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Post by 1<3[)r@I<3 on Dec 8, 2008 19:10:48 GMT -6
ooc: Pretty sure that we were gonna keep this thread, just cause its easier that way. If you would rather do it another way, I could add a board for the cottage. Let me know which one you prefer.
ic:
Rhys had stalked out of the room in a state of semi-panic. He bounced off the walls from time to time as his balance failed momentarily, but physically he was in much better shape than he had been earlier in the evening. Mentally, however, he was in worse condition.
He knew better, damn it. Damon knows how hard it is for me to handle direct contact like that. Why did he let her do that? Hell, I dropped him without even touching him. And all he did was use mesmer. Thats a far less direct form of contact. That ass. Next time I see him, I'm going to break his oh-so-superior jaw!
He regained control of himself long enough to realize he had better feed again before he left so he went to the servants quarters and found a willing donor. When he had finished drinking, he asked for a few supplies he would need at the cottage. Though none of the human inhabitants of the castle knew the location of the cottage, they were more than willing to help him out. He left the castle with everything he had asked for.
He moved surely through the pre-dawn darkness to the small grove of trees that marked the location of the cottage and pressed through the dense growth. When he reached the clearing, he went straight to the small cottage and entered. He'd been right. It did need a good cleaning. And a fire too. It was cold in there. He went out and gathered enough dead wood to last well into the day.
Returning to the dim enterior of the cottage, he built a fire in the hearth and lit a few candles. Then he proceeded to clean the place until it was spotless. It was warm inside long before he was finished so he removed his shirt, flinching at the site of the brand. Though the physical pain had long since faded, the site often brought back memories of that day. Deciding to ignore the feeling of doom the sight of the livid scar was causing, he finished cleaning. The effort tired him enough that he sat at the table without replacing his shirt, put his head down on his arms and fell asleep with his long white hair, free of its usual binding, cascading down his back.
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Post by Graebelle on Dec 10, 2008 23:52:56 GMT -6
Convincing her aunt to let her out during the day had taken just a minimal amount of work. Though she had arrived a little later than expected the night before, since Sarah was leaving during the daylight hours she had been more willing to let her go. Besides, she trusted her neice not to get herself into any predicaments, and Sarah was grateful for that trust. Going as she was to meet with Rhys didn't even feel like breaking that trust, since she was sure she would be safe and come back in one piece. She was so eager to go, too, to see the whole play in daylight. There was much she knew she had missed in the pale light of the moon.
Carefully, she headed away from the house through the woods as she had done the night before with Rhys, trying to recognize the path she had taken. It was a little difficult, since it wasn't exactly the same as it had been during the night, but she thought she was managing pretty well. But the trees were rather thick where she was going, and there was the slightest hint of a doubt within her that she might not make it. What if she lost her bearings and ended up veering off too far to one side, ending up lost inside the woods somewhere? Before she could really get too upset over it, she saw the trees ahead thinning, the little cabin beginning to show through the tree trunks ahead. Sighing, she relaxed, knowing where she was now.
It was just as adorable as she remembered it, looking cute and like something out of a story book. "It's even lovelier in daylight," she muttered softly to herself with a smile. Stepping towards the door, she looked around her to get another last look at the clearing. Taking the door handle, she opened the door and stepped inside, letting her eyes adjust to the somewhat dimme light as she turned to close the door. It was nice inside, warm and clean as she swept a look along the wall beside her. Getting a larger view of the place, she saw Rhys asleep at the table, smiling slightly. He must have been tired out from cleaning or something. The fact he wasn't wearing his shirt hadn't at first been obvious until she stepped a little closer, able to see then beneath his hair to skin below. Not wishing to wake him in case he needed the sleep, Sarah moved about the room, getting a look at what was inside.
OOC: Keeping this thread is perfectly fine by me. ^^ |
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Post by 1<3[)r@I<3 on Dec 11, 2008 0:12:34 GMT -6
He was dreaming again, but good ones this time. Memories of happier, easier times. Playing as a child with other children. Learning the best ways to train the horses and dogs, so that they did what they were bred for. Watching his friends find love. Watching their families grow. He dreamed of playing with the children of the new generation, watching as they, also grew up and found love.
His dreams were interrupted by a slight, chill draft, the sound of the door, footsteps. True wakefulness came slowly, allowing him a little more time with his dreams. Then he opened his eyes to see Sarah looking around the place. I hope she likes it. It is a rather pleasant little retreat from the world.
