[Tavern] Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there, with open arms and open eyes, yeah.

[Alexis Sapientia]

Timestamp: Darkening of the Fifth of Ioannes, Summer in the First Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne

Treestamp: Incubus, 'Drive'

The Crown Inn and Tavern, By Appointment to Her Late Imperial Majesty Audrey I, the Ancient, Accepted, and Most Venerable Gathering-Place in all of Alleria Prime, if not all the Empire, lay present to all citizens, young and old, breathtaking in all its splendor, semper paratus, as it were.

The Crown was always packed, as people had nowhere else to go while kept within the city, and they needed a place to gather, discuss, and seek fun and entertainment. All races and sorts were here, enjoying the sense of warmth and camaraderie the Crown Inn and Tavern offered.

Alas, for the young man present by a corner table, he who was clad in nondescript civvies (naught but his previously fashionable suitcoat, trousers, and high black boots), the warmth and camaraderie offered by the main tavern in the town had long since paled. Where once he would have dared all and sundry to eat, drink, and be merry, all he could do was stay silently in the half-candlelight, rolling the crystal-glass as he dipped his veperes in thick olive oil, watching, waiting, and anticipating.

The noises of the Capitolium had softened, and as he contemplated his Sangre du Carmelya, his eye caught that of his aides across a third table, a daekin of the Imperial Marines, and a trieririus of the Imperial Classis, both minding him, as it were, and yet not, at the same time. This was Prime, after all; new and old as it were, some things never really changed.

Lost in thought, the Imperial Admiral was, even though he wore not the trappings of his rank. Tonight was a night of nights; with his schedule clear, the next few candlemarks devoid of appointments, all he sought was simple, and yet so very complicated.

Peace, tranquility; calm that would still worlds; odd how one whose very words could incite a war, could likewise think such concepts that would invite the opposite. Truth remained in his eyes, though, his ceruleans as blissful as they reflected in the candlelight, a sigh escaping his lips, his ears, listening but for one, and one voice, truly.

Hers lay paramount above all. First, always, and forever shall it be. He'd promised her so, in front of his now-sovereign, and just about the rest of the pantheon of Gods, if not the Empire.

What was it he'd said?

With my eyes I regard you, with my lips I treasure you, and with my body will I worship you, my liege, my a'maelamin, from this brightening forth.

It could therefore be excused, one could suppose, the rather haughty way he dismissed the steward, as it were. It was quite simple, really. Given several options of what he could sample, his reply was, as it was.

"Would you choose water over wine...?"

Where was his love, indeed, where was she? He, the male of the pair, would indeed wait all darkening, as it had once been agreed, his slipped note to her making it quite clear.

He was her husband now, sworn hereforth, to protect, preserve, and most important of all, cherish.

She was the reason for his being, and so help him, he would spend eternity, just proving it so.

ooc: Private thread!

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

It had been awhile since Alexis and Liselle could just sit…and be…without the weight of the world upon them. She had been neglecting her husband as of late, although not entirely her own doing. His career kept him away from her quite a bit and with their personal life being as hectic as it had been, it was no wonder that they were having trouble communicating. The love was certainly there…but they were no longer just Liselle and Alexis. No, they hadn’t been those two for quite some time. Alexis was the Imperial Admiral and Liselle was about ready to fight for what would most likely be considered the pinnacle of her political career. They had both given themselves to the Empire for the good of their friends…their family….and everyone else that believed in them.

They wanted to make the world a better place….and there was nothing wrong with that.

But, communication was important…so when Alexis suggested a quiet dinner between the two of them, Liselle had readily agreed. Having just come from seeing Milo, she looked the part of a Governess…clad in her best silks with a charming smile. What most didn’t know however was the steel of the young woman beneath.

Oh…she was going to fight for what she believed in…and she trusted that Milo knew where she could do the most good.

Gliding into the Inn, she looked around briefly before spotting her husband, who had already found a table in a secluded location. Smiling, she continued over to him, greeting the Imperial Admiral with a soft kiss and sliding into the seat next to him.

"Why, hello your Excellency. Fancy meeting you here. I take it you’ve already ordered the wine?"

