Haniel walked silently towards the tavern, one hand in a pocket, the other kept his hat from blowing off his head in the snowy wind. He reached for tavern door and shivered slightly.
When he walked inside he saw an empty tavern.
"Well... Laine must still be asleep. She tends to sleep late when it snows outside."
Haniel laughed to himself quietly and took a seat by the fire.
An Empty Tavern...
Moderator: Gamemasters
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Haniel Raynn
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:30 am
An Empty Tavern...
Last edited by Haniel Raynn on Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
As the girl hurried back down the road towards the Trollsbane eastern gate, she couldn't help the shivers running up and down her spine. By the GODS, was it cold! Teeth chattering, Laine wrapped her arms tightly about her, hands clenching the light, old cloak wrapped snug about her shoulders.
Head bent, she sidled through the open doors, wishing that the short passage through the gate would suddenly flood with heat. However, she was disappointed though it was no surprise. As she came through the gate into the town, Laine stopped, lifting her head to let her pale brown eyes flick over the white, fairly empty town. She was unsure of where she wanted to go, really. As her gaze lands on the wall of the tavern, a thin, shivering smile appears on her face. The fire! Oh, the hearth of the tavern. It sounded so nice right now, after having been running amuck in Greenbriar.
Pushing forward, the girl ignored the numbness in her feet as her leather shoes sank deep into the snow. Her pace, quick and determined, carried her to the front door, where she reluctantly let go of the cloak to grab the handle of the door. With a pull, the door swings open, allowing Laine to cross over the threshold, the door being slammed behind her.
Turning after a moment, Laine let her attention shift over the fairly empty tavern, nodding to the dwarf behind the counter, who only responded with a short wave, a dirty rag in his hand. Then, a thin smile creeps across her lips as she sees the familiar figure sitting near the fire. Quietly, she walks through the tavern, a hand idly brushing off the flakes of snow from her cloak as she moves towards the elf. As she comes to a stop behind the chair, she reaches out and pats his shoulder lightly before slipping between the chairs and dropping down into her usual one nearest the fire, easily curling her small frame up as she again wraps the cloak about her, still shivering slightly. She offers Haniel a kind smile before pursing her lips.
Hmm, should I have asked if I could join? Sorry, but... I'm freezing!
She allows the smile to widen before sighing quietly, letting her chin drop a few degrees as her eyes trail over the dark cloak. After a brief moment, she lets her gaze find the elf's again, the smile returning.
Anyway, forgive me? How're you?
Head bent, she sidled through the open doors, wishing that the short passage through the gate would suddenly flood with heat. However, she was disappointed though it was no surprise. As she came through the gate into the town, Laine stopped, lifting her head to let her pale brown eyes flick over the white, fairly empty town. She was unsure of where she wanted to go, really. As her gaze lands on the wall of the tavern, a thin, shivering smile appears on her face. The fire! Oh, the hearth of the tavern. It sounded so nice right now, after having been running amuck in Greenbriar.
Pushing forward, the girl ignored the numbness in her feet as her leather shoes sank deep into the snow. Her pace, quick and determined, carried her to the front door, where she reluctantly let go of the cloak to grab the handle of the door. With a pull, the door swings open, allowing Laine to cross over the threshold, the door being slammed behind her.
Turning after a moment, Laine let her attention shift over the fairly empty tavern, nodding to the dwarf behind the counter, who only responded with a short wave, a dirty rag in his hand. Then, a thin smile creeps across her lips as she sees the familiar figure sitting near the fire. Quietly, she walks through the tavern, a hand idly brushing off the flakes of snow from her cloak as she moves towards the elf. As she comes to a stop behind the chair, she reaches out and pats his shoulder lightly before slipping between the chairs and dropping down into her usual one nearest the fire, easily curling her small frame up as she again wraps the cloak about her, still shivering slightly. She offers Haniel a kind smile before pursing her lips.
Hmm, should I have asked if I could join? Sorry, but... I'm freezing!
She allows the smile to widen before sighing quietly, letting her chin drop a few degrees as her eyes trail over the dark cloak. After a brief moment, she lets her gaze find the elf's again, the smile returning.
Anyway, forgive me? How're you?
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Haniel Raynn
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:30 am
The slender elf looked up at the girl, a smile forming under the brim of his hat.
"I thought I'd find you in one of the rooms downstairs friend. But It seems that you have already been out and about this morning. As for me, I'm doing wonderful. I met a lovely elfess named Raviel... *pauses for a moment, smiling into the fire, then back up to her* She's great, you'd love her!"
Haniel then leans forward and pats her knee, "We'll have to be on the look out for a handsome, young man for you!"
He laughs and leans back into his chair, taking his hat off his head and placing it on the back of the chair.
"I thought I'd find you in one of the rooms downstairs friend. But It seems that you have already been out and about this morning. As for me, I'm doing wonderful. I met a lovely elfess named Raviel... *pauses for a moment, smiling into the fire, then back up to her* She's great, you'd love her!"
Haniel then leans forward and pats her knee, "We'll have to be on the look out for a handsome, young man for you!"
He laughs and leans back into his chair, taking his hat off his head and placing it on the back of the chair.
Laine simply smiled at his first comment, a quiet laugh being heard as a yawn happens to creep across her face. But, at the next mention the amused look on her face fades, almost disappearing. Blinking slowly, her brows furrow before she turns away, eyes settling to reflect the flames in the hearth.
'Lovely elfess'... 'Great'...
For some reason, hearing Haniel speak of someone else sent a faint, though unavoidable twinge of jealousy through the girl. Sure, she only saw Haniel as someone along the lines of a brother, right? So why did she suddenly want to make him simply shut up?
Pursing her lips, the girl remains silent, the hand clamped about her cloak tightening just slightly. As his hands pats her knee, her attention quickly shifts to him, unable to hide the strange glint in her eyes. His comment didn't help at all, and her only reply was a thin, forced smile.
Someone for her... Right. The thought of any relationship as such was merely laughable. The quiet chuckle coming from her seemed just as fake as her smile, sounding rough and hoarse.