He straightened in his chair, following her with his eyes. Finally, he stood and approached her. "Hello. And good morning. How do you like it?" The cottage was still warm enough that he didn't realize he wasn't fully dressed. Nor did he notice the brand as he usually would. His first friend in centuries had come to see his sanctuary.
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Post by Graebelle on Dec 14, 2008 18:03:54 GMT -6
Though her attention had remained more or less focused on the little knick knacks and things she saw around the room, Sarah had been listening out for some sign that Rhys was waking up. She could only be so comfortable moving about a little house that wasn't really hers for so long. But then again, she reminded herself, it was partly hers. He had easily handed it over to her, though she had only accepted it partially. She could never fully take ownership for it. It had been Rhys's too long for that. Still, when she heard footsteps approach, she smiled and felt just a little more relaxed knowing she had someone to explain to her about the cottage and the things inside it.
Turning when he addressed her, she smiled somewhat brightly, compliments on the little cabin ready to tumble out. Her thoughts were put on stop momentarily when she realized again that he was shirtless, something that--for propriety's sake--shouldn't happen. Gaze falling quickly away, back to the lower portion of the wall she had been looking over, she made another attempt at speaking. "It's lovely. Small, but comfortable. And you can hardly tell it's cold outside," she replied as she continued her turn around the room, pausing beside the fire. |
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Post by 1<3[)r@I<3 on Dec 14, 2008 20:21:16 GMT -6
When he saw Sarah turn and smile, Rhys felt himself smiling giddily. She liked it. When she looked away, however, he was concerned. Maybe she didn't...Then he noticed his lack of a shirt. Maybe that was it. Maybe it wasn't the cabin but the fact he was only half dressed. He looked around and found his shirt. He heard her say that the cottage was lovely and comfortable as he donned his shirt. Then Rhys followed Sarah to the fire.
"I'm glad you like it." He still had the big silly smile plastered on his face. Even the shadows had lifted somewhat from his eyes.
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Post by Graebelle on Dec 15, 2008 17:17:56 GMT -6
She let her gaze travel down the length of the mantle as she heard Rhys move to come up beside her again, chancing a look at him to see if he had decided to put his shirt back on. Seeing cloth instead of skin, Sarah let her gaze turn fully on him, the smile that had been aimed away now directed at him. He seemed to be doing much better than she remembered him the night before. There didn't seem to be any demons terrorizing him behind his eyes, no real, hard evidence that his thoughts were bothering him any longer. This was good news as far as she was concerned, though she was still clueless over the difficult time he'd had back at the castle when he returned after their visit.
A chuckle escaped her after he spoke, his words quite obvious to her by the bright smile on his face. They both seemed quite happy she liked it here. It still held the same enchanted quality to her that she'd found when first seeing it, and having Rhys here to share it with didn't diminish this idea. If anything, it helped it make it more real, since she never would have dreamed she would be standing alone inside a small cabin with a half-blood darkling. She found herself having to be reminded that he was a darkling and not human since he was so different than what she would have expected. And not once had he made a move towards her that would make her think she was in any danger being around him. "How long have you been here today?" Sarah asked, remembering that he had planned to come by and clean before she arrived. From the look of things, she could tell he had done just that. |
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Post by 1<3[)r@I<3 on Dec 15, 2008 18:09:05 GMT -6
Her question brought a reminder of the previous night, but he kept the smile on his face. It wasn't as big, as bright, but it was there. He had burdened her enough, he felt. There was no need to cause her further worry.
"I arrived shortly before dawn. This place was a mess. I hadn't planned on falling asleep though. I was going to wait for you. I...um...I was..." Rhys felt himself blushing and hoped it wasn't too obvious. But from the feel of it, his face must be bright red. For some reason he felt unnerved around her. It was an odd feeling, but one he liked. He reached up to rub the back of his head in a nervous gesture. "I...I wanted to...I think I like you," he finished in a rush. There. He'd said it.
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Post by Graebelle on Dec 16, 2008 0:50:54 GMT -6
Maybe that hadn't been the right question to ask. There was a quick, noticeable change after she'd asked her question, the smile on his features dimming, but thankfully it didn't fully disappear. Maybe not the worst then. Something must have happened though for him to suddenly lose some of the spirit he so visibly held, either something after she'd left him or just that in general. Was he still bothered by what he had been thinking of last night? Hoping not, she decided not to mention the fact she could see a difference, figuring it would be best for him if she played along as if things were truly alright. If they pretended long enough--who knew?--maybe it could actually end up being true.
