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Post by starrea on Mar 15, 2021 18:15:12 GMT
The restrictive element of Xander's show of affection was not lost on Lennox. It was probably necessary, though, because Lennox was two seconds away from clawing the girl's eyes out. Xander's soothing energy wasn't enough to calm her down this time. As her hostility skyrocketed, the energy around Xander and Evolet seemed to almost materialize into something tangible, something Lennox was tempted to reach out and grab and manipulate. Beyond that, the urge to just spiteful invade Evolet's privacy through digging through her memories was deliciously tempting. She wanted to rip inside of Evolet's head and warp her energy and bring her to her knees.
Maybe the gesture was meant to be friendly, but Evolet's pretentious show of faux modesty was an obvious brag about her wealth, but it only made Lennox's resentment burn hotter. Regardless of Lennox's already slightly bias opinion that Evolet was a bitch, Lennox detested the way the wealthy carelessly threw their money around. They were all the same; disgustingly self-centered, their heads shoved so far up their own asses that they couldn't see beyond the infinite luxuries of their lifestyles. 2% of the population hoarded over three-fourths of the empire's wealth, leaving the other 98% with meager funds to spread around. The majority of that 2% hadn't even worked for a single cent, either. They were infuriatingly lucky, born into money and inherently more valuable than the other 98%. It was easy to toss money around like it was insignificant because they never had to go without it.
It was easy to ignore the plights of the world from the grandeur of a castle. With some careful planning and prime real estate, they seamlessly planned their lives around ignoring the rampant homelessness, starvation, poverty, and sickness that the rest of the empire struggled with. It was too depressing and uncomfortable for the rich and wealthy to actually acknowledge such distressing truths, too accusatory to face a problem that they had a means to fix but no desire, and so it was easier to avoid such bleak encounters. Every now and then, some elite would donate to some sad, heartbreaking cause - not enough to interfere with their lifestyle, of course - and all of their guilt would be alleviated because of how wonderfully charitable they were. It was so much easier to talk about the inevitability of poverty and starvation when they could brag about their oh-so-heroic efforts towards the cause.
With that kind of money, Evolet probably never had to search through the trash for food. She probably never had to choose slutty outfits to try and persuade donations from sketchy, old men. She probably never had a mother who blew all their money on crack, and then was left alone and hungry for days. She probably never had to struggle with the reality of prostituting herself so she could afford something to eat. Evolet was obviously rich enough that money was trivial, something so common and constant in her life that it undoubtedly solved all of her problems. The thing that these rich people didn't understand was that most people lived so far below the poverty line that morality and integrity were luxuries that people couldn't afford. And as someone who had sacrificed both on numerous occasions, Lennox loathed everything Evolet stood for.
"What a manipulative bitch," Lennox sneered at Evolet's retreating figure. Her good mood was ruined and all she could think about was that Xander was going to go and see her later. The meeting had struck something vulnerable inside of her, triggering uncomfortable insecurities that she couldn't let Xander see.
The hard truth of the matter was that it was depressing to be around someone so sick and so poor. The 2% had rigged the game and people like her were destined to lose. It was only natural to want more in life, to gravitate towards money and stability that her life couldn't offer - but Evolet's apparently could. Honestly, she wouldn't even be able to blame Xander for replacing her with Evolet. Why would he settle for her when there was someone of importance, someone rich who could offer him more? The thought was so depressing that she glanced towards the door, the thought of fleeing before Xander had a chance to embarrass her was tempting.
Lennox couldn't bring herself to leave. Her codependency was her crutch and she wasn't sure how to function without it. Until Xander truly pushed her away, she couldn't bring herself to leave first, even though she had a pretty good idea of how their story was going to end. Instead, she ripped herself free from Xander's restrictive grip and spun around, walking back to the table without waiting for him. She almost didn't want to order anything out of sheer spite, resentful of the idea of spending Evolet's money, but her hard-wired instincts of survival won out. Survival didn't care about integrity and if there was the possibility of ending up back out on the streets, she knew it was important to eat while she had the opportunity.
"And what am I supposed to do while you meet up with her? Sit around and wait for you?" Lennox drawled casually as if she would do anything other than just that, but Xander didn't need to know just how deep her insecurities ran.
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Post by Val on Mar 29, 2021 3:39:53 GMT
Xander felt an undeniable sense of accomplishment as Ev agreed to his offer. He watched her go, unable to shake that he recognized the girl from somewhere…but Lennox’s crude insult abruptly redirected his attention before he could place a finger on it. He glanced down at her and couldn’t decide whether to be disapproving or amused by the hatred she held for someone she didn’t even know. Either way, he was too slow to respond. He grunted as Lennox tore away from him and watched her retreating figure with utter bemusement. No matter how hard he tried, he always seemed to fuck up.
Frustrated, he turned back to the bar to find that their two steaming orders of stew had arrived. He pushed Evolet’s offering toward the bar tender, wondering if it was the money that had set Lennox off. He certainly didn’t need any charity. Xander was likely amongst the richest individuals in the kingdom, though it was difficult to tell by the way he presented himself. Status and nobility weren’t the only path to wealth; Sahara had accumulated her fortune through ingenuity, perseverance, and a wicked knack for dealing with the most wicked dregs of society. Xander had inherited it all as her adopted son- the one and only family member she had- but his success was far from guaranteed. He had a lot of work to do if he wanted to stay on top. In many ways, he and Evolet were very much one in the same, even if they came from completely different worlds.
Lifting the tray of food and ale, Xander quickly returned to Lennox. He placed the tray down in the center of the table with perhaps a bit more force than necessary, causing the utensils to rattle. He landed in his seat and pulled one of the bowls toward him, digging in without missing a beat. He shoveled several spoonfuls of the tasty soup into his mouth and studied Lennox as she questioned him, clearly trying to figure out why she was upset. He reached for his ale and chugged down a few gulps before answering, “I was assuming that you’d come with me,” he replied honestly, “But I’ll take you home first, if that’s what you want,” he added with a shrug, trying not to show disappointment over the idea of her sitting the night out.
Maybe it was the business she was upset about. He already knew that Lennox disapproved of his drug use and dealing alike, but he didn’t have much of a choice. His entire identity was wrapped up into the criminal empire, and he wasn’t even willing to consider separating himself from it. Keeping his eyes on Lennox, he dug back into his food like a ravenous animal. He’d been so hungry lately, like his mouth couldn’t keep up with his stomach, and that was obvious by the fact that he finished his meal in just a couple of minutes. His spoon clattered into the empty bowl with finality, and he leaned back in his seat, looking at Lennox like he had finally given up on trying to figure her out.
“Why are you mad at me?” he questioned, beyond confused by her abrupt change of mood. He frowned, sporting an expert pout that had gotten him out of many things when he was younger, but was becoming less and less effective as time went on, “I’m sorry if it took away from our time, but I just couldn’t pass up an offer like that,” he paused, unsatisfied with his explanation. He quickly continued, trying to illustrate it in a way that would resonate with Lennox. “When you have powerful foes, you need powerful friends,” he lowered his voice, his words careful and deliberate. People like Roman were nothing compared to the bigger, mysterious enemies at play. They needed protection, and he needed to be prepared for anything. “This isn’t about money or…or the goods- it’s about influence. It’s about knowing the right people.”
