Re: Yearnings - One Journey Ends as Another Begins

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:39 am

TheRedChef wrote:It was a moment of suspended clarity. He could see everything and comprehend almost nothing. At the center, was this- this wounded sparrow who transfixed him. I should cast you aside and let your troubles take you. I would've...yet...

He could feel her shiver and draw closer. Don't do it. Don't you dar-

"I...I would gladly go with you."

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:39 am

She was still drowning in emotions and the tingling under his hands had not stopped. A feeling of elation washed over her as she noticed he hadn't moved away, even when Jas entered. Eyes locked with his, oblivious to the strain she was putting her neck under looking up so long, she waited for his answer. But when it didn't come for so long, she began to think the silence was her answer, and steeled herself for rejection.

Finally, he spoke, giving the answer she longed for, but didn't expect. You will? Oh Red, thank you... Overjoyed, she wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed. ...thank you so mu... It was then she realized what she was doing. Mortified, her face bright red, she loosened her arms and started to step back, losing her balance in the process.

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:41 am

TheRedChef wrote:Aasha's embrace cast him from this world, but her mortification brought him back. Then nothing as she went slack and fell. Instinct broke impasse and drove action as he clutched her hands before she slipped away.

Confusion reigned, as he lowered her gently to a chair.

He risked one more glance into her eyes before looking at her with new appraisal. What have I done?

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:41 am

- Jah, why couldn't a hole open up before I act like an idiot? He said he'd go wit' ya, not to throw yerself at him. Then you go and fall? Bet he thinks yer a fool now...an' prolly wishes he didn't say yes... - Even thinking that, she refused to let him off the hook, she wanted him to go with her too badly.

Reaching out, she held on when he clutched her hands, not loosening her grip even after he lowered her to a chair. - Shouldn't have moved away girl...it felt nice...and if you'd stayed, you wouldn't have fallen... - Feeling his gaze on her, she raised her chin. Guessin' I owe ya 'nother thanks...umm...I...I'm really glad yer goin' wit' me.

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:41 am

TheRedChef wrote:There was no going back. In for a penny...

He gave her hands a gentle squeeze. "No need to thank me. I am honored that you even thought to ask me."

He sat for a quiet moment still trying to figure her out. There were so many sharp edges to hide behind.

"I think we better 'répondez s'il vous plaît'," he winked, "otherwise Tiff will find herself short a plate."

...in for a pound.

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:42 am

Wondering if she could get by with keeping their hands clasped, she slowly smiles. - Even thought to ask? How about only thought to ask you? - There were times she was glad no one could read her thoughts, this was definitely one of them.

The language he spoke was one she'd not heard before, nor did she understand. We're gonna responda sis vu play? His wink brought the fluttering back, she felt her cheeks burning and lowered her lashes, then murmured; Ain't it easier to write her then do that sis vu playin'?

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:42 am

TheRedChef wrote:"That was French, the language of..." He stopped, not wanting to drive her away again. "On second thought, maybe it would be easier to write"

Red waited, savoring the moments. For once, at ease with the situation. An easy grin slipped on his face.

"I think," he whispered, "we'll need our hands free for this.

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:42 am

As passages of the book flash through her mind, she mentally finishes his sentence. It was a struggle to keep her mouth from hanging open in shock, she glanced at him with new eyes, even as she wonders this might be connected with the odd feelings she's been struggling with. She finally sighs, then absorbs his smile.

Yer sayin' ya wants yer hands back? There was obvious reluctance when she loosened her grip, letting her fingers brush the back of his hands before releasing them completely. The moment was etched in her mind, to pull out and examine when she was alone and could allow her thoughts free rein.

Her voice pitched low, she scooted her chair close enough to watch if need be and whispered; Is you writin' or me?

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:43 am

TheRedChef wrote:"I think you should," Red said, as he offered her the stylus.

He moved closer, towering over her, and cupped her hand in his, to guide her in the strokes of formal calligraphy.

They formed the first letter and then the next.

Together, they began to write.

