The party was in full swing, nobility and those wealthy enough or charming enough or just downright scheming enough to warrant an invitation whirling easily through the large house as though each and every one of them owned the place. Music was playing somewhere, faintly heard in her tucked away corner but still audible.
Yvaine Devereaux simply watched the spectacle around her and nursed her drink- which she thought was some sort of wine but honestly wasn't sure. She was literally counting the seconds until she could be considered to have attended for a "respectable" amount of time and could make her escape.
"Pardon me."
She looked up to find a man standing in front of her, a friendly smile on his face and his hand outstretched. "I noticed you tucked away back here and couldn't help but think that it would be a shame if no one asked such a lovely young woman for a dance."
Yvaine gave him a quick once over. Maybe thirty, middling height, not unpleasant to look at though hardly the most handsome of men, clothes fine but not as fine as her own. Probably an up-and-coming merchant or something looking to make connections in this world.
She couldn't think of a way to refuse him without seeming rude. Swallowing a sigh and abandoning her drink, she took his offered hand with her sweetest smile and a demure, "I'm honored, sir."
His smile widened and he lead her from her safe little corner to the ballroom, where the music was much more audible. He introduced himself- she had been right, not a noble, but an aspiring businessman- and started to lead her through the steps of a simple waltz.
She smiled and nodded and laughed and looked interested in all the right places as he talked, half her mind focused on this task while the other wandered, taking in their surroundings. She couldn't help but find her attention frequently drawn to another room just off the ballroom, the door propped open. She could hear laughter, mostly masculine, and saw a fair number of men and a few women moving in and out.
Intrigued, when the dance was over she curtsied to her partner and thanked him graciously, then excused herself as politely as she could and made her way across the to the mystery room. Stepping inside, she found a rather cozy gathering of tables and chairs scattered around the space, each one occupied by a different group of...players.
It seemed she had come across the card room. Her first reflex was to back out of the room quietly. Games of chance were not suitable for young ladies, according to her mother, and she could see now that the women in the room weren't playing but rather sitting next to husbands or brothers and talking softly with one another.
But then she remembered that her parents were rooms away, in fact she probably wouldn't see them for a few more hours. She had plenty of time to satisfy her interest.
Her curiosity got the best of her. Moving gracefully toward the nearest table, she halted a few steps away and clasped her hands daintily in front of her body. "Excuse me," she said, soft and sweet. "Would you mind telling me what it is you gentlemen are playing?"
Parties like these were always boring. Most of these stuffy nobles wouldn't know a good time if it bit them in the aft end. Which was what brought him all the way here, of course. To seek out some aft ends and bite accordingly. Maxxen Lear was a shark, but a well-groomed one. And even if he didn't find something to nibble on, he could always appreciate a few rounds of cards, jockeying more fools to dish out as much coin into the pot as possible before leaving them drunk and dry.
Which was precisely what he was doing. The night was still young after all to scope out tender flesh ripe for devourment. He gnashed his teeth a little in a why smile, peering down at the hand he'd been dealt. He clicked tongue against teeth. That wouldn't do at all. The man across from him grunted, peering down at his hand, then back at Maxx.
"You gonna bet or what?" He growled.
Maxxen peered up from his cards. "Of course." But still made no move. "Double multiplier. Double stakes. You in?" Coin flew into the center pot.
The man sniffed, grinning now, and doing the same as Maxx did. "Read em and weep!"
Maxx kept his poker face. Then rested his hand down in a fanned row. "Aces high. Two card swallow."
"Fuck!" He rubbed his chin. "I'm takin a walk, Lear. Don't go anywhere! I'm getting my money back somehow."
He walked passed a young lady that entered, one that was clearly out of place. Maxxen looked her over a time or two, keeping his grin to himself. A few others noticed her, but some clearly dismissed her. He rose from his seat, stacking coins away in a sack before approaching.
"You're certain you're not lost, darlin?"
Yvaine turned, giving the man who'd addressed that calculating, up-and-down look she'd perfected for just such occurrences. Young, maybe a few years older than her, handsome and he definitely knew it, fine clothes, well-groomed.
She might have guessed he was someone like her, minor nobility, if it weren't for the way he spoke- she'd never been referred to as "darlin'" before. With a start, she realized she couldn't figure him out.
Interesting.
Intrigued despite her better judgement, she gave him her most charming smile. "And if I were, would you be the one to guide me, sir?" she asked, tilting her head just slightly to one side. She gestured elegantly to the room around them. "I must admit I am fascinated by this world I've stumbled into."
A trying expression. She was clearly out of her element, but he wasn't going to shun her. No, no, she was a guest here in this parlor play, and it would be undue for him to be rid of her so soon. She did after all have the gall to walk in here in the first place where most others would simply turn and be on their uppity way.
"There's not much to it. Just a few parlor games that are more polite to be held behind closed doors than to parade out there on the dance floor." He laughed a little, brushing his hair back. "I might guide you, if you're keen on staying. Now just who do Ihave the pleasure of doing so?"
A small smile crept its way across her face. "I believe I will stay, if you'd be so kind."
She gave a quick shake of her head and a quiet, dainty laugh, adding, "Oh, do forgive me, I forget myself." She bobbed into a quick, shallow curtsy. "Yvaine Devereaux, and it's a pleasure to meet you Mister...?"
She tilted her head again as her voice trailed off, looking at him expectantly.
"Lear. Maxxen Lear. But you, darling, you can call me Maxx," he said, smiling and extending a hand to her. Although he didn't say anything and his face remained friendly, her name struck a cord with him. He'd could have sworn he'd heard it before. She was clearly someone important, or else she wouldn't be at a place like this. And if she was clever enough to sneak in anyway, she would have been more familiar with the crowd in the card parlor he wagered.
She took his hand, turning the name over in her mind. Lear. That sounded vaguely familiar...
Deciding she would think about it later, she kept her soft, charming smile in place. "A pleasure- Maxx," she said, trying the name out. Her smile became a tiny bit more genuine. "Then you should call me Yvaine."
She cast her eyes around the room, curiosity shining through her "little lady" exterior. "I'm afraid this is all quite foreign to me. Where would my guide think we should start?" A small glint came into her eyes as she looked back to him.
"I'd say you were doing all right just from observation. But I'll do my best. This isn't my usual crowd. I'm actually a priest, but Ineeded a day off, so I decided to come down here and find a way to help these sinners." He winked at her just a moment before laughing.
"I joke. But I'd be happy to help. What is it that you were looking to know?"
Yvaine chuckled quietly, covering her mouth with her hand. "You've an odd sense of humor, Mister Lear- Maxx," she noted.
Glancing around the room, she said with a delicate shrug, "I have to say I'm curious about everything. What is this game, for example?" She nodded toward a nearby table, the occupants of which had been apparently ignoring them.
They were focusing it was all, and between drinking heavily and puffing on their cigars and working hard keep their hands in hiding. The women at their sides were busy looking their most gorgeous, and tricking the other man into revealing his hand.
"See their expressions," Maxxen said, standing close to Yvaine and taking the opportunity to take her arm, guiding her away from the table and giving them their space. "High Stakes. Palms Wide, this one's called. Aces are low in this case, and you want to be the first to draw a full draw pattern. For instance if you've got a two, you'll want, three, four, five, and sixes to follow. Suits don't matter. Doubles of type of card, mean you've got to have doubles for what follows. Two kings, two queens, understand? Joker's are wild, of course."
One man made a grunt, and the other laughed, "Joker, Ten, Queen, King!" And slammed his hand on the table. The other man cursed and threw his cards.
"How could you get that hand without cheating?"
"I can't help it if you pick crap cards, Bill. You gotta be more vigilant, my friend. But look no hard feelings," said the other man. "Say I'll buy us a few drinks. Come on, Gweneth. Winning makes me thirsty." He laughed and wrapped his arms around the woman at his side, turning round and winking at Yvaine, whom he had seen observing them.
Yvaine nodded along to the explanation, filing away the information. She started slightly at the sudden exclamation, then blinked. She'd never actually been winked at before- most of the society her parents kept her around weren't so bold.
"Are women not allowed to play?" she asked curiously. She didn't pull away from Maxxen's grip on her arm, but shifted it so she had her hand in the crook of his elbow and it appeared as though he was more properly escorting her. "That is, I am hardly the only female in the room, but I seem to be a member of a vast minority. And the others of my sex seem to simply be sitting with their partners, rather than playing themselves."
"Not allowed?" He hadn't thought she'd ask such a question, but looking around the room, she had a point. One'd he'd noticed himself on more than one occasion. "Why I'm sure you could be the first to break that staple. I'm sure it's only because many of the women are content to act as the distraction. Why? Are you interested in giving it a go?"
Was she? Yvaine considered it for a moment, watching the players at different tables. A small smile flickered across her face and she gave a tiny nod. "If someone would be so kind as to explain the rules, yes. I believe I am."
She looked up at him with her most charming smile. "I believe I'm beginning to understand this Palms Wide game, but what about the others. What would you recommend to a beginner?"
"Blackjack. Easy as blood sausage," he said. He grinned a bit and took her to a particularly cloudy part of the room where a half-circled table of patrons leaned over cards and another mixed the deck. "This is easy. You get a close as you can to 21. Each face value of the card adds up, with royal cards equaling 10. Aces are 1 or 11. You start with two cards, one down, one face up. Checking your own count, you say hit me for another card, or stay if you're satisfied with your number. Cards over 21 lose, a hand with five cards still below 21 also win. You play against the dealer there handing out the cards. Simple enough?"
"Yes, I believe so," she said with a nod and a small smile. "It seems more a game of luck than skill," she noted. "Alas, I've never been particularly lucky." She nodded and smiled politely at the dealer.
"Still," she mused aloud, eyes glinting with curiosity. "I suppose there is a first time for everything." She looked to her escort. "Would you indulge me a moment?"
"I'll be your lucky charm then," he said, winking at her and escorting her to the seat made empty by the vacancy of a sad and lonely man parting with his money.
Yvaine laughed softly as she took the seat. "A guide and a luck charm, how kind of you," she teased, reached into the small purse on her wrist and plinking a few coins onto the table.
The dealer seemed a little surprised, but handed her two cards when she smiled and assured him she really did want to play.
Two fives. "Hit me." A queen, that was twenty, yes? So she needed an ace or she'd lose. She shrugged- it wasn't like she'd bet that much money anyway. "Hit me."
An ace. Huh. "Stay." She glanced at Maxxen with a small smile. "I guess you are my lucky charm."
"Oh the luckiest," he said, flashing a grin. He watched her hand. And kept his place beside her, but not too too obvious looking over the shoulders of the other players. A few men scowled at him. And he only smiled back. "Steady now."
The dealer added extra cards to the others that soon folded and grumbled about fixed games. The dealer met Yvaine's eyes. His eyes were iron grey, challenging, as his hand expertly flipped his hidden card over and revealed his hand. "20," he said.
Maxxen's grin only grew.
Yvaine flipped her own cards around with an easy, charming smile in response to his challenging stare. "Twenty-one." She glanced at Maxxen with slightly feigned innocence. "Blackjack, yes?"
Oh, this was fun.
"Oh, don't look at me darling. I'm just here to look pretty," he said. Although the smirk on his lips was certainly evident as the dealer's face turned red and he took back the cards, giving Yvaine the rest of the pot.
"Again?" the dealer asked instead, reshuffling the deck.
"And quite a good job you're doing of it too," she said a little cheekily, flashing him a quick smile. Turning her attention to the dealer, she gave him a much more demure smile and shook her head, politely gathering up what she'd won.
"No, thank you. I think I'd like to try something else." Her interest had been piqued and she looked around the room curiously before switching her gaze back to Maxxen. "What do you suggest?"
The dealer looked glad to be rid of such a small little woman, and her seat was soon replaced with another patron. Maxxen helped Yvaine cross the room, and though there was laughter and friendly chit chat, in other parts of the room, not to far from them, there was tension brewing.
Maxxen heard them before the fight actually broke out, but even he knew that when alcohol and money mixed, it made a volatile cocktail that was sure to explode at some point. As much as he liked watching the fights, getting this newcomer involved probably would not prove very prudent for him.
"You cheating sonuvabitch! I'll put a fucking hole right through you!" said one man, and he took his glass of brandy and slammed it against the other man's head. There was a squeal from the woman behind him.
"What a waste of brandy." Maxxen sighed, grabbed his coat and gestured to Yvaine. "Shall we get out here, dear?"
Yvaine's eyes widened a bit at the sudden coarse language, then she gasped, hand flying to her mouth where there was actually physical violence.
She nodded quickly at Maxxen, eyes still wide, and automatically took his arm. "Yes, that seems like it would be prudent."
There was more shouting and the sound of a scuffle behind her and she flinched, resisting the urge to turn and look. "Is it always like this?" she asked her companion mildly, proud that she managed to keep the surprise and twinge of fear from her voice.
Maxx escorted her from the smoke infested room. Without looking behind him, he instead observed the ballroom before them, giving a small grin. That room was starting to stink anyway. "More or less," he said, chuckling. He cut his eyes to her. "You mix booze with money, and it's almost guaranteed. But I'd say we got out just in time. And not to mention a woman playing. Not many men can stand losing to a woman."
With a wink he lingered on the sidelines. "As fun as that was, I'm glad we both got out with our skins. Now, shall we cool them out on the dance floor?"
She nodded, lips twisting in a bitter little smile. "Yes, I've noticed that about men," she murmured. shaking her head, she glanced between him and the dance floor.
After a moment of hesitation, she took his hand with her demure "little lady" smile. "I would be honored, sir." She actually almost meant it, which was intriguing in and of itself.
He was glad for it, and took her hand, leading her out onto the dance floor. "I would ask who should lead, but, darling, the way you've handled those cards, I think the answer is obvious isn't it?" he chuckled and whirled her around, as the song began.
It was a lively jig, one that was akin to a waltz but faster and sent them both spinning on their toes as they weaved between crowds. "My, you're awfully light on your feet!"
Yvaine laughed, a light tinkling sound, as he whirled her along. "As are you," she replied with a smile- this one was almost entirely genuine.
She couldn't remember the last time she'd actually had fun dancing. "I must say, I find it a great pity we've never bumped into each other at one of these events before," she told him, eyes glinting. "It's rare to find such an accomplished dance partner. And one so willing to indulge my curiosity."
A laugh escaped him, although it was a tad empty, and he hid his hesitation with a smile. "Admittedly, I've been between parties for some time," he said, turning again and bouncing lightly on his feet as they turned again. "Although, I am glad to say to have met you now. And to restore your faith in dancing partners. Have many disappointed you in the past?"
She glided through the steps, spinning away from him for a moment and then back. "Alas, disappointment in partners seems to be a lady's lot in life," she said without thinking.
Her cheeks flushed and she almost missed a step, but she recovered quickly. "Ah- forgive me. That was rather forward, think nothing of it." Not her smoothest cover up, but she hoped it would do.
He only chuckled at her fumble in words, perhaps not something another gentleman would have done. "You needn't worry about that, darling. I admire your spirit, and you shouldn't ever have to suffer disappointment. Not in the league of dancing partners, mind you. I hope I can't scavenge whatever remains of the dignity of all men. That's all I can ask."
Yvaine smiled. "Well, you're doing a fine job of it so far, I assure you," she said, eyes sparkling. Letting her head tilt just a fraction to the side, she continued, "Admire my spirit? You know, usually that's just a pretty way of men telling me they think I'm too much of a handful."
For some reason she just couldn't stop saying things she knew she shouldn't.
Her comment was met with another laugh. It was in genuine humor for Maxxen knew quite a few men just like that. "If a man can't, how can I put it- tolerate- a lady's synchronicities, then I'd say he isn't worthy of your time. I can only hope I've proven pleasant company so far."
He smiled and whirled around. "When I say I admire your sort, the comment is genuine."
Giggling a bit as he spun them around, Yvaine found herself smiling at him, a real smile. "Then I thank you for the compliment," she said lightly, eyes glinting. "And you've been the epitome of pleasant company, truly."
It was strange to say something like that and actually mean it. When the dance finished with a a flourish of music, she actually gave a little, disappointed, "Oh..." Tilting her head back and offered a small smile, she murmured, "Thank you for the dance, Mis- Maxx."
At the end of the song, Maxxen bowed deeply and tilted his head at her. "It's my pleasure, Yvaine. But just because the music is over, doesn't mean the evening has to end does it?"
Dipping into an automatic curtsy, she glanced up at him in surprise for a fraction of a moment, then smiled, nodding. "No, it doesn't," she agreed easily, straightening and taking his arm. With a tilt of her head, she asked, "Did you have something in mind?"
At her question, Maxxen's smile widened, and brow quirked up in a show of white teeth in contrast to the darkness of his beard. "Do you want to get away from here?"
Her eyebrows crept up. "Away from the ballroom?" she asked quietly, "Or..." She gave a gesture of her hand to indicate the party at large. "Away from here?"
She knew what her answer should be, if that was the case, but somehow she found herself considering it. Surely one small act of impropriety wouldn't matter too much...
"Here of course. This entire party is a bit of a drag. How anyone can stand these anymore is beyond me, but tonight's lusters has been redeemed only by you, Yvaine. I'd be glad if you would accompany me. Your choice of course," he said.
Yvaine bit her lip, glancing around. "Well..." She licked her lips a little nervously and looked back to him. Determination suddenly lit her eyes and she nodded. "I would be honored," she said with an easy smile, taking his arm again.
She'd just tell their coachman she was leaving on their way out so her parents wouldn't worry too much. She could get away with that, right?
"Great, shall we?" he grinned, taking her along with him outside. The carriage ride away from the estate set them off into the evening, away from glinting lanterns and torches. Maxxen got comfortable in the seat and took out a cigar
"Oh, sorry. Do you mind if I light? Have you ever smoked a cigar before?"
Yvaine shook her head. "No I haven't. My father and brothers do, though, so I don't mind." She flashed him a quick smile, then glanced out the window and asked curiously, "Where are we going, exactly?"
"I thought we could go someplace quiet, perhaps down by the riverbanks. We can take a walk if you'd like. The water is beautiful this time of night," he smiled. He took a long drag on the cigar and reached for her hand, taking it gently in his, and letting his fingers caress the top of her hand.
Though she started slightly at the touch, she didn't try to withdraw her hand. Smiling softly, Yvaine glanced at him and said, "You know, for all that I've lived here all my life, I've never actually seen the river at night."
It sounded nice.
"Oh it is! The docks are usually alive with activity in the morning. Some boats like to fish in the evening, but at night there's a special breed of fish that light up the river. They positively make the river glow." He withdrew his hand.
"My apologies. I probably shouldn't be so bold. So tell me, Yvaine, what does a girl like you like to do for fun? Other than crash pokerdens."
She found she was slightly disappointed when he withdrew his hand, but she brushed it off. Smiling at him, she waved her hand airily and said, "Oh, this and that. Dancing, music, embroidery, that sort of thing...I don't really get out much."
Pausing a moment, Yvaine admitted in a rush, "My brother tried to teach me fencing when I was younger, but our parents put a stop to it. I quite enjoyed it for a while though."
"That's a shame. You're very light on your feet, and you're an excellent dancer, darling. Fencing is more than fighting. It's an art form. I know some excellent fencers where I'm from, and some I met all across the country. What about horseback riding? Have you ventured onto that?"
Maxxen brushed back the hair of his beard. Although it only lined his face, some stray hairs felt out of place. He didn't want to look any more disheveled than he had to. "I suppose going unchaperoned, to a secluded location with a man such as myself, might cause oodles of gossip."
She smiled softly at his praise, and for a moment allowed herself to daydream about the skills she could have developed if her parents hadn't been so put out by Leo teaching her fencing. "Yes, I ride a bit, but it's nothing...exciting, really. A lady must always keep her poise, of course, and it's rather hard to do that on a galloping animal."
A note of bitterness in her tone that she couldn't quite hide. Clearing her throat, she looked at Maxxen with a small, slightly crooked smile and murmured, "I'm sure it will, but it's nothing I can't handle." She paused a moment, then ventured, "What do you mean by that, a man such as yourself?"
He noted that bitterness, storing the notion away in a pocket of his mind.
"A man, any man, married or not, always risks the reputation of a girl such as yourself. In this particular case, a man unmarried, who you found in backroom of a mansion, smoking, gambling, drinking heavily with other likewise fellows. What does that tell you about me? I'd like to hear your inferences," he said gently, puffing lightly on the cigar. Frankly his curiosity really was getting the better of him.
Yvaine flicked her eyes to him, a bit surprised that he wanted to know what she really thought. Most people she met at such events were perfectly content with the veil of nobility and flattery wrapped around them like a security blanket.
But then, he really wasn't like most people, she supposed.
Sitting up a little straighter, she folded her hands in her lap and looked him up and down, not bothering to hide her calculation or curiosity. "It tells me you enjoy your vices," she answered after a moment, tone rather businesslike, "but also that you can keep your head. You can hold your drink- or you know when to stop- and how to play the other gamblers even better than you know to play the game."
Her head tilted and she added a little more slowly, "Your apparent interest in me tells me you enjoy the unexpected, and most likely the challenging unexpected. Your admittance to being unmarried could be a lie to lull my sense of impropriety, but I rather doubt it." A very small smile worked its way across her face.
"Honestly, I'm having a bit of a hard time deciphering what your goal for this evening may be. The obvious answer is to get under my skirts, but I think you're too shrewd not to realize I'd be expecting that, and so I'd be on guard. Which leaves me rather puzzled."
He laughed. He couldn't help himself. Not because he thought anything she said was particularly funny, but because of how accurate her detailed dissection really was. She had an eye, she really did. And that in itself was enough to garner admiration from him.
"I think I find your observations rather astute and it's nice to meet a girl who uses her mind more forwardly than what's expected of her. Frankly, I'd be lying if I said I didn't find you devastatingly beautiful in the moonlight that streamed through that window beside you," he said, leaning back. His eyes leered at her, hanging low, and the glow of the cigar was the only thing that ignited his features when he took a long drag from it.
Quite despite herself, Yvaine blushed, though instead of ducking her head and murmuring some demure thanks at the compliment she held his eyes. A spark lit in her chest, a small thrill at the apparent permission she had to speak her mind with this man.
"Thank you," she said evenly, nodding with a small, slightly crooked smile. "I have to admit myself that you are probably one of the most attractive men I've met- certainly at that party. But you already knew that." He certainly carried himself like he knew he was handsome.
Clasping her hands in her lap, she leaned toward him a bit, eyes glinting. "I don't believe I've ever met anyone quite like you, Maxxen." Her tone implied that it was definitely a compliment.
Maxxen's smirk sobered at the corners and he shifted closer to her, and reached for her hand and threaded his fingers into hers. "I thank you for your candor," he murmured. "I hope you're enjoying my company as much as I'm enjoying yours. It's a refreshing change to meet a woman of your caliber. I admit I get tired of catering to simpering girls."
Though she started a bit at the touch, Yvaine didn't pull her hand away. "You're welcome," she said quietly, offering a small, soft smile. "Likewise, it is refreshing to meet a man I am not expected to simper to."
Her head tilted very slightly to one side and she admitted with a little glint in her eye, "I am enjoying your company very much, I assure you."
His grin turned wry. Fingers curled around her hand, thumb running over her knuckles. Maxxen leaned in closer to her, blowing the smoke elsewhere and grinned down at her hand. "Do other men treat you just as well?" he asked. "Someone as young as yourself shouldn't be trapped down in a marriage just yet. You've got a life to live you know. Every bit of it. Life's too short to waste away catering to fools. My thoughts anyway."