As she turns her suddenly distanced gaze back to the fire, she keeps that false, wry smile on her lips as she speaks, voice noticeably lower, even on the verge of being cold.
That's... That's wonderful, Haniel. Raviel... The name sounds vaguely familiar, like I've heard it before.. I'm sure she's... wonderful.. And no thank you, I'll pass on.. a 'handsome, young man'.
An inaudibly, yet visible sigh escapes her as she lowers her head, the hand that had been resting on the chair's arm raising to run over her face before falling again, hanging idly on the side of the worn chair. Her lips were again pursed, the girl absently chewing on the bottom lip as she falls oddly silent, eyes locked on the dancing flames. For some reason, hearing his words had made her feel this sudden urge to... what? Cry? Shout? Pound his worthless frame into the dirt and walk off? She didn't know. She didn't know how or why his words, his speaking of another woman like that affected her so. Was she really jealous over someone she had always only seen as a friend, a brother? She honestly didn't know...
'Lovely elfess'... 'Great'...
For some reason, hearing Haniel speak of someone else sent a faint, though unavoidable twinge of jealousy through the girl. Sure, she only saw Haniel as someone along the lines of a brother, right? So why did she suddenly want to make him simply shut up?
Pursing her lips, the girl remains silent, the hand clamped about her cloak tightening just slightly. As his hands pats her knee, her attention quickly shifts to him, unable to hide the strange glint in her eyes. His comment didn't help at all, and her only reply was a thin, forced smile.
Someone for her... Right. The thought of any relationship as such was merely laughable. The quiet chuckle coming from her seemed just as fake as her smile, sounding rough and hoarse.
As she turns her suddenly distanced gaze back to the fire, she keeps that false, wry smile on her lips as she speaks, voice noticeably lower, even on the verge of being cold.
That's... That's wonderful, Haniel. Raviel... The name sounds vaguely familiar, like I've heard it before.. I'm sure she's... wonderful.. And no thank you, I'll pass on.. a 'handsome, young man'.
An inaudibly, yet visible sigh escapes her as she lowers her head, the hand that had been resting on the chair's arm raising to run over her face before falling again, hanging idly on the side of the worn chair. Her lips were again pursed, the girl absently chewing on the bottom lip as she falls oddly silent, eyes locked on the dancing flames. For some reason, hearing his words had made her feel this sudden urge to... what? Cry? Shout? Pound his worthless frame into the dirt and walk off? She didn't know. She didn't know how or why his words, his speaking of another woman like that affected her so. Was she really jealous over someone she had always only seen as a friend, a brother? She honestly didn't know...
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Haniel Raynn
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:30 am
Haniel watched the woman fall silent, cold. He shifts in his chair, humor completely gone from his mind. He looked to her face, but he had the feeling she was not going to look his way. Alarms automatically started going off in his head and he begins to think,
What did I say? Why does she look so distant? She looks like she is going to bite her lip off... I thought that she would be... happy for me...
Haniel then leaned forward, interrupting her line of sight to the fire. His bangs fell to the side of his face as he looked up to her. He swallowed hard and began to speak,
"Laine... what's wrong? You know I was merely jesting..."
He then reaches up with his right hand to brush her cheek softly, hoping that she won't pull away.
What did I say? Why does she look so distant? She looks like she is going to bite her lip off... I thought that she would be... happy for me...
Haniel then leaned forward, interrupting her line of sight to the fire. His bangs fell to the side of his face as he looked up to her. He swallowed hard and began to speak,
"Laine... what's wrong? You know I was merely jesting..."
He then reaches up with his right hand to brush her cheek softly, hoping that she won't pull away.
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Lance Thunnigan
- Posts: 1749
- Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2006 12:02 am
- Location: The 918, OK
Salizarr waits just outside the taverne, sneaking just beneath the window and looking through into the taverne.
"Hey Laine's in there." He grins mischievously to himself.
"Maybe I should say 'hi' to her.
Slowly he tiptoes to the door and slides it open sharply, banging it heavily against the taverne wall.
'Ello 'ello everybody! He shouts into the taverne.
How're we all doin' here?
With a cheeky grin he closes the door and makes his way towards the fireplace.
"Hey Laine's in there." He grins mischievously to himself.
"Maybe I should say 'hi' to her.
Slowly he tiptoes to the door and slides it open sharply, banging it heavily against the taverne wall.
'Ello 'ello everybody! He shouts into the taverne.
How're we all doin' here?
With a cheeky grin he closes the door and makes his way towards the fireplace.
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Haniel Raynn
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:30 am
Haniel retracts his hand at the sound of the rather barbaric elf. He sighs and rises to his feet.
What is that buffoon doing here? He really does have horrendous timing.
Haniel sighs loudly and waves a dismissive hand, "What do you want now?"
Haniel narrows his emerald eyes at the young elf in anticipation of his reply.
What is that buffoon doing here? He really does have horrendous timing.
Haniel sighs loudly and waves a dismissive hand, "What do you want now?"
Haniel narrows his emerald eyes at the young elf in anticipation of his reply.
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Lance Thunnigan
- Posts: 1749
- Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2006 12:02 am
- Location: The 918, OK
"Hey now, hey now. Don' get all jumpity with me!"
"I's only wantin' near the fire!" He grins slightly.
He nears the fireplace and takes a seat in one of the chairs nearest it.
"So 'ow we all doin' here tonight!? WELL I HOPE!?"
Chuckling at the raising of his own voice, he turns to Laine.
"Ahh, we meet again. I do hope you liked our LAST meeting.. I SURE did!"
He chuckles again, looking between the two.
"I's only wantin' near the fire!" He grins slightly.
He nears the fireplace and takes a seat in one of the chairs nearest it.
"So 'ow we all doin' here tonight!? WELL I HOPE!?"
Chuckling at the raising of his own voice, he turns to Laine.
"Ahh, we meet again. I do hope you liked our LAST meeting.. I SURE did!"
He chuckles again, looking between the two.
Jesting. He was merely jesting. About what? About him finding this 'great, lovely elfess' or about wanting to find someone for Laine? Neither one would do, right now. Keeping her lips pursed in a thin line, the look on her face melting into a cold, expressionless mask. Funny, how just one mention of someone could change her attitude so suddenly.
