The Mansion

[DarkWarrioress]

He rose and went to her. his arms slid around her waist and his face lay against her neck as he pulled her close. He could feel the softness of her hair against his face. Smell its sweetness.

"Two years ago today." he whispered. "Just before I met you, I think I met you in february of that year, but december 27th is when it happened. I thought after 2 years the memories wouldn't hurt so much, you know?" he said softly. his lips brushing her skin as he spoke, "but it still hurts. Even though I love another and am for the most part happy, the pain of what happen still brings tears to my eyes... I'm sorry for airing my issues even in semi-public like this, but..." he trails off, not knowing what else to say.

The tennis shoes fell to the floor with a soft thump. Her arms went around him and hugged him close. Of course. Now she remembered. Her cheek brushed against his.

"Glad, you need to let it go, darlin'. You, yourself said you are happy for the most part, why are you not letting yourself be completely happy? She's in the past. There is only pain and anger in that direction. Just let it go. Be content with yourself and your life now and if you must look anywhere, look to your future."

 

[The_gladiator]

The tennis shoes fell to the floor with a soft thump. Her arms went around him and hugged him close. Of course. Now she remembered. Her cheek brushed against his.

"Glad, you need to let it go, darlin'. You, yourself said you are happy for the most part, why are you not letting yourself be completely happy? She's in the past. There is only pain and anger in that direction. Just let it go. Be content with yourself and your life now and if you must look anywhere, look to your future."

he presses his cheek to hers, "I know you're right... The memories still creep up on me, I find it difficult to fight them at times... it helps to have friends like you, though." he whispers. He gives her a squeaze silently thanking her for her support. He knows she is right, more than sound advice, advice he's given himself, but sometimes one can tell oneself something again and again and sometimes it works, and at others its less successful. "It has bothered me of late, but today was especially difficult." he says softly, "Fortunately I know that I am not alone, that helps." he says softly.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

he presses his cheek to hers, "I know you're right... The memories still creep up on me, I find it difficult to fight them at times... it helps to have friends like you, though." he whispers. He gives her a squeaze silently thanking her for her support. He knows she is right, more than sound advice, advice he's given himself, but sometimes one can tell oneself something again and again and sometimes it works, and at others its less successful. "It has bothered me of late, but today was especially difficult." he says softly, "Fortunately I know that I am not alone, that helps." he says softly.

She shifted back, her arms sliding around from him until she could take his hands in hers and tug him to couch to sit down.

"Come, sit down with me. Sometimes," she started as she sat down, "you just have acknowledge it's there, then think on something else. Force your mind to go elsewhere or find something else to occupy it. I know it's not easy, Glad but as the years go by, it will. You invested a lot into that relationship but the one you're in now is so much more healthy for you."

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Bloody hell, it's cold! I wish I could snuggle down under the covers and stay in a warm bed, but that is not to be the way of things. I am being a glutton for punishment, I swear. Up and about. Now. Stumble around, donning sweats, fuzzy socks, and sweater. Anything I can layer and be warm in. Brush my hair? This early in the morning when I don't have to go out and it's a Saturday too? Forget it!

Yawning, running my fingers through my hair, my radar heads me in the direction of the kitchen where the coffeepot is. Blindly, I manage to locate the right creamer. I stagger off to my study to check email and such before I head for Mr. C's cafe and more coffee. I'm going to need it today.

Oh... and the brother is in Oklahoma. They're hoping to make Georgia tonight. I'm sure I'll get a full report once they get there and get some rest.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

I am relieved. The kid brother just called. He and his girl made it to her home in Georgia. He sounded distracted and exhausted so I didn't keep him. He has people to meet and sleep to make up for. I'm glad he is safe and sound.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

There is a lightness to me today. Even though I woke at 2am and a long time-trusted friend kept me company in the most delightful way for a couple of hours. I'm not sure what I did to my back, but damn if I didn't mess it up about mid-back. Is that going to slow me down today? Oh fecking no. I have much to do before tomorrow gets here.