There was a small hitch in her breath as he leaned closer that she tried to ignore. "They...treat me as well as they are able, and is proper," she murmured after a moment, a little pointedly but not accusatory. "I find many people- male or otherwise- fall into habits and ways of treating others that they deem to be of their social standing quite quickly."
Her lips curved up into a wry little grin of her own. "And how would you suggest I live my life then?" she murmured, a hint of a challenge in her tone and eyes.
Maxxen smirked, taking her hand closer to him, observing it with a closer look and seeing the delicate lines of it. "You want my suggestions? Oh, I'd say to have all the adventure you can possibly have in it," he said, smirking. He dashed out the cigar on a carved in ashtray, pressing it until the light went out and the scent of it wafted in the air. He spread her hand out along his palm, smiling. "Travel the world, learn all you can about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness."
Yvaine smiled wistfully, watching as he seemed to examine her hand. "That sounds wonderful," she murmured. "But...I think it's a rather unattainable dream." She laughed, but there was no humor in the sound.
"Nothing is unattainable if you let yourself want it enough," Maxxen said and with a hum, kissed the crook of her wrist, where he felt her pulse briefly. By then they had reached the docks and the carriage rolled to a stop.
He gave a somber little smile that they reached their destination, but the night air was nice and he opened the door, stepping out. He helped her out, and thanked the driver, telling him to return in approximately an hour. "Shall we take a walk?"
Her breath hitched slightly when his lips brushed her wrist, but she didn't say anything or make a move to pull away.
Stepping out onto the docks with his help, she glanced up at him and tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. "Yes, I believe we shall," she murmured with a small smile.
"I'm not going to lie, this is the first night I've really gone out and enjoyed the evening. There's so much around you that you can miss if you don't pay attention," he muttered, feeling his face flush and he led her down the docks. "So what are those 'unattainable dreams' you seemed so bothered about Yvaine? Tell me your deepest desires."
She was looking around, enchanted by the river in the evening. It really was quite striking. Then she glanced up at him, arching an eyebrow.
"That's awfully personal," she noted casually. Silence for a moment, then Yvaine said softly, "I'd like to travel. I want to see more of the world- even more of Connlaoth, if I could."
It wasn't her only deepest desire, but it was a start.
He looked down at her, expression sobered and thoughtful. He didn't know what his intentions were exactly with this young woman. He felt her to be remarkable and striking; he would see where went for now.
"That's my specialty, getting personal," he chuckled. "But I'd like to know more about you that's all." A smile spread across his lips. "You know, Connlaoth is as beautiful as they say it is. I know you live here, but you'd be amazed at how much the world opens up to you when you open up to it."
A small, wistful smile curved her lips and she looked up at him. "And what about you, then?" she asked quietly. "What are your deepest desires, Maxxen?"
She tilted her head, arching an eyebrow. "It seems only fair you answer the question in return."
Maxxen chuckled at the turning of tables. "All right. Fair enough," he murmured, grinning. "My deepest desires? I've always dreaming of owning a castle in the mountainside, and being the mysterious cloaked figure that you hear about in dark fairy tales." He chuckled. "I know it sounds silly. But that's the truth."
"Really?" Yvaine's eyes widened and she giggled. "Oh- I'm sorry. It's not silly, truly." Another giggle that she tried to hide behind a hand, eyes sparkling, and she admitted, "Well...it's a little silly. But somehow in an entirely charming way."
Maxxen laughed too. "Oh, well, at least you have the guts to laugh at me to my face," he said with a pleased grin. "I don't mind. It was a boyhood fantasy brought on by reading too many novels of tragic villains and the shining heroes that slew them."
He reached up and poked her cheek. "What about your silly dreams? I'm sure you've got a few."
She crinkled her nose up at him at the poke. "I suppose I do," she admitted, eyes losing some of their sharp focus as she thought. "Hmm... I rather wanted to be a warrior princess when I was a child." Her eyes flicked up to him and she smiled crookedly. "Like you, I probably read too many books."
"That sounds a lot less silly than mine," he said honestly. "I find it kind of romantic. You riding along a field on a shining steed, banner on you shoulder, fluttering in a fierce breeze. A sentiment not often shared by Connlaothian men, let me tell you. It's much better than mine."
"Oh I don't know about that," Yvaine chuckled quietly. "I think I rather like your boyhood dream. Most boys would want to be the shining hero, but you wanted to be the mysterious, cloaked figure. It's intriguing." She glanced up at him, eyes glinting, and added, "I've always found traditional heroes to be rather dull, anyway. Villains are more...compelling."
Maxxen adjusted her hand in the crook of his arm. "Is that so?" he murmured. "That's an interesting idea. One, I've shared myself in more ways than one. People don't normally think of them as anything that would require understanding. But I think people miss out on a great deal of the story without examining more than one side." He gave a shy smirk.
"But all this talk of stories is making me nostalgic."
She smiled in return, meeting his eyes for a longer moment than was probably strictly necessary. "Yes, I agree." She dropped her gaze and looked away.
Yvaine glanced to the river and noted aloud, "You were right, it really is magnificent at night."
"The wonders we learn when we least expect them, and hopefully learn to appreciate them for a lifetime," he said with a grin. Maxxen walked along with her for a time, observing the water and the glowing algae beneath them, igniting the water as they walked along.
"It's been some time since I've been here. Let me tell you, the card games held here along the riverbank are serious business. Even more so than the spectacle you saw in that backroom," he said with a smirk. "There's a certain thrill to it, but I've kept my distance for a while." He looked at her from the side. "Is it very bold of me to ask if I could kiss you?" He would have just taken it, but spooking her so close to the water didn't seem like a good idea.
Yvaine, opening her mouth to question him further about these riverside card games, found her voice emerging in a rather undignified and surprised little squeak.
Flushing, she cleared her throat and let her eyes search his face. That really wouldn't be proper, but...
"I suppose you can," she murmured after a moment, trying to sound nonchalant but feeling a little thrill go through her as she gave him permission.
Maxxen approached her without hesitation and leaned down to meet his lips to hers. There was a slow burn to it, his arms slipping around her waist to hold her close. With a tilt of his head he deepened it, pressing in close enough to coax her lips open.
While Yvaine had been kissed before, she'd never been kissed like this. A light peck goodnight from a suitor was nothing like this.
Her eyes widened and she was still for a moment, unsure how to react. Then she let her arms slip up to wrap loosely around his neck and leaned into the touch, hesitating only a moment before parting her lips under his as her eyes fluttered closed.
Maxxen leaned deeper into her, slipping an arm around her waist and drinking her lips deeply. The roughness of his well-trimmed beard likely pressed against her face, and he broke the kiss only to get a deep breath of air before turning the other way and going in once again.
Yvaine gasped softly when they broke apart, then made a small noise of surprise when his lips found hers again. She didn't try to pull away though, despite the voice in the back of her mind telling her that she probably should.
She was almost intoxicated with the touch. Hesitantly, she leaned up onto her toes and tilted her head slightly to deepen the kiss.
He broke it once more to chuckle, smiling at her with his arm still around her waist. "How was that?" he uttered. "Too much? We can tone it down a notch. Or up it, whichever you prefer."
She found herself rather speechless for a moment, just staring at him with wide eyes. Then a small smile curved her lips.
Well, she'd come this far, hadn't she?
"No," Yvaine murmured. "No, that was- perfect." Impulsively, she leaned up to kiss him again with a little more confidence.
Maxxen was surprised by the deed on her own volition and when his lips met hers, he responded in kind, taking her lips with a hunger he hadn't felt in a long time. Kissing here by the docklands in Reajh. It was almost storybook.
When he pulled away, there was something different in his demeanor and he looked at Yvaine with a solemn expression, half-lidded eyes. "My, my, you kiss a man on first meeting? How...scandalous," he murmured with a glimpse of a smile, leaning in to bring his lips to her neck, feeling the quickening pulse along her throat.
She arched an eyebrow, lips twitching up on one side. "Perhaps. But I really see no harm in just a kiss..."
Yvaine's voice trailed off and he might feel her pulse stutter as his lips touched her neck. She held her breath, some combination of wariness and excitement taking up residence in her chest.
Maxxen did feel it, and clutched her to him. The contact, although brief excited him. "You're positively electric."
She shivered slightly. "Am I?" Yvaine whispered, her hands pressing lightly against his back to hold him against her in an almost unconscious gesture.
"I suppose you should be careful then. Wouldn't want you to shock yourself."
"If I did, I'm sure it'd be a delightful sort of sting," Maxxen Lear purred against her neck. His touch was thorough and exploratative as he drank of her flesh. He turned his mouth back to hers, kissing her a little roughly, deeply and wholly, his hands shrinking down to feel along the edges of her skirts.
"If you still want to go back to the party," he murmured, nibbling on her lower lip, "We can."
Yvaine gasped quietly as his lips returned to hers. God, she'd never realized a kiss could be like this, so all-consuming, making her entire body feel as though it was lighting up from the inside.
She knew how she should respond: thank him for the evening and ask to be taken back, find her parents, and return home. Perhaps ask for him to call at their home so she could see him in a more appropriate setting.
But she didn't.
"No." Yvaine shook her head and murmured, "It was painfully dull anyway. Besides..." Her lips twitched up slightly on one side. "Why should I return when I seemed to have found the best dance partner already?"
A sudden flash of bravery had her tilting her head into another kiss and ever so carefully allowing her lips to part against his, just barely drawing her tongue against the line of his bottom lip.
"Shall we make this more interesting then?" Maxxen growled playfully. His breath hitched, feeling her tongue against his flesh. Even a touch as slight as that had his heart racing in his ears and he pulled away only long enough to catch his breath.
Too bad it was all ready taken by her.
"My hotel isn't far from here, just deeper into the city. If you want to that is. These docks are hardly fitting for are more...intimate setting."
A hotel. With him. Alone.
Oh, that was such a bad idea.
"...Yes," Yvaune murmured despite all her better judgement screaming at her not to. She'd listened to better judgement all her life, and what had it gotten her? Barely two hours with this man was the most alive she'd ever felt, it was addicting.
"Yes, I think that's a splendid idea, Maxx."
He was tempted to ask her again, as if even he couldn't believe a woman such as she had said yes. But he refrained from doing so. Better not to question his fortune while it was present. He pulled away, and looped his arm around her, leading them back to the carriage.
"We'll have a good time. I promise, and if we don't have a good time, then I'll owe you whatever you wish." He smiled charmingly at her helped her back inside. He gave the driver directions and they were head back toward the heart of Reajh.
Sitting beside her, he threaded his hands into hers, letting his index finger run idly along her knuckles.
Yvaine smiled at him with a rather calculating if still somehow playful glint to her eyes. "Don't think I won't hold you to that," she chuckled as she settled into the carriage seat.
She glanced at their joined hands wordlessly for a few moments. Then she cautiously turned her wrist to better observe his.
"You are noble then. Or at least highborn," she murmured almost distractedly. She really didn't know anything about the man's past, who he was- and somehow the knowledge that she had to discover for herself was thrilling in a way it shouldn't be. "I had wondered- but your hands are too fine to be anything else."
"Have you been feeling in the right places? Look, they're rougher than you might think," Maxxen said thoughtfully and turned his palm over to reveal the calluses acquired from his knighthood, where his fists might have collided with the skull of another, here a curious small scar ran vertically on the inside of his thumb.
"I....was not a soldier, but I've given my time to my knighthood years ago. Those scars don't really go away. And please, you don't have to address me as Sir. I'd much rather go without it," he chuckled.
"Hmm..." Yvaine let her fingers run lightly over the marks he pointed out, learning. "A knight," she mused aloud. She glanced up at him, eyes flicking over his face. "What made you leave the service?"
It seemed fairly obvious to her that knighthood was not exactly his current occupation.
Maxxen pursed his lips.
"Just got tired of it I guess. I like my freedom," he replied. "It wasn't the life I envisioned myself growing old in."
She smiled an tilted her head to the side just a bit. "Not your mountain castle, huh?" she murmured softly.
Yvaine's eyes flicked over her face, almost studying his features and expression.
"What about you? How do you see yourself growing old?" he asked.
That took a bit of the playfulness out of her. She glanced away, biting at her lower lip.
"Honestly? Running some household, forever embroiled in silly court gossip, and most likely married to a man I don't love, but can hopefully get along with."
She fell silent for a moment, then turned an easy smile on him. "Forgive me. That was rather dreary, I suppose."
"No, don't be silly. It was an honest answer. And that's all anyone can ask for," Maxxen replied. He sat up and leaned in to kiss her. "I don't know what my future holds. It's just as likely tomorrow I could be lying in a dead in a ditch because someone thought I cheated at cards."
"That's why I try to live each day to the fullest. We can't live forever."
"Mm." Yvaine kissed him back gently, and her smile softened into something much more genuine.
She shook he head at him with a very quiet chuckle, despite the way his words made a little apprehensive shiver run down her spine. "Well, you won't be dead tomorrow. I'm a tough girl, I'll protect you."
She suddenly flushed, partially unable to believe she'd actually just said that and genuinely surprised by her own implication- that she would be with him through the night.
He chuckled, genuinely amused. "Oh thank God I found you then," he murmured and kissed her more deeply. He cupped her cheek.
"I guess I ought to be honest, finding me in that backroom was a rather fortunate mistake. You're so much better company than the swine that call themselves gentlemen in there."
She leaned into the contact, lashes fluttering against her cheeks.
"Then I guess I'm just as lucky you found me as the other way around," she said softly. "I seem to have stumbled across the only decent company at that party."
Without realizing it, she had shifted a little closer to him and her hand moved up to lightly stroke his upper arm as she leaned in for another quick kiss. She'd never realized such a touch could be so addicting.
Something in her touch made him twitch. His heart skipped a beat and found himself leaning deeper against her. What was happening? Maxxen nevet let passion get away with him, but kissing her, even lightly like this made him want to take his time.
His lips worked sensually against hers, kissing her with a deepened tilt of his head.
Yvaine was at a complete loss. She knew she shouldn't be doing this, but it almost felt as if she wasn't in full control of her body. She shifted a little closer to him and let her other hand drift up to lay her palm against his cheek, parting her lips slightly into the kiss.
Hesitation didn't last long before Maxx's hand drifted up toward what it was that he wanted. Well, part of what he wanted.
His aim grasped around the roundness of her breast, gently and through her bodice but no less, cupping her form and pulling her closer.
She gasped softly at the touch as instinctively tensed, torn between pulling away and letting the embrace continue.
Then, with a shuddering sort of sigh, Yvaine let her eyes close and leaned into the touch. To hell with it, if she was going to do this, she may as well do it properly, right? Cautiously she drew his bottom lip between her teeth in a gentle nip and shifted to press a little closer against him.
He grunted at that nip, taking it as an invitation to grow bolder. His touches indeed grew bolder, moving down toward the edges of her skirts and slipping underneath them. His hand slipped around her thigh, feeling the softness of flesh and he pulled his face away to look at her for a moment. "Have you ever done it before?" he asked. He had an inkling of the answer, but it was best to hear it from her.
Yvaine actually flinched as his hand worked under her skirts and bit back a soft whimper. When her pulled away, she just stared at him with wide eyes, some mix of anticipation, confusion, and honestly a little fear plainly written on her face.
"No," she murmured. "I've never..." Her voice trailed off and she cleared her throat, glancing away.
"I can understand your hesitation if you don't want to," Maxxen murmured. He kissed her lips softly, pulling his hand back to rest on her knee. "I want only to make you feel good. I wouldn't hurt you." He kissed at her neck, thumb running curiously along her knees.
For the first time that evening, Yvaine looked at him with a kind of nervous hesitation. Then she let out a sharp breath and asked quietly, "If- if I ask you to stop, will you?"
Her hand slowly moved to cover his and edged it just slightly higher on her leg.
"Of course," he whispered, observing her hand and letting her decide it's boldness. He smirked just enough and playfully nipped at her lips. "Whatever you decide, okay?" He dragged his fingers along her skin and he touched the inside of it, the soft skin making him hitch his breath and seeking her heat.
"Oh!" Yvaine drew in a sharp breath as she felt her body respond to his touch quite without her permission. She kissed back with a new boldness, reaching up to card her fingers through his hair.
Maxxen chuckled, pulling away but a breath to ask, "What? Something surprise you?" He smiled and kissed her in renewed eagerness. His hand slipped further against the inside of her skin and until he found her sex. He was gentle in his touches, index and middle finger pushing past the hair of a most intimate place.
That drew a soft whimper from her and her eyes widened. Yvaine wriggled under his touched and her hands clutched at his shoulders in an attempt to anchor herself.
"Maxx," she whispered, staring at him with a rather hazy, slightly confused expression. "I didn't...I didn't know..."
She had been raised with a great deal of emphasis on not exploring sexuality. His touch surprised her because she'd never really experienced anything like it before.
"Didn't know what?" He panted feeling his heart hammer in his chest. "This?" And his fingers touched her clit, rubbing gentlu against it.
"A-ah!" Yvaine clapped a hand over her mouth as her cheeks flushed and she trembled lightly. "Oh, Maxx."
Almost unconsciously, she pulled him forward into a kiss.
It was only then that they had begun testing the waters that the carriage rolled to a stop before his hotel. Maxx pulled back, flushed and panting heavily and looked at her. "Would like to go upstairs and um, have a drink?" And probably more considering what they were just doing.
Maxxen grinned and carefully fixed her dress. "Come on. Let's go."
Panting lightly, Yvaine just stared at him for a moment as she tried to process what he was saying. "R-right. A, um, a drink. Yes, please."
Cheeks very red, she fiddle with her skirts a bit before taking a few calming breaths and nodding at him. "I follow your lead, sir."
Soon they were inside and headed upstairs. The process was seamless. And to anyone that knew Maxxen and had seen him, probably would have assumed he had another damsel on his arm he was wooing into a swindle, soon to be relieved of her honor and gold. Or something to that effect. That was how it looked anyway.
He wasn't sure what this was, and he didn't like uncertainty. He didn't know what he was feeling and frankly he was terrified of not knowing, despite playing it off so well. "What's your poison?" He asked Yvaine as he took her arm and allowed her into the room first. Once inside the suite, he closed the door quietly behind them and let her wander to her whim.
Yvaine was suddenly staring to feel the impropriety of the situation, and her voice was rather small when she responded, "Perhaps a glass of wine? I'm afraid I'm not much for alcohol..."
She took a curiously look around the room as she stepped inside. She was acutely aware of Maxx's presence, and that of the closed door behind her.
Maxx went about serving it and he approached her with care. Something in her posture set him off. Maxxen touched her shoulder gently. "Are you all right?" he asked, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
She almost flinched away from him, then forced herself to calm down. "I'm fine," she assured him quietly with a small smile as she took the drink. Deciding to be a little more honest, she added, "I suppose I'm just...nervous."
Maxxen nodded. "It's all right," he said and kept himself steadily in her vision. "Let me take your coat. If you're willing, yes?"
Yvaine took another breath and shrugged out of her coat. "Thank you."
She sipped at her drink carefully and glanced around the room again. "So...if you're staying in a hotel, where is your home? Not in the city I take it?"
"I uh, don't have much of one I'm afraid. I don't live in the city, as you can see," Maxxen said, taking her coat to a chair and returning to her side to pour himself something to drink.
"My family is up north. I'm not what you'd say on the best terms with them."
"I see." She took another sip of her drink and- very cautiously- perched on the edge of the bed. "I'm sorry. I don't always get on with my family, but I can't imagine my life without them."
As soon as the words left her mouth she frowned accusingly at her glass. "Ah, forgive me. That was forward. I swear I'm not that much of a lightweight." She forced a little laugh.
The smile that followed was genuine despite admitting something so personal about himself. Even his most regular acquaintances knew very little of his past.
He scooted a little closer to her, reaching out to touch her hand. "That's all right. I guess I've been on my own for so long, I've gotten used to it."
Yvaine stared at their hands for a moment, then flipped hers over to lace their fingers together. "That..." She frowned slightly.
"Don't you get...lonely?"
"I never stopped long enough to linger on it. But yes, it does feel lonely at times," he admitted, surprising even himself.
"I'm sorry." Yvaine hesitated a moment, then let her head rest against his shoulder. "Tell me something else then," she said after a moment. "Something about you."
Maxxen looked at her head, where it rested. The moment was oddly intimate, and the strangeness of it all was almost surreal. He was surprised by how at ease he felt around her. She was easy to talk to. And he knew he had a serious lack of that in his life. It was easy to pretend you didn't have troubles, to drink and be merry and push pain behind you.
"I don't know. I suppose it isn't much of a surprise to say I'm one hell of a gambler," he said with a chuckle. "I'm good. Damn good. You didn't find me in that hall by mistake. I wouldn't call it a force of habit, rather a ....force of recreation. It's one of the few things I'm truly good at. Other than sword fighting i suppose, but I'd rather avoid that altogether. You can't win more money off dead men after all."
Yvaine actually gave a rather unladylike snort at that. "I suppose that's true," she murmured with a wry, perhaps slightly bitter smile. She was still holding his hand, eyes fixed on their fingers twined together, and absently she let her thumb trace over the back of his hand.
"If you're truly that good with a blade, perhaps you could teach me?" she mused with a small smile. It was entertaining to consider such a fanciful idea, even just to make conversation. "I know it wouldn't be anywhere near as exciting as gambling, but private instructors have a decent pay. Not to mention there wouldn't be any killing."
Maxxen perked his head up at the thought of teaching her. "I'd love to teach you," he said after a while and smirked. He leaned in and kissed her. "I don't think any iron matron within a hundred miles would ever approve. They'd clutch their chests and pass away. And those that are all ready dead would likely turn in their graves. But I'll teach you because well, you can rub people's nose in it."
He laughed and observed her hand. His fingers eased more comfortably in hers, palm to palm. "How old are you Yvaine? If I can ask. I know a lady never gives away her age."
She laughed at that, cheeks flushed from the wine and his kisses. "Well, what's life without a little nose rubbing?" she chuckled, eyes glinting.
Her expression turned wry and she answered, "No, most ladies wouldn't- but then, I seem to be doing a lot of things this evening that aren't appropriate for most ladies." Her mouth softened a bit at the corner. "I turned twenty-two last month."
Curious, Yvaine tilted her head at him. "And you? If I may ask."
"I feel as though I'm 19. But don't go around telling the whole world I'm actually 27l, or thereabouts. I don't always celebrate my birthday." Maxxen laughed. "You don't look half bad for an old woman," he teased, easing into a kiss. "You know you could probably feel the weather in your bones now."
Yvaine chuckled against his lips and shoved at his shoulder lightly. "Scamp," she snipped quietly, giving him a little mock pout. "You're still five years my senior, Grandpa."
"Damn straight," he jibbed. "And you should do well to listen to your elders."
"Mm." Yvaine pursed her lips and tilted her head to one side, eyes glinting. "Perhaps I will, if my elder says something that merits my attention," she quipped primly, tossing her hair over her shoulder with a sniff.
"Ouch. You wound me with your terrible wit," Maxxen said with a laugh. And he went in for a proper kiss then, leaning in deeply, tilting his head to feel all of her.
Her small chuckle was cut off into the kiss and Yvaine's eyes fluttered closed. She reached up to carefully lay her hand against his cheek and parted her lips slightly.