As Haniel moved forward, forcing her gaze to settle on him, Laine clenched her jaws tightly. However, she didn't look away, the indifference in her eyes clear as she stared evenly into his eyes. Yet, she couldn't find the words, nor the bravery to say anything, settling with simply biting her tongue and remaining almost deathly silent. As his hand reaches up to gently brush against her cheek, she pulled away in a manner as if it almost burned, breaking her stare to look to her right quickly. The sudden tension and awkwardness between them that she, if she alone, felt was weighing too much.
It was almost a relief when the obnoxious voice resonated in the deserted tavern. Closing her eyes suddenly, Laine couldn't help the grimace that cast over her expression. She remained static in her position, aside from slowly letting her legs unfold to settle on the carpet beneath the chair, muscles tense. She paid no attention to what the two were saying. That is, until her own name was said. Slowly, she let the bitter gaze fall on the young elf, eyes narrowing into a faint glare at his little comment. With an annoyed sound, she pushes away from the chair. Her voice was icy, albeit sounding a bit shaky as she speaks.
Don't start with me, Salizarr. Not a wise choice right now.
She left it at that, stepping between the chairs and moving brusquely toward the front door. As she reached it, a hand moved out, shoving the door open. Without another sound, the girl steps over the threshold and hurries down the path, leaving the door wide open, allowing the cold winter air into the fairly warm tavern. Shaking her head, Laine moved down the path towards Morgan and his fire. Biting her bottom lip again, she only nods to the man who was busy working on leathers near his fire. Morgan said nothing, nodding as well as the girl drops down onto a log. With a heavy, wearied sigh, Laine lets her attention settle on the fire. The crackling of the logs and the warmth of the flames calms her slightly, causing her to become almost wrapped up in her thoughts. Letting her head rest in her hands, Laine's eyes flutter closed as slowly the girl becomes completely unaware of her surroundings.
Jesting. Merely jesting...
As Haniel moved forward, forcing her gaze to settle on him, Laine clenched her jaws tightly. However, she didn't look away, the indifference in her eyes clear as she stared evenly into his eyes. Yet, she couldn't find the words, nor the bravery to say anything, settling with simply biting her tongue and remaining almost deathly silent. As his hand reaches up to gently brush against her cheek, she pulled away in a manner as if it almost burned, breaking her stare to look to her right quickly. The sudden tension and awkwardness between them that she, if she alone, felt was weighing too much.
It was almost a relief when the obnoxious voice resonated in the deserted tavern. Closing her eyes suddenly, Laine couldn't help the grimace that cast over her expression. She remained static in her position, aside from slowly letting her legs unfold to settle on the carpet beneath the chair, muscles tense. She paid no attention to what the two were saying. That is, until her own name was said. Slowly, she let the bitter gaze fall on the young elf, eyes narrowing into a faint glare at his little comment. With an annoyed sound, she pushes away from the chair. Her voice was icy, albeit sounding a bit shaky as she speaks.
Don't start with me, Salizarr. Not a wise choice right now.
She left it at that, stepping between the chairs and moving brusquely toward the front door. As she reached it, a hand moved out, shoving the door open. Without another sound, the girl steps over the threshold and hurries down the path, leaving the door wide open, allowing the cold winter air into the fairly warm tavern. Shaking her head, Laine moved down the path towards Morgan and his fire. Biting her bottom lip again, she only nods to the man who was busy working on leathers near his fire. Morgan said nothing, nodding as well as the girl drops down onto a log. With a heavy, wearied sigh, Laine lets her attention settle on the fire. The crackling of the logs and the warmth of the flames calms her slightly, causing her to become almost wrapped up in her thoughts. Letting her head rest in her hands, Laine's eyes flutter closed as slowly the girl becomes completely unaware of her surroundings.
Jesting. Merely jesting...
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Haniel Raynn
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:30 am
Haniel watches her leave with a frown across his thin face. He then takes his worn hat from the back of the chair and places it firmly on the top of his head. He walks to the door, ignoring the other elf completely and opens it. He looks around quietly, small snowflakes sticking to his warm lips.
He couldn't believe what had just happened. He told her he found someone he was romantically attracted to and she turned as cold as winter in the dwarven mountains. Haniel then spotted her sullen face being lit softly by the flames near Morgan. He hesitated slightly before walking over to her and the merchant.
As Haniel approached the two, he tipped his hat to Morgan, keeping his eyes focused on the woman. Seeing Laine's eyes transfixed on the flames, Haniel takes a seat next her, leaving considerable space between them.
"Laine... What's wrong?"
He turned his head and watched her, smiling slightly as her brown hair blew freely across her face.
He couldn't believe what had just happened. He told her he found someone he was romantically attracted to and she turned as cold as winter in the dwarven mountains. Haniel then spotted her sullen face being lit softly by the flames near Morgan. He hesitated slightly before walking over to her and the merchant.
As Haniel approached the two, he tipped his hat to Morgan, keeping his eyes focused on the woman. Seeing Laine's eyes transfixed on the flames, Haniel takes a seat next her, leaving considerable space between them.
"Laine... What's wrong?"
He turned his head and watched her, smiling slightly as her brown hair blew freely across her face.
The girl didn't even notice the company slowly making his way closer to where she sits. The sounds of crunching footsteps and the short greeting voice of Morgan didn't register. Her eyes reflected the flames within the campfire, watching the fire's dance waver with each bitterly cold breath of wind, following as the dance moved smoothly from calm to erratic and back again. It reminded her vaguely of something, though she could not touch on it exactly.
The crackling of the logs and the heavy sound as one charred, ashy log falls seemed to be the only things making their way to her thoughts. She heard them, but not the shuffle of snow as that familiar figure seated himself beside her. For a long moment, she didn't even seem to hear his voice, his quiet question. But as the realization that she wasn't completely alone hit her, Laine blinks slowly before looking up. Pursing her lips again, she took a deep breath before letting the blank, expressionless face be taken over by a falsely content look. Though the small smile on her face was purely meaningless, she prayed that it looked real enough. Craning her neck slowly to look over her shoulder at the elf, all she first offered was that small, unfeeling smile. Then, she answers in her normally blunt voice, forcing the startled shakiness out of it.
