A Meeting Under Moonlight (HB)

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

Time Stamp: 38th of Ponutis

Elmaryia was hesitant to summon Blain, but she did make a promise. It would matter little if Elmaryia made her presence known. As soon as she crossed the threshold of the city gate Blain would be aware of her presence. Upon her first trip to the city of Jaedaxia Elmaryia fell in love with it. Was it because she had past ties or because of Blain? The answers Elmaryia did not wish to know as they would be far too troubling and shatter the life that she now knew. If that made her a coward well Elmaryia did not fething care.

This darkening Elmaryia took a bit of care with her appearance convincing herself that it was because she wished to visit the theaters. Never before had Elmaryia been to the theater and to witness drama's other then her own would be quite refreashing. This evening Elmaryia wore a light blue silver gown that had silver beading on the skirt and bodice. Her black hair was stylishly pinned up and a white ribbon was interwoven. On her wedding brightening Iseult had done it to her hair and Elmaryia loved the asthetic appeal of it. To ward of the chilly winter air a white velvet cloak covered her slender frame.

Standing outside of the La Petite Morte d'Michelle Elmaryia awaited Blain's arrival.

[Heartbreaker]

It was a cold night….mild for Jaedaxia but cold for someone like Elmaryia…not used to the frigid temperatures Jaedaxia could inflict. Tearsfall was one thing…but the way Jaedaxia was situated on the peninsula, the wind could rip through the city in a frigid, cutting manner.

Jaedaxia was very good at winter…but there was nothing like it on the face of Telath.

As she gazed around, she noticed something. True..it was cold, but there was a beauty. Lanterns lit brightly…music playing in the street…laughter….ice sculptures…a warmness that superseded that temperature.

And then he appeared…out of nowhere. Sauvé...handsome…most -certainly- handsome…dressed smartly with a deep emerald cloak, he smiled at her…bowing deeply at the waist and offering arm to her.

“ Elmaryia…you look breathtaking as always. Shall we go? “

After making sure her arm was securely through his and they had begun walking in the winter wonderland, he turned to her again.

“ So, where it is that you would like to go again this evening? The whole of the city is at your fingertips. Your wish is my command.”

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

The winter in Trysvale was quite cold though it did not compare to the frigedness of Jaedaxia. Pulling the fabric of the red velvet cloak tighter around her, Elmaryia tried to quell her shivering body. Blue inquesitive eyes took in the sights around her, never before had she seen such culture. Everyone seemed to be having a joyous time now that the rumour's of vampires had ceased At the thought of vampire's a soft smile curved her lips. If they only knew.

The evening was magical awaiting Blain's the warmth of her breathing mixed with the coldness of the air causing a mist to escape her lips. Turning her head that is when she seen him. With a soft chuckle Elmaryia placed a hand on her breast. " Blain you startled me with your light footsteps." A blush rosied her cheeks at the vampire's compliments and almost shyly she took his offered arm. " Why thank you as do you. My the winters here are frigid. The velvet cloak is quite warm and yet still I shiver. Would you like to see a show and perhaps have a few appitizers before hand." Wait a moment can he eat? Or does he drink blood.

Turning her head Elmaryia studied Blain trying to muster up the courage to ask her questions pertaining to food. " Do you eat food? I mean can you eat food?"

[Heartbreaker]

She was a strange woman, Elmaryia was. It hadn’t taken her long to take to the idea of their shared past and how that brought them together in the future…or even the idea of his unusual ‘situation’. It amused Blain to no end, despite her constant assurances that she was -not- the woman his was in love with.

That was up to interpretation, really.

Giving her a soft smile, he gently took his own cloak from his shoulders and slipped it over her own cloak, providing her with additional warmth in response to her comments about being cold.

“ Jaedaxia is very talented when it comes to winter, mon cheri. Most people don’t realize that. In answer to your question however, yes I can eat normal food….and thus your plan is spectacular. I know just the restaurant to take you to. One of the best in the city…La Terasse de la Cuisine..or in your common tongue, “Terrace of Cuisine”.

Continuing on through the snowy streets, Blain’s hand stayed at the small of her back, guiding her gently as they made their way to a beautiful little location in the heart of the city it seemed. Split level, there seemed to be a tavern on the street level of the charming building but instead of going that direction, they headed up the cobblestone pathway to the upper level and entered into the establishment where they were greeted enthusiastically by a middle-aged Jaedaxienne man, already holding menus.

“Monsieur LaClaire! It iz a pleasure to see you again, Monsieur! Please…come zis way and bring your beautiful guest. Ze best seat in ze house for you!”

