|
|
Post by Val on Apr 22, 2020 20:25:27 GMT
Wolfgang pondered the consequences of the King's actions, but ultimately realized that he no longer belonged to Raevaryn. He was banished from his home and it was difficult to fathom not having those ties anymore. Despite it all, he bore no ill feelings toward the kingdom. His deep seated loyalty to friends and his home country remained, should they ever accept him back into their lives.
"Love makes people do crazy things," he surmised. Although he wasn't sure it was love that Alister was feeling, there was clearly an infatuation. He couldn't blame the man; if Wolfgang had been king he surely would have done far more scandalous things. He shifted suddenly and rose from the tub, the sound of splashing water interrupting the train of thought. He stepped out of the tub and retrieved a towel, drying himself and feeling refreshed now that the memory of imprisonment had begun to fade, "Have you ever followed your heart, even when you know you shouldn't?" he asked, curious to hear if the stoic Sasha had fallen victim to the spontaneity of emotions. The scene in the courtroom led him to believe that that part of her did exist.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elvander on Apr 24, 2020 19:47:39 GMT
Sasha listened to the sounds of him moving around the room and dressing, and she tended visibly when he asked her the question. She had never talked to anyone about what had happened to her. Was Wolfgang the person she was going to trust to be the first? Sasha rose and felt her way around the room to the edge of the bed, and settled there. She was silent as she pondered. Wolfgang had bared all his secrets to her, it seemed unfair for her to hold back.
“This may surprise you, but I was once a sweet and naive girl. I had my sight back then. I was a servant in a Lord’s household from the time I was a young girl. I fell in love with the Lord’s son, and he told his father he was going to marry me when I was sixteen years. Well, this Lord didn’t take so kindly to that notion. He forbade it, and to ensure I never stepped a foot out of line again, he blinded me. I fled the household once my eyes had healed.” Sasha told the story flippantly, as if it hadn’t scarred her in every conceivable way. But there was no doubt it impacted her to this day- her fierceness, her protectiveness, and her bitterness were all traits she had acquired to survive the loss she had suffered.
|
|
|
|
Post by Val on Apr 26, 2020 19:10:32 GMT
Wolfgang continued to dress as he waited for Sasha's answer, not sure what to expect from her. He wore the simple pants and shirt he'd been given and smoothed his damp hair back, finally starting to recognize himself in the dusty mirror. Even though much of his identity had been stripped away, his unmistakable confidence would never fade.
He turned back to Sasha as she spoke and listened patiently, feeling a myriad of emotions stir within him. If she had told him before, he might've tracked down the monster who'd blinded her and sought retribution. Without his privilege, he felt powerless. But as the anger faded, he realized that she wasn't sharing her story because she wanted revenge, but because she trusted him.
He slowly crossed the room and knelt in front of her, "I'm sorry that happened to you," he offered quietly. He reached for her hand and held it between both of his, "You're strong. Perhaps the strongest person I've ever met." As selfish as it was, Wolfgang was grateful for whatever events that had transpired to bring them together. He needed her and, even though Wolfgang had never considered himself a violent person, he was sure that the wolf would destroy anyone who dared to harm his friend again.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elvander on Apr 27, 2020 20:07:20 GMT
Sasha felt the warmth of his hand and didn't pull away this time, allowing him to respond to her vulnerability though she felt far too exposed after sharing the details of her sightless eyes. "Thank you," she murmured, and offered him a soft smile, "We're both strong, having survived our own paths. I'm... glad to be here with you." She lightly placed her other hand atop his. Wolfgang had just told her she was strong, but in the moment, she wasn't feeling strong enough to pull away from him.
|
|
|
|
Post by Val on Apr 29, 2020 19:05:37 GMT
"Me too," Wolfgang replied softly. He couldn't help but take advantage of the fact that he could study every inch of her face without her knowledge. It was captivating to see her so vulnerable and he began to wonder if there was something inevitable happening between them. Finally tearing his gaze away, he released her hands and sat on the bed beside her, "The boy you fell for...he didn't deserve you." It was obvious that her first love had failed her in every way imaginable, but he felt that she needed to hear it from someone else.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elvander on May 1, 2020 23:50:16 GMT
"I know that now," Sasha clasped her hands together as he released them, no longer wanting to linger on the past. "I should go unpack. I'm sure the others will be here soon."