Frustration, anger, sadness, they all seemed to have melted away with the sun the greets me. Life, feels different. My life. My outlook. Oh, I am sure there will come days when I absolutely meltdown because my support system is limited, my main supporter has flown the coop, so to speak. All others are busy living their lives, as they should be. But I will endure. I always do. I adjust easily enough. Just give me space to build a routine I can work with and I'm good.

Brother just called. I have built protective walls. I can feel them. They are meant to allow me the distance I require to function while I adjust. I realize, depending on the individual, that even with those walls firmly in place, I do not necessarily cut off communication, verbal or emotional. In some cases, yes. Especially with those who have proven to be less than honest with me. Deceitful even. For them, those walls will never come down. There will be no communication. But with those I love and trust, such as the brother? I just require a little space and all the while, remain reassuring to him that he is loved, despite if I think his choices were/are impetuous. Whether they were right choices, remains to be seen. I still have my doubts and my track record for sensing such things, remains unblemished for now. Despite that, I am happy for him. He needs this, even if it doesn't work out.

So, here I am. Heading into the new year with a different view and a resolve. I do remain resolute, however. The Divine is a fluid entity. One thing I am certain of, the Divine removes something or someone from our lives and there is always something more given. We, I, just have to be open to receiving it.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

I was just outside and the sight that greeted me.... was beyond words. Stars. Millions, nay more than that, bright, shiny, and so seemingly close I could almost believe I can reach up and touch them. Beyond them, as their backdrop, was a sky of velvet darkness or so it felt to me and the Moon is full and rides low in the sky. If it weren't so cold, I would say it was a night of perfection.

Now, let's see if I can wind up Elana.

 

[The_gladiator]

She shifted back, her arms sliding around from him until she could take his hands in hers and tug him to couch to sit down.

"Come, sit down with me. Sometimes," she started as she sat down, "you just have acknowledge it's there, then think on something else. Force your mind to go elsewhere or find something else to occupy it. I know it's not easy, Glad but as the years go by, it will. You invested a lot into that relationship but the one you're in now is so much more healthy for you."

The rw had snatched him away, but he remembers her words and he knows they were true. That sometimes, time heals wounds. Afterall this year was easier than the year before. "Thank you Cait. For understanding, for remembering, and for encouraging the strength that at times I forget I have within me." he writes these words in a note, and leaves them for her.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Wolfling wanders. In one small hand she carries a rolled up banner. Eventually, she reaches the heart home of a Lady. Taking a few moments, she positions the banner just above the main entrance, so that the Lady will see it whenever she returns.

Next she taps on the door and waits, patiently for someone to answer it. Tis another maid.

"Give this to her."

Wolfling retreats.

Lady~

The past year has been filled with many ups and downs, comings and goings.
It is the nature of the universe to take away, whittle down, remove~
so that one has room for new things.

My hope for you in 2013 is that the new things you receive
surpass the old things that were taken away...

Much love~

Wolfling.​

 

[Light Ice]

Flowers, a small bundle at the foot of the stair. This was his place. Her place. Roses, for once, in a return to something traditional. The blossoms a bold red on thornless stems. They are bound by a solitary ribbon.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Even as she approached her own home, a banner greeted her, announcing the new year to come. Apparently someone had been here. Her nose twitched. Then a smile formed on soft lips. The Wolfing. Who else?

2013. Another year to soon start. What would it bring?

She let herself into the house and was greeted by a maid who handed her something. Hanging her keys, she read the Wolfling's gift and tears welled, but did not fall. The very thing(s) she wanted for the Wolfling as well. Only the Wolfling had beat her to it... this time. That made her laugh slightly. She dismissed the maid and headed for her study.

She was brought up short by the sight on the stair.

The tears fell. One by one. Silently. Coursing down her cheeks unhindered. Damn the man. Infuriating. Endearing. Unreliable. Caring. He was truly an enigma. She drew close, retrieving them. cradling them in one arm as a gentle fingertip touched silky velvet petals. A more... traditional offering. They spoke where words would not suffice.

He always seemed to have the timing. Of knowing without knowing. Her eyes still upon the roses, she turned for the kitchen to put them in water.