And then it clicked, a name that had been lingering on the tip of his tongue since the moment he’d laid eyes on her: Evolet Sterling. The princess of Nethilor herself. His eyes shot toward the bar where they’d spoken moments ago as he replayed the scene in his mind, making sure he hadn’t already said something unforgivably stupid. For some unimaginable reason, a princess had sought him out for a taste of debauchery. He’d be lying if he said it didn’t provide an instant boost to his ego. He tried to suppress his excitement, but Xander’s expressive eyes were a dead giveaway, “And that,” he paused, leaning toward Lennox pointedly, “Was the future Queen of Nethilor.”
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Post by starrea on Apr 7, 2021 3:11:55 GMT
Lennox was slower to reach for her food than Xander. He was already shoveling food down by the time she pulled the second bowl towards herself, idly stirring the spoon in the stew before taking a bite. The mood between them had shifted, and even though Lennox knew she was the one to blame, it felt like Xander's fault. Her thoughts ran in circles, obsessing over Xander and Evolet and all the countless possibilities, until her hunger was nearly forgotten. "No, I want to go with you," Lennox said a little too quickly. The reassurance was a sip of water and she was sun-baked and scorched dry, deliriously craving more, but he offered none. If she had it her way, neither of them would go and she toyed with the idea of keeping Xander preoccupied in the easiest way she knew how. She was still a virgin, and there was something wonderfully irreversible about a first partner. She would have a piece of Xander that no one else would have, and no matter what happened, their connection would be infinite. But as soon as the idea started to take shape, a familiar voice echoed through her head; Don't make me say it. Don't make me hurt you. It's your fault that you're crying right now, if you hadn't tried to change things, everything would be fine. I told you that your superstitions were bullshit, and now look at you. If you didn't believe in such nonsense, then you wouldn't be upset. If you just listened to me, you would be okay. See how this is all your fault? His voice thundered through her, chasing away thoughts of intimacy and replacing them with humiliation. If she wasn't careful, then Xander would leave her, too, and she would be the only one to blame.
Lennox knew all about the importance of knowing the right people and if she had learned anything in her short eighteen years of life, it was that she was the wrong kind of people. People tended to be uncomfortable when confronted with something they didn't understand, and based on the amount of time people spent in Lennox's life, she was a world-class mystery. She wasn't easy to look at; she was a bleak representation of the realities of the lowest members of society. More often than not, she was dirty and unwashed, wearing faded and tattered clothes that never fit her quite right. Even under the unflattering fit of her clothes, her body was all sharp angles, another subtle reminder that she was a veteran at dealing with hunger. If someone saw past the repercussions of being dirt poor, then they seldom connected with her personality. Poverty had made her tough, but not jaded in the same ways it effected most. Most people wrote her off when they heard her beliefs, probably coming to some conclusion that the hard life of drugs and homelessness had broken something deep inside of her that no one really cared to fix. People came in and out of her life through a revolving door and sometimes, someone would vacation with her for awhile, but they always left. If the trend continued, she wouldn't be right enough for Xander either.
Lennox paled at the mention of Evolet's royal status, feeling a sudden wave of nausea, and the food in front of her no longer looked appetizing. She was competing out of her league; Lennox was an amateur playing in a professional's game. Realistically, she couldn't offer even a fraction of what Evolet could. She had no money, no power, no influence. Her mind spun, grasping for ways to keep a connection with Xander, even if he no longer wanted her. She needed to have something that Evolet didn't, and what if that was his child? The idea, even amidst her insecurity-fueled anxiety attack, sounded crazy, but not implausible. It was wildly manipulative and somewhere deep inside of her, she felt like she should be ashamed for even thinking it but truthfully, she wasn't. In her lifestyle, self-respect was a luxury and one she seldom had. Either way, she couldn't do anything about it right here and now, so she pushed the idea to the back of her mind for the time being.
"I am not mad at you," Lennox snapped, very aware of the fact that she was definitely acting like she was mad at him. Her mind scrambled for other solutions, anything to make herself valuable to him. "I can help you too," The words were out of her mouth before the idea was fully formed, but she plowed ahead anyway, "I can bump into people, perspective clients, to see their intentions. I could even see things that we could use for blackmail. All I need is a little practice," The idea was half-baked at best, but didn't sound completely outrageous out loud. There were plenty of other currencies out there besides money and power, and Lennox had all of the motivation in the world to be whatever Xander needed her to be.
"And by the way, she isn't even that pretty," Lennox added disparagingly, raising an eyebrow at Xander that silently dared him to say otherwise. |
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Post by Val on Apr 13, 2021 4:12:29 GMT
She wasn’t mad? Xander raised a brow at the declaration, which Lennox had uttered in a tone that implied that she was in fact mad. Navigating the peaks and troughs of Lennox’s emotions was proving to be far more treacherous than anything he’d experienced in life thus far. Nevertheless, he did his best to give her his full attention now that he’d finished his meal, leaning back to listen to her proposal.
Uncertainty soon marred the smooth lines of Xander’s face as she suggested practicing her ability. He instinctively looked down toward her half eaten food, not wanting her to see the hesitation in his eyes and think he doubted her. She was special; there was no arguing that. But he’d seen Lennox sick and suffering, and he would do anything to avoid witnessing her like that again. She’d once implied that he was her cure, and if that was the case, then he had no intentions of letting Lennox put herself into harms way for his sake. What he needed from her was the assurance that she was safe and happy, but he couldn’t blame her for wanting to be more than that. Xander knew better than anyone what it was like to be underestimated.
“You already help me, Lennox,” he pointed out, “I mean…You’re the only reason I get out of bed in the morning,” he confided, seeming embarrassed as he tugged absentmindedly on an unruly lock of his hair. There was only one other thing driving the trajectory of his life at the moment; revenge. Lennox was his yin and revenge was his yang. He needed both or he was bound to crash and burn.
“We can practice,” he continued, meeting her eyes again. He’d be lying if he said the idea of honing Lennox’s ability didn’t excite him. He’d be stupid not to continue to cultivate such a talent to his advantage, but the idea of using Lennox for his own personal gain didn’t sit right with Xander, “But it has to be for you, not for me,” he insisted, clearly serious about this condition. And she certainly wouldn’t be practicing on his prospective clients, many of which had notoriously poor intentions. Speaking of…the vultures that occupied the restaurant seemed like they were beginning to work up the courage to approach him any minute now.