"Nothing's wrong, Haniel. I'm just... tired. I've been running around on a wild goose chase all day."
Her voice cuts short after that last sentence, falling into a brief silence. Pulling back, the girl's plain stare again found the fire as she shifted forward away from the log, moving closer to the fire and sitting on the ground, wrapping the cloak about her tightly.
"I'm... glad to hear you so happy. Don't let my foul mood give you the wrong idea. It comforts me to know that such a close friend is happy with his life."
She couldn't ignore the fact that as she said that sentence, her voice had gradually become duller, less meaningful. The girl couldn't help it. She was telling a bold-faced lie to the last person she wanted to lie too. Biting her bottom lip, Laine's chin once more drops, eyes closing for a brief moment before turning back to the fire.
" I'm sorry..."
At that, she allowed herself to become silent once more. Again, her attention was forced to be absorbed by the fire, finding it near to impossible to turn and look at the elf next to her. She was utterly confused right now. All this time, she had been perfectly content in seeing him as a close friend, nothing more. By the Gods, she was the one running around 'entertaining' half the men of Gobiath. So why was it that his talking of another woman like she had talked about men affecting her like this? It startled her... It scared her as the slow, creeping realization told her that for once, these little emotions weren't a facade. They...
They were real.
The crackling of the logs and the heavy sound as one charred, ashy log falls seemed to be the only things making their way to her thoughts. She heard them, but not the shuffle of snow as that familiar figure seated himself beside her. For a long moment, she didn't even seem to hear his voice, his quiet question. But as the realization that she wasn't completely alone hit her, Laine blinks slowly before looking up. Pursing her lips again, she took a deep breath before letting the blank, expressionless face be taken over by a falsely content look. Though the small smile on her face was purely meaningless, she prayed that it looked real enough. Craning her neck slowly to look over her shoulder at the elf, all she first offered was that small, unfeeling smile. Then, she answers in her normally blunt voice, forcing the startled shakiness out of it.
"Nothing's wrong, Haniel. I'm just... tired. I've been running around on a wild goose chase all day."
Her voice cuts short after that last sentence, falling into a brief silence. Pulling back, the girl's plain stare again found the fire as she shifted forward away from the log, moving closer to the fire and sitting on the ground, wrapping the cloak about her tightly.
"I'm... glad to hear you so happy. Don't let my foul mood give you the wrong idea. It comforts me to know that such a close friend is happy with his life."
She couldn't ignore the fact that as she said that sentence, her voice had gradually become duller, less meaningful. The girl couldn't help it. She was telling a bold-faced lie to the last person she wanted to lie too. Biting her bottom lip, Laine's chin once more drops, eyes closing for a brief moment before turning back to the fire.
" I'm sorry..."
At that, she allowed herself to become silent once more. Again, her attention was forced to be absorbed by the fire, finding it near to impossible to turn and look at the elf next to her. She was utterly confused right now. All this time, she had been perfectly content in seeing him as a close friend, nothing more. By the Gods, she was the one running around 'entertaining' half the men of Gobiath. So why was it that his talking of another woman like she had talked about men affecting her like this? It startled her... It scared her as the slow, creeping realization told her that for once, these little emotions weren't a facade. They...
They were real.
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Haniel Raynn
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:30 am
Haniel could see the pain across her face. He knew that something was wrong, more than just being tired. He watched her stumble over words and falling silent time and time again. Then she said something that surprised him. His eyes widened as she spoke the words, "I'm Sorry..." Haniel was almost positive that her previous sentence was a lie, or else she wouldn't have apologized... He knew that much about her.
His thoughts raced, Sorry... Well... she obviously isn't happy that I found a girl...
Haniel's gaze fell on the fire, watching the sparks fly up when the gust became strong.
Oh no... I think... She...
Haniel cleared his voice, not believing quite what he was thinking. He moved closer to the woman, keeping his hands in his lap. He leaned over and whispered,
"Laine... Please... please don not lie to me. We're too close for that."
His thoughts raced, Sorry... Well... she obviously isn't happy that I found a girl...
Haniel's gaze fell on the fire, watching the sparks fly up when the gust became strong.
Oh no... I think... She...
Haniel cleared his voice, not believing quite what he was thinking. He moved closer to the woman, keeping his hands in his lap. He leaned over and whispered,
"Laine... Please... please don not lie to me. We're too close for that."
Laine kept her head bent, stray tendrils of her coppery brown hair falling down near her face, tickling as the winds press the strands against her cheek. The heat of the fire, which was so close, seemed to do nothing against the nasty winds that came in short, cold blasts. Goosebumps and shivers ran across her body, forcing the girl to draw herself closer together, fingers grasping tightly about the edges of her cloak in an attempt to use the thin material to shield off the worst of the cold. It almost seemed pointless, sitting outside in the dead of winter. But the biting cold, alternating with the slight heat of the campfire seemed to be keeping her mind off of her own tormenting thoughts.
All she wanted right now was for that bedamned elf to accept the fact that all was fine, and for her to get over this sudden, fickle jealousy. To her, it felt as if she were possessive, envious of someone else having a halfway normal life and relationship. She was being selfish. There was nothing to hope for between her and that elf... They were friends, acquaintances. It would never be more than 'wishful thinking', if her fickle little heart kept doing this.
With a faint sigh, Laine allowed herself to give Haniel a short, sidelong glance before offering a weak, shallow smile as she looks back to the fire.
" Why would I ever lie to you, Haniel? And are we, now? We're simply friends, why can I not wish my friend luck?"
Her voice seemed again almost too happy. There was that vague, almost unnoticeable undertone of weakness as she spoke. Laine wasn't consciously aware of it, but it wouldn't be hard to miss for someone as close to her as he seemed to think.
All she wanted right now was for that bedamned elf to accept the fact that all was fine, and for her to get over this sudden, fickle jealousy. To her, it felt as if she were possessive, envious of someone else having a halfway normal life and relationship. She was being selfish. There was nothing to hope for between her and that elf... They were friends, acquaintances. It would never be more than 'wishful thinking', if her fickle little heart kept doing this.