|
|
|
|
Post by rightasrain19 on May 2, 2020 22:13:51 GMT
Evadne arrived with Sebastian in a small carriage. She was dressed impeccably but simply in a velvet black gown with long bell sleeves and a fur collar. Her hair remained braided in the signature style of her people. Hux sat obediently at her side on the carriage, and she rested a gloved hand on his back, gazing out the window. As they arrived at their destination, Evadne felt excitement stir in her gut. She couldn't wait to meet Wolfgang, officially. She glanced at Sebastian, "Don't worry. Once I have what I need from you, I will write to the king and tell him you're free to go. You shouldn't be here longer than a few days for me to get the samples I need. I may need you to return, as I see fit." She rose as the carriage pulled to a halt and exited, stepping into the mud with finality. Hux dismounted from behind her, and Evadne strode to the house, throwing open the door. She made no fuss about being quiet. She wanted Wolfgang and Sasha to know she had arrived.
|
|
|
|
Post by Val on May 3, 2020 23:38:39 GMT
Wolfgang rose from the bed as he heard Evadne's entrance at the front of the house. "I will greet them. Come out when you're ready," he told Sasha, casting her a lingering glance before he swept out of the bedroom. He made his way to the foyer, appearing in front of Evadne a completely different man than the one she had witnessed in court. He had bathed and shaved his beard, revealing his notoriously handsome features. Although he was lacking his fine clothes, he had shed the rags in favor of the simple clean shirt and pants he'd been given.
He was quick to take in the sight of the newcomer, noting her elegance and the well-behaved pup at her side, "Welcome Lady Demaris," he greeted, closing the space between them, "I must express my utmost gratitude for your interest in my case," he continued, stopping in front of her, "I very much look forward to working with you." He dipped his head politely and offered his hand in greeting. Subconsciously, he was glad he was able to officially meet the woman before Sebastian made an entrance. He was sure his carefully crafted confidence would fracture under yet another reunion with his younger brother.
|
|
|
|
Post by eragon on May 7, 2020 18:16:42 GMT
Thanks to Evadne's care, and probably the fact that she wouldn't have shared a carriage with him if he looked and smelled liked he'd just spent a few weeks in a dungeon, Seb was arriving much more clean and well-groomed than Wolfgang had been afforded the opportunity to. He peered out the window of the carriage as the house finally came into view, feeling his stomach tighten. As the prospect of seeing his brother again had drawn nearer, he'd been plagued ever more frequently by the persistent memories, usually in the form of nightmares. The constant bombardment made it difficult to remember what parts were really real and what parts his subconscious had embellished, and though he did want to help, he was half-dreading seeing Wolfgang again.
He glanced briefly toward Evadne as she spoke, feeling worry worm through him despite her instruction. As much as he was apprehensive about his reunion with his brother, he was equally concerned about the prospect of what would happen to him when he was no longer needed here. What was he supposed to do? They had nothing now, no home, and he had no other family to go to.
The carriage finally came to a halt, and while Evadne exited without a second thought, Sebastian was slower to leave its confines. Somewhat begrudgingly, he stepped out of the carriage and followed her through the still open doorway, entering just after she and Wolfgang had finished exchanging greetings. Seb stood and stared at Wolfgang for a moment, trying to reconcile the gaunt, shabbily-dressed man in front of him with the one he knew. Unable to, he crossed his arms and glanced around the poorly furnished room. "Nice place they gave us," he said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elvander on May 13, 2020 2:03:31 GMT
Sasha waited a few moments, then steeled herself once more, her expression carefully neutral. She allowed Artemist to lead her down the stairs to the front entry way, where she stood just behind Wolfgang. "Now we're all here. We can get this over with," her tone was terse again, and it was clear Sasha was back to her usual self- grumpy and unapproachable.
