[The Silver Sliver Tavern] Shot in the Dark (Amelia)

[Sevris]

4th Day of Summer 510 A.V Sevris Lazarin took a seat at the oak wooden bar. The music was pleasant today, some bloke with a flute of course. A popular location so he didn't think he looked out of place in his silk clothing. Brilliantly emblazoned on the back of his cloth and shirt was the Lazarin emblem. His pride had swelled lately. Also wanting to show the power of his position to a certain someone. It was about nightfall, so the candles had already been put out to help the lamps with their lighting. He hoped it could capture his face well enough. Jeb the bartender of the Silver Sliver tavern, came around the bend after dealing with a customer. Sevris had requested a table for two. He stepped up cleaning out a mug, "What do you want?" He knew he was with the Ebonstryfe and so they were main ones who drunk their good mead. "Just a bottle of your fine wine please." He turned away to go get the bottle. Sevris turned around and waited for her to arrive. Patient as always.

[Amelia Cross]

Sevris. She knew he was a Lazarin, so much unlike Amelia he was used to the finest. While the Cross girl had gotten the taste of it only when entering Ravok. The place he had chosen for the meeting, the popular tavern was something like a sign he wanted to keep it simple, but you could never know, might as well be her imagination, but that thought was shadowed by…Her father, who had warned her of the family, even though he would be pleased to see Amelia in good relations with them. The thought of it all swirled in her mind as she was ridding the ravosal, which was taking her to the location. Once the building was reached, she smiled at the man and handed him to the miza for his services.

She did however hesitate to enter, she was eager to meet Sevris again. She wanted to see her friend…but something, somehow, just didn’t seem right. At the end, she did man up though, she entered with her head up high, her black eyes looking around, seeing the men who had already had one too many drinks. The girls who smiled at anyone for a price and the bartender…Jeb, if she remembered one thing from the last visit here, it was Jeb. He was an interesting man.

Finally she spotted Sevris. Had he already noticed her? It was a subject of question, as the light was dim and most of it was concentrated on the stage. But it didn’t matter, not now. She just walked up to him, with a smile on her red lips that were carefully painted upon her face as always. And once Amelia had reached the solider, she tilted her upper body towards him, her shoulder bare due to the dress having only a corset style top ”If I dared to pull you in a hug, would the punishment be exile, Mr.Lazarin?” her voice flirty and playful, as her pale fingers played around with the fabric of her black dress, to appear just a bit more innocent than she actually was.

It was true, it was enough for the girl to see him, and the words of his family being vicious, monsters and masters of torture faded. Her father’s teachings faded. He was just Sevris and she, Amelia. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Sevris]

Cinematic. That was the best way to describe the scene when he turned around and saw Amelia striding in the tavern. Probably not the preferred location, but there were spies even amongst his peers. An aim at his life would come eventually and he would never put her at risk. Regardless a smile played on his face after such a long time had gone by. As she drew near and he suddenly felt a pang of guilt as he had once thought that at one point that she would not return. But her she was, just as vibrant and beautiful when she left. When she reached him she leaned over and asked him, ”If I dared to pull you in a hug, would the punishment be exile, Mr.Lazarin?” Sevris answered by leaning forward out of his seat, he wrapped his arms around her waist and embraced her. In a similar flirtatious manner he said softly in her ear, "The punishment would be too have a drink with me, and stay forever in my eyes." He pulled back with a smile. "Come take a seat and tell me about your travels." Like a gentleman he pulled a chair beside him and gestured for her to sit. Jeb came back with some exquisite wine called Lotmer. "Two glasses please, and also anything the fair lady wants." His head whipped back to Amelia, looking at her with renewed interest as if he had just saw her for the first time again.

[Amelia Cross]

Safe, protected and at ease, that was how she felt when the Lazarin wrapped his arms around her. She couldn’t help but pull her own fragile fingers from the fabric of her dress, and in an awkward motion run them along his upper arms. Enchanting, was how she could explain the feeling as she nuzzles her face against his body, inhaling his scent, forcing a waterfall of memories rush over her just as he answered her question. His voice seemed to have become a bit deeper and somehow it had managed to send chills over her body, did he feel it? Only the gods would know, and she wouldn’t let herself analyze it, not now.