"Your ego seems fairly unscathed," she commented with a small smirk when she pulled away for a moment, then leaned in to kiss him again with a little more boldness.
"Oh my wounds are only hidden by my manliness."
Arms looked around her, and Maxxen would wouldn't question the ease with which she settled. His heart still raced, throbbing wildly in his chest as he worked his lips against hers. He said nothing for a time, simply letting his lips do all the talking.
Yvaine felt her heart actually skip a beat- she could have sworn that was only something that happened in the cheesy romance novels her mother read. Her arms twined a little hesitantly around his neck and she shifted, twisting so their chests were pressed flush together.
Maxx kept her close enough that the only thing that separated them were their clothes. His lips explored hers eagerly, with a growing hunger that burned inside him deeply. He moaned a little, hands exploring her form, learning her every contour.
She drew in a quick, soft breath as his hands started to move over her and felt a little shiver run through her body. Hesitantly, Yvaine let her hands begin to explore as well, running over his chest and shoulders lightly.
A small moan left her as he seemed to find sensitive little places she hadn't even known existed and she flushed, embarrassed.
Maxxen just let himself explore her form, gripping her breasts hungrily, wanting her in a heated sort of desperation.
Lips found her throat, leaving wet kisses where he felt her pulse. He breathed in her scent dragging his mouth down to the roundness of her breasts.
"O-oh..." Yvaine's eyes widened slightly and she licked at her lips, panting lightly. She was warm- no, hot. God, why was she so hot?
"Maxx." She arched her back slightly and sort of squirmed under his attentions in a rather unladylike fashion. "That- this feels..."
For once, words failed her and she fell silent, hands drifting to his waist to pull him gently against her as she let her eyes flutter closed for a moment.
Hands held her close, although reached for the buttons of her dress. Maxxen paused a moment to slip out of his own coat and shirt. His flesh was soon bare to her, and he took her hands, placing them gently on his body.
Yvaine met his eyes, chest rising and falling rather rapidly. Slowly, she started to smooth her hands over his skin, exploring.
God, he was muscled. He certainly hadn't been lying about being a knight. Taking a shivering breath to steel herself, she reached up with one hand to help him undo the back of her dress.
Maxxen wworked expertly in removing the buttons one by one. Lips trailed down her neck and throat, sucking at the flesh there but soon her body was free of the dress save for the bodice underneath it. He kissed her deeply, holding her face, lips sealed hungrily.
There was a gentleness to his caresses, his hand trailing down her thighs to that familiar place he had explored in the carriage.
Yvaine was shivering, but she felt warm, hot. She couldn't help the instinctive wariness and embarrassment that colored her cheeks and had her forcing herself to breathe as his touch wandered- but she also couldn't deny how much she wanted it.
"Maxx..." His name escaped her in almost a whimper and her hips rocked forward into his touch quite without her permission.
"I want you," he murmured. His hand reached deeper until he put two fingers inside her. "You just tell me what you want," a nip to be bottom lip, "I'll give it."
Maxxen felt his body swell in anticipation. He freed his other arm from her a moment to work at his trousers. He grunted when at last his manhood was freed, pants pooling around his ankles.
She gasped when his fingers slipped inside of her, eyes going very wide. Yvaine clutched at his shoulders with a soft moan, panting lightly.
Her eyes flicked down with some combination of excitement, nervousness, and curiosity when his pants were pulled down. She swallowed thickly.
What did she want? "I...I-" She bit her lip, then oh so slowly reached down to touch him softly, curiously.
"I want this," she sighed. "I want you. Teach me, Maxx. Please."
Maxx guided her hand, although not by much. He would let her do her own exploring. "All you have to do is follow what you feel," Maxxen murmured. He dipped his fingers in and out, keeping the touch gentle and leaning into her. He panted heavily, teasing her skin, her sex.
"Just do what feels right," he said. He met her gaze, firmly wrapping her hand around his manhood.
Yvaine's breath hitched, her eyes wide and a little hazy. She squirmed a bit under his touch but never tried to pull away or break his gaze. Her hand moved slowly along his length, exploring, as she leaned in to kiss him.
A little shakily, she raised her other hand to tug at the laces of her corset, fumbling a bit until she managed to loosen them enough to let the constricting garment slip off.
Feeling the loosening of her body made his breath hitch. Maxxen aided the rest of the loops loosening, encouraging the garment to fall down her hips and pool around her feet. He brought his hand up to her face, pushing her hair back. He said nothing more, just letting himself fall in with her. He guided her to the bed, coaxing her to sit back.
"I want to try something," he breathed, kissing her briefly. Lips soon left her mouth and trailed down the length of her body. He dragged himself down her neck, her chest, taking each breast within his lips and kissing them generously. But what he wanted resided just beneath the slope of her belly. He suckled lightly along the skin of her inner thigh, kneeling in front of her.
The sensitive skin there, the temptation of her heat were nearly overwhelming. Maxxen only glanced at her once before leaning in and tasting the heat of her sex.
Perched on the edge of the bed, Yvaine could do little more than watch and wait as Maxxen's mouth worked down her body. She swallowed and shivered as he drew lower, eyes falling closed.
His kiss to her thigh had her hesitantly spreading her legs a little wider. Then she gasped sharply, one hand flying up to cover her mouth at the foreign but undeniably pleasurable sensation of his lips paying ministrations to her core.
A soft, sort of mewling sound shuddered out of her and her other hand moved to tangle in his hair quite unconsciously. "M-Maxx- oh..." She looked down at him, eyes hazy and half lidded.
"Just relax," he said, peering up at her again to kiss the other side of her inner thigh. Lips moved back to her kiss, flicking his tongue along her clit generously. But not in an overbearing fashion. He was attentive but kept his attention in response to her body.
He listened to the sounds she made, to the grip in his hair. He poised his arms around her legs, gripping the flesh of her thighs until she was at his mercy.
Yvaine whimpered and her eyes fell shut. She couldn't watch, it was too much. Lips parted slightly as she took sharp breaths, she felt herself leaning back until she had to prop herself up with her other hand on the bed behind her.
"Maxx, Maxx..." She didn't realize she was murmuring his name under her breath until a few particular licks made her breath hitch and stutter in its rhythm. She gave a keening moan, head falling back. That burning heat in her core coiled tighter and tighter, until suddenly it snapped.
She gasped, eyes flying wide open, and her whole body tensed as shudders ran through her. Her hand clenched in his hair and she moaned, her other hand instinctively flying to cover her mouth and muffle the sound.
Maxxen was persistent until he felt her body shudder and he tasted her sweetly. Peering up from her legs, he crawled over her, holding himself and looking down at her.
"You don't have to be shy. I intend to encourage more noises before the night is over," he murmured, smirking just a little and leaning down to kiss at her neck.
Her breath hitched and she slowly let her hand fall to the side, letting her fingers trail over his arm lightly.
Yvaine bit her lip as she looked at him with wide eyes. "Do you now?" she murmured, reaching up to stroke his cheek gently. "I suppose...I should prepare myself then."
It was rather difficult to maintain her aloof tone while she was still shivering slightly, feeling her body arch up under his quite without her permission in an attempt to get more contact.
Maxxen settled down onto her body, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and rolling over onto his back, dragging her with him. The coiling of flesh and limbs sent the hair on the back of his neck to stand on end. Energy burned through him, and made him suck deeply on the flesh of her neck. Maxxen was filled with a foreign eagerness that did not seem to stem from the same sources he was familiar with.
He was accustomed to the passions of chronic lust, where each willing participant was drunk into a stupor and spent well into the evening. Here he'd had little to drink, and the only thing that had his head spinning was the roaring of blood in every extremity of his body.
He dragged a hand down to her hip, hiking her leg up along his hip. "The contact is simple enough," he breathed between wet kisses. "My body slips into your body. There might be some friction at first, but the tension will ease."
Yvaine gave a small sound when he rolled them over, shivering as he pressed them closer together. She returned his kisses with some hesitance at first, but her confidence was slowly growing.
She nodded slowly, closing her eyes and taking a breath in an attempt to force herself to relax. "I, um... I'm ready..."
For perhaps the first time in her life, she wasn't quite sure if those words were true. Still, she tilted her head to feather kisses along his jaw and cautiously moved against him, rocking her hips forward just a bit.
Maxxen breathed deeply, holding it when she tentatively kissed him, attempting to foster contact. "It's okay," he murmured. "Take your time. We have the night." Lips traveled down the length of her neck and he took a breast between his lips, savoring the salt and heat of her flesh.
He moaned a little at the feel of her body on his, his hands slipping around her body, gripping it to him with nails slightly raking down her flesh.
Yvaine gave a shuddering sigh as her back arched and her head fell back. With a soft mewling sound, she hooked her leg a little higher up his hip, her hands going to tangle in his hair. She was moving mostly on instinct, and it honestly terrified her a little.
But the contact just felt so good. She shivered despite the heat of his body against hers, hands sliding down to rake her nails gently over his sides.
Maxxen moaned at the feel of her nails on him. It was thrilling in a way he didn't expect, and the hair on his arms stood on end. He coiled her over him, pulling her atop until her body pressed down onto his cock. Slowly then he rolled his hips beneath hers once their hips were together and he could feel the slickness where she'd had her pleasure.
His breath hitched and he gripped her body tightly to his. "Gods, Yvaine, you feel wonderful," he murmured, his breath coming out in a heavy shudder.
"Oh." Yvaine's eyes closed and she swallowed thickly as they pressed together, shuddering delicately at the sensation. "Maxx..." She blinked down at him with sort of hazy eyes. She took a breath, steeling herself, and cautiously rolled her hips against his in response. A small mew left her and she bit her lip, clenching her eyes shut again.
Then she let herself slide down onto him, just a little, and suddenly froze with a gasp. Her whole body trembled and her head fell forward as she panted lightly. "I- I don't-" She drew in a few jagged breaths and stared at him, some combination of pleasure and trepidation plain in her eyes. "H-help me?"
His hand reached up to stroke her cheek, running a thumb beneath her eye. He turned them over, careful not to press himself too deeply into her. He eased in until he no longer felt resistance and sunk in deep, hip to hip. He was careful, but he knew no matter how careful he tried to be, it would likely still hurt.
She tilted her head into his touch and closed her eyes, a small sound escaping her as he turned them over. A ragged gasp was pulled out of her as his hips pressed against hers, then a small whimper. Conversations overheard between lady's maids as a younger woman were enough to prepare her a bit, but it still hurt.
Yvaine forced herself to just breathe and opened her eyes to look at him, then gave a small nod as she felt her body beginning to adjust. She reached up to hesitantly wrap her arms around his neck.
"If it's too much," he breathed raggedly, "Just tell me."
He hesitated to move, lest the discomfort become too much. Easing in and withdrawing, he took his time and held her close to him. Maxxen looked at her face, testing his motions.
A soft, gasping sort of moan was drawn from her lips and a little shiver ran through her body. Any discomfort Yvaine had felt was rapidly fading, brand new sensations taking its place.
She met his eyes and drew in a shuddering breath. "Not- not too much," she murmured. Cautiously, she rolled her hips to meet his, eyes falling closed with a soft gasp as she did.
Maxxen chuckled. No, not in ridicule of her, but as surprise of her bravery. He gasped when she moved on her own, testing the waters and he closed his eyes shut. He rolled his hips after hers, easing into the snug fit he felt within her. He began a pace, holding the space behind her knee and deepening the undulations, encouraging her to meet his rhythm.
"Gods! Yvaine," he panted, leaning in to kiss her feverishly.
Small moans and quiet gasps were drawn from her lips an Yvaine let her head fall back as the foreign sensation quickly turned to pulses of pleasure zinging through her. Hesitantly a first, then with more confidence she rocked her hips to meet his, falling into his rhythm.
She finally opened her eyes when he kissed her, and one hand went up to cup the back of his head, fingers twining through his hair. She met his passion with a fire she honestly didn't know she had, gasping his name quietly when they broke apart.
Maxxen worked his hips slow and deep, encouraging every aching whimper and moan of pleasure. Their bodies writhed together, coiled in intertwined limbs that curled the sheets around them. Maxxen kept himself in check, or what he could and held himself at her waist, fostering that sensation, thrusting deeper, faster.
"Gods, Yvaine," he panted, making a small noise that followed a full-body shudder.
Her back arched as his pace picked up and Yvaine clapped a hand to her mouth instinctively to muffle a long, low moan.
"Maxx," she panted, writhing up under him. It almost felt like her body was moving outside of her control, desperately trying to get more contact. "Oh God, Maxx-" Her voice cut off in another moan that she wasn't quite able to stifle as she felt him brush against something inside her, something that made her toes curl and that coiling heat in her core pulse frantically.
Maxx shivered, eyes shooting open when he felt her pulse quicken and the note in her voice suddenly vanish. He paused long enough to watch her features only for him to push that spot once again. He poised himself above her and urged her to find splendor in those sensations.
"What was that?" he asked, smirking a little, but taking in a deep breath midst breaths and moans as he kept closer to her. His skin burned everywhere, flush with heat, sweat beading on his brow as he leaned in and kissed her fierce.
Yvaine was on fire, inside and out. She barely had time to give Maxxen a mock pout for his teasing before another wave of pleasurable heat surged through her and she tossed her head back with a keening moan.
She reponded to his kiss eagerly, fiercely, clutching his body to hers to the best of her ability. "Maxx," she breathed when they broke apart. "I- I think I'm-"
She was so close to that edge again, she could feel it. She whimpered quietly and her nails dug into his shoulders. "Please," she gasped out. "Please, Maxx..."
"Say," he panted heavily. "Say no more..."
He leaned his head down beside her shoulder, throwing his whole body into every thrust. It was more than getting her to beg for mercy, but his own pleasure had been building as well, and he could feel himself nearly cresting that peak.
He could have easily forfeited her own need in place of his, and disregarded the consequences of a night like this. Maxxen hiked her hips close to his to feel every hardened inch of him, and he undulated with needy strokes, whimpering as he was about to come.
"O-oh, ohh!" Yvaine clung to him desperately, shuddering gasps and moans knocked from her lips with every movement of his hips. It didn't take long before she found herself teetering on the edge and spontaneously she threw her legs around his waist, hugging him to her.
Then she was at her peak and she let her head fall back with a sharp cry that she didn't even try to muffle this time, trembling in Maxx's hold as her body tightened around him.
Maxxen's breath hitched and his voice caught in his throat when she held him so tightly to her. He couldn't hold on any longer and burst within her heat. He clasped her close to him, trying to catch his breath and kissing the side of her brow and cheek where his lips lingered.
"Gods," he panted, throat raw and voice cracking. He lifted his head just enough to look at her, and smiled.
Yvaine panted beneath him as she desperately tried to get her breath back. She offered up a rather shaky smile of her own and stroked her palm lightly over his cheek.
"I... That..." She couldn't find words, so she settled for leaning up to kiss him softly.
Maxxen kept himself coupled with her, kissing her a little before loosening the hold on his body, just enough to lay beside her and rested his arm at her side. "How do you feel?" he murmured.
That was a very good question.
"Warm," Yvaine said softly after a few moments of thought. "Warm and...sort of tingly." She turned her head to look at him and smiled gently, reaching up to touch his cheek lightly.
"Thank you," she murmured eventually.
Maxx chuckled.
"Warm and Tingly. That's better than disgusted and tired, I suppose," he murmured with a laugh and turning to better look at her. He propped an arm under his head, holding it up and softly exploring the curvatures of her body. To think that she was so young and unmarried, untouched, unwanted. What man had seen her and passed her up? Fools.
Maxxen smiled and felt himself blush. "I'm afraid to ask, but I can't stop myself even if I wanted to. Was it close to anything you imagined your first time being?" he said, and immediately covered his face as if it would somehow mask the embarrassment of asking her such question.
Another good question. She flushed but turned onto her side so she could look at him. Yvaine smiled softly.
"I'd never really given it much thought before. But...I think so." She dropped her eyes as her cheeks heated further, drawing her lower lip between her teeth.
He peeked up between his hands and at her expression, he softened. Reaching out, he coaxed her face up to look at his. And swooped in to kiss her once more. He hesitated little, wrapping arms around her and deepening the kiss.
"I guess we're both a little flushed from more than embarrassment," he murmured. "Because I certainly had a good time. More than i thought I would tonight. I can only hope I made you feel comfortable tonight."
She allowed him to tilt her face up, then gave a soft noise of surprise when he kissed her again. She found herself pressing a little closer to him when his arms went around her, reaching up to twine her arms around his neck.
"You did," she murmured with a small smile, eyes glinting at him when he spoke. "That was...more than I ever thought I would have. In so many ways. Thank you, Maxx."
"No need," he said, eying that small smile and mimicking it with one of his own.
"The pleasure is all mine. I know it was sudden, but...I dunno, I like you. Can I...interest you in a drink, or maybe some room service?" Maxx murmured. "I guess I just want to spend more time with you."
"A drink would be nice," Yvaine said slowly after a moment. She was still sort of processing what had just happened. "To be honest, I'll take the excuse to spend more time with you..."
Maxxen carefully emerged from the bed, the nakedness of his form more readily revealed for obvious reasons. He reached for the wine that was put away and poured her another glass. One followed another and he met her back on the bed, careful not to spill it.
"Y'know, there's a lot more too it than just...well, what we did. Quite a lot actually," he said with a small smirk. "But I don't want to overwhelm you on your first night."
"More?" She tilted her head as she took the offered glass and sipped at it, sitting up. For some reason she found herself clutching a sheet to her chest, though she knew it was a silly reaction- what was the point in hiding now?
With a soft blush, Yvaine murmured, "I was, ah- rather under the impression that it was a fairly straightforward act."
"Oh it is. Partners can have it as simple as simple can be, a 'wham-bam-thank-you-madame' so to speak." He chuckled. "Others can find...creative ways to stimulate pleasure and draw it out. For hours at a time even." He smiled and looked her over, playfully drawing an index finger down the fabric she tried to use to keep herself decent.
It was pulled back a little, and he smirked. "I won't say I know everything, but I know a few tricks." Another few sips of the wine and he laid on his side next to her. "I mean, there's more than one position, some of which require a bit of stretching. I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt."
"I...see." Yvaine was rather flushed as she sipped at her wine. She'd never realized there was so- well much to sex, or love making or whatever he wanted to call what they'd just done.
She cleared her throat, blushing, and let him tug the blanket down her form a bit so the fabric pooled around her waist. "That sounds quite athletic," she commented after a moment with slightly forced nonchalance, twisting onto her side to face him better. A small, playful smile quirked at her lips.
"Perhaps someday you could teach me that too."
"Perhaps," he said with a curious glint in his eyes. He took in a sharp deep breath, reaching forward to gently cup her exposed breast. His touch was purely exploratory and he ran his thumb over the bump of her nipple, feeling it harden beneath his touch.
"I'd love to see you again," he found himself saying, eyes flicking back up to her. "I'd hate for things to get weird between us. I know we only just met. And....I find myself very drawn to you."
She shivered lightly under his touch and found herself swallowing thickly. "I- I'd like that," she murmured after a moment, trying to ignore the pleasant little tingles that seemed to originate from his hand and spread out over her skin.
"I would love to see you again, Maxx," she said quietly, meeting his eyes. Logically she knew she shouldn't, that she should pretend this night has never happened- but she just couldn't.
His touch became more adventurous and his other hand set the glass down on the side. He shifted closer and moved behind her, cupping her chest, leaning over her shoulder and kissing her neck gently.
"I'll visit," he murmured. "I promise."
Yvaine arched back into him almost unconsciously, twisting her head so she could kiss his cheek. "I'm glad," she murmured with a small smile. She reached back to brush her fingers lightly over his side. "I'll hold you to that."
Her smile turned a little crooked and she let her fingers trail to his thigh. "Perhaps you could teach me fencing, hm? Or, ah-" she flushed, but continued, "other kinds of swordplay."
He let her hand explore his thigh, and tried not to make it seem as if he were shy to her touch at all. Because he wasn't. Maxxn leaned into her and kissed her softly.
"I could teach you all sorts of fun things to do," he murmured. "If I had a real sword with me, I'd show you right now. What kind of sword do you fancy? Long swords? Broad swords? Rapiers? Great swords? Curved blades? Short blades? There's a lot to choose from."
She chuckled quietly as she settled a little more comfortably back against him. "I started to learn with a rapier, once upon a time," she mused aloud. "Although I must say it never felt particularly...useful. If I ever had to defend myself I mean."
Yvaine turned to lay facing him, and they were so close her nose bumped his lightly as she did. She flushed and chuckled a bit. "Ah, sorry." Her eyes flickered over his face and she reached up to lay her palm against his cheek gently, running her thumb just under his eye.
"Don't be sorry," he murmured, smiling and finding himself leaning into her touch. He leaned in to her lips, kissing her deeply and parting with a tug on her bottom lip.
"I think I can transform you into a fencing machine, " he murmured, touching her still and hugging her to him. "You'll be the best damn fencer in all of Connlaoth."
Yvaine sighed softly into the kiss with a delighted little shiver. "That a promise?" she teased quietly, shifting a little closer and hesitantly hooking her leg over one of his. "Seems like a fairly tall order, Sir Maxxen."
"It's a promise," he said with a smile, lips spreading wide along his bearded face. His hand drifted down to gently stroke her leg, index finger making small circles that swirled around toward her inner thigh. "I mean, I understand the parameters of what I said, but I'd very much like to teach you. I think you'd make an excellent fencer. You have that....hmm, body for it. And mind. I see that you have a lot of ...focus."
Her breath hitched slightly. "I do?" she murmured, glancing at his hand before taking a careful little breath and pressing a little closer.
His hand slipped a little further between her thighs, curious and exploratory. "Oh yes!" he murmured. "It's in your eyes. I could tell when you were playing cards."
"I...see." She took a careful breath, glancing at his hand for a moment before flicking her eyes back up to his face. She reached up to lay her hand against his cheek. "You can tell so much from a person's eyes?" Her lips twitched up on one side. "What else do you see?"
"I see a beautiful woman yearning to express herself. You're adventurous, or want to be, but few people see that side of you. And maybe you want to find your own way in life instead of people deciding it for you," Maxxen murmured, leaning in to kiss her.
Yvaine was struck silent, her breath stilling for a moment as her eyes widened. Then she was kissing him back fiercely, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pressing herself as close to him as she could manage.
It was just a little bit frightening how easily he seemed to see through her.
He was a little surprised by the force of her kiss. Maxxen moaned and pulled her a little roughly against him. He laid back against the bed and coaxed Yvaine over top of him. He looked up at her when he pulled away long enough to breathe. "Was it something I said?"
"Yes," she admitted after a moment of consideration. She braced her palms to either side of his head and lifted herself over him to look down at his face.
Her head tilted almost curiously to the side. "It's so strange. We've only just met, but..." Yvaine trailed off, looking away and biting her lip. How did this stranger seem to see her more clearly than her own family?
His grin faded, just enough as he stared back at her. "You know....I thought I ....was just feeling some indigestion," he murmured, meaning for part of that to be humorous. There was a tingling in his belly however, and it only made him want to drawn in closer and kiss her.
"I mean, I've never felt like....I've really known anyone like you before. Am I thinking too much into this?"
Yvaine chuckled quietly and wrinkled her nose at him, but she sobered quickly. "I... I don't know," she said softly, leaning into a quick kiss before dropping her head onto his shoulder with a small sigh. "But I- I think I know what you mean..."