Blaine gave him a respectful nod and smile, doing as he was told.

“Jean-Louis…a pleasure, my dear friend. May I present the beautiful and enchanting Elmaryia”

Jean-Louis quickly took her hand and kissed it gently in a sign of respect, sweeping them off to their seats, which just happened to be situated against the windows overlooking the snowy street.

Amazing indeed.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

It was a beautiful darkening even with the frigid air, and while Elmaryia was a bit cautious of Blain she was enjoying his company. Ever the gentleman he draped his tunic over Elmaryia's shoulders. Feeling the added warmth Elmaryia turned her head upwards and smiled shyly in gratitude. " Thank you Blain though I wish for you to not be cold." Can he even feel the chillness of the air? I fear I know little pertaining to the matters of vampires.

Indeed the young woman was quite curious about the man that she had once loved. He was an enigma to her and never before had Elmaryia met a man such as him. While she was given glimpses of their shared life times together Elmaryia had no memories of her past lives. In tales told by Nan the twins were told stories about vampire's and whisking away pretty maidens and feasting on them. She had just assumed that Blain needed to feed off of the living like a parasite. That would be a dreadful existance and Elmaryia was pleased that he had been spared that life.

Raising her right brow which Elmaryia often did when she was perplexed she looked at Blain as they walked towards their destination. Vaguely was she aware of his hand at the small of her back gently guiding her. " You can? I always thought that vampires had to drink blood to survive. Are you different from the norm? Or is that just tales to frighten children into behaving?" Elmaryia asked softly as they neared their destination. " I have never been their before, and a meal their would be lovely."

This was her first time at the Terrace of Cuisine and it was a wonderful sight to behold. The aroma of the food was quite appetizing and stoked the young woman's hunger. It seemed as though from the greeting of the man that Blain was a regular at the establishment. Upon hearing Blain's introduction Elmaryia blushed a light pink, and smiled when she felt the older gentleman's kiss on her hand. " Blain is far to kind with his words, it is a pleasure to meet you Monsieur Louis," Elmaryia said softly as he lead Blain and her to a table that had windows overlooking the street.

Removing his cloak, and hers Elmaryia draped them over the back of her chair revealing her ice blue silk beaded gown. Sitting down she turned her gaze and took in the view. " The view is quite beautiful, thank you Blain for taking me here," said Elmaryia.

Once the menues were placed before them, Elmaryia would browse the contents. " I fear that I may not even be able to pronounce these names. I do have a tendency to butcher the local dialect," Elmaryia said with a chuckle. " What would you recommend. It seems that you have been here many times before."

[Heartbreaker]

Smiling at her, he was reminded of one of the more typical traits of the woman he loved.

She always had -a lot- of questions.

It wasn’t a bad thing…quite the opposite. They had always had a wealth of things to think about. Some nights, they had laid awake in bed, talking all night long about any manner of things. Those were some of the more fond memories he had of her.

“ I’m used to the chill of the Jaedaxian winter, darling. Worry not about me.”

Ah yes…the typical rumors about his kind. He couldn’t blame her for it for he was far different then the others…but it did amuse him to a certain degree.

“ Well, I will admit that I am different…although if that is for better or worse, I’m not sure. I was cursed just a bit differently then the rest…but as far as I know, we can all eat normal food..just most need additional refreshment, as it were.”

There were other things of course, but he wasn’t ready to talk about those just yet.

Before settling into his seat, he held out her chair for her and made sure that she was comfortable. Grinning a bit as she mentioned not understanding the local dialect, he nodded softly and gave the approaching waitress a few seconds before rattling off their order in perfect Jaedaxian. Giving Elmaryia a teasing wink, he handed the menus back to the waitress and settled his eyes upon her once again.

“There. All taken care of. If you are curious what I ordered, I remembered that in some of your lives, you’ve disliked pork…and in some beef….but in -all- of them, you’ve liked chicken..so I ordered Kotleta Pokievsky, which is a delicately butter basted chicken with butter sauce within, served with seasonal vegetables and house potatoes. Added to that, I ordered a bottle of Jaedaxian Ice Wine…sweet but not overly so..and to finish it off, fresh apple and berry crepes for dessert. If you would like something else, I can catch the waitress and change the order?”

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

It eased Elmaryia's worried mind that Blain did not need to drink blood, it seemed barbaric. That was one fear that her former lover would wish to feed from her, and Elmaryia did not wish to be made a meal. To be cursed with immortality is a cruel fate, Elmaryia thought as she took a seat upon the offered chair.