”forever is a long time, don’t you think it would be more of a punishment to you?” she continued teasing as the embrace was broken. Though it was just half a tease, somehow it was insecurity, maybe of herself. People didn’t tend to stick around her for long. So the little voice in the back of her head was worried that this might come to an end, before forever ends. Was she too paranoid? You can get like that if you have to lead a double life, and are torn between two cities in a cold war.

Amelia sat down, crossing her legs in a manner to let a bit of her skin show in the process. She hadn’t intended it however, her mind was bothered by the interest in her travels. Oh she had a lot to speak of…with her father. She could explain how her mother hurt her, how Syliras wasn’t even worthy of Ravok’s shadow. She could tell him of how she had been practicing in the art of seduction, just like he wanted. The affairs, broken hearts and families she left behind in Syliras. But it wouldn’t be exactly something she wanted Sevris to know of. She didn’t want him to know it was Syliras she traveled to and she didn’t want to let him know she had plaid around with so many men. She didn’t even allow herself to imagine him being romantically interested in her, but she didn’t want to tell him anyway. So what was left?

While she was thinking Jeb had approached them with vine, it was so unusual to have him serve tables. After all, they had the barmaids for that. It only reinforced the realization of how influential the young man was, despite his age. ”Oh, nothing…thank you” she said with a bright smile and waved her hand gently to emphasize her point.

”so…my travels eh?” she was lost and unsure what to do…her eyes meeting his only once as she was looking for a good lie, good story or anything good at all. ”It was fun, and exciting” Amelia stated, this part was true and she let herself look in his eyes, before she drifted on a bit of an act ”but the most amazing part was most definitely the dangers…you would go to sleep not knowing is there a monster lurking around, a wolf or even a tiger” she said with her voice clear, using a lot of gestures while she did ”a few times my life was in danger! We got attacked by bandits and it is still a surprise to me that we got out safely” she chuckled. So far, so good. She wasn’t lying, she was just exaggerating. That, was not the same thing!

Then she smiled as she leaned her body closer to Sevris. ”and the scenery was amazing…ruins of pre valterian, trees of all shapes you could imagine, golden water and healing hotsprings and so much more…” she had managed to speak without actual lies, and of that she was happy.

”So many places I would have loved to be with a friend, not bodyguards” she stated while pulling back, maybe inviting him to come closer? Who really knew what was inside of this girl's head. ”but I don’t want to be selfish and speak of me…tell me, what has been happening with you? You…have grown I see” she wasn’t exactly sure how to state it correctly and it forced her to have the lightest blush appear upon her cheeks, but everything in him looked a lot more mature, his features and voice.... ”and I see you have taken a bit more pride in your family” referring to his families sigil on his clothing. Now that, really did seem amusing to her and a bit out of place at a tavern.

[Sevris]

It became difficult after a while to keep himself from taking fleeting glances at her legs as she crossed them as in usual fashion. From her interesting tales of adventure, that rivaled journeys in his own stead. However he felt that something wasn't quite right in her tone. Like she was leaving out the bigger picture. He guessed it wasn't much of his business anyways. But it didn't deter him from becoming engrossed in her story before she became interested in his. "What has been happening with me?" Seemingly taken aback with this question. Flashes of blood, death, his sex slaves, betrayal, flashed in his mind. The toll of being within the Ebonstryfe was slowly becoming the only substance in his life. His only reprieve so far had been being with Amelia. Could he actually share with her his bloody endeavors so far? "The City Guard and the Ebonstryfe keep me busy enough. I have dealt with many problems concerning our good city. Some of them dealing with the Divine. But training diligently for when we indefinitely deal with the Knights of Syliras, is a big part of my clan. Excellence is expected of us, and I am honored to be apart of such a family." He had already started drinking the fine wine after giving Jeb his payment. "But I have grown in many ways then one. If you would have me, I can show you them all in time." Sevris held a glass of freshly poured wine, as he leaned in slightly with it held out to her for cheers. He caught her looking at him and he smiled. Maybe it was the wine. Probably not. He thought.

