The noon air was warm, but there was a distinct chill to the breeze that made Ayane draw her cloak tighter over her frame. She was - by all accounts - bored. There was some sort of ceremony going on inside, and she couldn't go in until it was finished. She was eager to visit the library inside the church.. She'd heard about the section that was closed off, and naturally; it had piqued her interest right away.
Originally, she'd come here because there was some gathering her father had wanted her to attend, she was due back home in a few days. Not to mention the 'gathering' had been no less entertaining than what she was doing right now. She'd tried to drag Llyi along with her - for she'd known how it would all end up.
Ayane lifted her head as there was a scuffle inside, she leaned forward a little, to see the procession standing, then she shifted back, striding a ways away from the doorway and pretended to be examining the folds in her dress as all the people streamed out. Once they were done, she looked back in the doorway, and without hesitating, made her way inside. Gloved hands lifting the front of her dress from the wooden floor as she made her way up the staircase, through another doorway - and there it was.
It was big, far bigger than the library they had at home. She smiled wryly, excitement bubbling in her stomach as she made her way over to the books. She could see the section that was blocked off from here, and she cast an anxious look about her. It didn't seem like anyone else was around... So, she shifted closer, just in case she WAS being watched, she would pause every few feet, and look at a shelf of books, her fingers dragging across the spines as she read each title.
She was about a row away now, and she came to a complete stop. This isle actually did look interesting. The first book had caught her eye, and she pulled it carefully from it's place, looking at the cover. A book about dark magic.. This made her smile a little, and she let it fall open. But there was a dull thud, and she started - freezing in place at the same time like a child being caught doing something wrong. Apparently she wasn't alone up here.
As the ceremony closed, Leraje had made his way back into the library, which wasn't anything out of the ordinary. He didn't quite make a habit out of it, seeing as it sometimes led to unwanted 'friendly lectures', but the lure of all those dusty old books was far too appealing to turn away from. He'd already indulged in many of them, but the library was quite grand, and there were always new discoveries to be made.
It didn't seem as if there were many -if any- others around at the moment, which gave him some small comfort. A lazy smile crept across his features as he stretched his arms up over his head, leisurely making his way down the aisles, his gaze idly glossing over a few titles. He preferred to wait until a book reached out and grabbed him, rather than digging through everything... it felt more mystifying that way, depending, of course, on the contents.
Turning a corner, he continued until he thought he'd heard some shuffling, falling still himself, but dismissing it. It was probably just a priest. Taking a moment to look more carefully at the books before him, one title did, indeed, stick out. A compendium of cursed runes. Taking it in hand, he flipped it open, golden eyes flitting over and quickly devouring the first page, before his fingers turned it to the next.
He heard the shuffling again, and this time looked up in the direction it'd come from. Looking down at his chosen book, he thought he'd decided to ignore it, but even as he was reading, his feet were moving along the aisle to follow the noise in a curiosity he wasn't even fully registering. When he realized even half way, he figured he'd simply inform whatever church authority it might be that he would be taking the book for the evening and return it the following day.
Looking up once he caught a small glimpse of movement, he blinked in surprise to seeing a woman he didn't recognize... Her attire, her appearance... She looked plainly foreign, but stunningly so. Again he failed to realize he was staring, and in his subtle stupor lost his one-handed grip of the book which clattered to the floor.
"Ah, damn..." he murmured to himself, crouching down to collect it, before looking back up and approaching the woman. She hadn't seemed to have noticed him, and appeared to have tensed, probably startled by the sudden noise. It looked like she'd been in her own readings...
"I apologize," he said as he neared, giving a small wave with the compendium, smiling politely. "I hope I didn't startle you. Is there anything I can help you with?" The question came without his thinking much on it. It just seemed natural, after all... No one else was around, and he knew the library well enough. Even if it did look like she'd already found something that interested her, making small talk with a pretty lady wasn't a crime, now, was it?
There was a muttered curse after the thud. Ayane snapped the book she held shut, and moved to walk back around the other side of the isle. She heard footsteps coming her way, and she frowned a little, turning her head away, white hair shielding the left side of her face just a little, but the voice came to her ears and her shoulders dropped a little. She turned slowly to face him, expecting it to be a priest. But her brows rose when she caught sight of whom it was - no definitely not a priest.
A few inches taller than her wearing similar boots to the ones she wore under her dress and blonde hair that looked familiar in a... horrible kind of way, yet he was handsome none the less. She sucked her lower lip in between her teeth and chewed on it for a few moments, he smiled then, and she couldn't help but smile back, though hers somewhat hesitant.
Mildly upset that now someone else was here - she probably wouldn't be able to take a look in that sealed off section, she cast a glance over her shoulder to take a look at it, before facing him again, and bringing the book she was holding up to her middle, keeping it in her left hand.
"It's alright." She assured after a moment, her voice soft. Then he asked if she needed any help, and she stopped herself before she went any further with her thoughts. Something wasn't entirely right about this man. She could tell by his demeanor that he was stronger than the average human, Ayane's gaze drifted back down to the book he was holding, and she tilted her head a little. It was one about runes. She wondered for a moment if he held similar powers to hers, narrowing her eyes a little, she looked away then, flipping to book around so that he couldn't see the title.
Then, she lifted her gaze to look into his, she parted her lips to speak but she hesitated.. blinking several times. His... one of his eyes had looked to be a different colour.. she shook her head once, dismissing it for a trick of the light, probably because of the stein glass windows...
"Do you... come here often, sir?" She asked, taking a step forward and lifting the book over her chest. She half-turned to look at the sealed off section. "...I'm eager to know what books are in there..." her voice was as soft as it had been moments ago, she lifted a gloved hand to curl some of the stray white strands off her face.
Leraje noticed the woman kept glancing towards the closed-off section before she'd even mentioned it. Understanding crept into his smile, it wasn't abnormal for foreigners who came to the library to have come for this purpose, of course. People who sought knowledge only found that which was sealed off all the more appetizing, after all... he himself wasn't unfamiliar with the notion.