She sighed, closing her eyes. "But we're still practically strangers." She wasn't sure if that was more directed at him or herself.
"I know," he murmured, but he smiled all the same. The pressure of her body on his made his heart speed up. He curled his neck around enough to press his lips against her forehead, her nose and eyes. "I'll count my lucky stars to have bumped into you this evening. You know, you probably one of the sexiest women I've met in a long time. I'm not just saying that. Woman, you've the right stuff...in all the right places."
It was all he could think to say right then and there.
She laughed, she couldn't help it. Tilting her head at him, eyes glinting, she teased wryly, "Well aren't you a charmer."
She pushed herself up a bit so she could press a kiss to his cheek. Then, because she really couldn't seem to stop herself, she moved to his lips. Yvaine let herself melt into the contact, sprawled rather haphazardly across his chest. Every little shift of where they touched seemed to spark a warm little tingle in her belly.
A moan eacaped him, and Maxxen could feel his body grow eagerly against hers. He wanted then, in a needy desire to be wrapped in her limbs long into the night. "Will you be missed if you don't return soon?" Maxx whispered as he kissed slowly down her neck, a hand running down the long length of her leg.
Yvaine swallowed a groan as she felt his body's response to her and took a shaky little breath. "I...might be," she admitted reluctantly. "But I could always come up with some sort of story..."
She turned her head to the side to give him better access to her neck, her hands running up and down his sides.
Maxxen kissed hungrily along her throat, his hardness prodding against the skin of her sex. "Would they miss you if you stayed with me all night?" he panted. "I wouldn't want your reputation to be sullied." Not that what they were doing was anything pure.
She knew she should care about that, but she found she really couldn't. "I've never- done anything to hurt my reputation before," she murmured, biting her lip as she tried to resist bucking against him. "How bad can one little indiscretion be?"
Unable to help herself, she rolled her hips forward against his and groaned quietly, ducking her head into the curve of his shoulder.
With a gasp, he shuddered and placed both hands firnly on her ass to help build the contact between them. He rolled his hips, finding the slickness of their proir romp only aiding in his pleasure as he ran his hardness along her clit. He didn't have an answer for her question and his reply came only in the eagerness of making love.
Yvaine's breath hitched and a shiver ran up her spine. Her eyes closed and she panted out a soft moan as he rubbed against her, angling her hips to the best of her ability to get more contact.
Then with an almost reluctant groan she rocked her hips forward to sink down on him. A sharp gasp was pulled from her lips and she darted forward to rain little kisses over his lips and cheeks. "S-sorry," she murmured. "Couldn't...help it."
"N-no," he panted, groaning at the rocking of her hips. The meeting of their bodies made his eyes roll deep into the back of his head. Maxxen laughed thought, at her apology. "Don't be," he added. "It was bound to happen."
He rolled his hips upward, sliding in deep and working the friction between them.
She gave a soft mewling sound that she honestly hadn't been aware she was capable of making and clenched her eyes shut. "Maxx," she breathed, gently rolling her hips to match his movements.
Yvaine's breath was coming in little hitched gasps and pants. A small smile pulled at the corner of her mouth and her eyes fixed on his for a moment. "You know, when I asked you to teach me swordplay, this wasn't entirely what I meant," she teased a little breathlessly.
He laughed, hips bucking up underneath her. "Did you just make a dirty joke?" he chuckled and rolled slowly but deeply within her. His hands slid up from her hips, gripping along her skin and cupping her breasts.
"It is customary, however, for the prospective student to get a feel for the equipment before intensive training actually begins," he replied with another moaning sigh. "You don't want to hurt yourself after all."
Yvaine let out a shuddering, breathless chuckle that turned to a soft gasp as his hands moved up her body.
"Well... if it's in the interest of safety," she murmured, rocking her hips gently against his. "I guess I don't really have a- mm...have a choice, do I?"
"Oh, of course you do, my dear," Maxxen panted, rolling along with her until he felt his blood jolt with a sensation that coiled deep inside his belly. He pursed his lips, continuing his slow deep motion.
"But I wouldn't want you to lose an eye...then where would we be? Probably....like this," he chuckled a little before rolling them both over so that he could hold himself above her. He rocked harder, faster. "Gods!"
He trembled again and that sensation in his belly only deepened, burning in his blood as he leaned down and kissed her fierce.
A small noise of surprise escaped her as he rolled her onto her back, but she adjusted quickly. Her back arched as she did her best to rock her hips to meet him, feeling that delicious tension and heat building.
Yvaine kissed him back, matching his ferocity with her own. "Maxx- oh gods, don't stop..."
Her arms wrapped around him and she let her hands trail up and down his back, unconsciously biting nails into skin with each pulse of pleasure he sent coursing through her.
He moved deeper, harder as their bodies connected. With every stroke, he felt himself tremble and it took everything to keep himself from losing all control. Maxxen reserved nothing, however, sealing his body to hers with limbs tightly wound around her.
Keeping her so close, he could feel her heartbeat thrumming through him. Together it was a rhapsody of passion, and with another trembled he couldn't hold on much longer. "Gods, Yvaine, I'm gonna come," he panted. "Come with me...please."
Her world had narrowed to that room, the bed, him. Yvaine's breath was coming sharp and fast as her body moved beneath him, desperately trying to get as much connection as possible.
"Yes," she breathed, face flushed and eyes shimmering as she looked up at him. Her fingers dug into his back and she gave a soft, keening moan as she arched up beaneath him, pressing chest to chest, feeling his heart beat against her. "Gods yes, I- I'm going to-"
The tension coiled in her core snapped and a cry was ripped from her lips, every muscle in her body tightening as the sensation zinged through her. "Maxx!"
He shuddered then and held himself close as the climaxed increased twofold between the two of them. Maxxen was panting and chest heaving as he laid above her and trying desperately to catch his breath. He found himself settling, holding her close.
"Gods," was the only word he could breath out in the hoarseness of his voice. "Yvaine I don't think I can move." He laughed and kissed her neck.
Yvaine chuckled breathlessly, still feeling rather boneless but keeping her arms and legs wrapped around him. "I- I know the feeling," she murmured with a soft, contented little croon as he kissed her neck.
"God, Maxx," she breathed, carding her fingers through his hair. "Is it- is it always like that?" How did people get anything else done?
"Only when it's really good," he managed to croak out. The closeness of their bodies made his back shiver from the heat that coursed down it. But he stayed clung to her and kissed her lips at long last.
Her breath sort of caught in her chest and she kissed him back languidly, still passionate but a little tired now, a slow burn.
"I didn't know a person could feel like that," she murmured, kissing a soft trail down his neck to the curve of his shoulder. "Thank you, Maxx..."
Even if this night was the most passion she ever felt, she thought she could live with that. It was more than she'd ever expected, anyway.
"You don't have to thank me. I ought to be thanking you," he said with a smile. He pushed back the hair sticking to her head and his grin only grew. "You look absolutely radiant... I can't believe I get to bask in your glory." He rolled to the side, dismounting her, but keep an arm at her hip. His eyelids were heavy, and he was well-spent from their antics.
Yvaine blushed at the praise and turned onto her side so she could face him. She reached out and slid her fingers through his hair, smiling softly.
"I believe you think too highly of me, Sir Maxxen Lear," she said quietly, tone light. "Gods, I never thought I could have something like this- even a taste of it."
She blushed to have admitted that aloud and dropped her eyes, shifting a little awkwardly.
"I don't think that's possible. To think too highly of you that is," Maxx murmured. He chuckled and pulled the pillow underneath his head, rolling to his side to lay down on his back. "In truth, you...are wonderful. I'm glad you stumbled into a place you probably weren't supposed to be."
"Besides, all this rutting has made me exhausted. Every woman deserves a chance to...discover herself. Why should men be the only ones to sew their wild oats? We're all mortal, aren't we? Time is too short to waste."
"Hmm." Yvaine hesitated a moment, then shifted closer, almost cautiously ticking her head against his shoulder, laying a hand over his chest, just over his heartbeat. "Not a common opinion, but I'm certainly glad you think so," she chuckled quietly.
She was quite tired too, and her eyes began to flutter closed quite without her permission. "For what it's worth, I'm glad I stumbled into that card room tonight too," she murmured.
The murmurs quietly subsided as they drifted off to sleep. Maxxen could feel the ease of tension leaving him, and his head, still a little spinny from the liquor, and relaxed deeply into the bed. He slept better in that night than he had for a long time.
Morning came, but the curtains kept the room dim and Maxxen stirred a little at the feel of another body next to his.
Having always been a light sleeper, Yvaine shifted slightly when she felt Maxxen begin to stir. She yawned quietly and blinked her eyes open.
For a few moments she actually forgot where she was, who she was with, frowning in puzzlement at the body she was resting against. Then memory snapped back into place and her eyes widened. "Oh."
Right. Maxx. Her eyes slowly traveled up to his face as she cautiously began to disentangle herself in an attempt to slip away from him. She was actually quite loathed to do so, but judging by the dim light that managed to work its way through the curtains, she really needed to be getting back home.
And come up with some story for why she'd been out all night.
Maxxen's eyes flickered open enough to see her crawling out of bed. Oh, right it was morning now and she'd stayed all night. That was a bad thing right? She wasn't the usual kind of woman he'd bed at parties like those, that really didn't care who they found themselves in company with.
"Hey you're leaving so soon?" he asked with a chuckle, sitting up and watching her dress. "And in a bit of a hurry I guess."
"Oh." Yvaine started slightly, half dressed, and turned to look at him. She gave a small smile and perched on the edge of the bed.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," she murmured, reaching up to touch his cheek lightly. "I just...I really have to get home. My family will be worried."
"Its all right. I just enjoy watching you dress is all. And undress," he said with a laugh and got up to pull a robe over his form. He was aching along his back and shoulders, but the tension was eased as he stretched.
"Shall i call a carriage around to take you home then? I wouldn't want you to get into trouble."
"That's very kind, thank you," Yvaine murmured, getting to her feet as well. She was rather sore herself, though she tried to keep her movement smooth, and she found herself taking rather small steps in an attempt to mitigate the odd feeling between her legs.
"Would you mind helping me?" she asked softly, turning to put her back to Maxx and indicating the hooks and buttons of her dress with a wave of her hand.
"My pleasure," Maxxen said, and moved up from behind her. When the dress was settled at her shoulders, he carefully hooked every latch back into place, and button back into each loop. "There? Feel better?" he asked with a grin and leaned in to kiss her cheek.
"You all right? You seem a bit...flustered. And I take no offense from it before you think I'm upset or anything," he said with a grin and quirked brow.
"Thank you." She turned her head slightly as he kissed her cheek, then flushed a bit. "Well, I- um..."
She gave a small sigh, then admitted, "I suppose it's just...really sinking in. What- what happened." Yvaine bit her lip, then twisted to face him and added hurriedly, "Not that- I don't want you to think I regret it. I suppose I'm just...processing."
She tried for a small smile and reached up to lay her hand gently against his cheek, then leaned in to press her lips to his quickly, softly.
"I understand completely," Maxxen said soberly. But his smile was warm, and he accepted the kiss with a soft hum. "I'll go downstairs and call for a driver to take you back posthaste."
He excused himself briefly, and moved back to the front desk downstairs. Within a few minutes a carriage was summoned and he returned with a parting gift, a single rose that he offered to Yvaine. "For you. Although, I hope it isn't too suspicious when you return home."
"Oh..." Yvaine reached out and took the rose delicately, holding the flower as though it were an injured bird. She smiling softly, fingertips stroking velvet petals, then looked up at him.
"Thank you, Maxx," she murmured, holding the rose to her chest so she could step forward and lean up to kiss his cheek, nose crinkling slightly as his beard tickled her skin. "Thank you for everything."
She took a step back, toward the door, then tilted her head at him. "Will you- did you mean what you said before?" she asked softly, eyes strangely open for once. "That you wanted to see me again?"
Maxxen smiled, feeling warmed at the gesture and there was a tingle in his belly.
But her question struck him as strange. "Yes of course... although I shouldn't ne surprised you asked that... I would love to see you again, yes."
He leaned in deeper and caught her lips in a kiss, arm slipping around her.
Her breath caught in her throat and she hummed softly against his lips, cupping his face in her palm as she leaned into him.
Her eyes glinted at him happily when they broke apart. "I'm glad," she murmured, still pressed against him. "I...suppose I should expect you at the Deveraux residence then? You can make good on that promise to teach me fencing." Her tone was carefully hopeful.
"You most certainly will," he murmured with a chuckle. Maxxen observed her features, pushing back her barely fixed hair, pressing fingers into her temples lightly. "You'll want to be well rested for your lesson. I wouldn't want you to collapse from exhaustion due to performing many a strenuous activity only hours earlier."
Yvaine chuckled and tilted her head into his touch slightly. "Oh yes, of course," she agreed, eyes glinting. "Though I think you may have an inflated sense of your own skills," she teased, stretching up on her toes to kiss the tip of his nose.
"Oh? Was that a quip!? Look at you, you've got a quick wit don't you," he chuckled, humming lightly in contact with the touch on his nose.
"You shouldn't be late. I'll come to your residence in a few hours or so. Um...where is it by the way?"
She laughed softly as she stepped away from him, straightening her skirts and hair a bit. "It's the last house on West High Street. You can't miss it, really."
She started for the door, then paused and smiled at him over her shoulder. "I'll...see you soon, Maxx."
He watched her leave and when the carriage came round and carried her off, he watched it until it disappeared around the corner.
It wouldn't be difficult to find. And after his morning meal, a proper bath, and a clean fresh suit, he was on his way to the Devereaux estate. Speaking to others about it garnered him strange looks, however. Would it really be so bad if he called on them? Perhaps it was more telling than he assumed, but he would uphold his promise nevertheless.
It was a few hours later when he finally found the place, a building larger and more sprawling than he would have thought. "Damn...who knew the girl was loaded," he murmured.
Her homecoming was about what she expected- her parents had been worried sick, and when she emerged from an unfamiliar carriage and was ushered into the parlor they were on her like a flock of starlings, harrying and fussing in a whirl of colorful garments.
She managed to calm them down, sticking to the truth where she could: she'd met a man in the card room at the party. He'd been kind enough to escort her, they'd danced, and he'd suggested a walk by the river, which she accepted.
And that was where she started lying. She told her family she'd suddenly felt faint, and that Maxxen had offered to take her home, but his hotel was closer and she hadn't wanted to trouble him. He'd been a perfect gentleman, allowing her the bed while he slept on a sofa.
Nothing scandalous, see? There was no need to worry, really, she was fine.
It seemed a little far-fetched to her, but she hadn't really had time to come up with anything better. But her parents and brothers seemed to buy it- well, why wouldn't they? Perfect little Yvaine never lied, was never improper.
So was Maxxen arrived at the estate he was expected, and a steward met him at the door. "Sir Maxxen Lear, I take it?" the elderly, rather portly man said, sort squinting at him near-sightedly.
He didn't even get a chance to knock at the door before the steward appeared before him with a rather stern and cold greeting. Well, he could have expected worse to say the least. Much worse. So Maxxen gave the wrinkled old man a smile and bowed his head. He hadn't been wearing a hat, thankfully, so there wasn't much to remove as he did so, and his posture was as every ounce respectful.
"Indeed sir," he replied with a grin. "I'm here to visit Lady Yvaine Devereaux. I would like to see how she's doing."
The steward wasn't thrilled about the man. Something about him made him think...snake... And yet, he knew riffraff when he saw it, and this man was far from it. He was well-dressed, clean cut, not quite a specimen you'd find in the back cardroom of a ball. "Please come in sir. Let me get the lady of the house. I'm sure she would like to thank the man that safely returned her daughter home."
Maxxen was led to a parlor to wait before the steward bustled off to find the lady of the house. It didn't take long- however Yvaine insisting she accompany her mother to meet the man did eat up a few minutes.
Eventually the younger woman won the small argument, so both Amelia and Yvaine Devereaux swept into the parlor to greet Maxx.
The lady of the house was every bit the elegant, noble woman rumor would paint her to be, dressed in a tasteful gown that suited her age but still highlighted every bit of her that had made her such a desirable catch as a younger woman. Her dark hair- inherited by her daughter- was swept up into a series of elegant braids coiled at the back of her skull, and her neck, ears, and fingers glittered with a variety of gems. Taller than most Connlaothian women, she struck quite the imposing figure.
In contrast, Yvaine had forgone her fancy party gown for a simple walking dress, one that didn't try so hard to give her that "proper feminine figure". She wore no jewelry, and her hair had been left mostly free to sweep over her back and shoulders, only a few locks pulled back from her face and held in place with a few glittering pins.
She smiled when she saw Maxx, curtsying as her mother did but keeping her eyes on his face, glinting rather mischievously.
"Sir Lear," Amelia said as she straightened up. "I am given to understand that I owe you thanks for my daughter's safe return home."
"Yes, Madame. And I must say I am very happy to see that she is well," he said with a smile. "Her smile now I see is thanks enough." He bowed his head to her and took her hand to kiss the top of it. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lady Devereaux."
He returned her hand with grace and approached Yvaine, bowing before her again. "And how are you today Lady Yvaine?" he said with a small grin, and a twinkle in his eye.
Amelia seemed vaguely surprised by their guest's impeccable manners, but she only nodded at him formally and said, "Welcome to our home."
Yvaine's smile widened and she dipped into a half curtsy. "I'm very well, thank you, Sir Maxxen. I no longer feel at all faint." She arched an eyebrow fractionally, encouraging him to go along with the story. "Won't you stay a while? I could show you the manor."
She glanced to Amelia. "That's not a problem, is it Mother?"
The lady of the house seemed to consider a moment, then nodded. She offered Maxxen a quick, polite smile. "I shall fetch a maid to act as chaperone, if you'd like to stay."
"That would be lovely. Thank you, my good lady," he replied and stepped in deeper into the foyer.
While Amelia departed for a second to retrieve said maid, Maxxen stepped in a little closer to Yvaine and whispered.
"The warden always this suspicious of company?" he asked.
Yvaine smirked. "She is when I've been out all night. Alone. With a man," she murmured in reply. Her head tilted to the side and she added with a playful glint to her eyes, "Although I don't think you're what she expected, Sir Lear. Too gentile."
"I'll have you know I am a perfect gentleman. Not just a gambler and neerdowell. Though I do both pretty well," he said with a wink. When the maid arrived, he bowed to her as well, and began to follow her about the house and showing him around.
Yvaine chuckled quietly as they left the parlor, giving the maid her mother had summoned- a younger woman called Molly- a small smile.
"Well, I suppose I should ask what you'd like to see first," she said, looking to Maxx. "Normally guests are simply entertained in the parlor, but I think you should get a choice." Her eyes glinted a bit.
"Well that depends, do you have a personal recommendation?" Maxxen said with a grin. "Miss..."
"Molly," the maid blushed. Maxxen kissed her hand in greeting as she began to lead the way. "We can start with the dining hall. That's where all the decent gossip comes from."
Although saying that had Molly ducking her eyes from Yvaine.
Though a little surprised, Yvaine just laughed. "I'm not going to snap at you," she assured the maid with a smile. It seemed the girl was a little more confident with a stranger around, someone not a member of the household.
Molly nodded and continued down the hall, leading them into the rather large dining hall, which appeared to be still being cleaned up from the breakfast Yvaine had missed.
"What a lovely dining hall. Truly I haven't seen a place like this in some time." Maxxen looked around them truly in awe. The other servants quietly swept away the remains of the morning meal, clearing it in time for lunch.
"I'd show you the kitchens however Ameliano would have my hide for interrupting his routine," Molly chuckled. "Allow me to show you the courtyard. The gardens are lovely this time of day."
"Oh, lovely idea, Molly," Yvaine murmured, giving the girl another smile. She hesitated a moment, then looked to Maxx.
"I knowing would make me an atrocious hostess, but would you mind if I left you in Molly's care for a bit? There's something I believe I should fetch."
"Very well. I trust you enough to not enter into mischief on your own," Maxxen said with a wink. He watched Yvaine depart a moment and he nodded to Molly. "I'm sure the courtyard has much to offer."
The young girl blushed and proceeded to guide Maxx around the grounds, showing off the various flowers before coming to the covered latticed gazebo in the corner.
Yvaine returned to them quickly enough, carrying a long, thin wooden box under one arm. It was a pretty piece of craftsmanship, lacquered and inlaid with bits of gold filigree.
She smiled slightly as she approached the gazebo. "He's not giving you too much trouble, is he, Molly?" she asked lightly.
"Not in the slightest I assure you," Maxxen was quick to defend himself. It just made Molly laugh however and she bowed her head to Yvaine.
"Shall I leave you two unchaperoned?"
Yvaine's smile turned crooked. "If you promise not to tell the lady of the house," she said with a quiet chuckle. Sobering slightly, she nodded at Molly and added, "If anyone tries to get you in trouble for it, blame it on me, alright?"
Molly bowed and seemed rather happy to be held in regard enough to be entrusted with a secret of the household. "Yes, miss," she said before she departed.
Maxxen smiled and gestured to the covered hidden gazebo. It was rather roomy and allowed for the pair of them to hideaway from the greater view. "And what, pray tell, do you have in that box?"
Yvaine grinned and laid the box on one of the benches in the gazebo, then lifted the lid.
It was a slim, rather decorated rapier, clearly not very well used. Her lips twitched up on one side. "Leo had it made for me years ago, before our parents made me stop learning."
"Just one? I suppose I'm going to have to demonstrate then you follow? Hm, well that's not so bad. Unless..." Maxxen paused and admired the rapier for a long moment. "Would you mind?"
He carefully lifted the sword, holding it as if it were a piece of glass. It reflected his gaze within its blade, the edge igniting sunlight. It truly was a remarkably designed and well-kept. "Its very nice, although I don't think it would be wise to train with blades on the first lesson. For safety reasons I hope you understand."
He nodded to the branches of the trees above the gazebo. "Those two look sturdy enough. Would your mother mind if I defaced her garden courtyard?"
Yvaine laughed quietly. "I don't see why she has to know, but there are practice blades in the armory." She nodded to the rapier. "I really only brought that because I thought you might like it." Her cheeks flushed just slightly.
"Like it? It's very lovely indeed." He smiled and bowed his head to her. "Yvaine, if you mean to give this to me, I couldn't take this. It would be too much. This is yours, and you're it's rightful owner."
She shrugged, glancing away. "I told you I would find a way to pay you," she murmured. "I'm not sure it's exact worth, but it's something. And I never use it- it would be a shame for it to be merely a piece of decoration."
Maxxen felt this face grow flush.
"I don't know, Yvaine. This certainly is a lot. And I think your mother might miss it. You know what...how about this. I will teach you to use it properly, then it won't just be a decoration anymore. Does that sound better?"
She nodded slowly and offered him a small smile. "Alright. If you're sure."
He leaned in and was close enough to practically be nose to nose with her. He leaned in and kissed her softly. "I'm sure. And I think we ought to get those practice rapiers out from the armory, yes?" he said with a soft smile.
Yvaine kissed him back for a moment before remembering they were out in the open and pulled back a little sharply, glancing around with flushed cheeks.
"Um, right. It's this way," she murmured, offering a small smile and her arm to guide him.
He took her arm in hand, after placing the rapier away back into the case and they exited the gazebo. Soon they were before the doors of the armory and he didn't know whether to be impressed or intimidated by the pair of axes that were criss-crossed above the doorway. He smiled, gesturing to Yvaine. "Looks like someone had to chop some pretty thick necks with those."