Xander was preparing to leave when Lennox conveniently slapped down the missing piece of the puzzle, and the full picture suddenly clicked into place. She was jealous…of him and Evolet. For a moment, he entertained the idea that the princess wanted anything to do with his busted-ass face, and nearly exploded into a fit of laughter at the sheer absurdity of the thought. Fortunately, he was able to steel himself before the reaction escaped him and released only a stifled snort. No, pretty was not the descriptor he would have used for Evolet- she was more like an imposing statue capable of impaling him in one fell swoop. Either way, he was not keen on facing Lennox’s wrath over his own self-deprecating amusement, especially as her stare pinned him down with a force greater than any man that had ever bested him in a fight.
Instead of trying to conjure up a response to such a statement, Xander rose from his chair and reached for Lennox’s hand, pulling her to her feet. With the food done and paid for, he swept toward the exit of the restaurant and pushed his way out the door with Lennox in tow. The early evening ocean breeze washed over them as he guided her briskly down the road, ignoring the usual bustle of the pier as boats returned from their day out at sea. Xander, who knew of countless secret spots throughout the city, had a location in mind to finish this conversation.
As they neared a small footbridge that arched over a canal, he veered off the path and shimmied down a few narrow steps until they were consumed by the shadows below. He dragged Lennox beneath the cover of the bridge, purposely not giving her time to think, because thinking was how she’d manifested these insecurities in the first place. Just as soon as he had her pushed flush against the wall, Xander’s lips were upon hers, capturing Lennox in his flurry of emotion as a last-ditch effort to show her just how deep his feelings ran.
“Don’t worry about that frigid bitch,” he whispered harshly, using his hand to hold her chin in place as he stared down into her eyes, “She’s ugly, okay?” It didn’t matter if it was the truth or not. If this was what Lennox wanted to hear, then so be it, he would have fun with it as well. “You’re the one I want, Lennox,” he told her, willing to drill the message into her head over and over again if that’s what it took to earn her trust, “It’s me and you against the world.”
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Post by starrea on Apr 19, 2021 3:06:43 GMT
Lennox was being torn to pieces by her insecurities that she hardly noticed where Xander was leading her until he pushed her up against a wall and cemented his lips to hers. It only took her a second to melt beneath his touch and she leaned into him, letting his kiss chase away every negative thought and worry that consumed her. The kiss ended too soon and her insecurities prowled the peripheries of her mind, waiting for a chance to slip back in, but they wouldn't get it. Xander's assertion drilled through her, anchoring itself (at least temporarily) inside of her. And in that moment, Lennox knew that she didn't just choose Xander - she loved him.
Falling in love with Xander was going to be the most exquisite form of self destruction. It always happened like this; she fell too soon and crashed too hard, like a shooting star destined to collide and burn away. Her body ached for him with a sense of longing and familiarity that felt like their love came from long ago, coming to creation with the birth of the stars and galaxies. It felt so immensely right to be right there in his arms, like her entire life had only been necessary to set her up for this moment right here, right now. It made everything else in her life, all of the heartbreaks and misfortunes, seem worth it because at the end of it all, they all lead her right to Xander. She couldn't fight what was fated to be so she stopped fighting his gravity and just let herself fall in love.
Xander was the beginning of her end. When this ended, and everything always had an end, Lennox would be nothing more than dust waiting to be scattered by the wind. She had been broken and put back together so many times now that she felt like a mosaic of mismatched pieces, marred by holes and jagged edges where she didn't come all the way back together. And when she accepted that she loved Xander, she also accepted that she wouldn't be able to put herself back together. Her body was tainted by oil, ready to be set ablaze by the weakest sparks, but she wasn't afraid of being burned by Xander. When he set her ablaze, she would burn brighter and hotter than she ever had before and then when everything was done and over, there would just be nothing left of her to save. And that was okay because given the opportunity, Lennox would choose to feel Xander's affection over and over and over again.
"You and me," Lennox echoed, completely lost in Xander's presence. He was an ocean, so great and so limitless that he spanned past the horizon and bled into the sky. He was more than she would ever be, someone meant for greater things, but she wasn't ashamed of her insignificance. She was good enough for him, and that was all that mattered.
Without breaking the hold Xander had on her face, Lennox gently reached out and took his free hand in her own. Her fingers lazily trailed over his dark skin, in no rush, as she memorized the way his skin felt beneath her fingers. Slowly, she pulled his hand towards her, guiding it beneath baggy t-shirt she hid behind and splayed his fingers out on her skin. She didn't look away as she pulled his hand up, letting his fingers hesitate on her bare breasts before she maneuvered his touch just a little bit further up. His hand finally came to rest over her heart and she pressed his hand to her, letting him feel the frenzied beat of her heart beneath his fingertips. Lennox wanted him in the bluntest of ways. She wanted to feel his lips on hers and his hands in her hair and his hips against her. She wanted him the way the ocean wanted the shore, constantly reaching and running away. She wanted him the way rain fell during that first summer storm, coming down relentlessly and bringing the land back to life.
"I'm already yours," Lennox breathed, slowly withdrawing her hands from beneath her shirt but leaving Xander's behind. She leaned into his touch, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck, "And I want you to have me... all of me," She wanted to say more but there were some things that just couldn't be explained with words - they needed to be felt, and Lennox wanted Xander to feel just how much she loved him. There was nothing else to it - no fear of abandonment or pressure to give pieces of herself that she wasn't ready to give. Just beautiful, pure love and her desire to make him feel every bit of wanted as he made her feel.
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Post by Val on Apr 28, 2021 2:25:03 GMT
Xander didn’t understand why he was the cure to Lennox’s pain, and he certainly didn’t know what she felt when their skin touched. What he did understand was how he felt. From the moment they’d collided on the beach, to their first kiss, to this very moment- their energy was always palpable and alive. Xander had accepted being painfully normal in a world seemingly full of special people, but Lennox ignited something new and thrilling inside of him. The high she gave him overpowered any drug he sold on the market; what they had was real and powerful.
Completely pliant to her touch, Xander allowed Lennox to guide his hand into uncharted territory. There was an unmistakable tremble in his fingers due to a combination of nerves and barely contained longing to touch every inch of her body. He held her gaze with dark eyes as his fingertips skimmed briefly over her breasts- too briefly. When she stopped over her heart, he pressed his fingertips firmly against her skin, stilling his own hands once she released him and left him to his own devices beneath her clothing.
Xander paused just long enough to absorb the moment and the way that she was looking at him- with pure desire that was directly reflected in his own expressive eyes. Although feelings of lust and love were all new to him, Xander had always longed for such pure acceptance. Being abandoned as a baby had taken a toll on his sense of self-worth and, even though Sahara had filled the role of dutiful parent, he’d always wondered why he’d been left behind. Xander desperately wanted a family to call his own, and Lennox had conveniently entered his life when he needed her most. Perhaps she was right; that the universe had decided they belonged together, and the rest was out of their hands. He was willing to entertain the idea as long as Lennox kept looking at him like that.