Before he could glimpse what book she'd been reading, she'd turned it away, and he wondered if it wasn't something embarrassing or shameful or... incriminating? His curiosity was sparked. If not for her mannerisms, than perhaps her interests... Not that her beauty wasn't to be admired and equally as intriguing. There was something about her that made her feel much different than most other foreigners he'd met, but it wasn't as if he was unfamiliar with non-humans... even if somewhat vaguely. Still, he wasn't going to make base assumptions so quickly.
"Ahaha! Call me Leraje," he laughed softly, not a big fan of 'sirs' and 'ma'ams', though he'd be polite regardless. "Hm, I wouldn't say often, but I suppose I do visit more than most," he answered thoughtfully. Coupled with the fact he'd been 'visiting' for the better portion of his life, he figured he did know the place pretty well. He was a bit surprised she'd admitted to her curiosity about the sectioned-off area, and his gaze carried that way. He remembered sneaking in once when he was younger... The moo-ni were amazed for some reason, and scolded him for what seemed like weeks afterwards. He hadn't been allowed to enter the library without an escort for several months, either.
"Hmm... Well, lets see..." He murmured to himself as he looked around, glancing around a couple nearby corners, before he smirked and grabbed her free hand with his. "This way, if anyone comes we won't be seen," he said as he led the way down one of the aisles to the far ends that would allow them to sneak in, blocked by the other rows. He idly wondered if there weren't spells and other protective measures to keep people from doing so... but he'd had no problem when he was younger, so he couldn't imagine having any difficulties now.
He laughed, but she had seen his gaze lower to the book when she'd flipped it around, yet he introduced himself none the less. Ayane blinked at the name, mouthing it to see how it felt coming from her lips before she looked up once more. A name for a name, "Well, then.. Leraje.." She shifted a little, lowering her book back to her side, "I'm Ayane." She left out her last name, just in case he was a noble.
Leraje was a a frequent visitor it seemed, and she nodded slowly chewing on her lower lip, looking back down at the rugged carpet beneath their feet, shifting back a step. Feeling his gaze on her. But she didn't meet his eyes. The momentary silence was not uncomfortable - it seemed he was as curious about her as she was about him. She smiled just a little, before looking up again. His eyes looked the same colour now.. It really must have been the light..
Ayane had cut right to the chase on this, it seemed as though he didn't mind too much - for he was clearly considering helping her. Leraje seemed to pause for a moment, before he threw a quick glance about them, before taking hold of her hand and pulling her after him. Ayane opened her mouth to protest, but the words died on her tongue as she found herself following, her lips turned up into a small smirk.
She was not familiar with this place at all. But wherever he was leading her was shrouded in darkness, the windows didn't shine their pretty glass colours over this side of the church. The bookshelves blocked them off. "I hope this wont get you in any trouble..." She said after a moment, voice hushed. Her hand tightening against the book she still held, briefly she wondered if there would be any priests about on this floor. It was entirely likely - after all.
((I'm not sure how much creative liberty I can actually take here, since the closed-off section wasn't really described in detail that I can discern, so I hope having it blocked by magic doors isn't too imposing. o_o ))
"Ayane, huh? That's a nice name." She seemed more soft-spoken than he might have guessed, though women could act meek and polite easily to get what they wanted out of silly, stupid men like himself. He mentally sighed. Ayane, though, didn't seem quite like the conniving type.
He'd acted without thinking again, so it was only after he'd begun leading her towards the shadows that he realized what a rude, forward action it was, especially to a lady. She hadn't said anything, though, so maybe the storybooks had it right... Girls always loved when a damsel was swept off her feet, and whisked away by the charming prince. He grinned boyishly to himself. He was hardly a Prince Charming, though, and now he was definitely over-thinking the whole thing.
"Trouble?" he repeated as he paused to look around the corner of another shelf, then smiled back at her. "I could only hope it does, something to liven up the day," he added with a small wink.
There was a sound from somewhere behind them, and his eyes darted swiftly in the direction. He saw the back of a cloaked priest as he disappeared down in the opposite direction, but couldn't be quite sure whether or not he'd actually left the library or not. Still, for now the coast was clear, and the twin doors of the closed-off section were just a few small strides away.
There were no handles on them, though if he remembered they simply swung open when pressed against. Large, there were markings cast along the outer frame, that he couldn't entirely recognize. Hell, the answer to what they were was probably somewhere in there.
"Well then, shall we?" Giving Ayane a small nod, he let her hand go and quickly stepped over to the doors. Placing his now-freed hand against the smooth wood, he pressed against it, to which it began to open with more resistance than he remembered his smaller body having been able to manage. It was, indeed, opening though, and he took a forward step to press his way in when something sparked. He could feel it like a buzzing electricity, right beneath his other arm, where he held the old book on cursed runes.
Very suddenly the compendium was engulfed in flames, but clearly not just any normal fire. It didn't alight his clothing, yet beneath his shirt on the underside of his arm and the side of his ribs he could feel the seering. Jumping back, he stumbled over his own feet and to the floor, letting out a small, gutteral cry of pain and alarm, tossing the book from him as his other hand flew to his side which still felt as if it were sizzling. On the floor, the book remained aflame, its covers spread wide, its pages flipping wildly in the red-hot fire as the door beyond it creaked shut again. In the fire, the runes could be seen, sizzling above the pages, crackling into embers. He began to feel sick and dizzy just looking at it.
Reaching out his hand without giving it a single thought, he pressed a small yet strong burst of wind at the tome, sending it flying back against the door, upon which the fire immediately died, and the book thudded to the ground, seeming just as it was before the odd occurrence, though a touch more charred...
He complimented her name and she ducked her head with a small smile. But then they came to a stop, and Ayane peeked around the corner after him. his comment on trouble being fun had her chuckle a little. "Finally, someone who sees it like I do." She said around a grin. Her hand unconsciously tightened around his as she caught sight of a priest close by. He hadn't seen them, it seemed. She pressed her lips together, and glanced up as Leraje began moving once more.
They walked a little further, then came to a stop not too far away from the double doors. Ayane looked at them for a long time, and at first - did not notice when her hand was let go. She could sense the magic there, and it made sense to her. Clearly there was some information that someone did not wish to be uncovered - for the spell was powerful. Leraje's words were somewhat distant, but her gaze snapped to him.