|
|
|
|
Post by rightasrain19 on May 19, 2020 17:07:37 GMT
Evadne took Wolfgang's hand and shook it firmly to greet him. While other ladies may have waited for him to kiss the back of their hands, Evadne was not that type of woman. She withdrew her gloved hand after a moment and let her eyes linger on Sasha. "I'm glad we're all here to accomplish something great, something that history will remember us for." She watched as Hux made his way into the house behind Sebastian. The two brothers would need time to talk before their little experiments began. As their luggage was brought in by their driver, Evadne fixed a strand of hair behind her ear. "There will be plenty of time for science later, though. Why don't we reconvene for dinner together in a few hours and get to know each other better?" As she spoke, a second carriage arrived, carrying Evadne's personal servants. Not many- a simple five, handpicked by herself of course. They would cook and clean and tend to the maintenance of the house. As her servants began unloading the goods they had brought with them, Evadne nodded to herself, pleased, and strolled into the house to find her room.
|
|
|
|
Post by Val on May 30, 2020 3:43:03 GMT
Wolfgang had far more to say to Evadne, but the words faltered as Sebastian made an appearance. He stared at his younger brother for perhaps a moment too long, allowing the relief to set in now that he was positive the boy was safe. The contention between them was practically tangible, and yet he wanted nothing more than to pull his brother in for a hug. Of course, he restrained himself from doing so, and settled on offering a nod in greeting. He exhaled, the sound coming out as a soft laugh in response to Seb's comment, "It'll take some getting used to," he agreed.
As Evadne continued speaking, his eyes kept returning to Sebastian and it was obvious he wasn't going to let the boy slip away before they spoke. "Dinner sounds great," he acknowledged the plans and watched the woman disappear to the back of the house. He turned back to his brother but the interaction was cut short as the servants filed into the room. His first reaction was to order them to clear the room, but it quickly dawned on him that he no longer held the power to do so. It would take some getting used to.
"I'll help you find a room, Sebastian," he offered, though he didn't leave much room for argument. Even if Seb wanted nothing to do with him, it was necessary for them to speak after everything that had occurred. He waited patiently for his brother to gather himself, casting Sasha a glance and wondering if Evadne's authoritative nature would continue to bother her. "See you at dinner?" he called to her.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elvander on Jun 1, 2020 22:39:11 GMT
Sasha nodded mutely as Evadne suggested dinner, and let the woman past to settle in. "See you at dinner," she murmured back to Wolfgang and headed off to her room to get some peace and quiet before what was sure to be an uncomfortable meal.
|
|
|
|
Post by Elvander on Sept 2, 2020 22:02:21 GMT
Dinner and the following days had been as uncomfortable as Sasha has anticipated. She liked hanging out with Wolfgang and being near him, but she wasn’t so sure about the others. Often, they would be off on their own, running Evadne’s tests. Sasha wasn’t needed as much for that part, and so she found herself spending most of her time on her own, waiting to have a moment with Wolfgang in order to continue to work with him to help tame his inner wolf. The blind woman sat outside on the porch wrapped in a Wool blanket and sipping tea, Artemis curled at her feet. She could smell the coming cold season on the edges of the air.
|
|
|
|
Post by Val on Sept 4, 2020 1:02:47 GMT
After finding Sasha's room empty, Wolfgang made his way out onto the back porch and was relieved to find her stationed in her usual evening spot. He moved wordlessly to lean against the railing that lined the veranda, his eyes drifting toward the night sky. The moon was bright enough to illuminate the back yard of the estate and the forest beyond in a soft glow, signifying the full moon that was approaching dreadfully fast. With a sigh, he swirled the glass of whiskey in his hand before quickly downing it and setting it down with a thud.
"I can't stay here, Sasha," he announced. He knew the declaration would be out of the blue, but he had to spit it out before he chickened out. He trusted Sasha deeply and, although he had considered disappearing without telling anyone, he couldn't bear the guilt of leaving her here without explanation after all she had done for him.
Wolfgang didn't necessarily want to leave, but it was an unfortunate necessity. Although Evadne's tests were providing interesting insights, they were no closer to any concrete answers and he was unwilling to put everyone in the house at risk when he inevitably turned. His absence would be temporary, but he had to leave soon before anyone caught wind of his plans. He was a prisoner, after all.
He settled into a rocking chair beside Sasha with a heavy sigh, preparing himself for whatever objections she might have. His mind was made up, but he found himself longing for some words of wisdom from his close friend. It seemed that no matter what decision he made, someone he cared about always ended up suffering the consequences of his actions.
|
|