She knew her husband well, and as she fondly slipped her hands through the blond curls she loved so much, she reflected upon the fact that soon their life would be in Prime. She was no longer Thane of Port Alyxandrya…Defender of the Sea of Diana….she was just Liselle…for the moment. It torn at her that Mekare would continue to live on in Port Alyxandrya for she didn’t like to be separated from her ‘mother’. Mekare gave Liselle balance…something the young woman desperately needed, especially in light of all the events that had taken and were currently taking place. If she thought she could have convinced Mekare to move, she would have in a heartbeat…but she thought she knew the woman well enough to know that it wouldn’t happen. Mekare needed her space, and it wasn’t as if they wouldn’t see each other almost every brightening.

Times changed….Liselle would just have to learn to change with them.

[Alexis Sapientia]

Alexis was dejected. Most of the time, he wasn't. This was probably one of of those times, when there was just too much work, too little sleep, and not enough of Liselle. Granted, of course, that he had much work to do in the Center of All Things that was Alleria Prime, it still hurt that he couldn't quite go home at the end of the brightening and just be yet another husband with his wife.

Yet needs must, as did Duty, Honor, and Country. Hence his dejection, repressed emotion, and just...plain...irritation.

Aye, the lad was human, too, prone to error, sickness, madness, at times, imperfect, impatient, illogical at times, just like the rest of them, and the best of them. For one, he'd been hearing many rumors about some old salts dissatisfied with his youngish self in command of all the Empire's fleets. Then there was the actual work involved into reassessing the Navy's needs and tailoring matters accordingly, which made him spend an inordinate amount of time just seated at his desk, shuffling paper, and more often than not, burning the midnight oil, skipping periodic sustenance, until his body cried out for sleep.

He sighed, a mournful billowing of wind as he picked at the veperes, still rolling and gazing placidly at the contents of his crystal glass, feeling terribly lonely, and isolated, and minding the presence of his own minders, knowing full well that they were being as unobtrusive as possible.

He just needed his wife, this much was true. The Imperial Admiral was just human, after all, and needed a boost from time to time.

* * *

Odd, how before he would just drown this seclusion with a myriad of drinks, get himself blind-drunk, passing out into a marvelous stupor, and only to pay for the merrymaking with a headache worthy of Jorelspite come the morn. Ah, the Alexis of old was gone, now, and what remained in his place was a more quiet, reserved young man, prone to silence, and the occasional drink these brightenings, but more often than not, wrapped arm-to-waist with his wife--and shamed be he who thought evil of it.

It therefore soothed his ego to take heed of a suitably-attired, alluring-looking female entering the tavern, and to realize that the same was no other than she who wore his ring, she who'd given him children, she who was his, and his alone.

Her greeting brought a smile to his lips, and with nary a care as to what others felt, the young man stood up to embrace her with a ferocious hug, keeping her ensconced in his arms for what seemed like eternity, just wanting her to feel all this built-up affection, feel all this pent-up emotion, and come what may, he was memorizing this moment, and keeping it in his heart.

"The Gods be praised, Lizzy! I've soooo missed you!"

Of course, he just had to seal that with a really passionate kiss.

After all, when all was said and done, what he'd been doing all this time was what made a living, but moments like these were what Alexis Sapientia lived for.

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

She had expected a warm welcome, but frankly the young woman hadn’t expected her husband to tackle her in the middle of the tavern. It wasn’t that she minded so much but more that very little caught Liselle off guard anymore but Alexis was spontaneity in its purest form. Perhaps not at work, per say…but around his wife, Admiral Sapientia was simply a man in love.

Laughing softly at she caught him in the embrace, kissing back warmly, she smiled and led him back to their table.

"I’ve missed you too, a’maelamin. I’m sorry things have been so hectic lately but Milo and I had a very interesting conversation today."

Giving him a trademark Liselle grin…the one that just oozed mischievousness…she took her seat and continued with the story, knowing Alexis couldn’t resist hearing what his best friend had to say.

"It seems that he wants to hire someone to take the dual role of Thane of Alleria Prime and Governor of Prime Province…and he thinks I could do the job. I was shocked of course but think its time I moved on to something else and perhaps this is just the thing. It would mean a move to Prime, I’m afraid…and I know Mekare won’t be happy about that. In truth, I’m not happy about living away from her either but I don’t see any other way. You work in Prime…I might be working in Prime."

