind getting alone with him somewhere more quiet. Even though all they could hear was each other right now, they were out in the open. A little privacy wouldn't hurt.
tab After all, who knew what would happen for the remainder of the evening.
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Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2025 11:53 pm
”Curious is a serious understatement for that guy. a**l, annoying, and a pain in the a…backside suit him better. In my opinion, anyway.” Luka caught himself before he cursed in front of her, not wanting to cross that not so invisible line where their breeding was concerned. Plus, it just felt rude to cuss around her. She didn’t deserve to hear the brute he could turn into. Especially not when it came to the groundskeeper who needed to take his broom out of his a**.
Her mention of not staying out all night had his mood shifting a bit, wondering if she would turn down his offer to sleep under the stars with him. He’d be a gentleman, of course. Or, as close to one as someone in Luka’s shoes could manage. The lessons he’d learned about being one had come from what he’d seen on the streets, after all. A far cry from what she was used to, he imagined. The thought had the feeling of being inadequate washing over him once more, reminding him he still had sap all over the underside of his pants. He really needed to start bringing a second pair. Just in case, he mused as her words drifted through his mind to scatter his thoughts.
”Ah, so you’ve got a little artist on your hands, huh? I can see that. Playing with paint, watching the colors combine and take on new shades is a fascinating thing. Perhaps it will lead to her being a scientist, or an alchemist. She could make medicines, or just stick with painting. I’m sure, whatever she decides, you’ll support her. You seem like that type of mom.” There he went again, spouting off about things he had no right to speak of. The awkward feelings returned and had him looking away, wondering if he was being screwed with. The Fates did love messing with his life. And what better way than to put a beautiful woman, a classy noble, in his path so he could stuff his boot in his mouth like a fool in front of her? Yup, he had to be being pranked by some celestial being. It was the only thing that made sense.
The comment she made about the groundskeeper pulled a laugh of his own from his lips. Oh yeah, Marco was sure to be thrilled to find them passed out in the grass. Granted, he would have to hunt them down first but that was neither here nor there. Luka could already see the man’s face, all puckered in annoyance as he kicked him awake and prattled on about curfews and rules and blah, blah, blah. His grin took on a hint of mischief at all the ways he could mess with the older man, only to have it vanish as her acceptance of his offer snapped his eyes back to her own.
”A-are you certain? I have absolutely no problem with showing you the rustic charm of camping, but if you’d rather wait until we have more supplies I would totally understand.” He could hear the nerves in his own voice as he tried to give her an out. Spending the night, the whole night, alone with her sounded….hell, if sounded really ******** good. Even if all they did was talk, Luka would add it to the highlights of his time in Utopia. But he wasn’t going to push her into something just because he wanted to get to know her. To spend a little more time in the glow that seemed to radiate off of her very skin.
”I’m giving you an out here, Charlene, but please don’t take it as me trying to get out of spending time with you. I’d count my lucky stars just to share a few more moments with you. I just want you to be sure.” This was her chance. Her shot to turn him down. No judgement. No hurt feelings. Just two newly acquainted people parting ways. If she did, he’d just walk her back to her room. If she didn’t, well, they’d see what happened next. Location: Woods Company: Charlene Thoughts: 'Please let this not be a joke…’
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Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2025 12:33 pm
tab Charlene blinked softly as she heard him catch himself before cursing. She had been around her fair share of soldiers so she was no stranger to the idea of curses but she felt almost... honored that he didn't want to around her. Sure it meant he was watching himself but that wasn't always a bad thing. She did laugh under her breath at his comment and she nodded in agreement. While the groundskeeper was a kind person to her, he was quite serious. She had the tendency to stay on the better side of everyone though, at least she tried to do her best.
;tab: Her expression softened as he spoke of painting and all the wonderful things her daughter could do with her life. She breathed out and she smiled gently as he looked away, she was surprised that a man who looked like he'd lived a life of adventure such as he did, would have such insight. She appreciated everything he said though, and she glanced down at his hand as she had the thought to set her hand over his own but she didn't act on it quite yet. " I will support her in whatever she chooses to do, you're right about that. Even if she... ends up doing the same thing I did, I will not allow her to be treated as I have." that was years away even as a possibility but she wouldn't let anything that had happened to her, happen to her little girl. Even when her little girl wasn't so little any more. Hopefully by then she had found someone to share her life with, and perhaps have an addition more to her family.