Xander didn’t need any further encouragement. His hands smoothed back over her breasts, descended over her ribcage, and down to her hips- exploring every edge and curve available to him. Gripping the hem of her shirt, he pulled it up and off her, discarding it to the ground. His eyes finally broke away from hers to drink in the sight of Lennox, but it wasn’t nearly enough to quench his need. Simultaneously, he shrugged his jacket off, followed by the swift removal of his shirt with a single tug that tousled his hair every which way. As soon their torsos were bare, he returned to Lennox with renewed fervor. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her flush against him, longing to feel her skin against his as their lips reconnected. All it took was one step forward to press her back against the wall, this time using his arms to protect her exposed skin from the rough brick.
Aside from the sounds of their rapid breaths and moving lips, their surroundings were quiet and peaceful beneath the footbridge. Despite being in public, the area that Xander had led them to was not a busy one, and the bridge provided a welcome covering of shadows. As the sun began to set behind Xander, an array of warm evening colors glistened across the surface of the oceanic backdrop. The distant sound of gulls and faded noises from the port drifted in with the salty breeze, but the world around them seemed to be otherwise frozen in time just for them. In many ways, the scene was idyllic, and the moment felt perfect.
“I want you.” Xander separated their mouths after several minutes of kissing and pulled her hips against his own, wanting her to not just hear, but feel how much he truly wanted her, “All of you.” He affirmed her words and gazed down at her through half-lidded eyes, fingers inching into the space between them, “Only you.” He made a point of adding his own extra twist to keep Lennox’s seemingly ever-present doubts at bay. Tugging at the front of her pants, he undid the button and allowed his fingers to dip into her waistline before he paused.
Xander leaned his forehead against Lennox’s, giving her no other option than to look him in the eye, “Is this okay?” He asked quietly, surprisingly self aware enough to realize that just because the moment was perfect to him, didn’t mean it was perfect to her. If he learned nothing else from his mother, it was to respect women- as long as they deserved to be respected. But the pause wasn’t just for Lennox. Xander felt the pressure to give her the experience she deserved, and he simply lacked confidence in this particular facet of life. He needed Lennox to show him that they were on the same page, even if he already knew in his mind, body, and soul that they were.
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Post by starrea on May 4, 2021 4:42:54 GMT
So far, in Lennox's short eighteen years of life, there was not one single thing about it that she would describe as 'perfect'. There were plenty of good moments and a lot of great ones, and a couple of memories that Lennox cherished deeply, but she had always been reluctant to use the word 'perfect'. By definition, perfection required the absence of flaws - something her life, and everything in it, had been tragically overrun with. But perfection was unattainable for even those with better luck; perfection wasn't a destination that could ever be reached, it was just an ideal in a flawed world. All of that being said, this moment, right here being kissed by Xander, was absolutely fucking perfect.
Xander's energy hit her the same way cheap booze did and she could feel herself getting drunk off of him. Time warped, seeming to both slow down and speed up. The rest of the world grinded to a halt, letting them get lost in the essence of one another without a worry. They kissed to the sound of gentle waves, accented by the smell of the sea and the array of colors of the sunset. The colors intensified until they were bleeding out into the energy that surrounded them, leaking shades of warmth and intimacy into the air around them. Their energies mingled and mixed, blending colors together until they became one. Everything else washed away from the world until it was just the two of them and all the time in the world to explore each other.
Time might have been moving slowly but it was passing quickly. The instances struck like lightning; here one second and gone the next, burning her beneath the heat of his hands. She blinked and suddenly both of their shirts were off, discarded and forgotten as Xander reconnected their lips. Her hands broke away from his neck, trailing down his torso to explore every inch and curve he had exposed to her. She molded her body to his, pressing herself into his touch to escape the cold bricks behind her. This moment was inexhaustible and the more Lennox gave, the more she got in return. There was an urgency in her movements, a need to express what couldn't be adequately explained with words, but it was vitally important that Xander understood.
By the time Xander pulled away, Lennox was breathless and panting and completely lost in Xander's essence. Her hands stilled their exploration, resting just above the waistline of his pants as they both paused to catch their breath. Just as she started to calm down, Xander pulled her hips into his and from somewhere within her, a fire burned hot and warmth and desire slowly emanated throughout her. The moment felt surreal, almost unbelievable as she realized that he didn't just want something from her, he wanted her. He wanted her, and that gave her power - something she had never had before. And during this entire moment, she hadn't even noticed that when the rest of the world had faded to the background, so had all of her paranoid thoughts and self-doubts. Even she couldn't deny that she was enough when Xander kissed her like that.
Xander was the first person to reciprocate the effort Lennox had given him. For the longest time, she had just believed that she was difficult to love and that it didn't matter because love was love, and love was unconditional. But now she could see the flaws for what they were. When love didn't flow both ways, she wasn't chasing love - she was running head-first into a tsunami of her own making, blind to see that her own love was what destroyed her. He had only kissed her like she was worth something and the moment was so small in the grand scheme of life, but Lennox had to swallow down the urge to cry. She didn't want the moment to end because for the first time in her life, someone loved her back.
"I want you," Lennox echoed, still dazed by their rushed kisses, "Only you. Always you." She stretched up, wrapping her arms around his neck again and pressing herself towards his hands, eager for whatever came next. As her breathing steadied, the fog in mind dissipated and embarrassment replaced it.
"Wait," Lennox's face flushed, but not from the heat of the moment, "I've, uh, never done... this before." She trailed off, her gaze flickering down in shame. She didn't know whether it was good thing or a bad thing to be a virgin but right now, inexperience felt like a disadvantage. But in spite of the crippling embarrassment of being an eighteen year old virgin, she still wanted to give herself to Xander in every single way he wanted her. "What do you want?" The words rushed out before she had a chance to cringe at the way they sounded but she pushed forward, "I can... on my knees?" She gestured downwards, burning up with the embarrassment of every insinuating such a lewd suggestion.
Lennox took a deep breath and re-centered herself, finding faith in his desire for her, and her gaze flickered back up to look him in the eyes, "Whatever you want... however you want me, I'm all yours," She assured him, obediently waiting for his direction to steer her towards what he wanted next. Love was so much more than words, and Lennox wanted Xander to feel how she felt about him.
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Post by Val on May 21, 2021 22:39:53 GMT
As someone who always struggled with self worth, Xander felt an unfamiliar sense of security envelope him as Lennox showered him in loving sentiments. Her words were full of the acceptance he craved, reassuring him that he wasn’t alone in the world. He and Lennox were two sides of the same coin, and in that moment Xander finally understood her theory of the universe. They were meant to be together, and for the first time, he found solace in the idea of a higher power looking out for them.
Spurred onward by her encouragements, Xander continued the careful pursuit of undressing her, only to halt abruptly at her sudden objection. Like a dog who’d been caught doing something wrong, he froze and studied her face guiltily. When Lennox explained herself, he relaxed and released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, following her gaze downward in a shared moment of embarrassment. He, too, was a virgin- and not due to a lack of opportunity. The people he spent most of his time with weren’t innocent by any means, and he’d been cornered by prostitutes more times than he’d like to admit, but Xander had always fled in the heat of the moment. He wasn’t sure why it never worked out, but he always came back to his worst fear: creating an unwanted bastard child, like himself.
