(Rearing Stallion) Liquid Courage (Basha'ir)

[Orion Michaels]

Orion, Day of Summer 82, 512 AV His heart was barely contained in his chest at this point. He took another drink to try and calm himself as he watched and listened to the young woman. Rarely did anything he say phase her, and it really began to feel like he could try and sabotage himself and she'd find something to say good about him. A lump formed in his throat as he took an even bigger swig from the mug. "I left out the intelligence part on purpose. Besides all those things, this awe inspiring man is humble above everything else." He flashed a grin her way, scratching the back of his head nervously. This..is really happening? "I don't think you have to worry about your luck." Owner. The concept sent a chill down his spine. "It sounds awful. The man was none too pleasant in my brief exchange with him. He actually managed to offend all of my senses. I normally wouldn't speak ill of the dead but.." he shook his head, reaching over and touching her sleeved arm gently in an attempt to comfort. "Hey, no apologies, right?" He raised his mug. "To a new life. To freedom. And to you, Basha'ir. I have a feeling this city doesn't know what was unleashed on it." He frowned slightly as she spoke of his willingness to free her from her bonds. Why does that make her sad? He couldn't be sure. Standing slowly, he watched her expression as he spoke. "I-I'm not..I'm not a good person. I'm not so sure you'd like the real me." He smiled, looking deep into her dark green eyes. "I'm just a man with a history of mistakes, but if you want to come along for the ride, I'd be happy to have you. I know a thing or two about enjoying freedoms." He nodded to her, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Let's do something. Anything. It doesn't even have to be indecent. I get myself in trouble when I don't have a plan, though. Fair warning." He laughed, his eyes staying locked on hers. "The gods be willing, I won't break this spell for you. Learn about me, Basha'ir. Then make your own call."

[Basha'ir]

Orion was so sweet. She thought she knew what he meant, when he said that he wasn’t a good person. Like most who walk the face of this world, he had his methods for coping with the pain life had handed him. Part of that was this façade he presented, and Basha’ir was far from an innocent young girl who knew nothing of the way men could treat a woman. But being a heartbreaker, a rake, a womanizer, however one chose to call it, that was a far, far cry from the monsters she had been given to or loaned to or owned by or stolen by. In some ways, compared to what she had experienced, what she herself had done, and thrilled in the doing, Orion was the one who was like a babe in the woods. As she looked at him, when he rose, staring down at her, she thought how vastly different their lives had been to this point. But they did have that common ground, the pain of a past they might wish to escape from. It seemed perhaps they might have the chance to try to do that together, to move forward and move that pain to some place within where it didn’t hurt quite so much.

For an experiment, this night seemed to be taking a turn for the better. Dare she really believe that she could be herself, her true self, and still be pleasing to a man? This man? Looking at him, she laughed too, a brighter, more vibrant laugh than she had yet to loose. Gracefully, she rose from her seat.

“Then you accept me as your student?” She gave him that cheeky grin. “That is most excellent. I’m eager to begin my lessons. But I warn you, I am a very diligent pupil and I have always a great zeal to gain a complete and thorough knowledge of my subject, which in this case, is you, good sir. So, if you are ready to begin, then lead on. Indecent or otherwise, I’m ready to write this chapter in my book.”

[Orion Michaels]

oocJust got hit with some hardcore writers' block. Trying to power through.

Orion, Day of Summer 84, 512 AV My student? He thought on that. What could he really teach her. At times, he was nearly afraid to touch her for fear that he would corrupt her. Innocent in his eyes, he wanted nothing more than for her to enjoy her new found freedom. To entrust him with it, to take on that burden for her, it was an immense commitment either way. Her laugh brought him back to reality. "Uh, yes. From this moment you are my student. My rules are simple because, well, I don't have any." He crossed his arms and began pacing in front of her. "I do reward progress with positive reinforcement, though." He gave her a grin, allowing his gaze to move at an exaggeratedly slow pace her face to the ground. "Take that for what you will." The young man was nervous, excited, tormented, and ecstatic, all ground up into one crazy mess. Although this was to be a lesson in him, there was so much for him to learn from her, about her, and of her. With a deep breath and a strengthened resolved, Orion was ready to give this a shot. Certainly nothing that happened could make him hurt worse, right? Maybe, just maybe, it could ebb the flow of pain, and that would make it all worth it. "Orion-ology is an extremely difficult field of study. There's no guarentee of success, and my classes might just might test your emotions." He stuck his tongue out, teasing the beautiful woman. "If you're able to keep up, that is." He stopped his pacing and leaned extremely close to her, nearly brushing his lips against her. His warm breath flowing against her hear, he whispered. "The lesson begins." He gave her a playful shove on the shoulder, turned from her, and flirting much in the way a child would, he ran out of the bar. He left her with a quick glance, twinkling eyes, and an expression of 'catch-me-if-you-can'. It begins, Orion. Hold yourself together.