With a faint sigh, Laine allowed herself to give Haniel a short, sidelong glance before offering a weak, shallow smile as she looks back to the fire.
" Why would I ever lie to you, Haniel? And are we, now? We're simply friends, why can I not wish my friend luck?"
Her voice seemed again almost too happy. There was that vague, almost unnoticeable undertone of weakness as she spoke. Laine wasn't consciously aware of it, but it wouldn't be hard to miss for someone as close to her as he seemed to think.
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Haniel Raynn
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:30 am
Haniel watches her shiver, a feeling of compassion comes over him. He begins to unbutton his overcoat, smiling as he does. He drapes it over her shoulders without her permission.
"Here... you look like you could use it..."
He attempts to pull her hair back from her face, as he speaks again,
"Laine, I feel that we are close. You were the first person on this isle that even noticed that I was here. *smiles softly* I... care for you. If... you are really 'wishing me luck' I appreciate it. But if you aren't...
He turns his body to completely face her. He holds out his hand, "We should talk more in depth about our feelings for each other..."
"Here... you look like you could use it..."
He attempts to pull her hair back from her face, as he speaks again,
"Laine, I feel that we are close. You were the first person on this isle that even noticed that I was here. *smiles softly* I... care for you. If... you are really 'wishing me luck' I appreciate it. But if you aren't...
He turns his body to completely face her. He holds out his hand, "We should talk more in depth about our feelings for each other..."
The sudden warmth and weight of the overcoat settling over her shoulders seemed to pull the girl from her musings once again, causing her to tilt her head just slightly, catching another glimpse of the elf next to her. It bothered her, in a strange way, that he could read her as if she were some open book. How had he come to know her so well, and so soon? She had never thought herself someone easy to figure out, and yet here he was, acting as if he had known her for years. Yet again, she felt startled.
As he reaches up to move her hair from her face, Laine allows her eyes to flutter closed, moving her head just slightly away from his touch, though no more. The look on her face, as it became visible, was purely unreadable. It held far too many thoughts and emotions to be able to decipher clearly. Whatever wry, false smile that plastered itself on her lips faded, her gaze falling to the snow-covered ground as her hands reach up to pull his coat about her as well.
His voice met her ears evenly and again she found her eyes closing, listening silently to what he had to say. Despite what he said, there was no change, no sudden shift in her expression. He cared for her... Alright, how? As the occasional friend? As a sibling? How...? That didn't tell her enough.
She lets her eyes open slightly as his sentence drifts off, followed by the sound of someone moving. For a moment, she thought he had worn tired of her distanced attitude and decided to leave. But, the shadow of the figure never moved from its position. It had merely changed direction. With brows knitted together vaguely, Laine looked up once more to Haniel, who now faced her with outstretched hands. His next sentence once again managed to surprise her, in a way that sent her infamous 'walls' flying up. Feelings for each other. It was instinct, the way she reacted. So many times, she had heard these words and they had always been purely empty. Head lifting in an almost proud, haughy manner, she let her plain, flat gaze find his and stare evenly at him. Her voice, as she finally managed to speak again, seemed to hold an almost defensive tone.
" Feelings for each other..? What says there are any feelings to worry about in the first place? As far as I know, simple friends have no feelings that need to be talked in depth about..."
She couldn't help the faintly biting tone in her voice as her face tensed. It was almost as if she were making a horrible attempt to hide the fact that he had mentioned something very closely along the lines of what she was thinking. But no... There were no feelings they had to talk about. He had that little elfess Raviel. She had... Who? Maybe Mark.. Maybe that one elf she had been so interested in.. Maybe... Maybe the next man to come along that showed even the slightest interest in her. But for some reason, this thought only irritated her more. She really 'didn't' have anyone, now that she pondered on it. With an inward, silent sigh, the girl once more finds herself remaining starkly quiet, the fierce glint in her eyes as she asked Haniel what he meant by feelings vanished. Her attention had turned away from him, yet this time not back to the fire. They flicked over the top of the fire, watching the buildings and shadows through the faint smoke. In a way, it was almost as if she were looking for some escape, one that was right there and yet completely invisible... If only she could find it.
As he reaches up to move her hair from her face, Laine allows her eyes to flutter closed, moving her head just slightly away from his touch, though no more. The look on her face, as it became visible, was purely unreadable. It held far too many thoughts and emotions to be able to decipher clearly. Whatever wry, false smile that plastered itself on her lips faded, her gaze falling to the snow-covered ground as her hands reach up to pull his coat about her as well.
His voice met her ears evenly and again she found her eyes closing, listening silently to what he had to say. Despite what he said, there was no change, no sudden shift in her expression. He cared for her... Alright, how? As the occasional friend? As a sibling? How...? That didn't tell her enough.
She lets her eyes open slightly as his sentence drifts off, followed by the sound of someone moving. For a moment, she thought he had worn tired of her distanced attitude and decided to leave. But, the shadow of the figure never moved from its position. It had merely changed direction. With brows knitted together vaguely, Laine looked up once more to Haniel, who now faced her with outstretched hands. His next sentence once again managed to surprise her, in a way that sent her infamous 'walls' flying up. Feelings for each other. It was instinct, the way she reacted. So many times, she had heard these words and they had always been purely empty. Head lifting in an almost proud, haughy manner, she let her plain, flat gaze find his and stare evenly at him. Her voice, as she finally managed to speak again, seemed to hold an almost defensive tone.
" Feelings for each other..? What says there are any feelings to worry about in the first place? As far as I know, simple friends have no feelings that need to be talked in depth about..."