He was pushing the doors open, and she started forward, holding out a hand to pull him back, but he'd already jerked away. The rune book he'd been holding seemed to revolt. The fire that bursted from it smelt putrid, and had Ayane flinch. But Leraje was on the floor now. There was a buzzing that seemed to start off quiet, but it got louder and louder the closer Ayane got to the door, eventually she had to stop to clap her hands over her ears - but the moment the door creaked shut again, it went quiet.
Except for a strangled cry from Leraje. Her hands dropped from her ears and she went right for his side. There was a shuffling sound, and a rather loud shout from nearby. The priests had heard - of corse they had. Ayane cursed inwardly, and sank to her knees beside him. She'd seen his magic, and now - her interest and curiosity in him had piqued considerably.
"Leraje!" She hissed, her hand touching his forehead gently, she hoped the cool temperature of her skin would help him. "The priests are coming." She tugged gently on his arm, moving to stand and reaching back to scoop up both of their fallen books. "Can you move?" Her free hand brushed against the side he had clutched, it felt hot - even through all the clothing.
Leraje gritted his teeth against a small hiss of pain. Well, this was sure one hell of a way to leave an impression on a lady. He heard her say his name, and then felt the cool of her hand against his forehead... a very strange and foreign sensation all-together, but comforting, somehow, regardless.
He could hear the priests just as well, though, and if they didn't move they'd be caught. His concern wasn't really for himself, but he hardly wanted her to get in trouble here... he'd take the blame entirely if he had to prevent that.
As she tugged on his arm, he let her help him to his feet, but everything seemed hazy... the way liquor made your eyes blur, or the way a hot flame softened and obscured the edges around it. He was sick, from being touched by that damn rune-fire undoubtedly. The nausea was deep in his stomach, but it wasn't as if he'd be ill... it felt different from that. His body was warm, too... on the verge of breaking into a sweat.
Her hand touched at his side, and somehow it felt a comfort once more, rather than causing it further pain as he might have imagined. For now he'd needed to get them out of there carefully... he could pass out safely once he'd done that much.
"I'll be fine," he half-lied with a soft voice, nodding as he took her hand once again, taking wide, deliberate steps in the direction they'd come from. They couldn't rush carelessly, unless they wanted to attract attention. Along the thin end of one of the shelves he stopped, checking to make sure they were both hidden before peering out around the side, much more careful than their small journey inward. Once he was sure there was no one that would see them, he quickly moved on behind another row and moved quietly along that. There only seemed to be a small handful of them, perhaps three or so, and they could only cover so much ground on their own... he hoped...
She was relieved when he stood, he walked with visible effort, and the pain showed clearly on his face. Ayane chewed on her lower lip again - a nervous habit if you will. He took her free hand once again, and they strode to a nearby isle, they couldn't walk too fast - Ayane was on her toes, the heels of her boots would be too loud against the floor - combined with her not wishing anymore pain on Leraje.
They strode down several isles, before Ayane came to a stop, she tugged on his hand and pulled him beside her. They were in a dark isle - the light from the windows didn't reach this part either it seemed. She fumbled with the books for a moment, finding purchase on one of the pages on the book of dark magic she'd picked up earlier.
She was quiet for a moment, and there was someone coming closer and closer. From here she could see the flame of a candle they were holding lighting up the corridor. She sucked in a nervous breath, before she found a suitable spell. She murmured the words, unsure what language it was exactly, something ancient.
But there was a cool sensation, like a bucket of water being emptied over them, but they were engulfed in darkness. Hidden further by the shadows. She breathed an audible sigh of relief. Shaking her head slowly, she lifted her hand to her forehead, and looked up at Leraje through her lashes.
"I'm so sorry.." She murmured. But she fell silent as the priest came to their isle. Shining the candle in their direction. She squeezed her eyes shut, and her muscles relaxed as soon as the light faded. She felt guilty, but at the same time, disappointed. She'd really wished to see what was behind those doors.. "We need to leave here." She whispered again, listening for a few more moments to be sure no other priests were on their way toward them.
"Do you remember the way out?" She breathed, on top of this, she felt it was her responsibility to ensure that the burn on his side was nothing too bad - it was because of her he'd been harmed. Truth was, it was her fault they'd gotten into this mess to begin with. When the last of the noises had faded, she held out her free hand, looking to Leraje, she raised it, and the cold air about them vanished. Visible once again, she shrank back again.
When she pulled them to a stop, his heart felt like it jerked out of place, and his adrenaline almost made him pull her ahead again. He didn't, though, and was quite relieved he hadn't as she began shuffling through the book she had with her, casting them in shadow. When the priest approached, his back was to him, and a chill of tension ran over him entirely, for the first time making him feel even the smallest relief from that burning fever he'd been struck with.
He heard her whisper a soft apology, himself quite surprised, the expression he gave of arched eyebrows and slightly widened eyes indicative of this. Here he'd felt like the one who needed to do the apologizing. It'd been stupid of him to head in without thinking like that... even if he'd had no troubles in the past, he should have sensed those magical wards, should have realized they'd have done something to prevent him from getting back in as he had before.
There was no time for divvying up the blame, though, she was right; they needed to get out. He was disappointed, though, that he wouldn't be able to show her to the closed-off section... but it didn't seem like it'd have been possible anyway.
"Of course," he managed a small grin through everything, and continued to lead the way towards the exit. It felt like there was an unseen barrier of fresh air just there, on the other side, even if that wasn't the case. A big, growing sense of accomplishment had swelled in his chest that they were nearly away, safe and free, but he made sure to check behind them to be careful one of the priests didn't spot them on the last stretch...
Gingerly moving his hand to the arch of her back, he lightly pressed her ahead of him and stepped so that he was a small pace behind her, angled so that if anyone were to look they'd only see him... Perhaps the outline of her clothes, but not her features. A foreigner getting caught trying to sneak into the lair of the moo-ni, after all, wouldn't have an easy time ahead of themselves. He was reasonably sure he'd be fine...
"After you, my lady," he whispered, leaning a bit so he was close to her ear. The small bit of amusement was clearly present in his voice, in spite of everything that had happened.
She followed him toward the exit, pausing for just a moment to slip the two books back onto a shelf, clearly they wouldn't have the time to put them back in their rightful place - unfortunately. She was mildly surprised when he let her draw ahead, she could see the doorway coming back into view and she relaxed even further.