[Basha'ir]

She raised one bemused eyebrow at his cockiness, though she inwardly thought him the height of male charm. Such a flirt he was. She wondered how many pretty girls around Syliras sighed and made big eyes at the handsome Dr. Michaels when he passed through their mundane lives. And so bold, as well! But she didn’t flinch or look affronted or shy as he gave her the once over. He could look, as much as he liked. She could enjoy it, more than the times when she knew that both her deliberate and magical skills were the reason men turned their eyes to her. This was much more exhilarating, and she felt her pulse quicken watching Orion looking at her like that, even though he was half-way teasing.

Then, she could not help but giggle at his silly antics. She knit her fingers together and held her hands primly in front of her chest, like some child listening to a proper lesson, though her face said clearly this was all so much rubbish. But it was funny rubbish. Abruptly, he stopped moving and leaned in close, his breath tickling her ear, making her scrunch up her neck involuntarily. Taken aback by this proximity, Basha’ir held her own breath and tried not to cringe, simply because she wanted to avoid him actually touching her face or neck. Instead, he gave her a totally unexpected push, a light one to her shoulder. Not enough to cause her to actually lose her balance, it was still so surprising that she did lean back a bit, trying to get a look at him. But already he was gone, loping to the door and turning only long enough to smile and wink at her.

Literally speechless, Basha’ir could only stare after him for a second or two, her mouth slightly open, wondering what in the world he was up to. Did he really expect her to play tag with him? Her incredulity, though, swiftly melted into a lighthearted joy, as she somehow reached into her memory and dusted off scenes of childhood games, played even before her mother was forced to sell her into slavery. With a small sound of both delight and determination, she walked a few steps forward and then, as Orion had done, she began to run, slowly though because of her long skirt. If any others present in the tavern looked at her askance, she paid them no mind and cared not one wit for her dignity. Reaching the doorway, she burst through it, and stood for a moment, looking both ways up and down the street.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion, Day of Summer 84, 512 AV It was incredibly dumb what he was doing. He knew it, and surely she did as well. But at least for now he couldn't bring himself to care. Feeling free and able to act like a damn petching fool with Basha'ir, Orion was just ready to let go and see what happened. After exiting the tavern, the young man turned, crossed his arms, and waited, sure the beautiful woman would soon follow. "You're late," he stated, as the door opened and she came into view. He gave her a grin which screamed how much he recognized the stupidity of it all, but the game had begun, and it was no time to stop now. The energy, passion, and alcohol flowing through is veins wouldn't allow him to, anyways. "Basha'ir, Basha'ir, Basha'ir," he repeated slowly. "Apparently I've underestimated you." The young doctor nodded slowly at her. "Yes, you just may have the potential to solve Orion. The first lesson was this: An Orion acts in his own time. An Orion is unreliable." He hoped dearly she could appreciate his self depreciating humor. Highlight all his own flaws, all of his problems. It would be simple enough. The medicine he practiced was the only real redeeming quality he saw about himself. "As a result of your quick mastery of this, I've awarded you a question. At any point during your studies you may ask me any question and I promise to answer truthfully....said the unreliable man to the beauty." Orion raised his eyebrows to emphasize the last point. I don't even know what I'm doing, he moaned to himself. There was no doubt in his mind she would eventually tire of this, but he had to see it through. He had to make it a game. Otherwise there was no chance. He would never tell her anything. His eyes shone sadly, if just for a moment, as he turned and began to walk. "We will take our next lesson at the bazaar, but for now we walk!" Sighing quietly and shaking his head, Orion hid a brief frown from her. It never felt good to be introspective like this. All the memories he held served only to pull out the hurts and pains which he'd buried and hidden years ago. His father, his failures, his struggles, his mistakes. And her...All of them tormented him each day of his existance, so this was the only way. It had to be. Looking back to Basha'ir, he smiled, slowing his pace to allow for an easier trek. She was something else, that was for sure. The way she carried herself, the way she laughed at the stupid things he said and did. It gave him the push he needed to keep this going. "Having fun yet?" he laughed, turning and walking backwards. "Just to keep things fair," he added with a grin. As she was able to close the gap, he looked over to her. "I've given you ample opportunity to run, you know? Are wild cards just your type?" Smirking as he asked, the young man studied her face, looking for any sort of tell. Orion had certainly noticed the way she acted whenever he got close. It was different, intense, unexpected, and intriguing. What he didn't know, however, was if it was good or bad. "Or is it because I'm a rich doctor?" he said, winking. "I certainly couldn't blame you there."