tab Charlene almost laughed under her breath again as he faltered, clearly he didn't expect her to say yes to his offer. She leaned forward slightly, her elbows resting on her legs. " Is it so hard to believe that I'd want to spend time with someone who is so..." she trailed off as she tried to come up with the right word. "...sweet? Despite not entirely sure how to act." she called him out for his nerves but she did so with a soft smile. She tilted her head onto her hand as she allowed a gentle laugh to escape her lips. She found his nervousness almost comforting, she wasn't the only one around the school who was nervous about her situation. It was never easy to get adjusted, not right away, but if she was able to do so with someone else she found it easier.
tab She then decided to go with what she had wanted to do earlier, her expression softening as she reached her right hand over and rested it on his knee. " Of course I want to spend time with you. If I hadn't, I would have left by now. And besides some alone time doesn't sound so bad." she had last felt this comfortable with Lord Sverre but that was a bad time, and now that she was able to relax she didn't want to lose the chance. After a moment she slowly began to move her hand back, although she didn't move fast enough that he couldn't take her hand if he wanted. " So yes, I am sure. Lead the way." she smiled again at him, her cheeks taking on another soft pink color as she awaited his answer further.
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Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2025 11:55 pm
The look on her face made every word he’d said to her worth it. There was just a softness about her, a sweetness that he’d never had the chance to see in another. Most of the women he knew had been brash or brazen, soft in the ways of their bodies but that had been it. Not that he had minded, of course. Each one of them had also had a strength that had pulled them to him, that bit of steel that he had thought himself to desire in each of his bedmates. But, Charlene? She had a purity about her. An untouched nature that made him feel every bit the peasant he knew himself to be. But, damn it all if he didn’t want to be the one to mess her all up and get a taste of her sweetness.
”Of that, I have absolutely no doubts. We might have just met today, but anyone that would venture out at night to message their kid has to be a great parent. I have no doubt that she loves your messages more than anything else in the world.” using her daughter to keep his thoughts civil, he sent her a smile that he hoped hid his inner musings. Of course, that went right out the window when she turned things on him and threw all his preconceptions out the window. His eyes widened, his jaw dropped, and he could do nothing but gape at her for a few moments. It was only for a moment, then he was rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment and doing his best to laugh it all off.
”Well, it seems you’ve gone and put me in my place. Well done, Lady Charlene.” He made sure to keep his tone light and teasing, not wanting her to think that he was upset with her in any way. ”I guess it’s not…” His voice cut off at the feel of her hand on his knee, all ability to speak simply leaving him as if he’d suddenly gone mute. Okay, she was touching him. She was willingly making contact with his pants. Gods, was that part clean? The pants had been clean when he’d left his room that morning, having to shower and change for the day. He hadn’t rolled in the mud or anything like that, but trees were known for spreading their sap whenever possible. Luka prayed to whatever gods he could think of that they were, in fact, clean and reached out to snag her by the wrist when she moved.
”Just so we’re clear, if you change your mind, I will take you back. That offer is, and always will be, on the table where I’m concerned. Alright?” He waited to see the acknowledgement on her face before sliding his fingers free of her wrist. They didn’t go far, linking with her own as he stood back up onto his feet. ”I only have the basic of basics out here, but I’m sure it’ll work. You can have most of the blankets if you get too cold. I tend to run a little on the hotter side, anyway.” With that said, Luka gave her fingers a gentle squeeze and began to lead her away from the bench and into the trees. Location: Woods Company: Charlene Thoughts: 'This had better not be a dream…And if it is, I’ll kill whoever dares to wake me up from it.’
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Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 5:28 pm
tab Charlene was already quite enjoying her time with him, but she couldn't help but enjoy the look on his face when she had taken him by surprise. Clearly he had one thought of how she'd be, and she wasn't. Her smile remained and almost took a hint of teasing as he spoke. She was able to hold her own, she wasn't a helpless woman. Although she tended to be a little more on the reserved side she couldn't help herself sometimes. Even more...attractive to her, she was beginning to realize, was when she took him off guard. When he stopped talking all together she couldn't help but tilt her head slightly. Was she saying something wrong? She looked up at his eyes and sure enough, she could read his expression. He seemed surprised, but quickly pulled himself back together, his hand gently wrapping around her wrist. This time it was her turn to feel her breath catch as she paused her movement. She wasn't fully expecting him to just grab her like that, but she kept her gaze up on his and as he repeated himself about the offer of going back remaining on the table she nodded. " I appreciate that...even if I don't see myself needing it." she replied softly, her cheeks tinting pink as she felt him let go of her wrist only to take her hand in his and she let her hand relax in his grip, her head tilting slightly.