So secretive was he regarding the matter of his curse. Was it out of shame? Or did Blain wish to protect Elmaryia from someone or something? While she was curious about his life, Elmaryia would not press him. Everyone was entitled to their own secrets, even if hers were unmasked to everyone at her wedding. " I wish to know more, but I shall not press. I am sure that you will reveal your secrets when you believe the time is right," letting a soft shy smile curve her pretty mouth Elmaryia placed her hand over Blain's to offer comfort. Just as quickly as their hands touched she pulled her hand away.

A soft girlish laugh escaped her lips in answer to Blain's teasing wink as he ordered for the both of them. The Jaedaxian language flowed beautifuly form his mouth and was quite pleasing to the ear. " I do dislike pork. In fact I have pet pigs on my farm. The sow's name is Molly and the boar's name is Humphrey. They are quite intellegent," Elmaryia said with a chuckle.

What he ordered did sound very appetizing and she trusted Blain's judgement. " No what you ordered sounds lovely. I am sure that I will enjoy it. What is playing at the theater this darkening? I have to know what I am in the mood for."

[Heartbreaker]

Blaine was a man of many secrets…most which he kept to himself. He didn’t want to drag others through his pain although in some cases, he was more blessed then the others of his kind.

Indeed, his curse had good points to it.

Smiling as she asked her question, he outlined what was available for the evening.

“ Well, there is always a comedy and a drama playing. The comedy is a comedy of errors…very funny…I’ve seen similar works before and they are always very witty and sharp. The drama is a very romanticized version of the siege of Jaedaxia, depicted from the eyes of two young lovers. It looks to be enjoyable and while not a true representation of the events that transpired, I believe that the arts are allowed a bit of freedom for artistic license.”

It was very apparent that Blaine was up to date on the arts scene in the city and that he appreciated the very nature of what the city was all about. However, he didn’t buy into some of the more romanticized aspects of it as the locals did.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

The man sitting across from her was an enigma, and Elmaryia's curiosity was left unsatisfied. Though perhaps if she knew the secrets of his past, Elmaryia would care too much and that was dangerious. Not that she would ever act upon her feelings, as her heart belonged to Straylor. Though all the same their was a connection between her and the vampire.

For a moment she gazed outside and was taken by the beautiful dimly lighted streets. The city was beautiful as was the man sitting before her. Upon hearing him speak she met his gaze and smiled in return. " I always did fancy a comedy. Do you mind if we see that?" Somehow I do not think that it is wise if I see a romance with you.

" What else do you fancy doing other then visiting the theaters? I wish to see all that Jae has to offer. It is a rather beautiful city and has much to offer. Have you been to any other cities?"

[Heartbreaker]

Tapping his fingers on the table in a rhythmic manner, his attentions were upon her as she spoke of her desire to see a comedy. Grinning, he nodded his head in agreement, fully well knowing the reason why she didn’t wish to see a romance. It wasn’t a new situation to him and being that he -always- knew her mind…almost more then she knew it herself.

“ As you wish. I have a box at that theater so it won’t be a problem gaining entrance.”

As usual, her questions never stopped…but then again, he never expected them to. Always the inquisitive one, she was.

“ Jaedaxia is a wealth of locations worthy of a visit. Some geared towards the more artistic in nature…some more mysterious….but -all- worth a visit. Jaedah’s Mirror is a curiosity that I highly recommend all take a pass at but then again, the Ice Gardens are simply amazing and that’s where the Mirror is. Tell me more about the nature of your interests and I can guide you in the direction you wish to go.”

He possibly had more to say on the subject…but it was at that moment that their food arrived. Smelling delicious and looking equally so, the artistic plates were placed before them. Glasses of wine were poured and it looked as though they were set to enjoy the delectable food.

Nothing that Elma had ever tasted even compared to the food she was currently sampling. Perfectly seasoned…and proving to her that Jaedaxia’s claim as the culinary capital of Telath was rightfully deserved.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

It was a bit strange to see a romance with a man that you were in love with once a upon a life time, who was not your husband. Elmaryia sensed that Blain knew why she wanted to see a comedy. Well it is not very proper to see a romance with a man that loves you who is not your husband, Elmaryia thought as she took a sip of her wine.

Looking down at her plate Elmaryia cut a few pieces of chicken, needing a reprive from Blaine's stare. " I have never sat in a box before, but then again I have never been to a theater before. I am sure that it will be a grand experience."