"Ah, yes." Her mouth twisted a bit. "My family wasn't always noble. According to my father, an ancestor of ours served the Grand Duke very well with those and was awarded a title and lands in return."
She shook her head, then smiled and pushed open the door to lead him into the well stocked armory. "I haven't been in here in years," she murmured, looking around. "But Leo always brought me- ah, here."
She located a stand with a few practice blades, not quite as well kept as the rest of the weaponry.
Entering the armory brought back the days of his training as a squire. It wasn't fun, and he wondered then if the whole effort had been worth it after all. What good had come of his status of knighthood? He was a gambler, a liar, a cheat, and many more things that would be too long to name.
"Leo?" he asked, tilting his head. "You mentioned him before. Who is he?"
"Oh, my brother." She smiled, and added, "Forgive me, I didn't explain- I have three. Leo, Lucius, and Emile. Actually, if you stay at the manor long enough you might bump into them..."
Oh...that didn't sound foreboding at all. Maxxen stared at her. "Should I be worried?"
"Hm? Oh, no, I shouldn't imagine so," Yvaine said hurriedly, smiling. "They're quite sweet, really. Well, to me..."
She cleared her throat and shook her head. "Don't worry- you saved their baby sister when she was feeling unwell, as far as they know."
"You make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside at the assurance," Maxxen said with a laugh, although it wasn't as confident as he wanted to sound.
The rapiers were in hand soon. "I wish I had time to admire this entire armory. Do you have any famous weapons in here?"
She chuckled, wincing a little guiltily at that.
Glancing around at the question, she murmured, "I'm not sure, really. Father and Lucius would tell me stories when I was a girl- this sword was reforged from an ancient king's, that bow was used to hunt a unicorn- but I'm not sure how true it all was."
"Still, they're tails worth mentioning," he said with an elbow against her ribs. "They're apart of who you are I guess. And that's important." He held both practice weapons gingerly. "Because you'll carry that legacy in your own right. You're, as always, your own woman."
Yvaine looked at him and blinked, silent for a moment. "I suppose you're right," she murmured eventually with a small nod. She touched his arm lightly and smiled. "Thank you, Maxx. Not many people acknowledge that often."
Then she shook herself briskly. "Come in then, there's a training yard in the courtyard."
He followed her in silence, watching her gait with admiration and resisting the urge to slap the blunt point of the practice rapier against her bum. Then again, however someone might be watching.
Maxxen looked around the encircled area that closed off the practice grounds from the main courtyard. "Training in secret, Miss Yvaine, oh you're more devilish than at first glance. I like it all ready," he said, winking at her. "Shall we begin?"
She smirked as she turned to face him. "Well, I do like to keep people on their toes," she chuckled, then bent to lift her skirts, tying the overskirt up around her waist so she could move properly and added, "Not to mention my mother would have a fit if she saw this."
She straightened up and placed her hands on her hips. "Alright. Whenever you're ready, teacher."
Maxxen handed her the rapier, and stood back. "I think you said something about having a little bit of practice. So show me what you know."
She pulled a face as she took the blade from him. "Alright. But be lenient with me, it's been several years..."
She adjusted her grip on the hilt and took an en guarde stance- that at least she could remember. Slowly, she started to work her way through the simple forms her brother has taught her, stumbling a bit here and there or pausing to get her footing.
Still, she moved with an undeniable grace. It crossed her mind that perhaps hours of dance lessons weren't totally useless after all.
He watched her gracefully, and he hummed, pleased with her stance...and, ahem, form. "You're more delightful than you know," he said with a smile.
"Now let's try to practice parrying," he said, assuming a stance and opposing her. "I'll lunge in with a step, you parry, then riposte, and repeat. En garde."
Yvaine nodded and raised her blade, settling back into a ready stance. Her mouth had settled into a rather firm line, eyes focused and determined.
Maxxen lunged expertly no holds barred. Well, except he was mindful of a beginner's circumstance. It was important not to just start on level ten without easing into it.
He kept himself steady, ready for her riposte, until their blades were in rhythm in a timely dance.
She fell into the rhythm gradually, though she was pleasantly surprised by how she seemed to have retained over the years through muscle memory.
That said, she certainly wasn't a protegee. Her footwork was her strong suit- her strikes were either to harsh or too light, she seemed to have trouble judging just how much force she should put behind her blade.
And that trouble became evident when her blade nicked the topside of his index knuckle. He made a small yip and backed off, smiling as the blunted edge still managed to draw a small dribble of blood.
"Oooh, getting angry at the instructor are we?" he said with a raised brow.
"Oh!" Yvaine's eyes widened at the sight of blood and she hurriedly backed away, holding her blade away from her body. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to! Are you alright?"
She took a few steps forward, brow furrowed and biting at her lower lip. "Here, let me see. I really am sorry..."
Maxxen showed her the small incision and when she was close enough he turned around and wrapped his arms around her, using the distraction a moment to lean in and kiss her neck.
Yvaine squeaked, startled, then laughed. She wrapped her arms around his waist in turn and leaned into him, letting her head tilt to the side slightly to better bare her neck.
"Well. It must not be all that bad, from the way you're acting," she teased with a chuckle.
"Okay I'll admit, it stings a little," he said with a nod. Maxxen released her after a few long seconds.
"Yvaine you move wonderfully. I'll be the first to admit fencing is not my first forte. Knights are generallu trained in heavier swords and weapons, but I'll teach you everything I can about swordplay. You already have the grace for movement."
She flushed lightly. "Thank you."
Frowning, Yvaine took his hand to look at the cut. "I really am sorry about this. Perhaps we should wrap it up before we continue?"
"I'll be happy to suffer in your grace, darling," Maxxen murmured, lips flickering in a smirk. He didn't ask if she was ready this time and soon readied his stance to lunge at her once again.
Yvaine jumped back with a startled cry, her blade whipping up almost instinctively to deflect his own, then she sidestepped and whirled behind him- an unorthodox move, but she wasn't really thinking it through.
And as she came around him, he turned and dropped his legs down to sweep hers out from underneath hers.
"Oof! Yvaine collapsed onto her rear, but she managed to keep her rapier up in a guard position as she scrambled back and tried to climb to her feet again.
He at least gave her a chance to get up, and when her blade was ready he advanced again, stepping in and in and pressing the advance.
Yvaine was completely on the defensive, but at least she managed to keep her feet under her now, dodging his strikes as often as she blocked them.
Maxxen would not relent and slashed and swung the blade round in an attempt to disarm her.
She was no match for him, out of practice as she was, and her blade clattered from her hand. Panting lightly, she lowered her head to him. "I yield."
He was panting as well, backing up and shifting a boot beneath her blade and hiking it up into the air, snatching it up with one hand.
He handed it back. "You're a quick learner Yvaine. Your defense is strong, but don't let me push you back."
She grasped the hilt and carefully raised her blade again. "Then what should I do?" she asked, genuinely curious. "I can't match you for strength, Maxx."
"Use what assets you do possess. Intuition, finesse, and speed. Train your eye to see openings for ripostes, see an exploitation and take advantage of it."
"Right." She nodded determinedly and raised the rapier, finding her footing. "En garde."
Maxxen relaxed his guard, holding the blade down by his waist as if he weren't at all interested in the fight. "A fool's stance, perhaps used by fools, and perhaps to fool the opponent into thinking I had no interest in fighting. Attack me first, at your ready."
Yvaine's eyes narrowed in thought and she shifted back a step, then suddenly leaped forward, aiming for a touch on his sword-bearing arm.
He swicked his blade right, knocking it away and backing up. He watched her steadily, keeping himself on the defensive. She was a quicker learner than he thought.
Forced to go on the offensive, Yvaine was definitely out of her comfort zone. She waited and watched, then dos her best to strike when she thought she saw an opening.
"Distract and exploit, Yvaine. Watch my stance. Keep pressing, don't relent," Maxxen said as he stepped in to touch his blade to her shoulder.
Distract...
Yvaine suddenly twisted, taking opportunity of his closeness to lean up onto her toes and press her lips to his firmly. Her free hand flew to the back of his head, twining her fingers through his hair.
The hand that held her rapier flicked up to press the blade gently against his throat. She smirked. "Touch."
Maxxen staggered back. "Now that wasn't fair," he said rubbing at his throat. But the play wasn't gone from his eyes.
"You're clever, Yvaine. I like that."
Her smirk widened. "You never said I had to be fair. You just said "distract and exploit"," she pointed out cheekily.
A small blush dusted her cheeks and she ducked her head, mumbling a shy, "Thanks."
"Do you think we ought to have a break? I wouldn't want to knick you more than I have to," he chuckled.
"You could try," she joked back with some false bravado. Then she smiled and nodded. "Yes, I wouldn't mind a break. Are you hungry? Thirsty?"
"Darling after you left in such a hurry I didn't get a chance to enjoy breakfast. Some food and drink would be nice." Maxxen set the rapiers aside, and moved beside her, carefully unraveling the knot she'd made with her skirt. "You're a scandalous little woman aren't you?" he flirted.
"Oh, I'm scandalous," Yvaine laughed. "Says the man with his hands up a lady's skirt." She let her hands trail down to help work at the knot, half accidentally guiding his hand to brush against her leg as she did.
She straightened up and brushed off her skirts, then offered a smile and her arm. "Come on then, let's get something to eat."
"I'd have my meal outside but this is your mother's house," he chuckled and put an arm around her as he followed her inside. He was careful to wipe the sweat from his brow, and make himself more presentable as he saw the family gathering in the dining hall for lunch.
He paused. "Is it possible to eat with the staff in the kitchens? I'm not sure I'm ready to meet the whole clan yet."
She smiled and nodded, murmuring, "I'm sure we can arrange something. This way."
Before her parents could really catch sight of him, she led him through the back way into the kitchens.
He followed her and made sure to dodge the doorway, slipping in to the servant's entrance.
And the chef didn't look to pleased to see them there.
"Afternoon, George," Yvaine said brightly, nodding to the chef. "Allow me to introduce a friend, Sir Maxxen Lear. I'm afraid we're rather hungry, is there anything we can snatch?"
The older man sniffed, but apparently propriety wouldn't allow him to be rude to a lady of the house. "Forgive me, m'lady, but why are you not eating with the rest of your family?"
Her smile was fixed in place. "I'm playing hostess, keeping my guest company."
Maxxen gave a smile and then George looked even less pleased. "Just don't be in the way you two, I've got to get these porkchops ready."
"Wow, pork chops for lunch?" Maxxen waggled his eyebrows to Yvaine. "How classy."
"Well." Yvaine blushed a bit and shrugged, guiding him across the kitchen to get out of the cook's way. "It's nothing much, really. Just...lunch."
she'd never really though about her family's affluence before, but she supposed Maxx had a point, despite his teasing tone.
Maxxen had meant no offense in his observation, and he held any further words to himself when lunch was set aside for them. Two plates of pork chops and a serving of cooked carrots, peas, rice, and broccoli as well. "Honestly Yvaine you've got yourself quite a prize here. Never let go of George dear, not if he always cooks like this."
She laughed, tucking delicately into her meal. "Believe me, if I had a choice I wouldn't give this food up for the world," she chuckled. "Unfortunately, as my brothers have pointed out several times, I don't get to take the chef with me when I leave this household."
"I'm sure you'll find fine talent out there," Maxxen said, perhaps a bit patronizingly. But he winked in jest, enjoying the spice and grilled roast of the chop, savoring the flavor. He didn't need to exaggerate how much he was enjoying himself, the pleasure was readily apparent on his visage.
"Yvaine, so where will you go, when you leave this household? Anyone waiting for you on some lonely estate?"
"No." She chuckled a bit at his seemingly exaggerated pleasure, picking daintily at her own food. "Not yet, at least."
A quiet sigh and she glanced away with a small frown. "Of course, it's not really my choice. Mother and Father will decide, eventually."
"But until then I'm sure you'll have all the fun you can handle am I right?" He winked at her.
Yvaine's eyes glinted mischief at him. "Perhaps," she mused, leaning her chin on her hand. "You wouldn't be suggesting I do anything inappropriate now, would you Sir Lear?" She batted her eyes at him, her tone every bit the decorous young lady.
"Me? I insinuate nothing my dear. I happen to be a very well-bred gentleman," he said with a nod.
"I think, however, that a nice glass of wine would compliment this meal greatly."
She smiled. "Perhaps you're right." She stopped a maid with a touch on her shoulder and requested a pitcher of wine be brought over, when the young woman had the chance.
With a drink served in front of him, Maxxen sipped it graciously, thanking the maid.
"You know I imagine my parents would think I'd be married by now," he said. "But thus far I've managed to evade the ball n chain."
"Well, as you so graciously pointed out, by most of societies' standards I'm practically an old maid by now," Yvaine murmured, sipping at her own drink. She gave him a crooked sort of smile. "I know the feeling."
Glancing around and lowering her voice a bit, she added, "I just...my life will be pretty much over once I marry. That's it, I'll never have a chance to- to-" Words failed her and she waved a hand airily.
"Then it stands to reason to get in as much trouble as possible before some lousy fool steals you away," Maxxen murmured.
"What's all this conspiratorial whispering?" a voice called behind them as one of Yvaine's brothers entered the kitchen.
Leaning in toward Maxxen to respond, Yvaine suddenly started and got quickly to her feet. "Leo!"
She cleared er throat and tried to step back into the role of polite hostess. "Maxx, this is my brother. Leo, this is Sor Maxxen Lear." She gestured back and forth between them.
"Mother had told me you had a guest. You weren't trying to hide him from us, were you sister?" He laughed and sized up Maxxen when he stood. He held out his hand however, which Maxx grasped with a firm grip.
"A pleasure to meet you Sir Maxxen. You're knighted by what house?" Leo asked.
"I served my father on our estate up north. But I've since garnered a wanderlust. I like Reajh much better." Maxxen smiled and withdrew his hand when the shaking became awkward.
"And I understand you saved my sister from a gambling den? That's very noble of you."
"Noble might be putting it strongly," Maxxen said with a bow of his head. "It was the right thing to do."
Yvaine stepped in, taking Maxxen's arm politely and nodding to her brother. "No need to start an inquisition, Leo," she said lightly, giving her brother a rather firm look.
"I'm not," the large man protested. "You cannot fault me for being curious about a man who seems to have taken such a liking to my little sister."
She crinkled her nose and rolled her eyes, but decided not to protest that.
"Of that I can understand. From one gentleman to another, I assure my intentions are nothing less than honorable." Maxxen smirked and met Leo's chuckle with his own.
"In that case why don't you join us for lunch. Don't hide away in here all day."
"Well..." Yvaine hedged a moment, looking to Maxx. "Only if you're comfortable," she said quietly.
"I'm sure he's comfortable!" Leo answered for him and ushered them both into the dining hall.
Giving Maxxen a sort of sheepish, apologetic smile, Yvaine allowed her brother to usher them out of the kitchens.
"Yvaine." Her father stood and moved to hold her shoulders, kissing both cheeks. She submitted to the formality, then stepped aside.
"Father, this is-"
"And you must be Sir Lear," her father cut across her, holding a hand out to Maxx rather imperiously.
Maxxen sized up her father. She didn't mention he was a big fellow. Not that that bothered him in the slightest. He'd assailed men much larger than him after all.
He took his hand, never buckling under the powerful squeeze he gave Maxx, and he smiled his same charming smirk. "Maxxen will do, your lordship," he said with a bow of his head and released his hand in a timely fashion.
Lord Deveraux cracked what might have been a smile. "Very good, then." He folded his arms and looked Maxxen up and down. "So, I understand we have you to thank for my daughter's safe return."
"To know she is well, and to be invited into your home is thanks enough, my Lord," Maxxen was sure to say.
Lord Deveraux was certain to allow Maxxen a seat at their table, in a place where he can keep a good eye on him and treat him as a respected guest as well. Not everyone was quite as sold on Yvaine's story after all.
Yvaine was ushered to her usual place at the table between Lucius and Emile- who happened to both be bigger that their "little" brother Leo, positively dwarfing their sister.
She got the distinct feeling her family was assigning her bodyguards.
"So, Sir Lear." Her mother looked at Maxx with a slight tilt to her head. "Where did you receive your knighthood?"
"Up north in Bellkrath in the city of Vale," he said and although he'd just eaten he was served another plate of porkchops that he looked too longingly. He avoided touching it however, at least for now.
"You run a wonderful household Lady Deveraux. I daresay it rivals my mothers. And that's saying something."
"Well, thank you. You're very kind," Amelia said with a small smile, evidently somewhat molified by the flattery.
Yvaine resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"What are your intentions toward my sister?"
"Lucius!" Both Yvaine and her mother snapped quickly, the younger woman suddenly blushing. Her brother shrugged, completely unabashed.
"It's a reasonable question," he defended.
"Intentions?" Maxxen knew it was only a matter of time before that question came to light. And now that it was asked, all the attention and eyes flew his his direction.
"Yes, intention. That is what I asked," Lucius said smirking. The table chuckled.
"I have no intentions, my lord. After all, your sister and I met only yesterday. I found however that we became fast friends."
Yvaine relaxed slowly and smiled at him, grateful and impressed he'd managed to smooth the situation so gracefully.
Well, mostly. Lucius and her father didn't seem quite convinced, but her mother and other two brothers attempted to move the conversation on.
"Yes, well, you can understand a small fear of impropriety," Amelia said with a smile. "It's rare for an eligible young man to only seek friendship from a lady like Yvaine. But I'm glad of it, sometimes I fear she's too isolated."
"Mother." She scowled, blushing a bit, embarrassed two fold now.
"I understand completely your ladyship. I suppose you could understand how much pressure it would put on a man in my position if I had any designs on your daughter. However I do find her company enlightening. She is very bright. I daresay it's rather refreshing," Maxxen replied.
Emile snorted quietly and Leo chuckled under his breath. "Really? Well, if you say so, Sir. We certainly love our sister, but the first word I would describe her with would be bright."
That earned some good-natured chuckles from her father and brothers while Yvaine ducked her eyes to hide a frown. Her mother kept her piece, picking at her food.
Maxxen laughed too, raising his glass to Emile. "That's all right, a man must do so when fails to match wits with a woman that clearly surpasses him," he chuckled.
Lucius took his turn now to laugh, casting him a sidelong glance.
A hint of color touched Yvaine's cheeks and she kept her eyes downcast, though she was smiling slightly.
"I don't know about clearly surpasses," she murmured. "You certainly hold your own, Sir Lear."
"That is very kind of you Yvaine," Maxxen murmured. He smiled and set the glass down. There was a soft knock at the door, when a very gallant young man entered into it, a man perhaps a bit older than Maxxen.
"My Lord, Lord Fenrick Tennant is here," a servant called.
Lord Deveraux got to his feet and flew to meet hands with the younger visitor. "Lord Fenrick, it's so good of you to visit. You must join us for lunch."
The rest of the household got to their feet, the women bobbing curtsies while Yvaine's brother's murmured their own friendly greetings.
Yvaine gave Lord Fenrick that same up-and-down look of careful calculation she'd first given Maxx. He seemed vaguely familiar, but she couldn't recall ever being formally introduced.
"Dear, make some introductions," Amelia murmured to her husband with a small smile.
"Yes, of course." Lord Devereaux gestured around. "I believe you know my family- this young man is a guest of my daughter, Sir Maxxen Lear."
"Maxxen Lear," Fenrick said, grinning as he looked at their guest. "Now that name seems awfully familiar."
"Perhaps you're a gambling man?" Maxx said pointedly
"Hmm, no. Of course not, I'm much to dignified to find myself in a place like that. Never the less, Lord Jean, I was in the area and I thought I'd drop in." He finished shaking hands a moment and was given a seat at the corner beside Maxxen and a plate was served in front of him.
His seat gave him a decen view of Yvaine, that he ogled from the corner of his eye.
As everyone took their seats again, Yvaine found herself carefully avoiding the younger lord's eyes- not quite directly, her gaze flicking to his cheeks or nose.
"Forgive me, sir, I don't recall if we've met." Her tone was sugary sweet, but her shoulders were set and tense, one hand fisting in her lap. Her family didn't seem to notice.
"Only once before a few years ago at a festival in the country. I regret not having had the chance to speak with you further," he said with a smile. "I am a friend of your father's. We served together in the army."
Ah. A few pieces clicked into place, his name, his family, the time he'd served, just how friendly he was with her father.
"That's admirable of you," she murmured, nodding politely. Her eyes flickered to Maxx briefly, wondering when they could politely make an escape. Absently, in the decorous manner she always used around other nobles, she added, "I remember that festival, although somewhat hazily. My brothers decided it would be a good time for me to have my first drink, you see."
Leo laughed and her mother glared. "Then a second, then a third," Lucius chipped in with a wink.
"I assure you none of my children have a drinking problem," Anelia said crisply, "despite how it may sound."
Luckily Lord Fenrick had the courtesy to laugh and he was amused by the thought that she might dabble in drinking. "That's quite quaint," he said with a smirk and a wink. "I'm sure she could hold her own with the hardiest of men."
Maxxen knew he meant it as an insult, but instead he kept his tongue tied between his teeth. "You know, Adelan Thunderblack Firebrand has been known to knock a few men on their asses," he commented idly.
Fenrick cut hard eyes to him. "Oh? I'm sure whatever little trickery they do down south is worthy of their people. I like my whiskey just fine."
"I just so happen to have a bottle. Care to try some?"
Oh dear. A very subtle tension seemed to have developed and Yvaine looked back and forth between the two men.
Her father didn't seem to notice, chuckling, "Now, wouldn't that be a sight. Fenrick, old boy, Sir Lear appears to be rather new in town, perhaps you and he should get better acquainted. It's always good to have friends in a position like yours." He winked.
Yvaine resisted the urge to roll her eyes and sipped at a glass of water near her plate, pointedly not looking at Lord Fenrick.
[Fenrick is his first name. Surname Tennant D:]
Maxxen nodded to the invitation. "That would be interesting. Although only with a promise you'll try a bit of Firebrand first."
[Oops, sorry!]
"I find myself rather perturbed by this course of conversation," Amelia suddenly cut in primly. "Yvaine dear, why don't you join me in the drawing room. We can leave the men to their talk."
Yvaine frowned, but tried to brush it away quickly as she got to her feet with an almost imperceptible sigh.
"I think I'll join you ladies, if you don't mind," Maxxen said, and excused himself. Standing, he walked behind Yvaine into the drawing room.
"Oh." Amelia blinked at him. "Well, you're welcome to, of course, but I'm afraid it'll be terribly boring for you. We're just taking tea."
Yvaine smiled at him gratefully when her mother wasn't looking, gesturing for him to take a seat on a chaise beside her- close, but still within the bounds of propriety.
He was thankful for the welcome distraction, frankly. Maxxen had never favored the company of men much, and only tolerated them when he was taking their money in a swift game of cards.
"Thank you lovely ladies. Tea, frankly, sounds delicious," he said and took a seat on the chaise lounge. It was deep and comfortable.
"So Lady Devereaux, how long have you been living in the city?" he asked, curious and sipping slowly.
"Oh, practically all my life," Amelia answered, evidentially quite charmed by his interest. Yvaine sipped at her own tea, quietly torn between amusement and bafflement at the whole situation.
"Lord Deveraux and I were betrothed in childhood and my family moved here, you see," she continued. Her daughter blinked. She'd never actually heard that before.