[Amelia Cross]

Amelia noticed how Sevris seemed to glance upon her legs, and she found it as a great compliment. She might love to hear someone say she looked beautiful, but to see someone like the Lazarin sneak a look, that was something that could lift the girl’s ego. Amelia was not humble, nor was she shy. Amelia was prideful and shameful above her years. And Ravok seemed to wake up the worst in her, at this young and easy to influence age. It wasn’t because Ravok was evil, she didn’t see any signs of evil in this city. But she saw her father who wanted Amelia to become a hunter of the noble…and it seemed to get to her, she even brought that to Syliras.

But with the whole enjoyment of his eyes on her, and his company as a whole. The girl didn’t notice that he didn’t quite believe her words, would there be a chance to tell him the truth? She didn’t know. It would be a lot easier if she knew just what he would think of her and her actions, if she could read his mind and guess his reactions.

Much more interested in what Sevris said, that the wine, Amelia listened like a well behaved child. Though the mention of the Knights of Syliras…that seemed to be a bit frightening, what would he think of her if he knew where she came from? Still, she couldn’t tell he was hiding something. His voice and statement coming off too steady to question, but Amelia’s mind didn’t seem to be at ease. She had heard things about bout the ebonstryfe and the Lazarin, from her father who she trusted. She knew there must have been more to it…or maybe Sevris was just no…like them? ”That’s all? From what I have heard of your family, your time should have been a bit more colorful than that” she wasn’t mocking him, her tone was much too light and manner of statement casual. It didn’t even ask for a direct answer, it could have been left at that.

. ”And what do you really mean why ‘have’? I have a wicked mind, you have no idea what sort of twisted things it might come up with from that one word” she chuckled a bit, jokingly placing her palm on his shoulder.

[Sevris]

Amelia seemed to think the Lazarin's behind the scenes were very much what the general census believed. Which she was quite right. He had been involved in some more than colorful scenes since then. But nothing of to much importance because yet again some of his family members did not find him relevant. Regardless they were things better left unsaid, so he simply answered with a smile. "Yes somewhat but what family doesn't have its awry times." Then Amelia added after that, ”And what do you really mean why ‘have’? I have a wicked mind, you have no idea what sort of twisted things it might come up with from that one word.” Her hand had found its way to his shoulder as she joked openly with him. He gently grabbed her wrist and pulled it towards his face. Looking dead into her eyes he replied, "Maybe I want those wicked thoughts to surface." And kissed her hand. The effect was as he expected, skin softer than a cloud. He of course meant every word of it. Sevris had not awaited her return simply on a whim.

[Amelia Cross]

Sevris didn’t seem to be interested in sharing details about his time while Amelia was away, and she respected that. More so, as she was sure he sensed that she herself wasn’t all that hones, open. If he could ignore it, ignore his own potential curiosity, the least thing Amelia could do, was respect his own privacy. After all, they were only…she wasn’t even sure what were they. Amelia called him a friend, but she had known him for so little and was departed for longer…it was complicated.

Now his response, it came a bit confusing to the girl. It didn’t really remind her that much of the old Sevris she had met seasons ago, it was something different. Even if she had to admit that the way he said it, his gesture of kissing her hand and the overall feeling his family gave of…made her mind go blurry for a bit. Amelia might not have been the queen of hearts, a seductress or even a master tease, she had a long way to walk till those tittles would come…but she knew how to react to men. Then why was she so shy and timid all of a sudden? Amelia was acting like an old maid who has been kissed for the first time. She felt like that from just this. ”Must be the vine” she excused herself in her mind, even though she hadn’t even touched the vine yet.