He did well in speaking at first, that was until he had gotten his answer out. From there things took a little dive, which confused her greatly. Rhys hadn't been stumbling over his words last night. What was wrong? A blush? He was blushing? Almost concerned, Sarah waited with growing anxiety, worrying over what he might have to say or what might be preventing his speech. When he finally got it out, she gave a blink of surprise. Was that it? He thought he liked her? A faint smile touched her lips, greatly flattered to hear this though it suddenly made her more self-conscious and practically shy. "Really?" she asked, feeling a blush beginning to creep along her face as well. She wasn't used to hearing this sort of thing, and definitely hadn't been expecting to hear it from Rhys. [/size] |
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Post by 1<3[)r@I<3 on Dec 16, 2008 19:15:55 GMT -6
He felt his face grow warmer and ducked his head. "Y-yeah. You are the most remarkable woman I've ever met. You're kind, gentle, and patient. When we parted, I felt almost whole for the first time in longer than I care to think about."
He glanced up before quickly looking down again. He couldn't seem to get his thoughts to settle and began pacing the room in a sudden spurt of nervous energy.
"You have given me a reason to keep living. Last night..." He stopped pacing, shoulders hunched. He stood there, silent, for a minute just staring at his hands. "Last night was bad. I almost...I wanted to. Gods, how I wanted to." Rhys looked at Sarah, a crooked smile on his face. "Sarah, you are the reason I didn't. Even though you weren't there with me, you kept me alive."
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Post by Graebelle on Dec 17, 2008 17:17:38 GMT -6
The more the compliments came, the more the blush on her face deepened. It made her feel like the attention was being placed solely on her, which it was considering there was only one other person there. That, and he was making her sound like some almost-saint-like woman. Even if she was nice most of the time, and tended have a great deal of patience, she didn't feel he was describing her right. Remarkable? It sounded more like he was stretching things. Still, it flattered her to know he felt this way, and she could feel her smile growing though her hand came up to cover her mouth in a bit of shock.
Her gaze shifted as he did, following him as he began to pace for a few strides. When he mentioned last night and fell silent, she felt her smile falter and slip away, her hand slowly drifting back down to rest at her side while he continued. A bad night. She should have figured what had happened there at the cabin would follow him through the night. He had cried so much, remembered some devastating thoughts, that she was sure couldn't just be gotten rid of through one full out cry. She knew this from experience with her aunt, knew how complex these things were and how the littlest things could suddenly remind of you of what you carried and how heavy that was.
When he looked up at her, though, there was a smile, crooked and sweet, and it set her at ease again. If he wasn't bothered anymore about the previous night, then why should she be? Sarah laughed, one short chuckle, surprised and happy and a mixture of other feelings. Happy seemed to be winning out though. "Well, I do what I must," she joked, speaking of being there to stop him without actually being there. She didn't really feel like thinking about what he might have planned that night, but she found her thoughts traveling down that road anyway. "I'm glad you didn't. I would have hated hearing that news." Sarah's smile faltered once more, feeling a strong pull to wrap him in a hug just to reassure herself he was truly there before her alive and well. |
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Post by 1<3[)r@I<3 on Dec 19, 2008 19:46:35 GMT -6
When she laughed, it seemed like his whole world lit up. He doubted all the cares in the world could bring him down. So long as she is happy, nothing else matters. I won't let anything else matter. Not even the past. He knew better, of course, but chose to ignore that fact.
Rhys laughed at joke, a quiet and almost happy sound. And he was happy. Or at least closer to it than he had been in a very long time. It was Sarah's smile that made him feel it. He would do what ever he needed to do in order to keep Sarah smiling. Anything. Even if it means Hunting again. Even if it means Hunting my own. For her, I would do anything. Just to see her smile, hear her laugh. Even her statement of being glad that he hadn't done it was good to hear. Because he didn't want her to be sad. Because it would hurt to see her sad.
Then her smile faded, and his world dimmed. He realized that she was thinking of what he had said, and it tore at him. He had made her sad. Rhys felt panic begin to well up within him as his own smile faded. "Don't. Oh, please. Please don't be sad." He reached out to her as the plea escaped his lips. Tears began to trickle down his face as he continued. "I'll try harder. I'll do the best I can to never think of it again. Just don't be sad. Never sad."
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Post by Graebelle on Dec 20, 2008 19:05:41 GMT -6
Well, that did it. She hadn't expected him to really take full note of how his words had affected her, let alone the way her reaction had affected him. He was crying now? How would she ever hold herself together with him crying when she already felt like crying herself? It only made it harder to hold back the bit of sadness that had wrapped itself around her over the thought of what losing him would have been like. He was so unlike everyone else that she knew, and though she had only just met him she knew she felt the same. After leaving, she had worried over him quite a bit, whether he would have been fine on his own for the rest of the night, but daily activities expected of her prevented her from fully giving into that feeling.