He had given her his time, his affection, a soft place to land, when she had needed it the most. Surprising her with it, even knowing she would protest, of which, had fallen on deaf ears. He was truly, an amazing person though she would have a difficult time proving it to many others, if she harbored an inclination to do so, which she didn't. She knew him like others didn't. That was enough for her. Their trust was a bond.


"Happy New Year, Ice."

​

And a Happy New Year to all those I know on Lit. I hope this new year brings you all much more happiness than this past year has. Everyone deserves to have a good year and so I hope it becomes for each of you.

Cait~

 

[RainingHeat]

For you... my friend...

I know it is tea... but it looks so warm and delicious...

 

[DarkWarrioress]

For you... my friend...

I know it is tea... but it looks so warm and delicious...

Thank you, Rain. It looks warm and yummy. I hope you had a good New Year's Eve and Day?

 

[RainingHeat]

Thank you, Rain. It looks warm and yummy. I hope you had a good New Year's Eve and Day?

I actually worked...and work was fairly quiet... so mine was quiet. Which is fine. My partying days are long since over. I was in bed, asleep, long before midnight on Monday night.

Hope your Eve and Day were fun filled, quiet, exciting, whatever you desired them to be....

 

[DarkWarrioress]

I actually worked...and work was fairly quiet... so mine was quiet. Which is fine. My partying days are long since over. I was in bed, asleep, long before midnight on Monday night.

Hope your Eve and Day were fun filled, quiet, exciting, whatever you desired them to be....

I brought in the new year awake this year. Usually, I find myself curled up not far from the fireplace and sleeping it in. lol. I'm not one for large crowds any more. I've had my time in Reno, Nevada or Las Vegas on a New Year's Eve. I'm quite happy to bring in the new year quietly these days.

The first was spent with family, watching football or movies and having dinner. The last of my guests leave today.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Morning dawned and she stretched leisurely in bed, thinking, falsely, that she could loiter. A glance at the clock by her bedside reminded her cruelly that, that wasn't the case. a couple of hours really but then she needed to be up and about, showered and dressed. Dammit. The weekend looked promising though. Her traitorous body was not going to let her sleep in much but at least, the RW did not have any demands of her for two whole days. Then the routine would begin again until the end of the kidlets school year. Five more months where that was concerned. It would fly by. Experience had shown her that. For now, she had a weekend to herself and she planned to absorb it. Use it. Exploit it.

Covers went flying in a flurry. Bare feet hit the cold floor and danced across it to the bathroom. Where, moments later, steam rolled out from and soft singing could be heard, that is, if anyone were about to hear it.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

 

[DarkWarrioress]

The sun! Gods, it felt good on her skin. Too bad it would be gone on the morrow. It felt like a strange trade off. Get the clear skies and cold temps or get the cast over days and warmer temps. In either case, it felt better than the blistering temps of summer time.

Her presence was required in town this morning. But, she was looking forward to her evening with time to write. Tomorrow would be baking day.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

A moment taken away from writing her assassin, to fetch a fresh cup of hot tea laced with a drizzle of honey. Leaning back in her chair, cup in hand, she closed her eyes and relaxed. It was nice not to have someplace to be or things that demanded her immediate attention. From early this morning, she was able to focus on her writing and gotten a few responses out already. She still had more to go and a new thread to answer as well.

Her thoughts wandered a second or so more, before she set down her teacup and started typing again.

Now... how to wipe the grin off of another assassin's face or rather, his author's.

A soft chuckle. The sound of typing.

So, it began again.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

This early in the morning, the sun was still elsewhere. Maybe she should pour herself a cup of coffee and go sit on her favorite rock to watch the sun come calling. If it was meant to call at all today. There was a storm brewing just over the horizon so perhaps it will become a morning spent in front of a crackling fire, her coffee and her laptop. However, staying in bed will bring nothing but laziness.

Covers are thrown back, a scurry of soft footsteps to her bathroom and a short while later, the sound of water from the shower and steam rolls from the tiled room. It's a start. Heat warms pale skin, making it flush. It seeps into bones, muscles and sinew. Soap and a cloth are reached for. Warmed skin begins to tingle as soap bubbles cover otherwise nakedness.....

