Hydaelyn Role-Players

Warren wasn't sure how to follow the change of conversation but trusted there was a reason she had asked. He nodded, seeming to relax in the wake of her smile.

"I can, if that's what you mean. Books worth keeping tend to be heavy and the traveling lifestyle forces you to carefully weigh what you want to bring. I'm mostly settled now, obviously, but the habit dies hard. I have some things back at the Duskbreak, mostly historical ledgers and the sort. I'm not nearly as sophisticated as people make me out to be."

He smiled again, pausing then returning the question. "And you?"

She rose from her seat and moved to the dresser where she had some personal belongings. Atop of it was a worn leather book about six by four ilms in size. She took this and turned to Warren, extending it to him.

"Perhaps you would read to me? I should like to hear your voice."

The expression of shock gave way to something more tender, nearly vulnerable. He smiled and shook his head, then began to undo the fastenings keeping his gauntlets secure.

"I'd be honored to." He made short work of the task and received the book, indicating the bed while pulling a chair up to the side of it. He adjusted himself so the candle light would fall on the pages but not the pillows and thumbed through. It was a collection of short stories, it seemed, and the book was well-loved.

"Any one in here you'd like to hear specifically?" His tone was gentle and unguarded, more man than mountain.

Suddenly nervous, she turned her back towards him as she untied her robe. "I have enjoyed them all. I would like to hear your choice, however." Removing her robe, she let it hang on the bed post, then slipped back under covers wearing nothing but her nightgown.

She laid on her side facing him, covering up to her midsection. Her arms were folded to the side as she watched his face flickering in the candle light.

The knight afforded the Lady her privacy, keeping his attention squarely on the contents of the book in front of his face. He flipped through the pages and stopped on the first break he came across, then began reading with great attempt to keep his voice low and quiet.

He spared a glance from time to time when looking up from his place, making sure to fix his gaze firmly on her face as he tried to make her feel comforted. The story was one she would have been familiar with, given the wear of the book itself, but he told it as if it was a new tale to be heard, mostly because he himself didn't know how it would turn out.

She watched him for a time, listening to his voice until his words began to string together. Her eyes grew heavier. It wasn't fair. For once she didn't want to fall asleep. Her body had other plans, however, and he wasn't even a quarter through the story before she drifted off.

Warren continued reading until he was sure she was asleep, the gentle rise and fall of her chest slipping into a rhythm that only gave the faintest pause when he closed the book and carefully set the tome beside the candle. He doused the light with a pinch of two fingers and then gingerly drew the covers up over her shoulders.

"Good night, Cot." Warren whispered with a small smile on his face.

It was nearly mid morning when she had finally awoken. Slowly turning over she looked towards the place she remembered him sitting, but he had already gone. She laid there for a few moments longer just gazing at the chair until she deemed it time to make herself useful once more. Getting out of bed, she put on her robe and surveyed the room.

The book had been returned to the armoire. Next to it was a silver tray with a muffin on a plate, some juice, and a single Nymeia Lily. She took up the lily and held it to her face. She smiled as she slowly twirled it in her fingers.

***

It was about mid-day she received an odd letter. Standing in the street she broke the seal and unfolded it to read.

Lady Crofte,

I have to admit, I find myself rather, perturbed by you. I learn of your collaring from Ser Warren, bring him along to recover the needed tool of your removal, teach him how to remove a collar and set you free, and in return for my aid, you imprison Roen, and now have a dog named Gaspard sniffing where he shouldn't be.

I find this ironic.

I happen to visit the bar in the airship landing most evenings as I cannot stand the Quicksand and their prices. Should you happen to be in the area and see a Miqo'te with blue and gold hair, you should stop by and have a chat. I have so much to say about both Roen and your dog.

~ Askier Mergrey
Bomb Maker Extraordinaire ~

"There go any plans for this evening.", she said to herself.

***

It was later that afternoon she let Warren know as well. He had insisted on being present and she was of no mind to refuse him. Together they sat quietly in the lounge, waiting. It became apparent the man was not going to show himself now. Finally, she worked up the courage to break yet another awkward silence.

"Your presence has helped me sleep on more than one occasion now. I... I am almost scared to spend the nights alone now.". Warren seemed lost in thought. "... Coerthas? I was worried I would wake you. And if you like, I'll stand watch over you. Erm, for you. Uh... I'll stay."

"No, I cannot ask you to lose sleep as well."
"I'm used to scrimping. Honestly, sleeping full hours is throwing me off."
She brushed her bangs back only to have them fall forward again. "What I mean to say is, you cannot stay awake all night."

He looked away with an odd expression of shyness about him. "Erm... if need be, I'll prop myself by the door." His words trailed off, dying in his mouth as his eyes caught hers once more. She immediately looked away suddenly feeling very shy herself. Her voice lowered and went very soft. Almost to herself she said "You dinnae have te sleep on a chair."