"Is that so? I've heard of arranged marriages but never actually met anyone that was betrothed that way. Tell me, is it as terrifying as it sounds?" Maxxen said, leaning forward with interest.
"Well." Amelia blushed a bit and her daughter blinked, bemused. "It was certainly daunting. But we grew quite fond of each other in childhood, so by the time we were married it did not seem like such a heavy responsibility."
"That's wonderful. I suppose not every romance is storybook, and I think that's what makes it all the better. It's your own."
Maxxen himself had been almost forced to be married, but that was a story for another time, for another crowd.
Yvaine thought she sensed an odd undercurrent to his tone, something he wasn't telling, but she didn't pursue it. Not an appropriate time or place- and it was his story to tell, if there was any story at all.
"Yes, I'd like to think so," her mother chuckled politely. She gave Yvaine a sort of odd look. "I must say, dear, I was rather worried at first but it seems I should trust more in your judgement of character."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Maxxen said and chuckled as he watched the looks between mother and daughter. They looked startlingly alike.
"Lady Devereaux, please don't take this as overwhelming flattery, but truly, you are devastatingly beautiful," he said genuinely.
"Oh." Amelia actually giggled- giggled!- and waved her hand at him airily. "Well, thank you. It's not often an old woman like me gets compliments from such a dashing young man."
Yvaine had to hide her smile behind her hand. Was she flirting? She'd never seen her mother act like this.
"Old? Never. You're like a fine ripe Serenian Bourdounay. A wine that only betters with time," Maxxen said. He grinned and raised his cup to both her and Yvaine.
"I can certainly see where your daughter gets her looks."
Both women chuckled, Amelia coloring prettily while her daughter arched an eyebrow at him. She toasted him subtly with her tea cup.
"Well, I must say, I find it almost a pity you aren't courting Yvaine," Lady Devereaux laughed. "I certainly wouldn't object to having such a charming young man for a son-in-law."
Yvaine choked on her tea. "Mother!"
It was a notion surprising enough to make even Maxxen laugh. He chuckled loudly, perhaps all too much that it was heard out in the dining hall where the rest of the men still lingered.
Frankly perhaps it was something out of mockery. Maxxen was determined to grow old alone, however those were sentiments best not expressed aloud.
"I see you have a wit to match your daughter's. I don't think you could handle me, Lady Devereaux, being a charming delight isn't always as easy as it seems."
Yvaine relaxed slightly wen he didn't seem offended and her mother chuckled and carried on with her polite, almost-flirtation.
She found herself staring at the tea in her cup after a few moments though, brow furrowed thoughtfully. Was it really such an awful idea?
"I hope I didn't surprise you all too badly with my sudden dropping in, but I had to stop by and check on Yvaine, see how she was doing."
"Oh, of course." Amelia smiled and Yvaine nodded at him, refocusing her attention.
"I'm grateful for your concern," she said demurely, watching him over the rim of her tea cup.
After his tea was sipped and set down aside, Maxxen turned to Amelia more seriously. "So Lady Devereaux, what are your opinions on a woman learning how to fight? Are they particularly strong ones?"
Yvaine just about choked on her tea.
Amelia frowned in puzzlement. "I'm afraid I don't follow you, Sir Lear. How do you mean? Do you attempt to suggest a woman in the military?"
"I mean a woman learning combat recreationally. What do you think of it? I would like to hear your opinions on the matter."
"Well." Amelia frowned and swirled her tea thoughtfully. "I can't say it's something I'd ever be interested in. However, as long as it was simple fencing- or more appropriately recreational archery- well, I don't see much harm in it."
Yvaine blinked. She certainly recalled her mother having different options when she was a girl.
"Of course," the lady laughed lightly, "my husband has rather different views on the matter."
Ah. That explained it.
"Really, that is very interesting to low. So, let's say hypothetically speaking that your daughter was learning the art of combat. It wouldn't bother you at all that she would handle swords or perhaps heavier weapons if she was ready and able to do so?" Maxxen asked.
Perhaps he was pushing it, but he did say 'hypothetically'.
Amelia's eyes narrowed slightly with something approaching suspicion. "If Yvaine did not have more pressing issues to deal with...I can't say I'd be thrilled with the idea, but I suppose she is a grown woman..."
"Meaning? She's free to pursue any recreational activity of her choosing, within reason? Surely that's what you mean, right?" Maxxen was careful to keep his gaze trained on Amelia, and his expression nothing more than curious and calm.
Yvaine tried to shake her head subtly without her mother noticing, wincing internally.
Amelia shrugged. "Perhaps once she is settled into a household of her own. For now, her main worry should be attracting an appropriate suitor."
For a moment, Yvaine's eyes darkened with a flash of rage. Then it was gone, replaced with a perfectly bland expression.
Maxxen laughed. He saw where he was thwarted, and didn't press the issue any further than he had too.
"Well, for now, I think I've stayed long enough here. Your company has been lovely and I thank you for allowing me to be a guest in your home."
Immediately her mother's expression smoothed out and Yvaine had to bite back a smirk. "Allow me to show you out," she said quickly, getting to her feet and smoothing out her skirts.
"Well, it was lovely to meet you, Sir Lear," Amelia said with a polite nod.
"I had a wonderful time here," Maxxen smiled and walked off with Yvaine to the door.
"Lady Yvaine," he murmured, bowing his head to her. "That was something."
She smiled in return and replied with a demure, "A pleasure to see you again, Sir Lear." She held her hand out as a proper lady might for him to take, a small folded piece of paper clutched subtly in her fingers.
Somehow, during the bustle of the visit, she'd managed to snatch the scrap of parchment and scrawl: I'd like to see you again. Alone. I'll be at the south gate to the gardens at noon tomorrow.
"Thank you so much," he said softly. When they were away from prying eyes, he leamed in and kissed her cheek, taking the paper she had slipped to him. He left quietly on foot and carefully unfurled the note, reading it quickly.
He smirked. For a friend she was awfully eager to see him.
When the next day came, he wasn't sure if he ought to show up. But what kind of scoundrel would he be if he didn't?
A small dusting of a blush spread over her cheeks and she smiled, titling her head slightly to return the touch with a kiss to his cheek before she bid him farewell with a small wave.
The next day she was a little late getting to the south gate- she'd gotten roped into a rather lengthy conversation with her brother- and her corsets were certainly not conducive to hurrying as she finally managed to wind her way down the garden path to the slightly overgrown gate.
Finding the gate was easy enough, and Maxxen made sure he wasn't seen, not obviously anyway. "So Lady Yvaine, this is how you do your sneaking about?"
She jumped slightly when his voice surprised her and pressed a hand over her heart. "God, don't scare a lady like that," she reprimanded with a mock scowl as she turned to face him.
Then her expression melted into a smile, eyes sparkling. "I'm glad you came, Maxx."
Maxxen produced a small rose, just the stub, and handed it to her. The horns had been clipped, and it's soft pearly color shone with a few beads of dew.
"Afternoon, but still fresh," he said with a smile. He leaned down and kissed her, pecking her lips lightly, grinning against her mouth. "So what do you have plans to do today, Yvaine? More fencing?"
Yvaine smiled as she took the rose, genuinely touched. She leaned into the kiss a bit and chuckled softly when she felt him smile.
"Well, if you don't have any other plans..." She pecked his lips again. "Yes, fencing. Or, um..." She flushed deeply but still found herself saying, "Other swordplay."
"Oh? Miss Devereaux, did you just... I think you did," he said in a hushed tone with a chuckle. "That's quite devilish of you," he said with a nod, grinning. "Why don't we...go riding today? There are some vineyards on the outskirts of town that could do with a bit of exploring. Are you sure i can steal you away for the afternoon?"
The blush hadn't quite died down yet and she smiled, nodding eagerly. "Yes. Yes, that sounds wonderful. If I hurry, I can have a horse saddled and meet you in an hour?"
She hesitated, then leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. "And I can make my excuses- I'm yours until sunset."
"I'll meet you in an hour then," Maxxen muttered, but caught her lips in a brief kiss of his own. When that hour passed, he proved a little later than he would have liked. He wasn't even going to think about the details of getting a horse, it was more of a pain, but at least money made the deal go smoother.
He came on a painted mare, one that was spirited and loved the smell of the countryside air. Maxxen rode in more comfortable clothing, leaving the clean suits and shirts for another venture less earthy. He wore rustic riding clothes, more open to the environment and he smiled when he saw Yvaine.
Yvaine had had to claim that she was going for an afternoon ride to "get some air" in order to slip away, which meant of course she'd been forced into a "proper" riding habit that felt far too restrictive, the skirts too long and the corset too tight.
But at least she managed to meet Maxx on time, her little bay gelding tossing his head when he caught the scent of another horse.
She smiled in return and nodded at him. "She's beautiful," she murmured, indicating the mare with a hand though her eyes took the rider in carefully. She'd never seen him without formal clothes.
Well, that wasn't true, but the memory made her blush and duck her head.
"Thank you. She's a wild one thought, and a little too intelligent for her own good. Still, she'll do for a short ride," Maxxen said, walking up alongside Yvaine.
"So what's this one's name?"
Yvaine pulled a face. "Love's Last Stand. But I think that's a ridiculous name for the poor creature, so I call him Sunny."
The gelding bobbed his head as though in agreement.
Maxxen laughed aloud. The horse beneath him snickered as if laughing. "She seems to think Sunny is better too. This is Clementine," he said and pat the mare's neck. "Well, now that the horses are acquainted, should we be on our way?"
"Yes, let's." She smiled and clicked quietly to her horse, giving him a gentle tap with her heels to get him into a steady walk.
"Lead the way." She gestured with one hand at Maxx, eyes glinting.
Clementine nodded her head to Sunny, gently smelling him then playfully nipping at the gelding's neck and the horse chased after her in play. Maxxen laughed as both horses got underway and he steered her toward the place where they would be riding. He was happy to go about it, and the air was clean and cool, and the day sunny.
Once they were in the vineyards, Maxxen slowed down Clementine into a walk, smiling across to Yvaine. "Do you get out much? Have you ever been the fields outside of Reajh?"
Yvaine chuckled as her rather skittish gelding pranced excitedly, not quite sure if he wanted to join in Clementine's play or run away from her.
She smiled at Maxx and shook her head a little wistfully. "No. I...well, I'd never even been to the river at night before you took me," she admitted wit a small sigh.
"Oh you'll love it. Jack Harrison would probably let us taste some of his stock. He's and old friend of mine. He would love to meet you. Come on, let's go on into the winehouse and meet him." Maxxen swung down from the saddle and tied Clementine next to a water trough.
"Alright." She smiled and dismounted with te grace of years of practice, giving Sunny's neck a pat and tethering him to the post by the water trough. "Lead the way, good sir." She gestured with her hand and gave Maxx a slightly sideways smile as she took his arm.
Maxxen took her into the building and was met with a slim fellow that was speaking with another man. After he noticed them, he dismissed the worker and turned to the visitors.
"Maxx! A pleasure to see you," he said. "And what lovely miss do we have here?" He extended his hand and kissed the top of Yvaine's.
"Lady Yvaine Devereaux."
"A pleasure, sir," Yvaine said, voice soft and demure as she dipped into a half curtsy and offered the man a small smile. Her eyes flickered around curiously, taking in their surroundings.
"He can't help but always have the best looking woman on his arm, now can he?" Jack said after he finished greeting the pair. "But I take if you have never been here before milady?"
Maxxen nudged his shoulder and he turned to Yvaine. "We'd like to see what kind of stock you have this year? Jack here has one of the best vineyards in this side of Connlaoth. But even he needs taste testers he doesn't have to pay."
"No, I haven't," she answered quietly, still with that same small smile. Waiting. Calculating. Just what kind of woman was expected to be in a place like this, and how could she emulate that?
She simply nodded slightly as Maxxen spoke, clasping her hands demurely in front of her body.
Maxxen took her hand as Jack led them both through the common house and out to the first warehouse where their barrels were kept, aging in fine oak barrels.
"This is Vinter Vasp. At least that's what my little girl calls it. Feel free to have a taste, made from elderberries, and tenderly ripe alpine grapes. My daughter isn't allowed to drink it, mind you, but she has a hand in picking the ingredients and giving my stock colorful names," Jack explained and fixed the pair a set of sample glasses as he poured out a small amount from one of the barrels.
Maxxen took it in hand and handed Yvaine her own sample. "You know how to sample wine right? I can't say I'm much of an expert," he chuckled, winking at her.
"Yes, I know," Yvaine murmured with a small smile. She toasted both men and lifted the glass to her lips to take a small sip.
She let the drink sit consideringly on her tongue for a few moments before she swallowed. "It's very good," she said softly, nodding at Jack. Her smile flickered back into being and she asked politely, "You have a daughter?"
"Indeed, but she's with her mother in the city. Going shopping. Thank God." Jack laughed. "I mean, she's just a handful and if she's not tearing grapes off the vines, or terrorizing the ponies, she's sweet as can be."
Maxxen laughed. "So, about that vineyard, Jack. Would it be all right if me and my lady friend here take a ride among them?" he said
Yvaine chuckled quietly, "A girl after my own heart."
She couldn't help perking up at bit at the chance to explore some more, and to ride away from prying eyes- she was normally used to being with a chaperone, or if not being confined to the parks and paths through the city.
Maxxen chuckled looking across to her as they were led out to the vineyards and were soon on their horses and trotting down the paths.
"Let me guess, you were such a child at a young age?' he asked.
"As often as I could be," she replied with a laugh. Her eyes scanned over the vineyard and she murmured, "It really is lovely here. If in a very...orderly way."
"I suppose it's never too late to catch up on what you missed out," Maxxen said calmly. He looked over their surroundings. It was nice to be in the country without the stink of people to spoil it. Even he liked to get away once in a while.
"When I'm out here, I feel a little bit freer, do you know what I mean?" he asked. "I don't have to wear those damn suffocating suits. It's nice."
Yvaine nodded at him with a small smile. "If I could get out of this habit, I'd completely agree with you," she chuckled, indicating the rather constricting garment with a wave of her hand.
She took another glance around and added, "I don't think I've ever been in a place so empty of people before. It's...peaceful."
He glanced at her garment.
"Take it off," he suggested. "No one else is out here but me and you."
She blinked at him. "But- someone could be..."
Trailing off, she bit her lip, glanced down, then huffed out a sigh. To hell with it. She switched Sunny's reins to one hand and set about unlacing her corset.
"Could we stop a moment? This might be easier if I wasn't on a horse."
"Fine by me," he said, throwing a leg off the mare.
He dropped down and reached up to help her out of the invasive clothing.
Yvaine used his shoulders to brace herself as she dismounted, then set about stripping off the corset and outer skirt of her habit until she was left in the much less confining slip and petticoats.
"Haa." Her whole body seemed to sigh with relief and she smiled. "Much better."
"And it's much easier to see your nipples from here," he added with a wink.
She squeaked, blushed, and folded her arms over her chest. "I see you had an ulterior motive, Sir Lear. Not so concerned about my comfort after all, hm?" she quipped, though she was flushing scarlet.
Slipping an arm around her waist, Maxxen gently pulled her close to him. "I don't know, i can hardly resist you even now. Can you possibly blame me? And if so, I accept full responsibility for what may happen."
His voice somehow sent a pleasant shiver down her spine and she let her arms fall from her chest to grip his upper arms gently.
"Well. As long as you're accepting responsibility..." She smiled, cheeks still pink, and murmured almost hesitantly, "Kiss me?"
Maxxen grinned and teased her lips pleasantly with the soft scratch of his beard. "Maybe, if you play you're cards right I might even kiss you twice," he said. He did lean in and pressed his mouth gently to hers, plucking at her lips.
Yvaine sighed softly against his mouth and felt her body beginning to melt into his. "Oh? And what hand should I play, good sir?" she murmured when they parted. Her lips curved in a smirk. "I've already half undressed- I believe you have the advantage here."
"Not really, you're still woman. And have all the power that entails," he said with a grin and chuckled a little more. "Look, let's keep riding on. I have a surprise waiting for you in just beyond the vineyard," he finished and kissed her cheek.
Her curiosity piqued, she arched an eyebrow and nodded. "Alright then."
She cast a glance at her discarded clothes, ten shrugged and swung back up onto Sunny's back. "I hope you remember where this is, because I'm not sure I can tell all these rows apart."
"Why don't we just take it with us. You never know when you need to have a quick dress up," Maxxen said c and gathered up hey clothing. When that was put away, he got up on the saddle and trotted along with her, until the grove was in view.
"Good point."
Yvaine let Sunny trot along in quiet for a while, sneaking glances at her companion every so often.
Maxxen was trying not to let his expression betray him. After all he didn't want to spoil the surprise. When they finally arrived to their destination, he set down on the ground again and carefully tied the horses to a tree, where a patch of grass and stream awaited them. And in the middle of a small clearing was a picnic, thankfully unransacked by animals.
"I hope you're hungry. It's not easy hiding food from critters," he said with a smile.
"Oh..."
Yvaine raised a hand to her lips as she dismounted and looked around. "This...you did all this?" she asked quietly, blinking at Maxx with rather round eyes, genuinely surprised and, if she was honest, touched.
"Yes. It's a little something, but it's what I could throw together on such short notice. Jack doesn't mind, and he well...he doesn't exactly know so, shush," he said, putting an index finger in front of his lips.
She laughed, mimicking his gesture with a finger pressed to her lips for a moment before she dropped her hand and smiled.
"This is lovely, Maxx. Thank you." She leaned in to peck his cheek, then settled herself down amid the picnic and patted the ground beside her.
Maxx was careful not to ruffle the blanket as he settled in beside her.
"You're most welcome you're loveliness," he said, grinning and gently pecking at her own cheek. "Care for something to drink? I think I forgot what I put in this basket."
"Why yes, my good sir, if you'd be so kind," she giggled, leaning back onto her elbows and tipping her head back, eyes closed as she just basked in the moment.
"Honestly, you could've brought some off brand whiskey and I'd be happy," she teased, then her expression sobered a bit. "This...is one of the most thoughtful things someone's done for me, Maxx. Truly."
If she was being honest, she'd been a little afraid that their rather hasty first encounter would lead him to believe that was all she was interested in- or good for. The picnic alleviated that fear somewhat.
"I don't think I want to get you too drunk quite just yet. People that drink this early in the afternoon, tend to develop bad reputations, and I'd like for you to at least be able to salvage yours, despite my pleasant company," he said with a smile.
He took a small bottle of wine out from the basket, a small unknown brand and at least had been chilled in a magical container of freezing water.
He poured her a glass and himself one and he raised it to her. "To...stealing small moments for peace and quiet," he said.
"An honorable toast." Yvaine raised her glass and clinked the rim lightly against his before taking a sip. "This is good," she noted with a small smile as she leaned back, palm braced against the ground.
Her eyes moved to Clementine and Sunny, who were taking advantage of the break to graze, and her smile widened a bit.
"You keep doing that," she said suddenly, looking back to Maxxen. "Referring to yourself as though simply associating with you will tarnish my reputation. But I don't think I've seen anyone charm my family so easily before. Why the self deprecation?"
"I'll put it plainly, before you hear it from anyone else. I'm a blackguard, Yvaine, not quite welcome in any respectable house north of here, or south. But I don't mind, I like my freedom and it's left me to my own devices," he said plainly. "That's who I am."
She arched an eyebrow and rolled onto her side, propped up on an elbow. "Really? And what exactly have you done to earn such a reputation?"
Her tone was merely curious, not judgmental, eyes alight with a soft sort of interest.
He took a deep drink.
"It'd be easier to go over what I haven't done," he said with a teasing grin.
Yvaine chuckled and downed her glass. "Alright, fair enough. If you don't want to tell me, I won't pry."
She laid back on the ground with a contented sigh, kicking the layers of her petticoats out until she was more comfortable in just her slip.
"Tell me something else then." She turned her neck to look up at him. "Something about you, like... I don't know. Something?"
"I...like to be barefoot," he said plainly, shrugging. Suddenly he laughed, leaning back on his elbow. "Oh, but it's true. I love being barefoot. I loathe having to wear shoes all the time, but I'll do it for the sake of travel. I only wear the best, customly cobbled boots made of fine leather. But I take care of them, I don't squander what I have."
He pointed down to his boots. "Should I take them off? I leave that decision to you because you seem very comfortable, and maybe you'd like me to dress down a little too."
She chuckled and rolled fully onto her back again. "Perhaps you should, if you dislike shoes so much," she told him, crinkling her nose slightly.
She glanced down at her own riding boots, then gave a mental shrug and sat up to unlace them. "Maybe I'll join you."
He unstrapped the buckles around his calves, and shuffled out of his stifling boots and stockings, and flexed his toes out against the soft blanket.
"This is what I call reeeeeeelaaaaaaxed," he said with an exaggerated sigh, leaning back. "Damn I have sexy feet. Don't I have sexy feet?"
Yvaine rolled her eyes with a rather unladylike snort. "Sexy feet. Really? That's what you're going with for narcissism?"
She chuckled and prodded her toe against his calf with a teasing, "I suppose I've seen worse."
Maxxen laughed. "As long as you agree," he said. "That's all I need. Besides, I've seen some pretty nasty feet before. Skin peeling of, ragged toenails. It was awful."
"Oh!" She made a noise of dramatic disgust and wrinkled her nose. "Ansgar but you know how to set a mood, don't you?" she teased with a light bump of her shoulder against his.
Maxxen laughed and turned on his side. "I hope you don't think less of me. I was just kidding after all. I don't really have some strange foot fetish," he said.
He moved to wrap an arm around her side. "Are you hungry? Did you eat lunch? I mean I don't wan this food in the basket to go to waste."
Yvaine chuckled again and leaned into him a bit. "No, of course I don't think that." She smiled crookedly and added, "I am rather hungry, I must admit. And I'd hate for this lovely picnic you've prepared to be wasted."
She propped herself up a bit but didn't pull so far away that she left the circle of his arm, finding she quite enjoyed the warmth of it.
"Then feel free to dig in. I want to see what's in the basket as well," he said as he crawled closer to it, laying on his belly and pulling out bread, a small jar of jam, a knife, and dried meats. "I'm sure a lady like yourself with refined tastes can bear the grit of some salami. It's rather delicious. Better than mutton by a long shot."
"Well thank you, kind sir." She smirked and picked delicately at the food, her lessons in decorum unintentionally guiding her movements.
"This is delicious," she noted of the jam. "Where did you get all this?"
"Hmmm...a local kitchen. It may or may not have been from Jack's pantry. But like I'll tell you. I can neither deny nor confirm that," he said with a laugh. He cut a piece of bread for himself and took a bit of cheese and sliced meat and folded it together, taking a bite of it.
"Well, well, this is delicious. You know you're stuff, Lady Yvaine. You must eat this kind of stuff often. Soldiers grovel for food like this."
Yvaine suddenly flushed and frowned, looking away. "I know. It's disgraceful. Father goes on and on about the war, and what every citizen should be doing to help out, but god forbid our table go one plate lighter in favor of sending resources to troops."
Her voice was soft but seething, passionate anger kept very closely guarded.
"Oh, darling, I really didn't mean to turn this into a serious conversation about donations and politics," he said, laughing. "Really, I was only teasing. Soldiers eat better than you think, really. They truly know how to muscle food even away from a lord's peasants. All in the name of killing."
Her frown hardly lessened at that and she drew her knees up to her chest.