[Basha'ir]

Of course, he was there, waiting for her, grinning like the cat who drank the cream. Slowly she walked towards him, as he spouted his loony self-mocking “lesson.” She smiled back at him, slyly, as he presented her with her “reward.” She returned his raised eyebrow with one of her own.

“A question, hm?” she repeated, as if she was pondering long and hard what she would most like to ask. What was it that she was burning with curiosity to know about him?

But then he turned and began to walk away, saying something about the bazaar. With a speculative look, she followed, though she did not run to catch him up. She walked at her own leisurely pace, content to keep the same distance between them as they went. After just a few paces, Orion turned his head back over his shoulder to look at her, maybe to see if she was following him. Her arms were now folded carefully across her chest and she shot him a look, one that said that she was thinking very hard about all that he was doing and saying, analyzing it and examining it for clues. Orion clues. Though she knew far more about him than she let on. Still, she did find him fascinating.

As he began to walk backwards, she bit down on her lip but the smile was still visible.

“Oh yes, I’m having really the best evening of my life, Doctor Michaels.” Her smile really was quite cunning looking, somewhat like a fox’s.

“I can’t see why you would think I might run. After all you are, let’s see, charming – extremely good looking – manly – intelligent – kind…” With each descriptive term she touched the index finger of her right hand to a finger on her left hand. “And you taste good. I mean, you have good taste.” She giggled. Holding her hands outwards, she shrugged. “What girl could resist that?” Then she added hastily, “But, oh, that’s not my question.”

As she had been talking she had slowly gained ground and was coming closer to him. Now she was right before him, though he still was walking backwards, slowly. Basha’ir tapped her forefinger to her lip, feigning deep thought.

“Oh I know what I want to ask!” she exclaimed. “How fast can you run?”

With a joyful laugh, she darted past him, taking off at full tilt, hiking her long skirt up to knee height with her hand, and pelting down the semi-dark street.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion, Day of Summer 84, 512 AV She was watching him as closely as he watched her. Was she waiting for a slip up, or something else? Orion couldn't get a good read on her to save his life, and yet it felt like he was an open book, regardless of his efforts to be otherwise. His shield was cracking. "The best evening?" He laughed. Was it really? Should that make him happy or sad? "I'm glad to hear that," Orion said gently. He smiled and nodded as she counted off each of his qualities. He was all of those things, but was he really kind? After all, he only used them to get what, rather, who he wanted. Somehow, it was different with her. Normally, his adventure would be from the bar to his bed. The woman accompanying him would receive lessons, for sure, but not about this and certainly not like this. "T-t-taste!," the young doctor stuttered, his face flushing. A slip of the tongue? Or had more happened their first meeting than he could remember. "What was th.....at..." And she was off. How fast can I run? Orion's mouth hung open slightly, as he watch her, listening to the pattering of sandalled feet hitting against the rough stone road. "That was your question?" He yelled after her, fighting the urge to laugh. "You could have asked me anything, and you just want to find out I'm faster than you?" He shook his head, his heart racing, his blood flowing, and a smile he just couldn't seem to get rid of plastered on his face. "What a waste!" And with that, Orion was off, chasing after the woman who'd focused an inattentive man. Was he laughing? It couldn't be real. This kind of thing only happened in stories, right? He didn't have much time to focus on his worries, though. His lungs were burning. Oh gods. I need to get out more. Stitching cuts, wooing women, and doing other things with said women didn't leave much time for a man to run. His strides were long, allowing him to make up ground on her, but his legs were going to yell at him later for sure. He couldn't worry about it now, though. She was right there. Basha'ir...

[Basha'ir]

It felt good. No, it felt wonderful! To run like this, as fast as she could, not caring what direction she took, with no-one to stop her. Basha’ir’s feet flew over the far from even paving stones, and in the dark she was at great risk of catching on one and tripping. But luck, more than skill, kept her moving forward, and though she too was unused to the exertion, she was bound and determined to keep going until either she could not force another step, or Orion caught her up.

She could hear his footsteps pounding behind her. He wasn’t far. She was fairly certain that he could outrun her with little effort, though she hoped that he would pretend that he could not, at least for a short while. In the end, though, she would not be upset at all when he did catch her. In fact, she was rather looking forward to that.

There were people in the street, moving to and fro, though most city dwellers were probably either already home or heading there. But after she had dodged a man who had looked up at her with surprise and then cursed her as she whizzed by, she decided to duck down an alley that came up on her left. She wasn’t trying to lose Orion, just to find a less crowded path. It was a fair bit darker in the alley, but on she went, seeing that it was rather a short one and in no time she was popping out the far end, and right into a knight.