Sighing a bit, she snuggled into her husband’s side, laying her head on his shoulder gently. Alexis had the ability to calm her…something that only one other being on Telath could lay claim to. His love was reassuring, accepting the complexities of his wife’s character regardless…unconditionally. He loved her…and that was all there was to it. He gave her room to grow and evolve as an individual, as well as fostering a close relationship between them. They truly were partners in life, sharing the responsibilities equally, which to some might have been the shock of their lives…seeing two formerly skittish children acting so….adult.

In simple terms, Liselle and Alexis understood their relationship and each other, even if no one else did. Their lives were wrapped around duty, loyalty and honor…to the Empire and their family.

Turning her head a bit, she gave her husband a tired smile.

"So, what do you think? About the job…or really any of it. I’d like your opinion."

[Alexis Sapientia]

"Sautéed Veal Liver Imperial,"

That was the reply that was evinced from the Imperial Admiral's lips, as it was, the man in question giving a terribly pensive stare at the flickering flames of the candles at the table, his arm wrapped instinctively, protectively around her, fingers clutching her tenderly, traveling slowly up and about her shoulder to caress her cheek, and hence entangle themselves in her hair.

Turning his head to meet hers, he gave his wife a similarly impish smile.

"Sautéed Veal Liver Imperial...that's what it was. I remember thinking that that was the horrid witch's pudding they served me...gods, that must have been eras ago...never liked it. Produce of Jorel, I swear it! "

Giving a look of disgust, he then pretended to look nonchalantly aghast, as if he had forgotten what it was she was talking about.

"Eh? What was that you said?"

The mark of a typical man, as it were...a fellow with a one-track mind.

...If only he hadn't followed it up with the characteristic Alexis Sapientia smile, the one with shining cerulean eyes and the sparkling teeth that showed that he knew all too well what he was doing, incorrigible as he was, sometimes.

"I'm kidding, melamin." He proved that by kissing her lips and pulling her closer, taking the time to enjoy the moment, and shamed be the onlooker who thought evil of it. "I'm so dammed proud of you!"

There was just something...intrinsically wonderful...about his wife's ways, from the way she would just instinctively know how to let him be, let his mind wander, and then bring him back to the present with a simple look, a glance, a shy smile...

"You know I'd always support you in whatever it is you wish to do, my love. That goes without question," said he with a grin, ceruleans gently taking in her form as he said so, his fingers lightly scratching the nape of her neck, sending shivers of pleasure radiating from that very spot, a knowing smile spreading from cheek to cheek as he did so. There was just something about her special smile that could just make him sit up and take notice.

"Governor of Prime, eh?" A chuckle erupted from that, dipping as he did the fingers of his other hand--his left, as it were--into the myriad of leafy greens, onion, and potato slices that constituted the Crown's trademark hors d’œuvres, dipping the same into olive oil and setting it tenderly to her lips, as it were, smoothing things away with a provided linen napkin.

As he let her digest that, so did he likewise categorize his thoughts quieting down as he did, letting loose a quiet, unobtrusive sigh, one he thought she wouldn't take note of.

Of course, in this short period of married life, he'd soon come to realize that wonderful trait known simply as women's intuition could sometimes best his most cryptic of responses.

"It would be challenging, I must admit...I mean...you'd be running the capital," said he with some timidity. "I just fear that, it's barely been two months since..." he let out a smile, but his worried brow and hesitant voice would, without a doubt, display what it was he wasn't able to verbally establish.

As was his wont, he just let that thought simmer in, his eyes suddenly looking downcast back on the table, falling upon her fingers, which he soon gingerly clasped into his, the rings on each flashing intermittently in the dim tavern light.

"I promised you my deepest love,"

He began to kiss her wrist softly, drawing the same to his lips, massaging her palm softly with his thumb and forefinger.

"...my fullest devotion,"

At that, he looked deep into her eyes, concern, most definitely showing on his...

"...my tenderest care."

So did he then embrace her tightly, yet again, swallowing hard as he did so, pulling her closely, yet again, her head still inches from his shoulder.

Alexis gave her unconditional love as much as she'd bestowed upon him, and his reprising his marital vows then and there was as much a recommitment of the promise, to his wife, and to himself. The visible reminders were already emblazoned on their fingers, though the reality was, as always, ever-present in the way they looked into each other's eyes.

"I just worry about you from time to time, y' know?"

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Alexis was amazing at times. He loved her so much…gave so much of himself to her….worried so much about her. If he could, he would have spent all his time fussing over her and the babies but both he and Liselle had too great a sense of duty to just leave the worries of the Empire to others.