“I haven’t either,” he uttered before he could change his mind, eyes flickering up to study her reaction. In his experience, women were often praised for their purity, while men were shamed for their inexperience. If anyone had a reason to be mortified- it was him. Nevertheless, Xander wouldn’t allow the awkward blip to ruin the moment. If anything, their honesty was powerful, and the moment would be all the more special.
Lennox’s suggestion caught him off guard, and his eyebrows shot up in response. His mind was quick to conjure up an oh-so-tempting image, followed by a spike of pure desire that made his skin hot to the touch. But the longer Lennox looked up at him with eyes full of innocent longing, the more he realized that he wanted to be the one pleasing her. He’d witnessed enough sexual violence growing up to know that he wanted to be the exact opposite of those people when it came to intimacy. The idea of Lennox’s knees scraping against the cold, hard floor for his sake immediately dampened the appeal of his wild imagination, and he was relieved when she offered him control.
Xander didn’t need to be told again. He dropped to his own knees in front of her, as though to make a point, and lifted one of her feet, tugging her shoe off and repeating the process with her other foot. With the obstacles gone, he reached up to hook his fingers in the waist of her pants and underwear, slowly shimmying them down her legs while his eyes carved a path down her body, committing every inch of her to memory. Once she had stepped free from her discarded pants, Xander rose back to his full height and gazed down at her with lustful eyes. He no longer felt insecure about avoiding sex in the past- not when it was suddenly obvious that he’d been waiting for Lennox all along.
Maintaining eye contact, he kicked one of his shoes off, followed by the other. A bubble of stillness had shrouded them, blocking out any interference from the world around them. He was attuned to Lennox as his fingers loosened his belt and he allowed his pants to drop. Finally, they were free of the clothes that bound him, and he wanted nothing more than to lose himself in the girl that was staring at him with wide eyes that could certainly swallow him whole.
A chilly gust of wind was all it took to break the trance and propel Xander forward. He grabbed her by the hips and tugged her flush against his body, enveloping her in his warmth. An exploratory hand slipped between them to truly feel her heat, and he exhaled shakily, as though it was taking every ounce of his willpower not to rush to the finish line, “You’re in control of your own universe, Lennox,” he assured her, “But I’ll always be a part of it.” The promise had barely left his lips before the next directive slipped from his mouth, “I want your legs around my waist. I’ve got you,” he urged, but made no move to rush her, seemingly dedicated to the idea of going at Lennox’s pace so long as he got to cherish her every step of the way.
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Post by starrea on May 26, 2021 14:50:52 GMT
The survival instinct, the human body's innate will to live and the need to persist, is more powerful than any logic or sanity. Without permission from the conscious mind, the body will always assume control and carry out life-saving measures in the event of a catastrophe. And now, right here, looking down at Xander as he hungrily undressed her beneath a bridge, Xander became just as necessary to her as air or water. Just like how she was powerless against the choice to breathe, she felt all her personal beliefs and principles melt away under the heat of Xander. Her world simplified and a single rationality rose above all else, a new creed to dictate her - all options and solutions would be weighed with the sole consideration of how they directly affected Xander and her relationship with him.
New appetites awoke within Lennox, starving and clawing and desperate to prove worthiness. Her personal ethics and values crumbled to pieces around her, allowing her to unapologetically exist within moral ambiguity if needed, and all Xander's imperfections seemingly disappeared. All bets were off; there wasn't anything she wouldn't do or any line she wouldn't cross for him. His illegal and immoral line of work no longer seemed problematic and she found herself suddenly open to the idea of indulging herself in the substances that Xander made a living off of. Her disinclination of violence and bloodshed also washed away, replaced by the unwavering certainty that if needed, she wouldn't hesitate to thrust a knife into the neck of someone who threatened Xander. And if that person was herself, she wouldn't hesitate to slice open her own throat, either.
By the time Xander had pulled her panties and shorts down and helped her step out of them, Lennox was almost quivering with desire. Her eyes followed him as he rose to his full height in front of her, and she stood before him, bare before his eyes. She was lost in the way he looked at her, completely entranced by the desire he reflected back at her. Her body hummed as her gaze dipped to his hands, watching him with barely-contained arousal. She wanted to reach out and help him but she was frozen in place, hanging onto the moment as she waited for Xander's instruction. He had to know that she would do anything he wanted her to do, all he had to do was ask.
It wasn't until she felt the heat of Xander's bare skin that Lennox realized how chilly she was. Even though it was a warm day, the shadows beneath the bridge and the subtle ocean breeze were enough to make Lennox shiver as she waited for Xander to undress. She melted into his embrace; sparks flew from his touch, igniting a heat that burned from deep inside Lennox. She was grateful that he was taking the lead in traversing this new and unknown territory and her body seemed to know what to do, and without any encouragement, she subtly widened her stance to open her legs for him. She inhaled sharply as Xander's hand dipped between her legs and she experimentally pressed her hips forward, wanting more. Encouraged by his own exploration, Lennox's hands slipped down to feel Xander's arousal and she delicately investigated him, never once looking away from Xander's eyes.
"You're my universe," Lennox insisted, her words soaked with sincerity. This wasn't just about attraction and carnal desire; she was giving herself to Xander, giving him the only truly special and valuable thing she had to offer. And if he let her, she was going to keep giving him whatever he wanted from her.
Xander's next request took Lennox's breath away and she quivered with excitement. She had never had someone to wrap her legs around, never had someone to experience these moments of romance and intimacy with that she had grown up watching from the outside, peering in. She had spent years fantasizing about this moment - caught up in the passion of the moment, so in love that even an inch felt like too much distance between them. It was always so romantic and the couples were so happy, so wonderously lost in the essence of one another that they seemed completely oblivious to the outside world. And now, someone finally wanted that with Lennox and she could finally be that girl, so happy and in love that nothing else mattered.
Lennox nodded feverently, her hands traveling up until they rested on Xander's shoulder to steady herself. She didn't hesitate; she jumped up, her legs naturally wrapping around Xander and locking her ankles together behind him. Her back brushed against the cold stone wall behind her and she squealed, arching her back into Xander and his warmth.
"I'm cold, how are you so warm?" Lennox mused, wrapping her arms around his neck as she settled into his embrace.
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Post by Val on Jun 10, 2021 0:33:42 GMT
Much of Xander’s young life was dominated by the ever present need to prove himself, though it was usually unclear whether he was seeking the approval of his adoptive mother, his absentee father figure, or his nameless birth parents. In the end, Xander always ended up being his own worst enemy. Too small, too weak, too stupid, too emotional, too immature- the self criticisms were constant and relentless, exacerbated by the fact that he spent most of his time with older, hardened criminals. He was convinced that people looked down upon him, and the negative affirmations were confirmed each time he was beaten down in a fight or berated by the people in his circle. His standoffish nature was a poorly constructed armor, built to shield his deep feelings of inadequacy. But when it came to Lennox, he didn’t need to hide.