Indeed Miss Leonard was a curious creature as well as a chatter box, pausing she listened to Blaine discuss the many places that Jae had to offer for exploration. Bringing a piece of chicken to her lips with the fork she took a bite once chewed she gazed up at Blaine and smiled. " You were correct the chicken is quite good. Though I would also love to see the ice guardens. Perhaps another time I shall explore the mirror. Tell me Blaine have you ever visited the mirror? If I do decide to enter shall any harm come to me? I am most curious about the mirror."

[Heartbreaker]

Blaine was well aware of how her mind worked. There had been times they had been so closely linked together that he could almost hear her thoughts. Her mental processes worked in circles…so sometimes it took quite a long time for a thought to develop…but it was usually well thought out when it did.

“ The Mirror? No…no harm would come to you….I assure you. As for me, I have visited once…and only once. The experience is a bit different for someone like me as it is a place of personal reflection. I have much more to reflect over then most…which is good in some way…and bad in many others. I don’t like reliving my mistakes.”

The odd thing about Blaine..was his demeanor. He was always so calm and collected. Never letting his emotions get the better of him, but allowing her to -see- the emotions so he didn’t seem cold-hearted. No…Blaine could never be cold-hearted.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

The man before her was an enigma and only offered glimpes into his soul. Offering comfort Elmaryia placed her hand over his and clasped it with her own. While he was near he was as distant as the two moons that hung above in the darkening sky. Straylor unlike Blain often wore his emotions on his sleeve and Elmaryia adored him because of it. He had trusted her enough to express his emotions unlike the guarded Blain.

Of course she bore sentiments for the vampire he was a part of her this Elmaryia knew but she was a different person and while he may have been a part of her past he was not a part of this past. " It is the mistakes that we learn from and what aid's in shaping who we are. Why are you so secretive? Only mere glimpses of information you are offering me, and it is quite annoying. Though still I shall not press and perhaps one brightening I shall venture into this mirror. You kidnapp me have your goons club me and then profess that you love me. How dare you disturb my life and hold information from me."

Perhaps it was unwise to speak curtly to a vampire, but Elmaryia Leonard was losing her patience with the handsome Blain. Removing her hand from his she stood up and sliped her cloak on her shoulders. This was foolish to seek answers about her past selves. Nay she had one shadow and was enough. " Good darkening Blain I leave you in the company of your riddles and secrets," Elmaryia said crisply as she turned to leave him.

[Crimson]

Blain remained seated for a few moments while Elmaryia escorted herself out of the restaurant, a smile playing on his lips. He didn't dare show any teeth, however, despite the amusement rising from his black heart. No, that would have been inconveniently too revealing for the sake of his host and good friend, the owner of La Terrace du Cuisine. After Elma got a few dozen more paces away from him, Blain sighed playfully before rising from his seat.

"Is anything the matter, monsieur?" one of the servers asked as he passed.

"Nothing at all" was all the vampire said. He pressed a few neatly folded banknotes onto the table to pay for their meal, and a little extra for the delightful services. With that, he blinked then proceeded the mortal way -- by walking. His elegant, elongated steps took him closer to Elmaryia soon enough. And before the young Mrs. Leonard would get far from the restaurant, she'd immediately feel Blain's cool touch on her left shoulder.

"Wait, ma cherie" he called after her in his usually soft, caressing voice "do you truly wish to leave me so ... abruptly?" As she turned, Elmaryia would see a glint of ... sadness in Blain's eyes. It was strange, almost an anomaly in his usually stoic demeanor. But for once, the edges of his lips sagged into a semi-frown, as if pleading for Elmaryia to stay ... even for a little while longer.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

Games Elmaryia Grey had grown tired of them as well as Blain's mysterious nature. Was he protecting her or himself from her past lives, and did it even matter what happened in her past lives? She was a new person now and she prefered to look ahead rather then over her shoulder.

Whatever Blain's agenda was Elmaryia would not be persuaded after all she was in love and soon to be married. Ocassionaly Elmaryia stumbled slightly as she walked purposefully in her high heeled shoes. All she wanted was answers and instead she was given more riddles. It was incredibly frustrating though still she would not let it ruin her darkening. The man was incouragable he first scent his cronies to hit her over the head, then he had her kidnapped and then he muddled her head with tales of past lives. Whatever happend to sending a girl flower's oh chocolate? Not that she would accept any gifts from Blain mind you well other then the orb on the chain. Which she was quite motivated to drop on the ground and crush the little orb with the heel of her shoe.