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:43 am

She had to write? With him this close? And holding her hand? Taking a deep, steadying breath, Aasha nodded and tried hard to concentrate on what she was writing. After a few letters, her hand steadied in his, and she began to really enjoy the motion of their hands clasped. What was even better, her hands weren't covered in chalk dust, just a bit of ink. Of course, if she'd have written by herself, she wasn't sure Tiff would understand what she wrote, let alone have it sound as fancy as Red could do.

As they wrote, she questioned what each word meant, and tried to remember their meaning, but kept getting distracted each time she looked up at his face. At the rate she was going, she'd be hard pressed to remember her own name when this letter was through, it took her a few seconds to get back in the swing after noticing how near he was, his breath on her neck, his hand in hers... - Stop it Ash! What's wrong with you? You're doing it again! -

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:44 am

TheRedChef wrote:Focus on the words, the ink, the pen, the parchment, the soft warmth, the gentle way sh-

"...add just one more florish, and there you go."

Dearest Tiffanyanne
Viscountess of Shrewsbury
Lady of the Elysian Plains,

I am most delighted to hear of your return to Shrewsbury, and would be grateful to attend Dinner at your convenience. However, Aimar will not be able to attend. The Honorable Red, Esq. TM of Stafford shall escort me in his stead.

Your obt svt,

"The only thing left now," he released her hand and drew back, "is to put your name to it."

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:45 am

Dearest Tiffanyanne
Viscountess of Shrewsbury
Lady of the Elysian Plains,

I am most delighted to hear of your return to Shrewsbury, and would be grateful to attend Dinner at your convenience. However, Aimar will not be able to attend. The Honorable Red, Esq. TM of Stafford shall escort me in his stead.

Your obt svt,

Aas ha

She never thought she'd be disappointed when a task ended, but she was this one. She couldn't help but sigh as he released her hand, already missing his warmth at her back. - Think of how he shaped the letters, the easy way he wrote, the warmth of his hand in yours, how much you wanted to lean back on him...

no...don't think of that...

...the letters, how the letters were made, how he moved your hand to write them, his breath on your neck...

Aasha, stop it, the letters, not him, the letters... -

She was bright red by the time she'd written her name, it still wasn't as neat as his, and she'd gotten a huge blot of ink on her hand when she'd pulled the pen back, but she was proud, and hoped Tiff would think it was good when she received it. One more question hovered though, she'd asked the meaning of everything but the end, and had to ask. But Red...what's that fancy obt svt mean? If'n she asks an' I don't know what I wrote, she ain't gonna think I did good...

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:46 am

TheRedChef wrote:Nearly overcome, Red dived deep into the impersonal refuge of the note and was remarkably proud of what he saw. Just a few hesitation marks...only a couple of smudges...hanging sarif...Aas ha? better not say anything...

"hmmm? Oh, that just means 'obedient servent'" he remarked off hand as he sprinkled sand over the freshly written note.

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:46 am

Her mouth dropped in shock, her eyes were glued to his face even with him occupied with completing the note. Obedi'nt servant? But I ain't no servant fer nobody. Why am I writin' that?

After a moment's hesitation, she added; an' whats obedi'nt?

aasha · aasha on Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:46 am

TheRedChef wrote:This, he thought, was at least familar territory. Aasha the Indignant... Old attitudes came easy, but the strange new pull did not diminish.

"Obedient means a willingness to obey athourity. But that's not important..." he said with a dismissive gesture. "You've got to understand, these...people, the nobility, expect a certain deference, uh, respect from those of a lower station." He searched her eyes for a hint of understanding.

"It's just a matter of politeness. You use 'please' and 'thank you.' They use phrases like 'I beg to retain, madame, the honer of expressing my most sincere considerations' I know Tiff has been very nice to you, but nobles are nobles and they expect the appearence of formality. No one, least of all me, expects you to throw your lot into servitude because of one letter.

"The rules may be galling, but if that is what you want in life, then you must learn them."

Please understand Aasha...