"Lucious is going to fight," she said abruptly. "It's only a matter of time. Everyone knows it, but we don't talk about it..."
She shook her head sharply, then gave him a sheepish look. "I'm sorry. You've gone to all this trouble and now here I am..." She waved a hand and dropped her chin onto her knees.
"Lucious?" he murmured. "One of your brothers right? Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to bring up bad thoughts or feelings. Maxxen sat up with her, idly playing with his food.
"When is he leaving? Did he enlist or is he being drafted?"
"He'll be drafted. He and Leo both, probably, but Lucious is younger. The Duke won't send out heirs to fight if he can help it."
She rubbed at her temples, then shook her head quickly. "Forgive me. I'm being...very morose, and you went to a lot of effort to make this day lovely. Thank you for that, truly."
"Yvaine you have a right to be worried for your family," Maxx murmured and sat up closer to her. He put an arm carefully around her. "There's nothing more anyone can ask for than that. I respect that, and others should too. Don't apologize for how you feel. Those are yours to decide. Always remember that."
He offered his sandwich to her. "Far be it from me to hog it all."
She smiled and took the sandwich daintily. "Thank you, Maxx." She smiled at him and leaned into his side. "For listening, I mean."
Yvaine picked at the food for a few moment in quiet, then asked slowly, "Do you think...you'll be? Drafted, I mean. To go fight."
"Heavens no. I'd be too much of a pain to keep in line. Franky it'd be easier just to shoot me," he said. "I've served my duty anyway, made friends, did what I was supposed to do. I won't fight if I don't have to. Too messy."
Yvaine nodded slowly. "I suppose you're lucky enough to make the choice," she murmured with a small smile.
"I'm also lucky enough to find myself in the company of such a charming and intelligent young lady," he said.
She rolled her eyes and accused lightly, "Flatterer." Eyes glinting at him, she mused playfully, "But what do you hope to gain from your flattery I wonder? You've warned me of a poor reputation- you couldn't possible mean me ill will, could you?" Her eyes widened dramatically and she fluttered her lashes.
"Toward you, probably not," he answered. "If we're still being honest here, I'll admit the thought has crossed my mind. I mean we did meet in a gambling den in the hidden part of a ball. Spiriting you away was the first breath of fresh air I'd had all evening. But Yvaine, I'd very much like to be your friend. God knows I don't have a lot of those."
Did he really just ask her that? Gods, he could feel his face heating up at the thought of his childishness. But it was a genuine question, one he meant sincerely. And it took much to admit even that.
Perhaps she could sense his sincerity, because her teasing smile softened and she hesitantly reached out to lay her hand over his. "Maxx..."
She cleared her throat, then said quietly with a shy smile, "I'd like that. Very much."
His face softened, smile spreading just a little more and he looked down at her hand, turning his own to thread their fingers together. "Thank you. It means a lot to me," he said, nodding to her. "Now, about this food. We should probably eat it before it gets bad."
Yvaine hesitated a moment, then leaned in to peck his cheek.
She didn't say anything else- a rare occurrence for her, she normally knew exactly what to say- and just nodded, giving his hand a quick squeeze before tucking into the food.
Maxxen felt his blush worsen. He could have punched himself for it, but he couldn't help it. He wasn't the blushing kind, no man he could think of ever was except for perhaps a shy virgin with his first love close by.
But he was familiar with women, knew them almost better than he knew himself. And perhaps that was why he was disgusted with him most then. Still he ate quietly, his half of bread and cheese until he had his fill.
The wine also followed and he offered to refill her glass. "Have you ever thought about magic?" he asked. "I mean, what it would be like to have it?"
She started a bit at the question, almost spilling the glass he filled. "I- no, of course not."
The answer was automatic, trained. Then she closed her eyes, sighed, and tried for the truth. "Yes. I have. All the time, actually." Her eyes flicked up to his face, almost nervous, as though fearing condemnation. "You?"
"Of course. And I think a lot of nobility probably are curious and are too afraid to admit it," he said after a while. He pulled up the bulb that held liquid encased in it, a wrap that he'd used to keep the bottle of wine cold. "See, things like this. A little novelty to most, but it took certain enchantment to create this. It's waters are always icy, encased in a soft glass bulb without and a velvet cover within."
He gave it to her for her to examine. "I think people take these kinds of things for granted. That the very people that made this, are condemned under the law and second class people... If they're considered people at all."
Yvaine cautiously took the bulb, turning it over in her hands. "You should be careful," she murmured, glancing up at him. "You could get in trouble just for having something like this, let alone...saying what you think about it."
Magic was a point of confusion for her. She'd been raised to believe it evil, just like the rest of her family, but she'd never actually seen it, good or bad. It was very difficult for her to put stock in an idea she couldn't verify for herself.
"Perhaps, but there are lots of people that make good money selling things like these. Even people that pride themselves on being 'anti-mage'. Stuff like this is nothing more than a novelty, with a useful quirk but little more than that. I'm not trying to get anyone in trouble. No one that didn't have it coming anyway."
He shrugged. "I'll probably return this to Jack when we're done here." Maxx chuckled and set the small bulb between them. "I just think people take many things for granted."
She nodded slowly. "Yes...I suppose you're right." She eyes the bulb curiously for a few moments, then flicked her eyes up to his face and tried to smile a bit.
"Does Jack know you took it?" she asked, arching an eyebrow and smirking.
"Took? I prefer the term borrowed. It's not like I planned to keep it. However, no he probably doesn't. I'll tell him I took it though," he said.
Maxxen poured himself another glass of wine. "Would you like some more?"
Yvaine giggled and shook her head at him. "Cad," she accused teasingly, darting in to kiss his cheek. Her smile widened and she lifted her glass. "Yes, I believe I would, thank you."
Maxxen murmured something soft in her ear, nipping at her ear lobe as he poured her a glass. "Are you trying to flirt with me?"
She flushed and ducked her eyes, glancing up at him through her lashes. "Maybe...is it working?"
"I'd say so. I'm thoroughly enjoying your company in case you were wondering." He kissed her cheek. "I enjoy being with you, not just flattering you. I mean that. You're intelligent and sweet. Don't ever lose that."
Her blush darkened and Yvaine glanced away from him. She was normally suspicious of declarations from a man that he "truly" enjoyed her company, but she felt she knew enough about Maxx by now to tell he was being sincere.
It made her heart flutter in a funny way. "Thank you," she murmured, taking a sip of her drink to distract herself. "I- I really enjoy your company as well, Maxx. I can...be myself around you. It's nice."
"I'm glad, you're a very lovely young woman. I feel more at ease around you," he said. He looked at his feet a few long seconds. "I can even take my shoes off around you."
She laughed and leaned into his side. "Well, look at me! I'm in nothing but a slip- if that's not being at ease, I don't know what is."
She shifted a little closer to nudge his bare foot with hers.
Maxx nudged her with his shoulder, turning his waist enough to capture her lips with his. The kiss was brief but pressured and his arm wrapped around her waist. "Should I be just as bare as you? I wouldn't want you to be alone in that endeavor. The air is getting a bit nippy though... As presented by your...hrm, shirt area."
Yvaine felt her breath hitch slightly at the pressure of the kiss, but she leaned into it eagerly. Then she gave a short, surprised laugh at his words, mock scowling at him a bit. "Is it that obvious?" she quipped with an arched brow, glancing down.
Oh. Well, it sort of was. Her cheeks flushed slightly and she glanced up at him again. "Then maybe we can keep each other warm?" Her voice was small and almost hesitant as she leaned in to press a soft kiss to his lips.
"That is a very good idea," he said, chuckling, and returning their kiss. His right hand cupped her face, pushing her hair away as he kissed her deeper, tilting his head in. He moved his hand to hers, coaxing hers to touch his chest, encouraging her to push away the cloth if she so desired.
She hummed low in her throat and parted her lips slightly against his as her hand moved the cloth of his shirt, baring more skin to her exploratory touches. She shifted a bit to press closer against him and moved her other hand down to rest on his hip.
He let her explore his body and for now, her touches were just fine, even making goosebumps pimple up on his skin. He wondered how curious she was, and if she was brave enough to follow through. But for now, he liked simply being with her.
He kissed her deeper, turning over so that she was atop of him, his hands aiding her in removing his shirt, and slipping out of the sleeves.
Yvaine made a quiet sound in the back of her throat that was half hum and half whimper. Her hands moved up to cup his face and she settled herself more comfortably atop him.
"Maxx." She nuzzled her nose against his and smiled. "I'm not going to break," she murmured. "You can hold me tighter."
"Maybe you will break. Maybe you'll get a kink in your spine and you won't know how to explain it to your family. They'll ask, 'Yvaine, why are you limping like that? Yvaine, why are you bedridden? Yvaine, why did you go blind?'"
He did grab her harder then, wrapping her firmly against his chest as he kissed her fierce.
She managed to get a quiet chuckle out before he was kissing her again and her mind went rather blank for a few moments. A thrill went through her at the way he clutched her to his chest and she kissed him back with as much fire as she could muster in an attempt to show her appreciation.
When they broke apart for a moment, she mumbled sort of fuzzily, "Blind? Really? Someone's awfully sure of his own abilities." Then she was kissing him again, her hands slipping up to cup his cheeks as she parted her lips against his with a soft sigh.
"Well, I wouldn't want you to be blind. Then you couldn't appreciate my godlike handsomeness. This is only my human form after all," he said. Maxxen moved himself so he could slip out of his clothes a bit easier, until he was more bare than she.
He resumed his place, pulling her over him, gripping her body firmly.
A delighted shiver ran down Yvaine's spine and she simply looked at him for a moment, hands braced against his shoulders as he pulled her back to him. Then she smiled and shifted slightly, leaning in to kiss him at the same time one hand moved to the hem of her shift to hike it up over her hips.
She sighed quietly and broke away from him long enough to pull it over her head, then dove back in. "To be honest, I'd hate to miss seeing this," she murmured playfully, tracing her hand over the lines of his torso.
"I should hope so," he said, chuckling. "But you're very well put together yourself." Maxx smiled, wrapping arms around her and feeling up along the smoothness of her back. "All kidding aside, you're breathtaking, you know this right?"
"I-" She flushed and ducked her eyes. "Thank you." Her voice was suddenly shy and quiet- she knew she was fairly attractive, but she'd never met someone who seemed so genuinely taken with her. It was almost unsettling, but it sparked a warm little glow in her chest.
Yvaine let out a small breath and leaned in to kiss him, then tucked her head against the curve of his shoulder, pressing herself as close as she could manage. She just wanted the warmth, the connection. "Thank you," she repeated quietly as she slipped her arms around his neck.
Maxxen normally had expectations when it came to getting undressed like this with another. Most people did that had intentions in mind. He supposed he did in some regard. It was nice however, to just enjoy the feel of another body against his.
He kissed her forehead idly. "You're welcome," he said, chuckling. His fingers gently walked along her ribs. "You're not ticklish are you?"
Yvaine's soft giggle as his fingers brushed her skin might have been answer enough, and she swallowed it quickly. "U-um, a little," she muttered, flushing. She squirmed atop him a bit, trying to escape the feathery touch.
He did stop, not wanting to spook her any more than he had to. She felt wonderful atop him, a lovely human blanket if you would. And he did, leaning in to kiss her, slowly at first then deeply, wrapping her fully to him. "I know I say a lot of things, but it isn't often I get to be...free like this," he said with a soft breath, pulling away only slightly.
She melted into his kiss, pressing herself against him as much as she could as his arms came around her and she gave a quiet sigh of contentment.
"I'm glad," she murmured after a moment as she let her head rest against his shoulder and her eyes searched his face. "I mean... I'm glad you can- be free, with me..."
Maxxen gave a quiet hum, letting his fingers run gently down along her back. He breathed softly. He couldn't find any more words to say, other than just letting the silence hand and allowing himself to enjoy the moment.
The wine was swimming inside his head just enough to give him a pleasant buzz. He closed his eyes, feeling himself slowly drift off.
Feeling his breathing start to deepen and even out, Yvaine chuckled quietly and pressed a kiss to his shoulder. "Taking a nap are we?" she teased quietly- though honestly the idea didn't seem like a terrible one. She was rather warm and comfortable wrapped around him the way she was.
Maxxen stirred in an effort to keep himself awake. "No!" he protested. "I am not falling asleep. I'm wide awake, see? I'm perfectly capable of staying awake during the day."
Yvaine chuckled and kissed him, just a quick peck. "It's alright," she said with a smile, eyes twinkling. "I'm quite comfortable like this, I don't mind if we rest a bit."
She tilted her head, then added playfully, "Though if you'd rather keep yourself awake, I could come up with a few activities..."
"Oh? And you think you could conjure up something to keep my attention?" he said with a smirk.
"Well, I could try." Her eyes glinted and she kissed him softly. "Hmm. Perhaps we could play a riddle game. That should keep your attention.."
Her lips moved to nurse at his neck. "Or we could ride again. Perhaps I ought to get the horses." Tone light and teasing, she started to move off of him, dramatically slow and showy.
"I don't fancy riddles much. But...we could try. What's the stakes here? Should we make it interesting?" He chuckled, moving to grip her back to him.
Yvaine allowed him to pull her back easily and gave him a little crooked smile. "Well, we could always think of something else to do to keep you up, if you prefer," she purred quietly, leaning in for a soft kiss and letting her arms slip comfortably around his neck.
"We could try for a game, unless you were more interested in something more physical," he said with a smirk against her lips. He turned so that they were on their sides and he could more properly kiss her as he did so.
She hummed quietly in the back of her throat and took advantage of their new position to hook her leg over his hip. "Mm. Why whatever do you mean, Sir Lear? Are you propositioning me?" she teased lightly, nuzzling her nose to his before pressing a few quick kisses to his lips.
"I might be," he said, turning his head in toward hers and biting her bottom lip. He have a soft moan, loving the feel of her body on his.
"Is it working?" he asked breathlessly and gripping her rear tightly.
Yvaine gasped quietly and found herself pressing her body more firmly into his. "Perhaps," she murmured with another soft kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck gently and gave a cautious little rock forward with her hips, testing, teasing.
He gasped enough and his hand gripped her tighter to him. "I think you're getting bolder and bolder, my dear," he moaned against her, wrapping her legs tighter against him.
"Is that a good thing?" she queried with a smirk, rocking forward again before she paused to gently grind her hips into his. Her eyes fluttered shut and she groaned softly.
"I would very well say so darling. I like an adventurous spirit," he said with a smile. Maxxen relaxed, letting her body rock against him. The motion made his blood boil with fire. He gasped, and she'd feel his manhood harden against her.
"M-mhm." Her breath hitched and she gave him a small, crooked smile. "I'd noticed." Almost holding her breath, Yvaine dipped to kiss him. One hand traced down his torso until she touched the length of him, lining them up so she could sink forward with a hitched sigh.
"Y-Yvaine," he muttered, feeling himself slide into her. He melted against the cloth of the blanket in the grass. He kissed her softly, moaning gently until his breath caught in his throat. "Thank god for your sharp eye," he whispered, wrapping fingers into her hair and kissing her deeper.
A soft moan caught in her throat and she melted into the kiss. "Maxx..." She gave a cautious sort of movement of her hips and whimpered quietly as heat raced through her.
"Don't be afraid. I want you," he murmured and rolled his hips up inside of her. Feeling her heat made him groan with intensity, wrapping his arms around her.
"O-oh!" Yvaine clenched her eyes shut and tried to focus on breathing properly. "Maxx...want you," she murmured softly, pressing deeply into his embrace and molding her lips to his for a fierce kiss.
He didn't say anything further, letting his hand hike her leg up and slowly working hips in tune with hers. He encouraged her hips and followed her lead, only guiding her when they slipped apart.
Her voice didn't seem adequate to express what was happening between them, but Yvaine found soft mewls and gasps slipping past her lips with every movement. "Maxx- a little more, please," she whispered, eyes half closed.
He turned them over so that he encapsulated her with his body, slowly thrusting in deep, and out long. He kept himself above her, but his body heat far away. Slowly lips trailed down her neck until the taste of her lingered on his tongue.
She gasped and squirmed underneath him as heat coiled ever tighter in her core, whimpering quietly every time his body lifted away from hers. "M-Maxx!"
With a soft cry that was quickly muffled as she bit her lip she peaked, shivering and clutching his shoulders firmly.
By the end of it Maxx was laying gently over Yvaine, panting when he'd had his passion before rolling off of her. The thin layer of sweat about him brought a chill from the breeze. and he curled in close to her.
"You're wonderful," he said, smiling at her.
Yvaine simply lay there for a few moments, getting her breath back, then she curled onto her side to cuddle herself closer to his warmth.
A faint blush dusted her cheeks and she dropped her eyes to his chest. "I think that should be my line," she murmured, gently resting her hand on his upper arm just to extend the contact.
"Oh, you want to shower me with compliments? I am completely open to exactly that," he muttered, turning in to kiss at the beaded skin along her neck.
He was a little sleepy from the encounter but knew he shouldn't keep her out here this long.
An agreeable little shiver rippled through her and she hummed contentedly, tilting her head so he had better access to her neck. "Not shower- perhaps gently sprinkle," she teased quietly.
With a soft smile she turned again to face him better and lifted a hand to stroke his cheek. "I wish we could stay out here forever," she murmured on a soft sigh.
"I suppose even good things have to come to end at some point. Come on, Yvaine, we should get back to the vinyard house. And probably your home," he muttered. He smiled sweetly, feeling warmth fill his chest, his belly too.
"Am I the only one feeling sappy here?" he said, chuckling.
"Definitely not the only one," Yvaine chuckled quietly, eyes soft as a small smile curved her lips. "Believe me, if I had the option we wouldn't be moving from this spot for a long while."
She pecked his cheek before pushing herself up with a reluctant sigh, running her hands through her hair in an attempt to tame it slightly and glancing around for her clothes.
Maxxen sat up, body slick with sweat as he rolled up and turned himself onto his hip. He cleaned himself off with the side of the blanket and suggested to Yvaine she do the same. "It might be wise to bathe, if we can. I mean...we might look a little worse for wear," he said with a teasing sneer. "Your hair alone could house a muskrat."
"Oh, shut up." She chuckled and thumped his shoulder lightly before following his lead and cleaning herself up as much as she could. "You're hardly a picture of elegance yourself at the moment, Sir Lear."
He dressed and helped clean up the picnic. What remained of it wasn't much, even after their adventurous rutting. Despite himself, Maxxen was smiling. Sure he did just get lucky. But he also was genuinely happy. A feeling that had escaped him for quite some time.
And he realized then that much of his happy was temporary.
Yvaine had a light, bubbly feeling in her chest and she couldn't seem to stop smiling as she helped pack up.
"The horses have been very good," she noted with a quiet laugh.
"I think they had their own shenanigans to put up with," he commented and gently tapped her on the butt. Maxx was ready to go with the blanket cleaned up and the basket packed with the rest of the food and wine. He set the objects in the saddlebags and mounted his mare, waiting for Yvaine to do the same.
Dressed- or at least mostly- Yvaine mounted up and nodded at him to say she was ready to move. "I do hope your friend doesn't mind how long we've been gone," she murmured thoughtfully.
"I'm sure he didn't even miss us," he said with a laugh. Once they were off riding again, Jack greeted them at the edge of the vineyard where they were coming out from. There he was testing a few samples of grapes, and he nodded to his workers as they carted the buckets away.
"I see you two didn't get lost. That's a relief."
"Ah, yes." Yvaine cleared her throat and kept her eyes on Sunny's neck. Her habit was still in Maxx's saddlebag, and she was suddenly distinctly away that she was essentially riding about in her underthings, even if they did cover anything important.
Jack just grinned even wider. "We'll I hope you two didn't get too dirty. Because you look like hell. Please, my maid can show you two inside. Get cleaned up. For the love of God! Oh, and Maxxen, give me back my bowl. You know what I'm talking about."
"Damn.... Can I keep the wine though?"
"Yeah, just remember where you got it from."
Yvaine blushes deeply and murmured, "Thank you," as decorously as she could possibly manage before she handed her horse off and allowed herself to be ushered inside to straighten up.
As they entered into the house, Maxxen helped Yvaine toward the rear of the manor, where the washbasin was kept.
"I'll get you some fresh water. Make yourself at home, darling. And...I remembered your dress. I'll get it shortly."
"Thank you, Maxx." She was still blushing a bit, but she smiled gratefully at him before looking around the space.
She hesitated a moment, then slipped out of her first layer of underthings as she moved cautiously toward the washbasin.
Maxxen returned with her clothes and oils with which to cleanse herself and set them beside her.
He grinned, eying her back. He couldn't help himself, the way the light glinted off her skin. But he restrained himself long enough to deliver the habit, settling it on a chair beside the tub.
"Oh." Yvaine glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him. "Thank you." She lifted a small vial of oil to her nose to sniff it delicately.
Glancing at Maxx again, she looked from him to the washbasin and tilted her head a bit. "It seems...an imposition to use the water for two baths. Should we...share?"
God, she really wasn't good at this. Normally being collected and elegant was second nature to her, but for some reason keeping her cool around him was becoming more and more difficult.
Maxx leaned on the edge of the tub. "I...think that's an interesting idea, but...I don't think we'd get very clean." He smiled and leaned in to kiss her forehead, hands bracing gently on her cheeks.
"Just have a bath, relax. It's your day off."
Her cheeks heated under his palms and she smiled a bit. "Day off, huh?" Day off from what? It wasn't as though she really had much to do around the manor most days.
Still, she appreciated the sentiment and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before stripping completely and climbing into the tub.
Maxxen appreciated the show for what it was worth, and gave her time to do what she needed to do before he came in with a fresh change of clothes. Well, they were jack's clothes but they would fit him just fine.
Yvaine allowed herself to just soak as long as she thought she could get away with it, finally emerging from the bath to give Maxx a quick smile as she gathered up her clothes. "I don't suppose you could point me in the direction of a towel before I go?"
He wasn't going to lie. Seeing her body bare in the faint gleam of remaining afternoon light gave him a faint rush, and he smiled slightly. "I could. What good would that do you though," he said. He took his which he'd bundled under his arm and unraveled it. Approaching, he wrapped it around her shoulders snugly.
She huffed a quiet laugh and leaned back into him. "Well, for one thing I probably shouldn't show up back home soaking wet," she teased lightly, twisting to give him an arch look as she held the towel around her shoulders.
"It might prove easier to answer than explaining how your clothes got filthy," he said with a grin, kissing her neck. "But they've been cleaned for you, and pressed, so hopefully you don't have to explain too much."
Yvaine chuckled and twisted her head to kiss his cheek. "I suppose that's a fair point," she murmured as she pulled away. She started to leave the room, then hesitated.
"Should I, um...expect you to call again?"
Maxxen averted his gaze a little, shrugging. He seemed shy about himself now, unsure what to say. "I don't know. It wouldn't be...too forward?" he asked. He leaned against the tub.
She couldn't help laughing, though she was blushing too. "Too forward?" Summoning a bit for courage, she stepped forward to lay her hand on his cheek. "Maxx. I'm fairly sure we're well passed being forward."
Maxxen blushed further, grinning just a bit. "True, but beyond that. I...think I'd like that Yvaine. Dinner tonight. Let's go to a tavern or some place private. Your...family is very extroverted." He chuckled. "And it seems your mother is far too eager in seeing you engaged."
Yvaine groaned and rolled her eyes. "She is at that." She smiled and leaned in to peck his cheek. "Tonight then."