Whether it was her incredible dedication to him or their undeniable bond, Lennox instilled a powerful confidence in Xander. When he was with her, he felt on top of the world. When she looked at him, he felt like the only person on Earth. Even when they were apart, the thought of her filled him with such tangible reassurance that he was almost unrecognizable from the chaotic, emotional child he used to be. Lennox had irrevocably changed him, and Xander owed her everything.
If Lennox wanted him to be her universe, then that is what he would become. He gazed into her eyes as they explored each other, finding only sincerity in her words. Her devotion offered Xander a new form of comfort, and he found it to be rather addicting to feel needed by someone. In that moment, he was certain that the loyalty between them would be everlasting.
Xander braced himself as Lennox’s hands grasped his shoulders, anticipating her leap of faith into his arms. When she jumped, he caught her with surprising ease, taking only a moment to steady them as she bumped the wall. He chuckled and wrapped his arms securely around her back, holding her flush against his body.
“You make me feel like I’m on fire,” he replied honestly, feeling as though he was radiating more than enough heat for the both of them. Lennox felt small and delicate in his arms, like something that needed to be cherished and protected. He pressed his forehead to hers and found her eyes once more, content to just hold her for several long moments while their bodies seemed to meld into one. Eventually, he kissed her again- slowly and gently, as if to savor the moment for as long as humanely possible. Xander had a distinct feeling he wouldn’t last long when it came down to it, but he was willing to hold her like this until his limbs went numb if it meant the moment would persevere for even second longer.
“You’re mine,” he whispered, raising his fingers to his lips to wet them before his hand traveled south, “And I’m yours,” he promised. Finally, he took himself in his hand and eased her down upon him. The sensation was both exquisite and excruciating, and it took every last ounce of his patience to continue slowly and steadily until their hips were pressed against once another. Xander’s heart rate was through the roof- practically echoing against the structure of the bridge as he waited for Lennox to adjust and accept the connection between them. By the time he gathered the fortitude to move, he could feel the inevitable build up of what was sure to be the peak of a perfect night as the sun dipped below the horizon and shrouded them in intimate darkness.
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Post by starrea on Jun 14, 2021 0:41:00 GMT
Xander's arms wrapped around Lennox, shielding her away from the rest of the world. She found comfort in the gesture, in the illusion of safety, and she believed that as long as she was with Xander, he would protect her from harm. Time stopped and the world around them melted away until all that was left was Xander and the heat of his touch on her skin. Lennox couldn't look away from Xander's dark eyes, memorized by lust and longing reflected back at her. The moment was surreal, almost too perfect, and a small part of Lennox worried that this wasn't real and if she blinked, this moment and all of Xander's affections would vanish in some sort of cruel cosmic joke. But it was real, and now that she had a taste of intimacy, she realized just how starved for it she had been. She would do anything, literally anything, as long as he kept looking at her like that.
All it took was one touch and five words for Xander to completely open Lennox. If she had any doubts or reservations about using the l-word, they were long gone now. There was no containing it now; her heart was so full of love that it felt seconds away from bursting and it was so overwhelming that she didn't even know what to do with all of it. The revelation lingered on the tip of her tongue and she used her last bit of sense to rein it back in before her confession had the opportunity to ruin this moment. But as the seconds passed, it got harder and harder to keep her confession to herself. Every time her heart beat in her chest, she struggled to keep herself from telling him that it beat for him. And then, just like how his promise had opened Lennox's heart and soul, Xander's touch opened her body to him. His touch was gentle but it sent a bolt of electricity through her, leaving her breathless and shivering with anticipation.
"Oh..oh," Lennox's mouth parted wordlessly, letting out a sharp breath of air as Xander pushed his way into her. The new sensation was completely foreign and her body was slow to accept him. Pleasure was replaced by a sharp pain and she let out a low moan, finally looking down to bury her face in Xander's shoulder as she slowly sunk down onto him. She couldn't help but tense at the initial intrusion but as the seconds passed, she relaxed her hips and the pain subsided, replaced by an incredible pressure. It was neither pleasurable nor painful, but something much more satisfying. Xander was everywhere; he was all around her, holding her and protecting her, and inside of her, taking her because he wanted her. And in that moment, she was significant because Xander was her sun, but light was meaningless if there was no one there to enjoy it.
I love you. The words were there again, at the tip of her tongue, dangerously close to just carelessly tumbling out of her mouth. Her forehead rested on his shoulder as she struggled to catch her breath, focusing on the way he felt inside of her. She was oil and each little movement was a spark, lighting her up with just a touch. His heartbeat was so loud that she could feel the thump of each beat in his chest and she allowed the hypnotic rhythm to lull her into further relaxation. Tears welled up in her eyes and she squeezed them shut, glad that her face was buried into Xander's neck so he couldn't see. For someone who had been starved of intimacy for her entire life, this entire moment was overwhelming and she didn't know what to do with all of emotion that was bursting out of her. She wanted to tell Xander how much this meant to her and how beautiful he was and how appreciative she was of everything he had done for her. But most of all, she wanted to tell him that she loved him.
When Lennox did finally look back up at Xander, all traces of tears were gone. She looked at him, really looked him, committing every detail of this moment to memory. She leaned in, brushing her lips lazily against his as if they had all the time in the world to enjoy one another. When she looked into his eyes, she knew that there was no going back.
There was no stopping it. She needed to tell him how she felt, more than she needed to breathe. So then, against all her better judgment and all rational thought, she whispered her confession so quietly that she wasn't sure that Xander would even be able to hear it: "I love you."
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Post by Val on Sept 8, 2021 0:51:15 GMT
“I love you.”
By some miracle, Xander heard Lennox’s quiet declaration over the sound of his own heavy breathing and rapid heartbeat. His response was immediate and without hesitation, and he might’ve stated the fact earlier if he hadn’t been so preoccupied with their physical show of affection. Xander didn’t need the verbal reassurance in the way that Lennox seemed to, but the look in her eyes told him that it was in his best interest to speak his truth loud and clear and often.
With Lennox still securely in his arms and their bodies melded in the most intimate of ways, Xander pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, “Don’t you forget it.” He made a point of drilling the point into her head before the doubt had a chance to worm its way into her mind and destroy the perfect moment that they had crafted together.
The night was still young- at least in Xander’s world.
After he and Lennox had redressed beneath the bridge with only the moonlight to guide them, he led her out of their sanctuary and back out into the world. He kept his arm securely around her waist as they walked along the bay, as though she might slip away with the breeze if he lost contact. Xander felt invigorated and renewed from their time together, and it showed in the way that he walked- tall and unapologetic. Lennox’s love made him feel powerful, and he was intent on riding that high all the way back into the city and beyond.