He had just walked past the far opening, stepping right into her path, and there was no way that she could stop. She careened into him and even though she was not a big person, she had enough momentum going that she almost knocked him sprawling. As it was, he grabbed onto her by natural reflex, and she grabbed him as well, and for a moment it seemed like they were doing a crazy dance, spinning about, trying to keep from falling over. It seemed a certainty that they must go down, but at the last moment, his superior size was able to counterbalance her slight one, and they righted themselves.

But he did not let go of her. No indeed, his fingers gripped her arms tightly, his face only a few inches from hers, with an expression like thunder.

“What the …” he began, his voice gruff and extremely annoyed.

It was then that he looked up and noticed Orion, and his expression changed to one of understanding, as he released Basha’ir and made a swift lunge towards the doctor.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion, Day of Summer 84, 512 AV Orion didn't even see the man. He was too focused on her, too focused on keeping the right distance. He was sure she was having fun, because as much as it hurt to run this hard, it was the most fun he'd had in such a long time. It was..pure. That's the word..Pure.... Stupid, pure, childish fun. He wasn't sure what he was going to do when he caught her, but all that was on his mind was staying with her. His focused changed as he saw the armored man coming at him at the last second. It wasn't the first time he'd been hit and Orion was positive it wouldn't be the last, but it hurt just as bad every time. "PETCH!" he yelled, it echoing throughout the alley behind him. He staggered back, as he could feel the warm stream of blood flowing from his nostrils. His vision blurred as he put his hands up to protect himself, but ..was there two of them? Four..? He shook his head trying to steady his gaze on the imposing figure before him. "What sort of shyte is this!" Orion's knees wobbled as he nearly lost his footing. He was somewhat amazed he was still standing, what with him running full force into a battering ram, but his footing remained faithful for the moment. The doctor blinked a few times, finally noticing Basha'ir standing there. His cloudy mind put two and two together. This man was here to abduct her. "No way," he said, wiping the ever falling waterfall of crimson with his right sleeve. "No one's gonna take her again!" With a wild swing, he whiffed a shot at the larger man as he legs gave out and he collapsed to the ground. "Leave her...alone.." He looked up at Basha'ir, his clouded eyes apologizing. He'd let her down.

[Basha'ir]

Basha’ir clamped her hands over her mouth for one second, as she gasped at what she saw was imminently going to happen. Her body and mind were both still reeling from the impact and the twirling about and stumbling. But it took only a moment for her to recover from both the shock and the alarm, and she dropped her hands and let out a loud, “No!”

Too late.

The knight had whirled about, thinking he had the right take on this situation. Girl running wildly from an alley. Man in hot pursuit. Ergo, man was up to no good vis a vis girl and the knight fully intended to put a stop to it – right here and now! The man’s fist cocked back and exploded forward, even as Basha’ir launched herself at him, her hands going futilely to his shoulder. She could in no way stop the punch, and in horror, she saw past the knight as Orion practically ran right into that rock hard punch. With even more horror, she watched his nose splatter with a spray of crimson, and then…he swung back! His effort to come to her aid was both charming and terrifying. This was a knight! Basha’ir’s knowledge of Syliras was limited, but she already knew full well what complete sway these armored men and woman held over the city. You just didn’t cross them!

So it was that she watched in some sort of twisted relief as Orion dropped to the ground. At least he couldn’t act like a lovely heroic fool and try to take on a knight. And, it gave her time to try to explain…this. The knight was scowling down at poor Orion, and Basha’ir had to step in front of him to get his attention. Her veil had fallen back and her flushed face was fully exposed. Shamelessly, she hoped that her gift would distract the man enough that he might forget about Orion, or at least focus on her and not care too much about the guy he had decked. Careful not to touch him, Basha’ir tilted her face down in a gesture of complete contrition, but her large eyes glanced upwards, dark lashes fluttering a bit as if in dismay, and she clasped her hands in front of her breasts.

“Oh please, good sir, don’t be angry with us.” She didn’t look at Orion, instead keeping her focus on the knight. Her voice was gentle and soft, like a breeze, with some sultry undertone to it.

“We were just…playing. He is a friend, not a mauler. He… he was teasing me and we were just being silly. You know…playing a little game.” She gave him quite the sensuous look from under those lashes. Her voice dropped in volume. “You know how a girl likes to be pursued, by a man.” Carefully, she placed a hand lightly on his breastplate. “Please, it was just an accident. I…I’m sorry I ran into you.” Her face tilted up to his, and it wasn’t a pleasant one but she had seen far worse.

“You aren’t hurt are you?” Her voice was barely more than a murmur, and her deep green eyes were boring straight into his.