A bit unsure she finally managed to respond in words ”Please, you don’t know what you’re saying” her words soft, merely a whisper to the Lazarin as she pulled her hand away. If Sevris knew her, remembered her, he would know that she was just confused and lost, and needed some time to handle the words, figure them out. If he didn’t, this most likely came off as ‘get away from me’…now which one it was, was unclear.

Trying to think, Amelia finally toke the vine, swirling the glass a bit and taking a sip. She wouldn’t call it good, not in the way she had met good vine in better places. But this was a tavern of all things, she should have been grateful they had any. Above all, Amelia didn’t drink much, so when she did she was picky and wanted things to be perfect. For her, perfect was sweet. And this was sour.

Time, little tile passing as she wasn’t sure what to say. Once in a while she sneaked a look at Sevris, but like a shy dandelion she looked away as soon as she suspected a potential meeting of their eyes. ”this is not goo” was all she could figure…and then it came to her, she needed to let go ”let’s dance?” and she begged he would agree, even though she could imagine that him dancing in a tavern was not the best thing.

[Sevris]

OOCMy bad I'm in the process of moving. Don't have time for posting just eye candy. But I'll keep trying. The sudden withdrawal with her hand did not seem to put Sevris off in the slightest. Even seeming to amuse him even more. She was indeed a interesting woman, which most certainly met she would not be easy to woo. He loved the challenge, she was much different from the slaves his family had. There they weren't allowed to express their emotions. It was a one way street of affection and it always ended in the pleasure of the Lazarin. Of course they would become boring after a while. At least someone who was not afraid him could be more open. Then she said,”Please, you don’t know what you’re saying” With a tone of certainty he replied, "Of course I do. I always do." He would not relinquish his obvious chemis Then she gave him another chance to work her over when she asked right after, "Lets dance?" Immediately he was on his feet and his hand out and ready to take hers. He did not know how to dance like a Prince. But he the music wasn't exactly too upbeat so he could avoid any embarassment.The floor was spacious for them to find a spot. Sevris had a flashback with his parents denying him access to any big family events. They were all about business. So it didn't really allow him time to learn. But theres always time too start.

[Amelia Cross]

oocNo worries, there is no rush

Amelia could argue about the matter, but she had no interest in it. After all, she had been wanting to see this man for far too long, to sink into meaningless argues. It wouldn’t even be much of an argue, after all, they would be just throwing out ‘yes I am’ and ‘no you are not’ back and forth. Or at least that is how it looked to Amelia.

When Sevris had accepted her offer to dance, she couldn’t lie, she was shocked. As much as Amelia wanted to dance, as much as she wanted to let herself melt into the music…this was a cheap tavern, a loved tavern in Ravok, but it was no ballroom. She just couldn’t imagine a man of his caliber attempting dances in this place. Then again, her surprise and confusion didn’t bother her much. Amelia managed to shake the feeling off and with a bright smile she stood up and toke his hand.

”Hope you are lighter on your feet than on your tongue” she chuckled while pulling Sevris to the little room that was left in front of the stage, it wasn’t all that crowded when the two had initially stood up, but when Amelia pulled Sevris towards it, a good amount of the people seemed to drift off back to the tables and their ale. ”Should I be just as scared from him?” she couldn’t help but wonder, before she let her mind sink into the music.

The music, it was soft and had a bit more melody to it than your average tone at a tavern, but it was still no music to attempt any high-end moves. She clapped her feet against the floor, the boots made a sound that mirrored the beat of the music playing. Slipping her hands away from Sevris, she twirled around, lifting her arms up in the air, slowly, to not disturb the beat her body was trying to mirror. She attempted to turn her hips to the melody, but it was a bit more awkward than she’d like to admit. For a woman who thought that music ran through her veins, she was actually quite awkward and unskilled in dancing.

”catch me” she whispered as her body came in on Sevris, her hands lowering and brushing over his shoulders as she slipped backwards, more towards the stage, still tapping out the beat with her feet and dancing with her arms. Sure, there was no place to hide from him in such little crowd, but she wanted a little chase, not exactly an escape route.