tab She stood up with him, making a note of the fact that she was in heels and while that wasn't the best attire, it was what she had. Actually, she owned very few flats. Her mother always taught her that they were for younger women and children. She smiled at him at his offer about the blankets and laughed under her breath softly as she easily kept up with him despite the grass they were walking on. " It doesn't surprise me that you're hot blooded, you certainly seem the type." she meant her words with the best intentions, and she glanced up to his expression before she exhaled out her nose and as she walked, moved half a step closer to him so her arm was pressed against his softly. She looked ahead and surveyed the ground, beginning to wonder how well her heels would fare in the wooded areas. " You might have to be patient with me, these shoes don't look too...well prepared for such a thing, but I don't have anything else. Not really." she flashed Luka a sheepish smile before she began to carefully step over the brush that lined the forest floor. she hummed but she didn't think too much of it, finding an easy rhythm that made it easy for her to keep pace, even though she was sure he slowed down for her. She appreciated it and she gave his hand a soft squeeze, trying to ignore the blush on her face from the contact with another adult. She hadn't held someone's hand like this since...well, forever. She already found herself enjoying herself as she glanced back up to him out of the corner of her eye. " So, sir Luka, you must know all the best spots out here if you're out enough to have a personal vendetta against the groundskeeper." she was teasing him, while not at the same time. Her eyes giving away the playful nature of her statement.
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Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 9:54 pm
Gods, she was going to be the end of him. He could see it. The pink tint on her cheeks was devastating. It took her looks to a level he was more than certain he wasn’t deserving of. Damn it, he should have thought this out better. But how was he to know he’d happen upon a wood nymph in the moonlight? No, a goddess. One that was going to have him on his knees worshipping her in second if she kept looking at him like that. Her words helped him to refocus on things, pulling him from his inner musing to have him smiling down at her.
”I just have to be sure. I might not have been raised by the upper crust, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be a gentleman when in the presence of a lady as lovely as you are.” Luka lifted their joined hands to brush a kiss over her knuckles, mischief dancing in his eyes for a moment before he let their fingers fall. The comment on his body temperature had him arching a snowy brow at her, intrigue racing through him. Well now, was this something more he was sensing? The brush of her arm against his own had him leaning towards the ‘definitely’ column, but he did his best not to let it show. He would just wait and see how the rest of the night went before he acted on anything.
The mention of her shoes had her looking down at the heels. Hm, she had a point there. He took a moment to look over things and wondered if she’d consider wearing his boots. He was used to running barefoot through the woods. Well, not these woods, but weren’t all woods pretty much the same thing? Besides, he’d rather risk his own self being injured over her. The thought only lasted a few seconds before he brushed it aside. No, that wouldn’t work. With how heavy his boots were, she was sure to have an issue. Instead, Luka slowed down to give her a chance and rubbed his thumb absently over the top of her knuckles.
”I could always carry you, my lady. I’ve gotten to know these woods pretty well, so I’m sure I could get us there without risking your shoes.” He left the offer at that, not wanting to take liberties and just scoop up into his arms like he wanted. She might have been okay with coming out here with him, but she might have had issues with being manhandled. Just the thought of getting his hands on her, of holding her against his chest, set off all sorts of bells and had him swallowing hard. Nope, not going there. That’s not what this was. She was not that kind of woman. Get it together, Viridian!
As silence fell around them, he couldn’t stop himself from looking out of the corner of his eyes at her. Like he half expected this to be a dream. During one of the many times, he caught her gaze and grinned boyishly. Okay, maybe not a dream. But one hell of a fascinating reality. Walking in the woods, drenched in moonlight, hand in hand with a stunning beauty. Yup, definitely one hell of a reality. Luka marveled in his luck when she spoke, chuckling softly as he tipped his head up to look at the stars that shimmered through the treetops.
”As often as I possibly can, if I’m honest. I grew up on the streets, so being trapped in four walls gets a little stifling. Even walls as fancy as the ones that make up the dorms.” The slip of his words had him biting the inside of his cheek. Damn it, he wasn’t supposed to give too much away. She was a stranger, after all. A member of a different court. While peace was what the academy wanted, it wasn’t as easy as all that. Of all people, Luka knew that.
And yet, part of him argued with his logic. The woman at his side couldn’t be like that. Yes, she was cultured and refined. Had probably grown up with tutors and servants and all that jazz. But she’d been told her daughter was a mistake. That she’d done something bad by bringing a little light into the world. Anyone that could do that and still be as dazzling as Charlene couldn’t be bad. Definitely couldn’t want bad things. Right? Location: Woods Company: Charlene Thoughts: 'Man, I’m screwed…’
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