Besides, Liselle had a greater duty…to the people of the Empire. She wanted them to be safe…and happy…and would always work to that end. That didn’t mean she would sacrifice those she loved for that, however. She tried to give of herself to everyone that needed her time…even if sometimes that left nothing for her.

It was a price she willingly paid.

But, the times she could just be with Alexis were precious too. He was worried about her health…rightfully so. The birth of their children hadn’t been easy and had been perilous and that fact most likely heightened his worry. She understood those concerns but knew herself better then anyone else.

She was ready for the challenge.

Smiling lovingly at Alexis, she gave him a gentle kiss and scooted closer to him.

"I know…and I appreciate all of those things. This is something I –need- to do. We talked a long time ago about finding ourselves and what we were meant to do. You have your path….and I have mine. We also have one we walk together. I have so much more to travel on my path…and I think this will help me along. It means moving to Prime though….and I’m worried about Mekare’s reaction. As well, I don’t really want to be that far away from her."

It was hard for Liselle to admit, but Mekare was very much loved as a mother and guardian. The two had gotten off to a horrible start at first, but as time went on, Liselle learned more and more about the woman that shared part of her life and was the Avia of her children..and she couldn’t have asked for anyone more devoted. While she didn’t show it much, Liselle felt that Mekare would turn the Empire upside down if someone harmed one of the babies, and it wouldn’t have been pretty. She didn’t know –how- she knew it….

She just did.

[Alexis Sapientia]

Taking her hands in his, Alexis just sat there quietly, gazing into her eyes with a delicate expression, his senses, fully alert, and yet, silent. It was quite uncharacteristic for the young man--whose bouts of energy was well-known to his wife--but for the meantime, he remained there, pensive, just enjoying the moment.

Sure, there had been times when they'd manage to have quite the differences in opinion, just like every couple did, but the husband of the pair had soon realized that so long as they remained true to one never-changing constant, no matter how bitter the differences, they would always remain steadfast and true.

What else could one say? Alexis Sapientia was still a young man in love.

He loved the way she kissed him, the ways in which she could just inspire him to his greatest heights, and yet keep his feet firmly anchored in the ground. She knew him, oh by the gods, so did she know him, and in the time that they had been together, he'd soon come to realize that there were some things he knew she knew.

Like how she needed sanctuary from time to time, and that a tight embrace and some quiet time could work wonders.

He shared her concern, of course--he'd made it his own personal mission in life to keeping his meum mel perenially smiling--but as steadfast as he was in his duty, so did Alexis recognize that sometimes, indeed, inflexible she would be at times for the sake of personal principle.

The safety and security of their thriving family, for one...and the personal happiness of the one she'd so very willingly wed. While they'd soon learned that politics was the art of give and take, there were just some things that were not negotiable.

As he pursed his lips to think, so did he sense the worry in her forehead, and kiss it, he did. He could be so dammed incorrigible at times, but that was one of the things his wife liked about him. He wasn't one to not show affection, most particularly with his beloved wife, and if that caused scandal, the Imperial Admiral couldn't care less.

"Well...we won't be that far from her. She does hold office at Prime, too, particularly now that most of the business of government is coming to a head what with the impending Rite and all," interposed he, wrapping an arm securely around Liselle's midsection, and loving the contact and the attendant warmth accordingly. "Don't worry."

Giving her a confident smile, he rubbed her cheek and patted it affectionately.

"You look starved. Didn't they feed you well at that meeting? Dammed nobles sometimes talk so bloody much you can't even get a bite, much less a word, in," grinned he, motioning to the menu.

At that point, the waiter arrived, bringing with him the requisite bottle of wine with its attendant glasses.

"What do you want to eat?"

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

She did love her husband. Alexis had his issues, like everyone else, but his heart was steadfast and true. He watched over her and made sure that she felt loved and safe. More then anything at that moment, she just wanted to cuddle against him and feel his arms around her. It was true that Liselle was a very strong woman but even so, she felt the need to be babied from time to time.

Cuddling into Alexis’ arms, she smiled at his question, thinking the answer over briefly.

“I’m really not all that hungry, Alexis. Just a bowl of soup and perhaps some bread would be lovely…thank you.”

Kissing his cheek softly, she continued to sit close to him, allowing him to take over and see to her needs.