"...well...", he grinned bashfully as he pushed his braids out of his face. "I... would like that." She smiled back to him as she tried to gauge his intent behind his eyes. "So... ye would have me?", she asked. His expression changed many times at the question, turning from a smile to a shy glance, back to a smile again. It was rather unbecoming of a knight to be at such a loss for words. He glanced at her once more then looked down toward the table. "If... If I may?"
"Ye already do.", she replied.

There was another long silence as they both scanned the room once again looking for Askier.
"Perhaps you will read to me again tonight?", she asked.
"It would be unfair to leave the story unfinished.", he answerd.
"Mm. Perhaps it will have a different ending this time."

More silence.
"Where is Askier, damn him!"
"Yes, it's rude to keep a lady waiting!"


Standing once again in the Quicksand later that night, Coatleque was speaking to a curious Miqo'te by the railing when she heard a familiar voice in her ear. "Lady Crofte? Are you on duty?". It was the lalafell stationed at the prison. "Aye, I'm always on duty.", she replied. "We have a bit of a situation here. You should probably get here, now."

"Aye, I shall be there shortly."

She apologized to the woman and excused herself from the room. As she made her way towards the palace her heart almost sank. She found herself quickly making an excuse into a separate linkpearl. "Ser Castille... it appears I am needed in the palace tonight. I do not know when I will be free once more, but I shall have to hear the end of your story another night." She grumbled. This had better be damned important.

***

(07-29-2014, 03:05 PM)Coatleque Wrote: [ -> ] I cannot stand the Quicksand and their prices.

~ Askier Mergrey
Bomb Maker Extraordinaire ~

(( LOVE YOU TOO ASKIER! ))

Warren ignored the hushed whispers and stifled giggles as he made his way to Coatleque's room. She was off on duty but apparently there wasn't a soul in Ul'dah who didn't already know what was going on. He hardly had to ask to be admitted to the place she was staying and he wondered if he was overstepping a boundary.

You're just waiting. You have a story to finish, and she specifically asked you to. You're not doing anything unwarranted.

Still, he felt like he was skulking about. To make amends for it he remained in his armor, braced the chair against the far wall away from the bed and armoire and settled in. The hour was late, but he would wait for her. That's what he was telling himself when he drifted off, at any rate.

Coatleque slowly made her way down the hall to her room. It was late now, almost the last bell. She had seen to her ward as she was used to, had her meeting with Mergrey and his hired muscle, and was now ready to attempt sleep once more.

Entering her room, she did not bother to even look around. Her eyes adjusted to the dim light as she moved straight to the bed and began unbuckling straps and clinking scales. She did not want to be alone again tonight, but perhaps her dreams would be kind. She sighed and turned towards the bed while fumbling with a strap that would not come loose.

Warren only came to his senses when he heard the slight sigh of discontent. His head jerked up with a start and he was at first more confused that he'd fallen asleep, but once he knew where he was and what the shape on the other side of the room was he felt a clutch of panic rise in him.

He sat upright, undoubtedly making enough noise to be noticed as he held his hands up to block his own view. For good measure he jerked his head to the lowest, furthest corner of the room and tried to see through it to the ground floor below. His attempts at words came out as a useless collection of surprised noises.

Unawares of another presence in her room, to say she was surprised would be an understatement. There was a quick flash and sound of steel as she turned about with her sword raised parallel to the ground. She did not call out or speak as her heart raced, but stared for a moment till her sight caught up to her reflexes.

Her sword lowered slowly. "Ser Castille? Twelve preserve me, what are you doing here?!"

Realize how incredibly off-putting she must look, she sheathed the weapon and promptly removed it from her belt, leaning it against the armoire.

Warren knew what an unsheathing sword sounded like and he knew she knew how to use one. He cringed and waited for the sound of her crossing the room but she didn't. There was a moment that took an eternity to pass before she spoke his name, and he looked up from his corner sheepishly.

"I... meant to wait. I drifted off, I suppose. I'm sorry." His tone was equal parts embarrassment and guilt. "I wanted to finish the story. I promised."

His eyes were adjusted enough in the dark for him to recognize her shape and he stood, letting his hands fall to his side. "Forgive me for startling you. I didn't mean to."

She looked at him with equal parts anger, embarrassment, and longing as she considered his words. Anger at herself for reacting as she did. She had been delayed last night, and he was making sure it would not happen again this night. That same shyness she had felt before came over her and she smiled at him.

"You are forgiven, of course. I am... happy you are here, Warren. I was not looking forward to another night alone. What I mean is, I would like to hear the end of the story."

She turned back towards the bed and continued fighting with straps, trying to remove the burdens she'd been wearing all night now.