But his hand on the small of her back made her smile just a little. He whispered softly to her, and she chuckled once under her breath. Before stepping back out into the cool air. Sucking in a lungful of air after the musky dust scent from inside the library.
Ayane came to a stop one Leraje stepped out behind her. She didn't face him right away, narrowing her eyes and looking down the long path back the way she'd come. She remembered the route fairly well, back where she was staying - a home of her 'aunt' (so Alistor had told her, yet as far as she knew he had no other family, Ayane merely suspected the woman was fond of her father) it was big enough, and the lady never bothered her.
Leraje was not well. She could almost feel the heat radiating off him, combined with that burn on his side - she felt as if she owed him this. So she sighed heavily and turned to face him, still unable to meet his gaze after what had just happened indoors.
"You're not well... and I'm staying not too far from here." She looked up, "If.. if you wish, I can take you back for some rest." She gestured to his side, then, "..and help your side." She nodded, and pushed her cloak further back so that her arms were open to the evening air. "It'd be no trouble." She leaned back, and took a step in the direction home, "What do you say?" She tilted her head just slightly, white hair spilling over her shoulder.
It felt good to be out of there, and he visibly eased a bit, though it probably wasn't a good idea. The sickness came back stronger than before when he did, and he wobbled just slightly. He lifted a hand to his forehead, more than a little upset with himself over how this had all turned out.
"How could I decline a ladies offer?" His smirk was suggestive but wholly joking. He wasn't even sure how he had the energy to joke; it felt like the energy was slowly letting out of him, like water evaporating in a sweltering sun. Really, he would have normally shrugged it off and insisted he could manage home fine, but he was highly doubting that. In fact, getting out of the library had been the only thing previously on his mind, everything beyond that was lost in the adrenaline rush of it all, and with the adrenaline subsiding, he'd probably, at best, pass out somewhere along the way...
"If its close... I'd appreciate it..." he said, this time his voice a bit more heavy and solemn. "I'm sorry for the trouble," he added, his smile this time noticeably more frail than before. He closed his eye for a moment, gathering up some clarity in attempt to press this damned persistent feeling away. He'd definitely have to be more careful about what books he idly picked up in the future. The searing pain had, for the most part, subsided, but his side still felt uncomfortable... Not quite itchy, or soar, or numb, but... almost a dull, warm tingling. But where a tingle was more like small pricklings, this was almost a bubbling popping... But when he held his hand over it, it didn't feel like a blister was forming... it felt like it was under the skin... in it.
That unpleasant thought seemed to give enough discomfort to move at least...
"At least this way I'll be able to spend more time with the lovely Ayane," he said aloud, trying to remain upbeat. He didn't want to cause her to worry anymore, after all.
Leraje staggered, and she took a step closer to him, her hand gong to his chest to help him remain upright. Before she pulled away a little, feeling like she'd overstepped his boundaries. She nodded as he spoke, his voice - if for a moment - giving away his exhaustion. But that was closely followed by his apology, and she shook her head lightly. Beginning to walk with him at her side, she kept an eye on him to be sure he remained alright.
"It's not far," She assured him, "..don't be, I shouldn't have asked." She murmured. It was sealed for a reason, after all. It had been purely.. well.. stupid on her part to think that she'd be able to get away with it. But she dismissed it, she'd met Leraje in the process, he seemed like a nice enough man.
They walked for a time, the sun had set while Ayane was inside the library it seemed, the dusk sky settled over the city, and the fires from lanterns and inside homes were visible from where they walked. The sight was nice - she would admit that. The silence between them was not uncomfortable, one that she felt was more for thinking than anything else. She could see Leraje shifting to touch his side out of her peripheral vision. She pressed her lips together, yet said nothing. She'd have a look at it once they got inside.
At his next comment, she laughed too, looking to the ground - her cheeks seemed to tingle with heat at his words and she turned her face away to hide the blush. She wondered briefly how Llyi would react to the given situation, she was always the one meeting the nice gentleman, it was nice to be on the receiving end, now I knew why she liked it.
"Ah, here we are." She said, coming to a stop outside a triple story home. It was smaller that her father's estate, for sure. Yet rather than the cold, open interior of her home, it was cozy, and warm. "Come." She turned to him, and nodded, before she pushed the gate open, and strode toward the door. It was unlocked - which meant her 'aunt' was home. She turned to be sure that Leraje was following. Before she gestured toward the staircase that would lead to where she was staying.
"Do be quiet, though." She murmured, she did not wish for Miss Herron to make a fuss over Leraje... she hadn't come to them yet, so Ayane assumed she was in one of the back rooms.. often she did not notice Ayane's absence, and she considered this a very, very good thing. "Come this way." She began up the staircase, her room was large, the second floor held three guest rooms, and Ayane was the only visitor at the current time, which meant she could lend a room to him if he needed it - and she guessed he would. She brushed against him gently in passing - his skin was almost like a furnace.
He was grateful that she remained close to him... It gave him enough to remain mindful not to pass out on her. She didn't seem like the sort to leave someone behind, and the last thing he wanted was to actually physically burden her.
When they arrived at the place she was staying, he found himself surprised again. It was, needless to say, quite a large place, not the type he was so familiar with. Despite his fine clothes, he was more apt to roam taverns to find good stories than bother too much with the church to get into the good graces of the well-to-do. But that just meant that Ayane was... Well, now he was just further curious about his fair companion.
"Of course," he said softly, nodding at her request to remain quiet. He understood that it probably wasn't her direct residence, and bringing a strange man in would surely raise an eyebrow, if not the voices of whoever did own the fine home. The last thing he needed was to get in more trouble with the affluent. There was a chance that whoever lived here could make the connection to the near-break in at the library if the right people chatted about it, after all. And nobles were always chattering, weren't they?
As they climbed the staircase, his fingers gripped his side a little, noting the strange sensation of raised skin... no, not a boil, but what almost felt like... a branding... He really hoped it was just his imagination running rampant like it was suspect to do. By the time they reached the top, the exertion along with the discovery of this possible strange marking left him a little more slouched. Hopefully once they got to a room he could peel these hot clothes off and figure out if it was a magic he could work away... If not he feared he'd have to go back to the priests and confess everything to get rid of it. And to the Goddess he prayed that wasn't the case... listening to another lecture sounded far more brutal in this exhaustion.