“I’m going to show you a piece of my world tonight,” he told her, “It’s not always pretty, but the rewards can be great. I hope you’ll give it a chance.” He’d already given Lennox the best of himself, but he inevitably came with baggage- the kind of baggage that she’d already expressed her distaste for. But there were some things he simply couldn’t walk away from- even if he wanted to.
The Jade Coast Port never truly slept, and that was evident as they reached the pier and the city beyond the docks. Unsurprisingly, his business was nocturnal in nature, and thrived once the undesirables made their way out of hiding. As Xander cast his gaze out to sea, the whipping of massive black and white sails caught his attention. So…the Marauder had returned. It wouldn’t be long before Attila learned of his mother’s demise, and he would need to seek her out before she turned her business elsewhere.
Before long, Xander swept into the midst of the crowded street with Lennox in tow. Patrons were lined up outside of pubs, waiting for their chance to enter and drink the night away. Xander, on the other hand, passed them by without a second glance and veered into a dark alleyway. As they reached a secluded back door, he gave Lennox’s hand a squeeze, “If you ever want to leave, say the word.” Although he offered an out, his tone seemed rather hopeful that she would stay for the long haul, just this once. If for nothing else, then for him. With that, he banged his fist against the door three times.
Xander had not dared to mention Evolet, but the princess was undoubtedly on his mind. He had told the girl to meet him here- at The Green Jester- to discuss whatever deal she had sought him out for. He intended on showing the red-headed royal a good time; whatever it took to secure a potential partnership with the apparently rebellious princess of Nethilor. So, when the burly bouncer answered the door and offered Xander a curt nod, he leaned in to impart some directions to ensure that Evolet made it to her destination- when and if she decided to show up.
Once the bouncer stepped back to allow them entrance, Xander guided Lennox through the door, which opened up into a staircase that would lead them to the basement. He began the descent, and the loud music and voices from the main floor of the famous pub began to fade. While most of the Kingdom’s residents were familiar with the bar and the adjoined hotel on the top floor, most people weren’t aware of the lounge that lurked beneath the building. There, more secretive and lucrative business took place, mostly run by Sahara and her employees. They often referred to the building as the three tiers of pleasure- though only the most wealthy and trusted patrons were allowed down under. People like Wolfgang Van Dam would spend the average person’s life savings in a night out at The Green Jester- between the drugs, the alcohol, and the women. Although temptation often got the best of him, Xander had learned to focus on one thing: the money.
The lounge was quiet and calm, lit by candlelight and smelling of spice and smoke. Couches lined the walls with a smattering of mild-mannered guests enjoying the goods they had come for. Xander settled into a corner seat and nestled Lennox into his side, seeming right at home in the surprisingly peaceful atmosphere. Here, he had control. People recognized him but did not bother him. This was his domain, and he wanted Lennox to see that there were two sides to every coin.
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Post by starrea on Sept 15, 2021 23:28:38 GMT
I love you. As Xander found his physical release deep inside of Lennox, she found her emotional one in his declaration. Even after he had stopped moving, Lennox was reluctant to unwrap herself from around him, scared that once this moment ended she would never be able to get it back. But when she was finally brave enough to look at him, there was only resolution in his gaze. "I won't," Lennox promised, blinking away the tears that welled up in her eyes. The moment was the culmination of perfection, so idyllic that it almost felt surreal - until one little wayward thought threatened to break the picturesque rendition of young love.
Lennox hadn't had any sort of education about sex and pregnancy, but she was fairly certain that this was exactly how life was created. A stab of fear threatened to ruin the moment, but another devious little thought crossed her mind. As much as she wanted to believe in Xander and his proclamation of love, Lennox had spent her entire life watching just how quickly love faded. A child, though, would be a physical tether, objectively tying her to Xander whether or not his love for her burned out. It was a fail-safe, a safety net beneath her in case she fell and he wasn't there to catch her. She swayed for a moment, trying to decide how to broach the subject of whether or not they had incidentally done something they hadn't meant to, but she couldn't find the right words. For all she knew, there was something else entirely, a whole other step, that was required and Xander was the type of person who knew what he was doing. The last he needed was her questioning him because he had already proved to her time and time again that he knew what was best for her, even when she didn't always initially agree.
When Xander set her down on the ground, she was like any other newborn; wobbly, unsteady on her legs as she took her first steps as a new woman. While the experience had apparently rejuvenated Xander, it had sapped all of Lennox's energy and she leaned back against the wall, closing her eyes as Xander busied himself with getting dressed. Moments like this were landmark, referred to with a before and an after, and things were bound to be different - but at first, she didn't feel any different. Her muscles were loose and relaxed, so loose that she felt like she might just melt to the ground. There was a soreness that wasn't there before, one that started between her legs and traveled up and deep inside of her. But other than that, she still just felt like Lennox.
But whether or not she realized it, things were changing. As they got dressed, Lennox found comfort in the silence between them, satisfied that there was nothing else that needed to be said. When they walked, the usual anxiety of accidentally bumping into someone, accidentally triggering one of her episodes, didn't cross her mind. Hyper-vigilance and other old habits that come with years of living on the streets faded into the background, like her life prior to Xander just didn't matter. As they walked, she could feel parts of herself slipping away but she wasn't sad to see them go - they were being replaced by something newer, something better.
If Xander had wanted to show her fresh corpses and eat glass, Lennox wouldn't have opposed - but instead, she simply nodded along, silently agreeing to be whatever he wanted her to be tonight. She was no longer bound by the chains of her upbringing, by the persistent bouts of illness and by uncompromising demands of blind faith. And while she didn't abandon her faith altogether, she now believed in something more than the infallibility of the Universe. It had guided her to Xander, and now he was her new faith. The sight of a bouncer made her heart flutter - with excitement or nerves, she did not know. She was the type of people a man like him was hired to keep out and if she hadn't been at the side of Xander, he would make quick work of kicking her ass to the curb. Instead, he let her pass with an air of professionalism, as if she were someone deserving of his respect. As time passed, she was feeling less and less like the poor, sick girl she had always been and more like someone new, someone who lived life instead of watching it pass by.
When they stepped down into the Green Jester, instead of shrinking into Xander's shadow, something she would have undoubtedly done prior to their rendezvous, Lennox felt a thrilling surge of confidence; if Xander belonged here, then so did she. At first glance, the changes were subtle; her posture unfurled, unburdened by the years of criticism that normally weighed her down, and her steps were bold and assured. She might not have been dressed like a million dollars, but she walked with the confidence of someone who was. Even in her old t-shirt and jeans, which was noticeably under-dressed for such a posh establishment, she didn't feel ugly and unworthy when people turned to stare at her. She wasn't repulsed like she probably should have been when their stares lingered on all the wrong places, and she lavished in the power she hadn't realized she had to capture men's attention with her body. Their stares only validated her newfound confidence, reassured her that she had value. In the end, their hollow stares would only amount to passing fantasies because the only person she truly cared about captivating was already at her side.