Until now. Now that he had stated it had crossed his mind during the night. That it might have been a possibility had things just taken a wrong turn, or if he'd probably had the blade of his he had given her. Her lip trembled as she saw the tears already flowing from his eyes, coursing down his face. Sarah could only muster a soft, mumbled, "Oh," before she went to him, giving into that urge she'd had and wrapping him in a hug. It was as much to make him feel better as to make herself feel better as well, and she kept her face turned into his chest, still fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. A few leaked, but not so many to have her lose her control. |
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Post by 1<3[)r@I<3 on Dec 21, 2008 22:56:18 GMT -6
As she wrapped her arms around him, burying her head in his chest, Rhys almost lost what composure he had left. He closed his arms about her and bowed is head as tears continued to flow freely down his face, returning the embrace. He took a deep breath, trying to get his emotions under some sort of control as he stared down at her hair. "I'm sorry. I should never have said anything," he whispered, tightening his hold on her.
After a time, soothed by her embrace, his tears ceased to fall. He sighed, content merely to hold her for as long as she would allow. It felt right, some how, and he wanted it to last as long as possible. He knew it couldn't, that Sarah would break off the embrace. And that she would have to return to her Aunt's house eventually. She'll have to leave. The thought chilled him. The prospect of facing another night like the last filled him with dread. Could he do it again? Could he face his demons without her by his side? Or would he fail, as he had come so close to doing last night? He had no answers, and wasn't sure he wanted any. He might not like them.
"I wish you could stay with me. That you never had to leave," he breathed. He didn't know whether she could hear his words or not. Part of him hoped she could, while another part hoped she couldn't. He already knew what her answer must be. She obviously loved her Aunt and he would never ask her to choose. He had a feeling he would lose her if he did.
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Post by Graebelle on Dec 22, 2008 18:18:45 GMT -6
Sarah did well in keeping herself from losing the control she still had. The few tears that leaked continued to for a short while before letting up, and she worked on keeping them at bay. It was a little easier to do so being in Rhys's arms, comforting and strong around her though she knew he still cried. He appeared to blame himself for her sudden saddness, apologizing for it and saying he should have kept it to himself. She didn't blame him, however, only herself for really letting it affect her. He was here, living and well, for the most part, so why did she have to dwell on the fact he had considered ending things? It hadn't happened, she figured she shoud have been happy for that.
She, too, after a while finally felt calm, her breathing even and not struggling to be so. Just like Rhys, she didn't feel like moving, let alone leaving, though she knew she would need to. So far she hadn't been gone for too long, but she was sure her aunt would start to worry eventually. That was just her way, never really feeling settled until she knew where everyone was and that they were safe and sound. It was something she loved about her, but at the same time it was smothering. Things she was allowed to do were limited, and if she knew Sarah was sneaking off to visit Rhys like she had been, she was almost certain she wouldn't be too pleased.
She heard faintly him speak, catching just the last of his words. Never leave. It sounded like a lovely thought, causing her to hug him just a little tighter in agreement. She said nothing for a moment, just thinking about what he'd said. "I wish you could meet her, my aunt. I'm sure she'd like you as well," Sarah whipsered back, turning her head to rest it against him so her words wouldn't be completely muffled and inaudible. |
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Post by 1<3[)r@I<3 on Dec 24, 2008 1:50:06 GMT -6
Rhys felt her hold tighten. It seemed to him that Sarah felt the same as he did. That she wanted to stay as badly as he wanted her to. But for that to happen, she would have to meet his brother. Not that it was necessarilly a bad thing. If Damon behaved himself. Bad idea. He can't seem to help himself. If they meet, I'll just end up breaking his jaw. Hmm. Maybe its not such a bad idea after all. He grinned at the thought as he looked down at her, one hand coming up to lightly stroke her hair. If only things were that simple. But the humans will never accept even simple friendship, much less what I hope is growing between us.
When she turned her head, resting her cheek against his chest, and spoke he didn't register what she'd actually said at first. For a moment, the only part he truly understood sounded to him to mean nothing more than that Sarah liked him.
But only for a moment. Then the rest registered in his conscious mind and a cold knot formed in his stomach. His arms tightened as he began to tremble in fear. If she told anyone...No. They'll kill her if she says anything. "You can't say anything, Sarah. They'll kill you. I can't lose you now. Not like that. I don't think I could bear it if anything happened to you." His voice was shaky and his eyes panic stricken at the thought.
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