Not to mention, he'd really rather get rid of this so he could pay more attention to his lovely new friend... As time went on, he was forced to concentrate more of his remaining energies to remaining mobile. Once he was able to sit and properly relax, he was sure he'd muster up a second wind.
They reached the right floor, and Ayane turned to be sure that Leraje made it to the floor alright, when he did she nodded again, and continued on, she skipped the first door, where she was staying and went directly to the second. She pushed the door open, and was not surprised to find that the room was much similar to the one she was staying in. She smiled ruefully at the sight of the old teddy bears piled on one of the armchairs. The four-poster bed decorated with purple curtains and a small bedside table on each side.
The floorboards were lined with rugs, also that deep purple, and there was a low coffee table, set with two more vacant armchairs and a fireplace opposite, there was a doorway leading into the latrine, if he would need it. She sighed a little, and ushered him toward the nearest armchairs, removing the bear that sat atop it and placing it on the edge of the bed instead.
"Now.." She paused, untying the knot at the front of her cloak, and drawing it from her shoulders. Draping it over the edge of the bed as well, she returned to his side and sat on the edge of the coffee table, facing his chair. "C-can I take a look at that burn?" she asked, hesitation in her voice. The fire wasn't... fire per say. Her eyes seemed to glint at the memory of it, the smell.. and the way it looked.
"That is.. if.. if you're okay with that!" She looked to her lap, shutting her eyes for a moment suddenly nervous all over again, unsure of exactly why. Sure, showing her the burn would mean he would undress.. and.. and she didn't know why that made her feel strange.
Sitting down in the armchair, Leraje let himself ease into it, letting out a small sigh. That definitely took some of the tension off, and though it made him want to simply close his eyes and sleep, his exhaustion would be much more manageable.
Upon entering, the first and only thing he'd seen was the chair, so he'd tunnel visioned a bit on his way to it, but now that he was comfortably seated he gave it a discreet look around. It was definitely a nice place, to be sure. Completely different from Lekan's hobbled little hut, with its dim lighting, thick dust and numerous cobwebs. It surely looked like the perfect Necromancers abode, to be sure. This, though, was such a drastic change it might have been uncomfortable if he weren't so intrigued by it all, let alone the more pressing discomforts he was presently dealing with.
He raised an eyebrow as Ayane sat herself on the edge of the table, a half-smile of intrigue and amusement at his lips. He would have thought most noblewomen to have been brought up to be 'too proper' to sit on a table, after all, but this only made her all the more interesting to him... After all, what did he really know about nobility other than storybooks and the complaints of drunkards in the taverns?
She seemed a bit nervous at the prospect of checking his... well, she had it right, 'burn' most suited it, he'd figure. But she'd still offered, and the small whispers of mischief in the back of his mind didn't like the idea of refusing a lady. Mentally, he sighed though, a little upset that he wasn't quite the casanova he might have liked to be. Realistically, though, he could use a bit of help getting his layers of clothing removed without causing further, potential, pain.
"If you're comfortable with it, I'd appreciate the help," he answered honestly, sitting forward a little, bringing his hands up to un-do his cravat. His eyes momentarily lowered, they glinted up at her through his lashes, a somewhat fiendish light in them to accompany his joking smirk. "Unless you'd just prefer to watch, of course?"
He supposed those mischief-demons in his mind wouldn't let him be a proper gentleman all the time.
She nodded at his words, and bit her lower lip again as he removed his cravat, his next few caused her to laugh again, and her cheeks to heat up. She cursed inwardly and ducked her head with a meek smile. Ah, she didn't understand this.
Ayane stood then, and moved to the bedside table, hoping it was as full as the one in her room had been, she opened the draw and was relieved to find that it was. She took one of the healing balms from within it, hoping that it would do something to ease the pain or erase it altogether. Dealing with the burn would come first, then she supposed she could do something about his fever.
Returning to him, and sitting back on the table, placing the balm on the table at her side. She looked up at him for a moment, to be sure he was sincere. She sighed softly and shifted forward on the table to help him some.
Once the cravat was off, she set it beside her on the table. Before she moved to push his jacket from his shoulders, and draped that carefully over the table, her eyes lingering on it's designs for a moment. Then she paused.
"I.. apologize." She said, quickly, as she then undid his tunic, the buttons of his undershirt followed. She didn't take them from him completely. She let them hang open, before she pushed the material out of the way of the wound. Moving a hand down, and running her fingers over the skin.
"How does it feel?" She asked, looking up to him once more, concern evident in her grey eyes.
He couldn't say he'd never had a woman undress him before... but that time had been... well, quite the learning experience, seeing as bondage kink had been a part of her stealing-every-dime-you-have... kink. The memory was sour, but brief. Ayane clearly didn't have any reason to be stealing anything from him.
As she apologized, he smiled somewhat sheepishly, hoping she wasn't... too uncomfortable with all of this. The last thing he wanted was for her to feel like this was something she had to do... he didn't blame her in the least. He winced a little as the fabric was pulled away from his right side, looking down to where her fingers touched the small, rune-shaped branding. It had the general look of a tear-shape, though spiraled at the wider part, and another, curving line trailed down beneath it. The skin was red, but the mark didn't appear to be overtly harmful... Well, though, appearances could be deceiving...
"Well, isn't that something..." he murmured low on his breath. "It stings a bit, but most of the pain seems to have subsided..." Falling quiet, he took a moment to more clearly gather his mind and make an assessment of himself. His vision wasn't quite so blurry now, though he still felt quite a bit warmer than usual. During the walk, a faint sheen of sweat had glossed his body, but sitting down was cooling him considerably, even leaving him with a faint chill on his more exposed areas.
"I think if I could just rest for a little bit, I should be able to gather up my wits enough to get out of your hair, and make my way back home."
He'd have to get home and talk to Lekan about this damned marking... He was sure he'd get scolded and lectured for hours, but the old man might know something... And it wasn't as if getting that book to check it out wasn't an option either.... It'd just have to wait til later...