Lennox collapsed into the posh corner booth next to Xander, feeling her heart flutter as he pulled her into his side. She looked around the dimly lit room, drinking in all the little details with wonder and awe-struck at the sheer amount of wealth in one single room. She traced her fingers over the expensive upholstery, very aware that the fabric she was sitting on was probably worth more than everything she had owned in her entire life combined. The room and the socialites within it all oozed with fortune and luxury, but despite her poor upbringing and shabby clothes, Lennox didn't feel like an outsider. She wasn't stuck on the outside, watching a life that she could never had. This was real; she was on the inside, breathing it, feeling it, living it. She felt like a whole new woman, and she was ready to explore this new world of Xander's.
"I want to experience it all," Lennox said, turning back to Xander with bright eyes. She had seen the poor side of life - the side with addiction and poverty and ruined lives - but this looked different, this looked exciting. She fidgeted in her seat, too excited to sit still, too fearless to waste time doing something so mundane. She wanted to be something more than Lennox tonight. "Have you ever danced before? I want to dance."
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Post by Elvander on Sept 30, 2021 19:26:16 GMT
Evolet had spent her time wandering around the Jade Coast Port, enjoying a taste of life as a common, unnoticeable woman. With her cloak and her hood up to hide her red hair, very few people paid her any mind. It was liberating. And it allowed her to see the lives of those she was supposed to rule- folks who struggled and toiled and scraped to get by, folks who cheated and lied and manipulated, and those who turned to lives of crime to make ends meet. As she walked through the port, she felt closer to her mother than she had for a long time. According to her father, whom she hadn't spoken to in some time, her mother had loved the people, advocated for them, and had strived to give them all better lives.
As the evening wore on, Evolet stopped to watch some street performers- pyromancers- put on a display of flames and danger. Envy filled her as she watched them wield their gift and hone their craft. This was what she wanted, but what she could not have. When the performance was over, Evolet tossed a few pieces of silver into the bucket the troupe had set up to accept payment for their show. She offered a smile to them and slunk back into the crowd, musing at the fact that in Raevaryn, there had been such a huge crackdown on individuals with magic. In Evolet's eyes, these people were not threats, they were allies and they were the most blessed. In that moment, the young woman vowed to herself that she would do all in her power to accept those crossing Raevaryn's borders in order to live their lives peacefully with their gifts. She would not impose legislation on them the way Alister had done.
With these musings in her mind, Evolet looked to the sky, which had darkened, and knew it was time to meet Xander again. A flutter of nerves touched the princess and she doubted for a moment if she should go. She wanted what he could offer. And so, she gathered her dark skirts in her hands and walked up the steps into the Green Jester, her eyes scanning the dimly lit room for the boy. She found him easily, now that she had a face to match with his name. Letting her hood slide back to rest on her shoulders, Evolet made her way over to the couple and sat across from them, interrupting as Lennox asked Xander to dance.
"Good evening," She greeted them, not really sure how to go about asking Xander about the substances he sold. She didn't know what exactly she wanted to buy from him, or how to even begin articulating that she was looking for something to dull her pain and grief, for something to seemingly transport her to a different reality. "Can I buy you a drink?" she directed her question to Xander, since it was him she was doing business with, not the girl.
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Post by Val on Nov 12, 2021 15:43:35 GMT
The change in Lennox was remarkable, and although Xander’s ego was through the roof, he found himself feeling a bit skeptical about her new attitude. He worried that it wouldn’t last, and that she might regret this new adventurous lease of life when the newness wore off. His desire to protect her was strong, but he loved nothing more in life than showing someone a good time. Lennox deserved to feel safe, accepted, and free to explore what the world had to offer- tonight and every day for the rest of her life.
“Of course I can dance,” he mused, eyes glittering as he watched her practically bounce in her seat. His hand slid down her leg and rested over her knee, giving it a playful squeeze. “Later,” he promised, his tone suggesting that it would be worth the wait. Dancing was always more fun under the spell of intoxication. More notably, they were still waiting on a very important guest.
As though his thoughts had manifested the princess, he looked up to find the cloaked girl making her way across the room towards them. He dipped his head in greeting and gestured for her to sit, a smile touching his lips that bordered on smug. Although he had made no intentional effort to garner her attention, it felt good that she had sought him out specifically. Xander had no ill intentions toward Nethilor royalty- he found that the general population’s opinion about the family was quite positive. He could not say the same about Raevaryn. The mystery of what was happening behind those vine-laden walls made his skin crawl. If there was any powerful person in the kingdom he wished to befriend, it was the young woman sitting across from him.
“Welcome,” he greeted, studying her thoughtfully. Memories began to surface as he thought about what had driven her to find solace in the escape he could provide. Although this was Evolet’s first time in this room, her name had certainly been uttered here before.
“I’m going to marry Evolet Sterling.” Wolfgang Van Dam sat across the room from Xander, puffing on a pipe as he made the announcement. A resounding series of chuckles filled the room as the patrons listened in on the drunk’s weekly ramblings. “I know what you’re all thinking…But you’re wrong. We’d be an excellent match- one that would bring peace to this God forsaken kingdom.” Van Dam had been adamant, and what most thought was a joke had begun to shape into a real possibility over the course of the night.
“If you’re serious, you better stop coming here.” Xander spoke up, always one to antagonize the drunks, especially the nutty professor, in his younger years.
Van Dam had turned to him after downing his last shot of the night, “Mark my words, Desmereux. The next time you are graced with my presence, I’ll have a princess on my arm.”
Nearly three years had passed, and he hadn’t seen Wolfgang Van Dam since. To his credit, the man had stopped coming to the bar altogether. It had seemed that he was keen on cleaning up his act and following through with the whole deal. That is, until the news broke. Evolet had been engaged to marry a werewolf, and she might’ve gone through with it if not for the massacre that took place.
Xander felt genuinely bad for what had happened to Evolet, but he didn’t let any of this on. Rather, he continued the charade of not caring who she was. She certainly wasn’t here for pity- something Xander could relate to. “That won’t be necessary,” he told her with a grin, “Tonight is on me.”
He caught the eye of a server across the room and signaled that they were ready. It was clear that this was all routine for Xander and such ease of communication had been established over many years. The server returned from the back room moments later with a tray in hand, which was placed on the table between them. Three glasses of dark red wine, a few pipes full of various plant matter, and a bowl filled with inconspicuous looking mushrooms were presented like a drug-inspired charcuterie board.
“Magic mushrooms,” Xander explained, “Hallucinogenics harvested from the mountains by Gypsies and touted as a natural cure for depression.” He reached for one, popping it into his mouth and swallowing before the bitter flavor could invade his senses, “Also an excellent cure for boredom, if you ask me.”
Xander lifted his glass of wine and raised it between the three of them, “Cheers,” he prompted, “To love,” he looked down at Lennox pointedly, not shy about expressing his feelings in front of strangers, “And to new friends.” His eyes shifted to Evolet, seeking some sort of approval in her gaze. The mind-altering substances he offered were not dangerous- at least in his realm- but he was cautious nonetheless as he invited the two young women on a potential path of self-discovery.
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