 

[DarkWarrioress]

For Lord Usagi~

The front door of the Mansion flew open. It was hard to tell if she opened it or it opened by other means. She was back stepping through the portal, her eyes, gleaming with amusement, were fastened on the man before her, coming forward to her back steps. There was a small smile on her lips as she considered his proposal. Swords? Foils? Cards? She already knew what she'd choose. A test of his words and a learning curve before she engaged the other and she would be engaging the other at some point.

They stepped through the door and it closed before even he could close it.

"Come in and welcome to my home. I shall choose cards this time. Let us see how much of a card player you are."

She pivoted on her toes, presenting him with the curve of her back as she took the strides needed to reach the great room.

"Please. Make yourself at home. I shall return shortly with cards. Might I offer you something to drink as well?"

The day was cold, overcast even. An rose colored sweater over beige slacks and small heels on her feet. They did little to add to her five foot and a little something, frame but she loved the straps at her her ankles. Loved the small heels for a day such as today. She had chosen cards. It was good thing the weather provided her with enough goods to bet with. Although, she had yet to see if he was as good of a card player as he claimed to be. He was confident enough. That was in his favor and he was good company. That, too, was in his favor.

 

[LordUsagi]

He graciously nodded in response to her warm welcome.

"A drink...hmm please."
He was about to ask for a brandy to warm the chill from his bones, but decided he would need all his wits about him. He had come from warm climes when stepping through the veil and was clothed only in jeans, black collared shirt and comfortable leather shoes.

"A tea please, whatever brand and flavour you choose, so long as it is piping hot."

He watched her as she turned and walked away, her warm clothes doing little to hide her grace. He smiled softly to himself as he settled into a comfortable couch.

She intrigued and excited him, it was fortunate that they had met by some chance of fate.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

She returned with a tray, held in both hands, setting it on the long table in front of the couch before she knelt at it, pouring a cup of tea and passing it along to him.

"Your tea, Sir."

Her eyes wandered over him. She had nearly forgotten he had come from warmer climes.

"Perhaps a fire as well."

A flick of her hand toward the fireplace and a fire blazed up around the logs there. On the tray resided the teapot, another cup and a deck of cards. Tea was poured, the cup set to one side as well as the teapot. The cards were removed as the tray was shuffled under the table. She remained where she was, pushing the cards toward him as she took up her own teacup.

"You, Sir, may shuffle the cards. Shall we cut for the deal? Or do you have a preference?"

 

[LordUsagi]

"Thank you for the warmth, once again your hospitality is impeccable."

Placing his cup upon the table he takes the cards.

"My preference is that ladies go first, so you my dear may deal."

Without taking his eyes of her he expertly shuffles the cards, shifting between ruffle shuffles and randomly slipping clumps of cards from one hand to the other.

When he is satisfied he deftly cuts the cards while holding them in one hand, smiles at her, taps them on the table twice to straighten them and places the before her.

"So what are the stakes, when one has lost all their clothing the other is declared the winner. The loser can buy back their clothes for an agreed upon payment?"

He takes a sip of tea as he waits for her suggestion.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

"My preference is that ladies go first, so you my dear may deal."

A smile formed behind the rim of her teacup. Her eyes held his. She had expected nothing less from this man. As he shuffled the cards, her eyes left his and watched. There was nothing on her face to give away what she was thinking at the moment. If she has a tell, it isn't showing. At least not yet. They say everyone has a tell, the observant just find it sooner.

"So what are the stakes, when one has lost all their clothing the other is declared the winner. The loser can buy back their clothes for an agreed upon payment?"

She set her teacup aside, the smile easily seen now. Her head tilts slightly to one side as he speaks and her emerald gaze meets his again. Reaching for the cards she holds them in one hand. No fuss. No shifting them. She merely holds them as she answers.

"Sounds fair to me," an eyebrow arches slightly, her smile still in place, "any preference of game? Since you have so graciously allowed me to deal."

Having the deal was her preference. It forced him to bet first and allowed her to cap the raises, if any.