((Edit: Quick reference to what I'm kinda envisioning here. Not really important, but~ >D Rune Brand (//http://bahamut285.deviantart.com/art/Rune-21380699)))
She leaned back to look at the mark a little better, it looked.. familiar, in some strange way. Maybe it was something she'd read somewhere. She paused, thinking - trying to recall wherever she'd seen it. Runes.. she didn't know much about them, unfortunately. The book he'd been holding probably would have something to do with this mark, since it was because of said book that it had appeared. Later - she'd go back to the library and see if she could find it again.. that was if she could remember where she'd left the books...
At his comment, she shook her head, and moved to pull the material back over his torso. "You have a fever, I think more than a little bit of rest is needed." She lifted a hand to his forehead, pushing the blonde hair out of the way. His temperature was well above the normal, which didn't surprise her.
"It's no trouble." She stood, and strode over to the bed, taking her cloak and the bear and setting them on the free armchair instead. "You look tired, Leraje." She held out a hand to help him up, nodding over to the bed wordlessly. She didn't mind if he stayed here overnight. Her room was right next to his, if he needed anything she'd be close by.
Plus, she doubted Miss Herron would even notice if he was here, all she'd need to do would be to close the door. The old woman hardly ever came into the guest rooms, his presence would probably go entirely unnoticed.
"Stay as long as you need, I'll be next door if.. you need anything." She nodded eagerly, and cast him another smile.
Leraje watched her wordlessly for a moment, unsure of how to respond properly in this situation. Staying... wasn't really an option, was it? The scumbag in him said it was the only option, but he knew better than that. Still, she seemed insistent, and furthermore, she was right. He'd definitely need to find a way to repay her for all this.
"If you say so..." he mumbled, moreso to himself, his tone unconvinced. He took her hand though, doing his best not to manage on his own to the bed where he sat carefully on the edge, glancing back over it. He'd never slept in something quite so nice, so he almost felt a sinner to mess it up.
"Though, I think I might have a hard time resting just yet after all of that... so if you don't mind me asking..." he leaned back against the pillows a little to better relax, but was still half-propped up on one arm. "This isn't actually your place, right? Just where are you from?" It was an innocent enough question, though his curiosity was apparent. Hell, there were tons of things he'd like to ask her... anything to keep his mind off this weirdness nagging at his side. He needed to let it settle, and hoped while doing so this feverishness would equally pass.
Ayane led him to the bed wordlessly, and as he clambered into it, she pulled the sheets over him, letting them fall over his figure. But he spoke once again, and she turned to listen, perching on the edge of the bed and watching him. She knew his side would be irritating him. It had been a peculiar mark..
Hopefully if it wasn't too late she could return to the library and find that book again. But one glance at the large window on her other side told her it probably was. It was dark now, and the moon was the only light that shone into the room they sat in. Lit with the candles of corse. She sighed inwardly and ran a hand through her hair.
He asked if she lived her, and her brows lifted a little. She wouldn't mind this being her home, her real one was not this.. she didn't know the words for it. But this home had a more homely touch to it, hers was far too.. grand to be comfortable. Alistor had always had a touch for the most extravagant things.
"No, this isn't my home." she answered after a moment. "I'm from Serendipity. Perhaps you've heard of my family.." She tilted her head, "My father is Alistor Kiete." She left out her mother though, still a painful memory in the back of her mind. She knew her father would be curious about Leraje, moreso because of the brand at his side now. Ayane narrowed her eyes a little, she'd tell him about it - he would probably know. Hopefully it was nothing bad..
"You are from Thanatos, right?" she asked, one hand tracing the little patterns on the purple-blue quilt absently, her gaze fixed on him once more. He had said he was a frequent visitor to that library, so she'd assumed so.
'Ah, that was stupid of me...' he thought not soon after he'd spoken. He was already being far too burdensome, and she surely had other things to be attending to. She answered him though, and he felt a twinge of guilt as she did at his instantly-recovered curiosity.
"Serendipity..." He repeated, eyebrows raised and eyes lighting up. While he had met people from all over the world, rarely were they really up for talking longer than the buzz the alcohol gave them, or before they had to return to the docks and get back to work. There were few that weren't rugged and roudy sailors and merchants, and so far Ayane was the only foreign noble he'd ever spoken with.
"Hmm, the name is familiar, though I apologize, I'm not much more knowledgeable than that." He felt a little embarrassed for that, but that gleam in his eyes was still hungry enough to overpower any embarrassment from showing through his expression.
"Thats right, I've lived in Thanatos my whole life... Which is to say... its been a bit dull," he said with a forced grin. "What would bring a lady such as yourself here, though? Some sort of official business?" Quickly, he gave a shake of his head, internally biting his tongue. "I'm sorry, Ayane, I shouldn't pry so much... ah..." he paused thoughtfully, frowning a little. "Lady, Ayane," he corrected himself. He wasn't sure if she'd prefer that, but in a place like this, a person like him could get in trouble for not paying proper respects.
He repeated her words and she nodded, smiling just a little. Ayane loved everything about Serendipity - it truly took your breath away, it was majestical, and the people were just as fond of magic as she was. Partnered with the massive libraries, she found it strange he'd never gone before. He proceeded to admit he'd never heard of Alistor and she nodded - a part of her glad he hadn't.
"No, it's okay." She assured him with a slight laugh, resting a hand on his arm. "Yes, you could say that." She admitted, when he asked why she was in Thanatos. Then, she winced just a little. "Just Ayane, after what we've been through.. I don't think formalities are in order." She chuckled under her breath. She'd never been fond of them, to be truthful. She didn't see why, because she was wealthy - it shouldn't give her priority over others.
"But yes, father is well connected with the nobles." She nodded, and lifted a hand to her chest. "I act as the representative of the household. My father has difficulty holding his tongue." She grinned just a little at that. Alistor spoke his mind, on everything. Sadly, this didn't give a great impression on others, sometimes. It seemed that three centuries with humans hadn't been enough for him.
"The meetings are.. Very tedious.." She admitted, ducking her head a little. Then she paused, tilting her head as she examined Leraje. "If it's dull, travel some." She suggested. "Serendipity is... Beautiful." Her voice was once again soft. She laughed once, and looked at her lap. "You should see it." She'd invite him to come back home with her, but she doubted he'd ever accept that offer - it would seem a strange one to give to someone she'd met just today.