She couldn't help the faintly biting tone in her voice as her face tensed. It was almost as if she were making a horrible attempt to hide the fact that he had mentioned something very closely along the lines of what she was thinking. But no... There were no feelings they had to talk about. He had that little elfess Raviel. She had... Who? Maybe Mark.. Maybe that one elf she had been so interested in.. Maybe... Maybe the next man to come along that showed even the slightest interest in her. But for some reason, this thought only irritated her more. She really 'didn't' have anyone, now that she pondered on it. With an inward, silent sigh, the girl once more finds herself remaining starkly quiet, the fierce glint in her eyes as she asked Haniel what he meant by feelings vanished. Her attention had turned away from him, yet this time not back to the fire. They flicked over the top of the fire, watching the buildings and shadows through the faint smoke. In a way, it was almost as if she were looking for some escape, one that was right there and yet completely invisible... If only she could find it.
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Haniel Raynn
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:30 am
Haniel withdrew his hands, his face expressionless. Her bitter tone left him saddened. What did she want from him? Apparently what he said wasn't right at all. He sat there, thinking, still facing the woman. She retracted from his touch. She retracted from his statements. He began to feel as if he didn't know her as well as he thought.
Haniel took his arms and folded them tightly around his body. He watched her eyes flicker in the firelight. Her face was empty, her whole personality seemed false to him. Becoming discouraged, he turned to the fire and rubbed his eyes.
He started and stopped several sentences, none of them sounding right in his head. She is waiting for me to speak, he thought.
I don't even know how I feel now... Ugh... Raviel... who knew... She told me that she was a priestess of Sirani and I know that comes with... certain baggage. But, I thought I would be fine. I even told her that I wouldn't hurt her... Now, I'm feeling like.... no... well... I feel like it would be a horrible mistake to let Laine go thinking that we were just friends. But what are we?
He looked down to the ground and kicked the snow in front of him with his boots. He just didn't know what to say. But He didn't want to leave. So he sat, waiting... for something...
Haniel took his arms and folded them tightly around his body. He watched her eyes flicker in the firelight. Her face was empty, her whole personality seemed false to him. Becoming discouraged, he turned to the fire and rubbed his eyes.
He started and stopped several sentences, none of them sounding right in his head. She is waiting for me to speak, he thought.
I don't even know how I feel now... Ugh... Raviel... who knew... She told me that she was a priestess of Sirani and I know that comes with... certain baggage. But, I thought I would be fine. I even told her that I wouldn't hurt her... Now, I'm feeling like.... no... well... I feel like it would be a horrible mistake to let Laine go thinking that we were just friends. But what are we?
He looked down to the ground and kicked the snow in front of him with his boots. He just didn't know what to say. But He didn't want to leave. So he sat, waiting... for something...
Silence. After she had so unwillingly snapped, the only response she got was silence. It was strange, seeing how she had expected him to, if anything, laugh and walk off. That was the usual reply when she strictly reminded others that there was nothing truly there. They knew it, they accepted it, and they let her be. But this time, as she again reminded the person she talked too that there were no feelings, he simply sat there. Why? Was it because he knew her so well that he could tell the lies in her shaky voice? Most likely. Haniel knew her very well, after all. But why did he just sit there silently? Could he at least break the awkward silence forcing itself between them? No. He couldn't, from the looks of it. But neither could she. She could not muster the words to break that feeling that sent her so far out of her comfort zone.
Had she really upset him? Surely not. He had nothing to be upset about. She was nothing more than a selfish, fickle girl that couldn't stand the thought of someone else having such a nice life, such a pleasant happiness. Right? A quiet sigh comes from the girl as she raises a hand to hide her face for a brief moment. No... She didn't know anymore. Letting her hands move up to run slowly through her hair, Laine let her gaze drop back to the fire. She does know one thing. He didn't deserve to so suddenly be yelled at. That was just her instinct, wasn't it?
Gritting her teeth, Laine lets her hands fall away, curling about her. With brows furrowed, she shakes her head for a brief moment before speaking again, voice low and oddly rough.
I'm sorry... It's just...
She hesitates, voice trailing off for a moment as she searches for something to say, an excuse. After a few seconds, she swallows and speaks again.
It's just lately... Lately, everything's been a bit chaotic for me. It... puts me in a bad mood.
She forced her voice to sound lighter, not liking his sudden silence and almost desperate to make him talk again. She didn't need to let her sudden jealousy get in the way. But perhaps this was what it felt like every time she flirted with a man whilst his attraction stood near. This was what it meant when someone said that the best things in life could be painful. Amazing, really...
Turning slowly, Laine moved to face Haniel fully, gaze flicking to the ground before turning to him, a quaint smile on her lips before she shakes her head.
I didn't... I wasn't intending on taking it out on you. Forgive me.
Despite the relaxed note in her voice and the smile on her lips, the look on her face betrayed the fact that it was a mask. It was faint, shallow, but the distressed look was still there. Falling silent, she settles with only watching him, her restless gaze flicking over the elf, eyes closing briefly as another short gust of bitter wind hits them. It was strange, how the chaotic weather seemed to be reflecting her emotions. Bowing her head against the wind, Laine grimaces before slowly looking back to him, face blank once again.
Had she really upset him? Surely not. He had nothing to be upset about. She was nothing more than a selfish, fickle girl that couldn't stand the thought of someone else having such a nice life, such a pleasant happiness. Right? A quiet sigh comes from the girl as she raises a hand to hide her face for a brief moment. No... She didn't know anymore. Letting her hands move up to run slowly through her hair, Laine let her gaze drop back to the fire. She does know one thing. He didn't deserve to so suddenly be yelled at. That was just her instinct, wasn't it?
Gritting her teeth, Laine lets her hands fall away, curling about her. With brows furrowed, she shakes her head for a brief moment before speaking again, voice low and oddly rough.
I'm sorry... It's just...
She hesitates, voice trailing off for a moment as she searches for something to say, an excuse. After a few seconds, she swallows and speaks again.
It's just lately... Lately, everything's been a bit chaotic for me. It... puts me in a bad mood.
She forced her voice to sound lighter, not liking his sudden silence and almost desperate to make him talk again. She didn't need to let her sudden jealousy get in the way. But perhaps this was what it felt like every time she flirted with a man whilst his attraction stood near. This was what it meant when someone said that the best things in life could be painful. Amazing, really...
Turning slowly, Laine moved to face Haniel fully, gaze flicking to the ground before turning to him, a quaint smile on her lips before she shakes her head.