Maxxen was moved slightly by the lean and felt himself tip back into the tub. He landed with a splash into the water and he fought to get back up, looking up at her and suddenly laughing. "See you tonight then, not soaking wet."
"Oh!" Yvaine covered her mouth, giggling. "I- oh, I'm sorry."
Still chuckling, she leaned over the tub to kiss him again, then pulled away. "Tonight."
Maxxen wiped his face off then righted himself in the water. "See you then."
Yvaine managed to make her way back to the horses and, semi-presentable, mounted Sunny to make the short ride back home.
In that short ride, Maxxen was able to dress and returned to hotel with some time. He hadn't planned on staying in Reajh that long but travel was dangerous.
At least now Maxxen had a reason to stay in the city for a little while longer.
Yvaine managed to brush off her little outing to her family as a simple jaunt to clear her head. In an effort to avoid continued nagging, she quickly informed the steward that Sir Lear had mentioned he may drop by that evening, then hurried off to the library, her usual place of sanctuary.
Evening came but Maxxen Lear had neglected to show up. Waiting for a guest to arrive before dinner began was customary for most noble families, but there was a point when waiting was simply too much before the food got cold.
So they started without him, certain he wouldn't arrive.
Of course, guests interrupting a meal was rather unbecoming as well, so Maxxen had snuck onto their property and into the servant's wing. He stayed in the kitchen, watching the family go about their dinner when he saw Yvaine. He made a sharp "Pssst" sound, gesturing to her and hoping she'd seen him.
Yvaine tried not to let it bother her when Maxxen showed no sign of arriving, but she was perhaps a bit more subdued than normal.
At least until she made her excuses to her family and stood to move toward the kitchen, then jumped in surprise and had a to clap a hand over her mouth.
Hurrying toward him, she hissed quietly, "What on earth are you doing back here?"
Maxxen leaned back into the shadows of the kitchen, avoiding the irritated eyes of the cook. Thankfully he was content to be nothing more than an angry stare.
"I was waylaid by an old friend. Sorry I'm late, but I figured you were starting dinner already. It's unbecoming to disturb a household when they're eating," he said with a nod.
"Well, yes, but-" she smiled in spite of herself. "You could have sent a note, Maxx, you didn't have to go through the trouble of hiding in the kitchens."
"Shall I vacate the premises and go round to the front again?"
Yvaine worried her lip. "Probably..." she mumbled. "Just...one moment."
Before she could second guess herself, she took a quick look around and leaned in for a quick kiss. She pulled back with a smile. "Alright, go on."
Maxxen seriously had been hoping she'd say the opposite but once she had set herself on the task, he didn't argue, and vanished the same way he came. The servants were a bit annoyed at having to deal with him at all, but they stood back never the less and he paid them for their silence.
When he came back around to the front, he greeted the butler, bowing deep. "Hello, Maxxen Lear here. I know I'm late, but I hope you didn't eat all the dinner just yet."
The steward huffed, irritated, but grumbled, "Let me escort you to the parlor. You can wait while the family finishes their meal."
Yvaine returned to the table, feeling anxious and a little bit guilty. She picked at her food, glancing at the door every few seconds.
He did wait in the parlor, relaxing on a sofa and pulling out a smoke he'd saved earlier that day. He ddn't wait for the invitation and he just struck a match, lighting it up and leaning around to see if he could catch a peek at the dinner. Damn if he wasn't hungry.
The steward entered the dining room and leaned in to her father to inform him quietly that they had a visitor. His eyebrow went up and he looked to his daughter.
"It seems your friend has arrived after all," he drawled.
Yvaine tried to look surprised. "Oh? Perhaps I should keep him company, I've finished eating."
Her mother shook her head briskly. "Without a chaperone? No, young lady-"
"Now, Amelia," her father cut in, "it will only be for a few minutes. The girl can handle herself."
Yvaine didn't wait for him to change his mind, standing and giving a polite little curtsy before hurrying to the parlor.
She relaxed some when she saw Maxx. "Hello."
"Hello, Yvaine. What kept you so long?" Maxxen asked with a smirk. He stood and put out the smoke in the ash tray on the table next to the sofa. "I've been waiting here for hours you know. It's not good to keep a visitor waiting."
"Oh, do forgive me." She smirked and dipped into a polite curtsy. "Whatever can I do to make it up to our most honored visitor?"
"Well," he murmured, voice a little quieter. "I'd ask for a kiss, but I rather think I like being pretty." He smirked at her and bowed his head to her. "I'm sorry I'm late. Yet somehow, I'm glad I missed dinner and being...grilled again by your family."
Yvaine winced. "Yes, I'm...sorry about that. They're not so bad, really..." She cleared ear throat, glanced around, and darted in to press a quick, light kiss to his lips.
"Just don't tell my brothers a that happened," she murmured as she pulled away with a small smile.
"You think I kiss and tell? No, madame, we did not secretly meet in shadows and dance in moonlight," he whispered back as he saw Yvaine's brothers emerging from the woodwork to join them in the sitting room.
She chuckled again but quickly withdrew to a respectable distance. A small nod for her brothers and she took a seat.
"So you've come to visit us again, Sir Lear? Surely you're not trying to weasel your way into the family fortune," Emile said, grinning.
"Me? Of course not. I'd be more afraid of you attempting to weasel your way into mine," Maxxen laughed, taking a seat beside Yvaine, only to be intervened by Leo, taking a seat next to his sister, and Lucius on the other.
Yvaine rolled her eyes at her brothers. "You all are being ridiculous," she muttered to Lucius.
"Protective," he retorted quietly, making himself comfortable.
"Same difference." She sighed and shot Maxx an apologetic look.
"So. Why are you here then?" Emile asked jovially, leaning casually against a wall.
"To take advantage of your hospitality of course," Maxx chuckled and took a seat in a chair just across from them in a lone chair. "Actually Yvaine asked me to come and visit, I couldn't turn her down. She has become a dear friend of mine."
"Yes," Yvaine piped up. She mock pouted at her brothers. "All of my friends are getting married and busy running their households- I thought perhaps I should look for companionship outside of my normal circles."
And with that her brothers laughed, all of them, at that comment and even Emile looked less than pleased. "Listen, Sir Lear. No man is friends with a woman unless he has some ulterior motive, and it isn't fit for a young woman to waste her time on a prospect if he has no intention of marrying her."
Maxxen tilted his head at him. "Spurned lover, ol' chap?" he snickered, a laugh that was followed by Lucius.
Emile turned beet red and even a little irritated.
Yvaine stifled a chuckle, laying a hand over her mouth. "Be nice," she chastised her brother and Maxx, though her eyes sparkled with good humor.
"Of course," Maxxen murmured and bowed his head to Emile. "My apologies, Emile. I am a guest in your home."
Emile harrumphed but Leo and Lucius chuckled. Yvaine rolled her eyes at all of them. "I swear, I don't know what I'm going to do with you lot."
"I hope you fellows had a lovely meal. I wonder what a guest has to do to get a drink around here," Maxxen muttered.
Emile rolled his eyes and remained stalwart against the wall. But after a while it was Lucius that stood and poured out crystal glasses of whiskey. "Yvaine? Care for a glass?"
"I wouldn't mind." She'd certainly take advantage while their mother wasn't around. She raised the glass her brother handed her slightly. "Cheers."
"Let's give our guest here a toast. For being... fashionably late!"
"Cheers! I can drink to that!" Maxxen said, raising his glass as well.
Yvaine shook her head, chuckling, and raised her glass. Beside her, Leo downed his drink and said rather abruptly, "So how long will you be gracing us with your presence, Sir Lear?"
"Presence within your house. Or within the city? The truth is, I really can't say. The roads have been more dangerous since the war. But I have my ways or finding safe passage."
"Both, I suppose," Leo chuckled.
Yvaine went rather quiet, eyes flicking down to her lap. For some reason, she hadn't given much consideration to Maxxen leaving the city.
"It's all up in the air right now, " he admitted with a bow to his drink. This was some good whiskey, but with that distraction far from mind his eyes flicked to Yvaine, noting her expression.
"But, it probably won't be for some time now."
Yvaine tried to hide the way her eyes lit up at that. She cleared her throat and sipped at her drink. "Well. I do hope we can keep you entertained during your stay," she murmured, carefully polite.
"I don't suppose you fellows know any good stories around here do ya?" Maxxen said and sipped his whiskey. "Unless you're the boring set of brothers Yvaine complains you are."
"Oh, does she now?" Leo looped an arm around Yvaine's shoulders and squeezed. Tight. She winced and shot Maxxen a baleful look.
"I'm sure we've got plenty of stories," Lucius cut in with a laugh. "What did you want to hear about?"
"Tell me a little about any local balls happening within the next few weeks," he murmured. "I'm afraid I've been out of the loop on most of the gossip."
"Ah, well-"
Lucius launched into a summary of the season, explaining who was holding balls, when, and why. Yvaine had to fight to keep her eyes open; she'd heard this all a dozen times already, and been urged by her mother to attend each and every event, if possible.
"Ah they all sound absolutely lovely. I'm not sure which one I'd want to crash first," Maxxen laughed. "I kid of course." Except he wasn't. And he probably would at some point. "Of course, I'd need a companion to said ball. I'd hate to just show up there alone. I'm sure you good gentlemen already have women you're attending with."
Her brothers nodded- save Emile. Yvaine chuckled and murmured, "My brother has chosen a path of priesthood, Maxx. He normally doesn't attend such affairs."
Emile shrugged. "I don't mind escorting you, should you require it, little sister."
At the revelation of his priesthood, Maxxen barked out laughing. If anything it was one hell of an icebreaker. "That's rich! Where did you get that bright idea? Why a priest?"
Emile scowled, but his siblings laughed at Maxxen's reaction,
"There is great honor in serving our God," he replied stiffly.
"I guess when a man runs out of options, there's only a few places left to turn. I commend you brother, cheers."
Yvaine stifled another chuckle and shook her head at Maxx, eyes glinting. "You're incorrigible," she informed him quietly as she leaned forward under the pretense of refilling her glass.
[We should probably brainstorm a little more. I'm kinda losing steam here.]
Maxxen just winked at her. "We all make our choices, friends. We got to live with them just as well. I hope I didn't impose too much, but you have me wondering what you lot do for fun round this side of green. Aside from bicker."
All four siblings glanced at each other. Lucius and Leo smiled.
"Are you much for swordplay?" Yvaine's eldest brother asked, quirking an eyebrow.
That question did make Maxxen sputter. He quirked his brows at the prompting and shook his head, not wanting to escalate that top of discussion. "I am quite proficient with swords, yes. But I don't play with them," he murmured.
That made Leo give him a rather approving look and Yvaine ducked her eyes, trying to look impartial.
"Well, there are always the tournaments," her brother said enthusiastically. "Jousting has been doing out of fashion, so fencing seems to have risen to replace it."
Maxxen grinned, and he gestured to him. " Are you suggesting we have a test of skill, my lord?" He set aside his drink, suddenly more interested in the topic at hand. He wasn't one to boast, but he was somewhat curious to see how they would hold up in comparison.
Leo chuckled. "I suppose if you'd be willing to have a friendly match," he replied, smirking.
Yvaine resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Men.
"I'd be happy to help wound your ego," Maxxen chuckled and motioned toward Yvaine. "As long as your sister can participate."
All three of her brothers paused, confused.
"Participate?" Lucius tilted his head. "What, do you want her to run interference?" he chuckled.
"Not at all. She'll be an active combatant," he said and Maxxen stepped beside her. "That is, if she's willing to show off her skills."
Yvaine stared up at him, wide eyed.
One lesson in several years hardly made her an expert.
Leo laughed quietly. "Yvaine, doesn't know how to fence, Ser Lear, you can't expect-"
"I'm in." She straightened her shoulders and smiled a bit.
Maxxen was beaming at hearing her say yes. When she did, he strung his arm into hers and held her side as they were led out and about into the courtyard. The others brought out the practice rapiers and set them up beside the group of siblings and their guest.
Yvaine pressed a little closer to his side as they walked, nervous. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" she murmured quietly.
"No, not at all. But you remember what I taught you, right? These are your brothers, and a little friendly competition. They wouldn't intentionally hurt you. Me on the other hand, Leo looks like he'd be happy to trample me with a horse," he murmured.
He chuckled and when her brother's joined them, he stepped back, removing his jacket. At least one good thing wouldn't get torn up.
"Oh he wouldn't do it intentionally," Yvaine smirked.
She hesitated a moment, then squeezed his hand briefly before stepping back to give him and her brothers room.
Leo was first up and drew his sword out of the rolled up rapiers in the leather wrap.
Maxxen took one as well and prepared himself.
Lucious took Yvaine's arm and pulled her back a few steps, Emile muttering something about foolishness and childish games.
Maxxen was at the ready and as soon as Leo was armed, he stepped forward first, twisting his wrist to flick the blade upward as if to cut the older brother's cheek. Leo staggered backwards and swatted the sword away, only to turn on his heel and try to press the attack.
Maxx stepped back, gave ground and watched Leo's movements, which seemed to become more aggressive, pressing forward.
Despite herself, Yvaine felt her breath hitch and she clenched her hands into fists, watching with rapt attention.
She thought perhaps she should have been routing for her brother, but she couldn't really find it in her to commit to a side.
What Maxxen thought was a game of fun, and apparently Leo felt a little differently about the whole matter. So when the blade came forward, Maxxen swung around leaving Leo to lunge helplessly forward and he slapped the flat of the practice rapier against the side of Leo's behind.
He laughed and readied himself for the fury that was coming.
Yvaine winced a bit.
That was probably not going to go over well...
Maxxen could lose gracefully. And he turned blocked where Leo countered and when the rapier came forward, Leo twisted his wrist and Maxxen felt his grip loosen on the handle, and sword came flying from his hand.
Maxxen stepped back, hands up. "Damn, you're good," he grinned. "You were taught well." Even if Leo couldn't tell a forfeit from a real win.
Leo snorted, smirking, but he had the grace to offer a bow. "That was well met, Ser Lear. It's obvious you've been well trained."
"I was, and still am. But really...I think you'd be surprised at what your sister is capable of," he said and offered the dropped practice rapier to Yvaine. "That is, if she's up for showing it."
Yvaine swallowed, then carefully took the hilt.
Lucius frowned slightly. "Yvaine hasn't held a blade since she was a girl and our parents made me stop teaching her," he pointed out.
"You'd be pleasantly surprised then, to find she has more talent than you last remember," Maxxen murmured. He stepped back and watched the spectacle for a time, tilting his head with a humorous curve to his lips.
Yvaine was not nearly so confident in her abilities, shooting Maxx a wry look as she hefted the rapier's weight in her hand.
Leo seemed to hesitate taking on his own sister in combat. Sure it was nothing more than a little friendly sparring, but it was his sister! Not to mention she wasn't even fit to fight!
He just stood there, dumbly, staring between her and the rapiers in their hands.
She wasn't exactly thrilled to be fighting in front of people, but...
Yvaine was nothing if not resourceful. Darting forward, she easily scored a touch on her unprepared brother's chest, twisting out of his way and dancing back into her guard stance.
Her brother glared stupidly until she touched his chest and he sputtered. Only then did he step forward and swing his sword. He didn't expect the response she had and clearly didn't remember that she was much better than he thought. They exchanged blades for a time until he stepped back, relenting, out of breath.
"Yvaine!?' he panted. "Who taught you to fight like that?"
Her eyes flickered to Maxxen.
"Lucius," she said with a shrug, out of breath herself. Fighting in skirts was hard. "Don't you remember. Of course, I may have found a new sparing partner recently."
"Y-you!? But that's preposterous? Why train a woman?" Lucius laughed, setting the blade off to Emile, who took care to keep the point away from him.
Maxxen shrugged. "Frankly, if anything, it was for a moment like this." he chuckled and stepped in beside Yvaine. "She's a remarkable student. And a quick study. Intelligence like that is often wasted."
None of her brothers seemed to quite know how to respond, exchanging glances with each other. Yvaine leaned into Maxx's side for just a moment, feeling just a tad smug.
"Well, this was lovely," she said breezily, "but Mother will be wondering where we've gone off to."
"Perhaps," Maxxen agreed, as did her brothers. But it didn't seem like either of them were interested in going back inside. So the two others played at their sword art and cursed and pointed each other, Maxxen was content to let them do was they pleased.
He offered his arm to Yvaine and wandered back inside, the living room now scarce of anyone save the servant that was cleaning up their drinks. "Sorry about that Yvaine," he murmured, grinning gently. "I just love to watch your brothers squirm though. Frankly, it tickles me."
Yvaine gave a rather unladylike snort and shook her head at him. "You are a wicked, wicked man," she chuckled, eyes glinting playfully.
"So, do you really want to spend the rest of your life, caught up in all this? Letting other people tell you what to do?" He was curious but he didn't mean it to be a baited question.
Yvaine sighed. "I never said that," she murmured. "What choice do I have, Maxx? It's not like I could just...leave, or change anything."
"What if you could? Where you go? What would you do?" he asked, walking along with her. "Things are different now. People are no longer bound by the rules that kept them chained up all these years. People are fighting for what they believe in, making a life for themselves. Or losing it in someone else's cause."
She blinked, not sure if she entirely grasped what he was getting at. "But- but what would I do? I don't have any practical skill, Maxxen, how could I fend for myself?" she laughed, a little bitterly.
"True enough. And please, don't assume I'm trying to push you into doing something you are unprepared for," Maxxen replied. "But how about an adventure. Let's get away from here. We'll go for a trip into the woods. Just a couple of days. Get a feel for freedom, and decide for yourself what it is you want to do."
Yvaine tugged at a lock of hair, biting her lip as she blinked rather round eyes at him. "I... Just a few days?"
She couldn't hide how much the idea intrigued her- her voice shook with poorly contained, illicit excitement and she flushed, glancing away.
He chuckled. "Just a few days. We'll take some time to find out if it's the life you want. Then we come back," he nodded to her. "As it is. It's come just about to that time that I should probably take my leave, my lady."
Maxxen took her hand gently in his and kissed the back of it. "Tomorrow. If you can steal away, we'll travel out to the country side. I've got a horse and wagon. But only if you can."
Yvaine stared at him for a moment, still sort of trying to process what she'd just agreed to. "Yes. Tomorrow. Can I meet you in the gardens?" she suggested quietly.
"I will meet you there. What time?" he said softly. "Evening? Morning?"
"Morning. I can sneak out before my parents or brothers are awake," Yvaine answered, lowering her voice unconsciously.
"Then let the morning be filled with new opportunity," Maxxen grinned as he leaned in and kissed her gently on the cheek once again. "Have a good evening, Yvaine." He departed quickly and quietly before it could be noticed by anyone else.
He had some things to prepare first, and supplies enough for a few days to last within the wilds was one of them.
"Tomorrow then," she murmured, flushed slightly with excitement as she waved him farewell.
It was still dark by the time Maxxen found his way back to Devereaux manor, and he made sure to pull around the rear, stopping the carriage short, pulling snugly on the reins. He stepped off and moved toward the garden wall, petting the horse and giving him a treat to keep him occupied.
Yvaine spent the hours between Maxxen's departure and re-arrival in a strange state of emotional limbo, interacting with her family and going about her daily tasks as usual while her mind was worlds away.
She hardly slept, and when she heard the sound of a carriage approaching the manner she practically jumped from her bed, snatching up the small pack she'd stashed beneath her bed and making her way quickly and quietly to the gardens.
She felt...off. She was dressed in a long tunic and a pair of breeches "borrowed" from one of her maids- not at all her usual style, and it felt odd to move in. Much freer than skirts, certainly, but also more vulnerable, somehow.
Shaking the feeling off, she slipped out into the gardens, eyes flickering back and forth in the dim light.
At the sound of approaching footsteps, Maxxen grew vaguely alarmed. As far as he was aware no one else had seen him, and he climbed over the wall, feet and hands clasping between rounded stones, and he vaulted over until he landed in the bushes.
And heard it again. And a figure closer to him now. "Yvaine?"
"Maxx?" She flinched slightly at her own caution; who else would be here so early, calling her name? Shaking herself, she took a few wary steps closer until the shadowy figure solidified into Maxxen.
Maxxen saw her at last in the dim gloom, and gently touched her hand. "I'm here. Right on time I hope?" He chuckled and leaned in to kiss her cheek.
Yvaine started slightly when he touched her hand, ten relaxed, nodding and smiling softly. Nerves fluttered in her stomach and she took a breath.
"Yes, just on time, I believe... A-are we going?"
"We are. Are you ready? If you've changed your mind, I won't begrudge you for it," Maxxen murmured.
"No." She shook her head firmly. "No, I've made my decision. I want to go." She tried for a confident smile. "After you, Ser."
Maxxen moved behind her to bend down and vault her up and over the wall and he followed her soon after. There the carriage was waiting for them and the horse looked up to glance curiously at Yvaine, nickering quietly.
With a soft huff of breath, Yvaine got her feet back under her and moved cautiously toward the carriage. She offered the horse her hand and patted his muzzle, then glanced back at Maxx for a moment.
Biting her lip, she climbed into the carriage, her hands fisting in the loose fabric of her tunic.
Maxxen was quick and quiet in his departure, and as the carriage rolled away, so did the feeling of anxiety. There was no certainty that they would make it out of the city, but he would take his chances. And just being on the outskirts would give them an opportunity to return whenever Yvaine felt the need to do so.
Once they were at the gate, Maxxen bribed the guard and they were easily let through.
Yvaine could do little more than wait anxiously in the carriage, nerves too present to even really offer up conversation as she watched the city pass by, then eventually give way through the gate out the window.
Once they were outside the gate, Maxxen too visibly relaxed. "It's okay. You can breathe now," he suggested, whispering into her ear as he turned the horse into a path off the main road a mile down from the city.
A breathless sort of chuckle slipped out of her and she forced herself to take a few deep breaths.
"We really did it," she murmured wonderingly, eyes flicking over the landscape that passed to either side.
"Just for a few days," Maxxen said as he pulled the cart to a halt and slipped out. He helped her down before moving on to the back and pulling out bedrolls and a pack filled with clothes, and his old sword which he promptly strapped to his waist.
A smile flicked toward her. "You'll like it. I promise. It won't be easy, but it'll at least give you a taste of a life you've never had before," he said.
Yvaine gripped his shoulders gently as he helped her down, then moved to help him. Despite the nervous fluttering of her stomach, she couldn't seem to stop smiling.
"Maxx." She reached out to touch his shoulder, turning him gently to face her. Then she beamed, and leaned in for a quick, fierce kiss. "Thank you."
"And just what are you thanking me for, Miss Yvaine?" he chuckled. Maxxen Lear was as ever an easy going man, and he leaned into that kiss with ease for the sheer pressure of it was intoxicating. "I dunno if that kiss will be enough thanks. Inflation dear. The price has since gone up to two kisses."
She chuckled and pecked his lips again, feeling giddy with ill-begotten freedom. "It's thanks for showing me I could...do more. Be more." Her eyes glinted happily at him.
The toll had been paid. It wouldn't exactly be fair to raise it again. And Maxxen didn't feel like digging rocks out of his butt cheeks.
"You're most welcome my dear. Now we haven't even gotten through the thick of it yet," he explained. "I'll teach you what I can. But the hardest is part is shaking the longing for home."
"Ah." She glanced back over her shoulder. "I suppose..." She shook herself and looked back to him. "Well. I follow your lead, then."