His smile lifted back up at the dismissal of formalities. "Ayane, then," he nodded. The touch of her hand on his arm was comforting; she didn't seem afraid or particularly uncomfortable around him, and that only made him more relaxed as well. 'After all they'd been through', huh? It definitely had the makings of a... bonding experience.
"I see, that sounds like quite a... troublesome responsibility," his tone was good-natured and nonjudgmental, but he had some sympathy for her. Though Lekan rarely pressed his wishes on Leraje anymore, there had been more than enough times when he'd felt his 'foster fathers' wishes bearing down on him. They were two separate circumstances, but both showed the burdens a parent put on their child could be weighty nonetheless. Still, if he thought about it like that, he wondered if either of them wouldn't have been in that old library if not for those influences.
"Once this fever passes, if you have the free time and are willing, maybe I'll show you around the place some. I'm sure the sights aren't nearly as breath-taking as those in Serendipity, or anywhere else, really, but I'm fairly certain there are things here a person can only see in Thanatos."
He'd really rather he left an impression on her other than nearly getting them caught and ending up in her care with a rune-induced fever. "Of course," he added, "I understand if you're busy, I'd hate to impose."
"As for leaving... thats not so easy unless I want to end up discovered as a stowaway and tossed overboard at sea," he laughed at the thought. "I may make enough money to get by comfortably and dress well, but a ticket to the mainland isn't quite so easy, I'm afraid to say." Despite his laughter, it was a little embarrassing, but such was his lot in life. Other than the lack of adventure and overwhelming boredom, he had little worth complaining about. He did, indeed, live comfortably in the very least -even if Lekan insisted on making the rest of the place look like a crypt, his room was like stepping into another building entirely- and it wasn't as if moving from town to town on the occasion wasn't an impossibility. His talents could afford him that much, but he knew there were places that didn't take kindly to necromancy elsewhere that wouldn't allow him to get by so easily.
To be honest, Ayane didn't entirely mind the meetings. It meant she got to travel. It was a good distraction, else she felt she'd be spending far too much time in the library... Not to mention she met people she wouldn't normally. Leraje for example. He was beginning to make this entire trip worthwhile. The gatherings themselves were hardly ever very entertaining though.
At his offer, she looked up once more. True, she hadn't exactly had much time in Thanatos. She'd only been here a few times before now, and even then she hadn't had much time to herself to have a look around. Then at his next statement she shook her head with that same half-smile.
"I'd like that." She said after a moment, "I haven't had much time to see for myself.. that would be.. nice." She nodded then. Lifting a hand to run through her hair once more, brushing the loose strands from her face. "Honestly, I've a few more days left here, why not spend them doing something worthwhile." She tilted her head a little.
Ayane shifted on the bed so that she now sat almost cross-legged before him, her dress still falling over her legs. But she paid it no mind. Listening to his words, she chewed on her lip in thought. She was to be returning in a few days time, aboard a ship with several other unknown nobles. Those boat rides were always very quiet for her. She more often than not travelled on her own. Apart from those rare occasions when Llyi would join her. So she shook her head once, where was the harm? Alistor would be able to look at that mark on his side also.
"You know.. I'm to be returning soon.. When I do, you're welcome to join me." She looked at her lap once more, burying her fingers in the folds of her dress, "You needn't pay anything, dear. Not to mention.. my father might know what to do about your side. We have free rooms in my home also, you'd be able to see Serendipity for yourself." She quirked a brow, still not meeting his gaze, her nerves getting the better of her once again, "Consider it... payback." She murmured, a soft chuckle leaving her lips.
Leraje had to hold himself back from looking too excited at the prospect of getting to spend more time with her, though he just really hoped the rune-brand wasn't anything too serious. It was in a book accessible to the public, so he didn't think it would be... or at least it shouldn't have been.
Despite what he'd said though, he wondered where in Thanatos he could possibly take her that would be any grander than a sight found anywhere else in the world. Staying here, she'd probably already seen undead servants, and if she traveled a lot the docks wouldn't have been particularly interesting, either... Well, he'd cross that bridge when he got there, he was relatively assured of himself that he could pull a rabbit on the fly. It was more interesting that way.
"Great, I'll have to be sure to show you to a good time, then," he beamed, even as a small bead of sweat found its way down the side of his face. Though most of the feverishness had passed, the effects lingered, along with the discomfort.
Watching her, she sat so comfortably and in such a laid-back manner it made him forget those things though. She looked so soft and lovely, any man would be a fool to deny her appeal, and yet he was here seeing what he thought she probably didn't show the people she dealt with on official business. Calm, and assured it seemed, well.... until she averted her gaze from his with that invitation.
His mind felt like it were carefully dissecting each word she'd given him, unable to take them all at once. A... real offer? To go to Serendipity with her? He couldn't hide the shock on his face, eyes blinking and lips slightly agape, dumbfounded. This had to be a joke, right? Slowly, a slightly darkened smile touched his lips, and he let out a soft chuckle, that only lightly breathed of an unbelieving bitterness.
"Y-you're joking right? No offense, but a woman such as yourself asking a man... well, like me to come along with her, to stay in her home? There's no end to the colorful words people might use." It wasn't for himself; he couldn't stand to see a woman so kind and lovely have her name dragged in the mud. But in the back of his mind, now, there was that nagging wonder; was this really all just some nobles means of having their amusement? Come to the backwaters island of Thanatos, bring one of them home for show!
No, he'd already noted himself her kindness. She'd been concerned enough to bring him here, like this now, without knowing much about him. He hung his head a little in disgust with himself for even partly entertaining such a thought.
"Your offer is amazing... too amazing... Too much so for me to consider mere 'payback'." His mind was still rolling it over and over, replaying each word, dicing them apart and re-assembling them... Leave Thanatos? Finally leave Thanatos? His heart thudded lightly with excitement at it, as much as he tried to keep his head calm and clear.
It was clear he was eager to spend more time with her, and she felt much the same. For if she hadn't met Leraje, she felt these next few days would be exceptionally boring. But at her offer, though she hadn't looked up, she could sense his disbelief thick in the silence that laced the air. Then she looked up just a little when he laughed.