I didn't... I wasn't intending on taking it out on you. Forgive me.
Despite the relaxed note in her voice and the smile on her lips, the look on her face betrayed the fact that it was a mask. It was faint, shallow, but the distressed look was still there. Falling silent, she settles with only watching him, her restless gaze flicking over the elf, eyes closing briefly as another short gust of bitter wind hits them. It was strange, how the chaotic weather seemed to be reflecting her emotions. Bowing her head against the wind, Laine grimaces before slowly looking back to him, face blank once again.
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Haniel Raynn
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:30 am
Haniel continued to work the snow over with his feet. He looked up slowly at Laine as she spoke. His face becomes somewhat warmer, a little more understanding. But his mind was still brewing on his feelings for both the women in his life.
Raviel told me she loved me... and... I told her I did too.... And I think I do... But, is it possible to love two people? I mean do I love Laine? Even with the lies? With her facade? We were only friends... but maybe deep inside both of us, we knew there was more than that... I should tell her...
Haniel looked into her brown eyes, the flames' flicking reflection dancing slowly in them. He smiled, and spoke softly,
"Laine, don't apologize, I'm not upset, and you only spoke your mind. I love that about you. I really do. But I have a question for you..."
He hesitated a moment, shifting on the log, the sound of his body scraping the bark faint. He then let his emotions take over and asked her in a tender voice,
"Do you believe it is possible to love multiple people? Because... I think I do..."
Raviel told me she loved me... and... I told her I did too.... And I think I do... But, is it possible to love two people? I mean do I love Laine? Even with the lies? With her facade? We were only friends... but maybe deep inside both of us, we knew there was more than that... I should tell her...
Haniel looked into her brown eyes, the flames' flicking reflection dancing slowly in them. He smiled, and spoke softly,
"Laine, don't apologize, I'm not upset, and you only spoke your mind. I love that about you. I really do. But I have a question for you..."
He hesitated a moment, shifting on the log, the sound of his body scraping the bark faint. He then let his emotions take over and asked her in a tender voice,
"Do you believe it is possible to love multiple people? Because... I think I do..."
"Do you believe it is possible to love multiple people?"
As he asks this question, the girl's even stare turns away, shifting to look blankly to her left, fingers curling into tight fists. She hadn't expected this question, and in him asking it made her ask herself what he could mean by it. What was he trying to say? What was him asking of love possibly implying? No, surely it didn't mean that...
She forced those thoughts away, the frown on her face deepening. She wanted to say nothing that gave away to her little act of being perfectly fine with all of this, even if the elf saw right through it. For a long moment, she said nothing. But, after the silence once again stretches between them, she breaks it with a quiet voice. As she speaks, she seems to be forcing herself not to look at him, eyes narrowing into a faint glare.
"Do I believe if it is possible to love... more than one person? Yes... 'And' no. It all depends on what sort and how deep that love goes. One can love two people, but eventually they will be forced to make a choice, if they wish to keep that love alive. One will have to... simply be pushed aside and forced to accept the fact."
For the first time since she had been by the fire, her voice sounds purely honest, even a faint tone of sadness echoing in her words. The glare disappears, replaced with yet another blank mask as her eyes travel over the ground near her left side. She again found herself unable to look at Haniel. Oh, how she wished to simply run away. Her so unexpected jealousy had suddenly made it so hard to talk to him like she had been able too before. It made something as plain as sitting by a fire with him something almost excrutiating. All she had done with her jealous angst was make things worse. Closing her eyes again, Laine returned to biting her bottom lip, refusing to look back to Haniel for now.
As he asks this question, the girl's even stare turns away, shifting to look blankly to her left, fingers curling into tight fists. She hadn't expected this question, and in him asking it made her ask herself what he could mean by it. What was he trying to say? What was him asking of love possibly implying? No, surely it didn't mean that...
She forced those thoughts away, the frown on her face deepening. She wanted to say nothing that gave away to her little act of being perfectly fine with all of this, even if the elf saw right through it. For a long moment, she said nothing. But, after the silence once again stretches between them, she breaks it with a quiet voice. As she speaks, she seems to be forcing herself not to look at him, eyes narrowing into a faint glare.
"Do I believe if it is possible to love... more than one person? Yes... 'And' no. It all depends on what sort and how deep that love goes. One can love two people, but eventually they will be forced to make a choice, if they wish to keep that love alive. One will have to... simply be pushed aside and forced to accept the fact."
For the first time since she had been by the fire, her voice sounds purely honest, even a faint tone of sadness echoing in her words. The glare disappears, replaced with yet another blank mask as her eyes travel over the ground near her left side. She again found herself unable to look at Haniel. Oh, how she wished to simply run away. Her so unexpected jealousy had suddenly made it so hard to talk to him like she had been able too before. It made something as plain as sitting by a fire with him something almost excrutiating. All she had done with her jealous angst was make things worse. Closing her eyes again, Laine returned to biting her bottom lip, refusing to look back to Haniel for now.
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Haniel Raynn
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:30 am
Haniel sat silently, his thoughts racing. Hearing her say those words brought him to a full realization of his feelings. His face grew pale as he sat on the log, his mind swirling. He did love her. But she was right... he would have to choose. But... who? when?
He turned to her, the awkwardness almost tangible. He dropped his head, looking to the log next to her.
"Laine... I ... Lo... "
He could not finish his sentence; he was too afraid to see her reaction, or even more than that, to see her grow cold again. But he really did love her; He just couldn't say it... not yet...
He turned to her, the awkwardness almost tangible. He dropped his head, looking to the log next to her.
"Laine... I ... Lo... "
He could not finish his sentence; he was too afraid to see her reaction, or even more than that, to see her grow cold again. But he really did love her; He just couldn't say it... not yet...
All his hesitating, drawn short word did to her was send another brutally spontaneous wave of fear through the girl Lo... Love? Love who? Raviel? Or her? She found herself hoping it was the word 'you' that might follow that unsaid word, and yet she didn't want it. She didn't want him to so suddenly decide on something like that. She didn't want to be forced to hear those words and know that for once, there was meaning in them. It scared her, thrilled her, bothered her all the same.
Biting down hard on her bottom lip, to the point that it actually hurt, Laine quickly shakes her head before looking to him, that startled look taking over the cold, indifferent glint in them.
" It doesn't matter, though. Why worry about 'multiple loves'? You love that elfess, surely. That's all that matters."
She wanted to interrupt his thoughts, make him forget whatever he was about to say. If it was 'I love Raviel', she didn't want to hear it. It would have stung, pained her suddenly fickle, raw emotions. Had it been 'I love you', it would have been even worse. Of course she wanted to hear this, yet she knew that she would have only thrown herself into denial. What a... hopeless state she was in.
Her normally determined gaze was now frail. The steadiness wavered with startled desperation, pleaing for him to just stop. She didn't want to hear it. With a weak smile, she again shakes her head.
"It doesn't matter... Just... Forget it, alright?"
Forget it... Easier said than done. Part of her begged for him to finish that sentence, to tell her what he had on mind. The other part pleaded with him to just drop it. It was torment to its most emotional levels, and it was slowly finding a way to strangle that young heart.
Biting down hard on her bottom lip, to the point that it actually hurt, Laine quickly shakes her head before looking to him, that startled look taking over the cold, indifferent glint in them.
" It doesn't matter, though. Why worry about 'multiple loves'? You love that elfess, surely. That's all that matters."
She wanted to interrupt his thoughts, make him forget whatever he was about to say. If it was 'I love Raviel', she didn't want to hear it. It would have stung, pained her suddenly fickle, raw emotions. Had it been 'I love you', it would have been even worse. Of course she wanted to hear this, yet she knew that she would have only thrown herself into denial. What a... hopeless state she was in.
Her normally determined gaze was now frail. The steadiness wavered with startled desperation, pleaing for him to just stop. She didn't want to hear it. With a weak smile, she again shakes her head.
"It doesn't matter... Just... Forget it, alright?"
Forget it... Easier said than done. Part of her begged for him to finish that sentence, to tell her what he had on mind. The other part pleaded with him to just drop it. It was torment to its most emotional levels, and it was slowly finding a way to strangle that young heart.
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Haniel Raynn
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2007 2:30 am
His eyes narrowed on her frame, he watched her shake in the cold. Or was she shaking with emotions? He focused in on her face and sighed slightly. What had he done to her? She looked broken.
Haniel knew that he must choose. And that he had to choose now. He knew Laine. If he wanted any sort of future with her, he must act now. But Raviel...
He thought slowly,
I told her I wouldn't hurt her. I told her that I would be hers... But she warned me... that people that loved her always ended hurt... and hurting her. Argh... who knew that it would happen so fast? I need to decide now...
Haniel regained his composure and took his hand, placing it on her shoulder. He leaned in forward slowly. His voice was soft, tender,
"Laine, I love you."
Haniel knew that he must choose. And that he had to choose now. He knew Laine. If he wanted any sort of future with her, he must act now. But Raviel...
He thought slowly,
I told her I wouldn't hurt her. I told her that I would be hers... But she warned me... that people that loved her always ended hurt... and hurting her. Argh... who knew that it would happen so fast? I need to decide now...
Haniel regained his composure and took his hand, placing it on her shoulder. He leaned in forward slowly. His voice was soft, tender,
"Laine, I love you."
Her eyes close tightly, head lowering as she hears his voice. The way it sounded, so gentle, so warm... It scared her. She wasn't used to it and it was startling. It made her heart race, though whether it was a good, ecstatic feel or a frantic, nerve-wrecked feeling, she didn't know.
As his hand finds her shoulder, she couldn't help instinctively tensing, wanting to recoil from that gentle grasp. But this time, she didn't. She stayed as she was, though her gaze would not, could not find his. But as he spoke, the girl found herself shaking her head. But why? Wasn't this what, unknowingly, she had wanted? Yes, but hearing those words sent that fear, that spiraling sense of wanting to deny it all soaring up and over her head, warping her thoughts.
With a sudden movement, the girl stands, forcing his hand away. She wouldn't look at him, afraid of the expression not only he would see on her face, but what she would see on his. Clenching her jaws, the girl turns and simply walks away, too afraid of what she may say to speak her mind. Without so much as looking back over her shoulder, Laine moves to the gate once more. The sound of the fire, the tension wrought between the two... It faded, replaced by the sound of snow beneath heavy, reluctant footsteps. She couldn't stand it anymore.
This sudden, inexplicable change of heart came far too quick. One moment, a simple friend. The next, saying those dreaded words. What had happened to them? When had it changed? Jealousy... Jealousy plastered the small feelings together, forcing them to show as something she had been trying to deny all this time. And her so suddenly realizing this had just made things between her and her closest friend so much more confusing, so... uncomfortable. Could she ever forgive herself for not only stirring things up, but then bluntly walking off? Never...
As his hand finds her shoulder, she couldn't help instinctively tensing, wanting to recoil from that gentle grasp. But this time, she didn't. She stayed as she was, though her gaze would not, could not find his. But as he spoke, the girl found herself shaking her head. But why? Wasn't this what, unknowingly, she had wanted? Yes, but hearing those words sent that fear, that spiraling sense of wanting to deny it all soaring up and over her head, warping her thoughts.
With a sudden movement, the girl stands, forcing his hand away. She wouldn't look at him, afraid of the expression not only he would see on her face, but what she would see on his. Clenching her jaws, the girl turns and simply walks away, too afraid of what she may say to speak her mind. Without so much as looking back over her shoulder, Laine moves to the gate once more. The sound of the fire, the tension wrought between the two... It faded, replaced by the sound of snow beneath heavy, reluctant footsteps. She couldn't stand it anymore.
This sudden, inexplicable change of heart came far too quick. One moment, a simple friend. The next, saying those dreaded words. What had happened to them? When had it changed? Jealousy... Jealousy plastered the small feelings together, forcing them to show as something she had been trying to deny all this time. And her so suddenly realizing this had just made things between her and her closest friend so much more confusing, so... uncomfortable. Could she ever forgive herself for not only stirring things up, but then bluntly walking off? Never...