But he spoke then, and she tilted her head frowning. He was worrying about her reputation? Really? She found that strange. It wouldn't entirely matter, he could pass for a noble - his clothing was so, Llyi had done much to their family, oh yes.. and Alistor wouldn't mind his presence, she knew that. Leraje had magical knowledge, she knew that - there was something for Alistor to talk with him about.
"What other noble families think of mine has never been an issue." She admitted, smiling a little, "They have enough to talk about already as it is. Why not give them something else? They get bored fast." She shrugged, she'd always thought the noble ladies were boring. "It wont matter to me."
Ayane shifted forward and placed both hands on his shoulders, moving onto her knees to look at him properly. Once again - she swore one of his eyes was a different colour. She frowned a little... but shook her head. "It's not too much, Leraje." She assured, "It's because of me all this happened," She grinned a little, "If you must think of it that way, say.. you're not coming with me, you're making your own way." She nodded, chucking softly.
To her; the offer didn't seem all that big. They'd had people stay in their home plenty of times, Llyi's male 'friends', Alistor's clients and whomever else came past that would spark his interest. To be honest, Ayane didn't see why she couldn't.
Though silence was only silence, he felt like summoning his voice was suddenly more difficult than perhaps ever before. She didn't realize what kind of torture this was for him... He was practically jumping out of his own skin at this prospect, forced to keep himself still and level-headed.
Deep down, though, he thought what was really holding him back from accepting was... how easy this was. Things were never just this simple, were they? They couldn't be or some natural order in the universe somewhere would break. Yet she seemed so calm, so acceptant, like this were perfectly normal... just offering someone their dreams.
Her hands on his shoulders felt both heavy and light, and he looked up to meet her eyes evenly. She frowned and shook her head, and he wondered if something was wrong, but she had continued on anyway, assuring him.
"Even if I think of it like that, though..." he paused, bowing his head down a little to avoid her eyes for just a moment while he thought. He'd be off these islands, the entire mainlands would be spread before him... It'd be dangerous and difficult, but wasn't that what he wanted? No, it was what he craved, deep down, what he felt he needed. His smile softened, but still carried a look of disbelief as he shook his head, looking back up at her. That previous bitterness was gone though, now more hopeful and inspired.
"None of what happened was your fault," he said, his smile strengthening into its usual warmth. "There's no one to blame, its simply... something that happened. Besides, you didn't leave me behind, thats more than what I could have asked for given the circumstances.
"Looking at it that way, neither of us owe the other anything, and even if I tried to look at it as getting somewhere on my own, I would still be relying on you to get there... So tell me some way that I can repay you... because there's no way I can turn down this offer of yours."
She laughed this time. Home was entirely too bland in her opinion. Yes, the library was big, and yes Alistor had a lot of money. But.. in all honesty Ayane found it boring. Llyi was the social butterfly out of all of them. Though, like Alistor - she was not one suited for the meetings Ayane had to attend. When she was at home, all Ayane did really was run errands for her father and read.
But the brief amount of time she'd spent with Leraje had been.. to say the least - fun. Despite the brief interlude they'd run past. But they were both out alright. She scrambled to find something that he could do repay her. Not that she entirely wanted anything from him, per se. Anything she'd feel comfortable asking anyway. So she settled for;
"You make me laugh," Her voice came softer than she'd like, and she shrank away from him, back into her sitting position before him, arms sliding from his shoulders."Keep... keep doing that... that's all I ask." She nodded, glad that he'd be coming at least - this would be a sure way to bring some excitement really... She tilted her head a little, examining him once more. He didn't look quite as bothered as he had a few moments ago, she lifted a hand to his forehead once more.
Still a little above the average temperature, but not as hot as before. Which was good! She lowered the hand and sighed inwardly. "Do you think you'd be able to sleep just yet?" She asked, "You don't look quite as pale now." She smiled just a little.
He was, needless to say, surprised by her answer. His head tilted the the side thoughtfully as he watched her move back again, considering this. Make her laugh? He'd never particularly thought of himself as a funny man, but making a woman laugh was hardly a bad thing -unless, of course, it was at him, in which case it could be downright humiliating- and he quite enjoyed seeing Ayane's smile...
Grinning, he placed his hand over his chest and gave a small bow of his head. "As you wish, from hereon, I shall be your jester, my lady," his words were light-hearted, yet sincere. After all, it wasn't his place to sit around and think things to death; there was more than enough death abounding in Thanatos, and what he wanted was well beyond what the islands could give him. And it was beautiful, smiling Ayane who was offering him this chance... As he'd said, there was no way he could truly turn it down.
He closed his eyes for a brief moment when she touched her hand against his forehead, opening them again when she spoke. "I feel much better, actually," he admitted, though he wouldn't yet confess he was still concerned. How he could wallow in even rune-born sickness, though, when the prospect of leaving Thanatos was so soon before him, he couldn't even fathom. As she lowered her hand, he took it in his, leaning down to kiss the back of it softly. "Though, if I sleep I fear I may wake into reality."
Yes, it seemed he'd spotted an angel amidst some old, dusty books, and upon that glimpse alighted upon a most enchanting little dream. He laughed softly to himself, letting go of her hand.
"But I'd hate to keep you any later than I already have, I'm sure you're quite tired yourself after this evenings events."
She opened her mouth to tell him that 'jester' wasn't what she had meant, but the words died on her tongue when he brushed his lips against the back of her hand. Ah, no wonder Llyi liked this. Her cheeks heated up once more, and she let out a breathless laugh. Ayane shook her head at his last few words.
"Sleep as long as you need to, I've nowhere to be tomorrow." She assured him, standing from the bed, her dress falling about her. She felt he'd need rest, for she knew how much of a toll fevers could take on one's body. Not to mention the rune on his side. She sincerely hoped it would not get any worse between now and their arrival back home. She didn't doubt that Alistor would know about it.
"I'll see you in the morning. Sleep well, alright?" She nodded, and with that - she turned to leave, giving him a smile before she blew out the candle and strode toward the door. Closing it softly after her. She'd need to inform her 'aunt' of his presence just in case - oh, she was not looking forward to that conversation.
It had seemed today had taken a strange turn - though there were several things about Leraje that she herself did not understand. He had magic, and she was indeed curious about that. Though, hopefully now things back at home would be less repetitive. For Ayane had warmed to Thanatos considerably, after today.
(End, I guess? XD)