Alyssandra's House

Alyssandra · May 22, 2004, 03:59 PM

The stately two-story manor house sat back a short distance from the road, a circular drive giving access to visitors and guests. The stone façade may have seemed cold if not for the large well tended lawn and the planters of generous brightly blooming flowers flanking the solid oak door.

Tall multi-paned windows looked out from the house, allowing the interior to be awash in outside light. A semi-circular window above the door helped to lighten the dark stained wood that paneled the walls of the foyer, where guests and visitors were greeted. A long narrow rug woven in patterns of entwining flowers ran the full length of the foyer’s hard wood floor, and three spindle-backed chairs lined the wall opposite the staircase.

Three sets of double pocket doors led out of the foyer. One led to the study, which Alyssandra used as an office, immediately to the left of the front door. Directly opposite was the parlor, an elegantly comfortable room with a number of couches and chairs for entertaining. The last set of doors revealed the dining room, which held a large table and 8 chairs. Across from the dining room, a single door stood closed; its purpose was not readily apparent.

At the far end of the foyer, a pair of multi-paned glass doors opened to the gardens outside.

Alyssandra · May 22, 2004, 04:27 PM

Brightening 1 of Optia, Mid Morning, Spring of Era I of the Celestine

Alyssandra sat quietly at the large desk in the study. A neat stack of paper had been set to the side, and a tray holding a teapot and cup rested on one corner of the desk. Alyssandra slowly poured herself a cup of tea and leaned back comfortably in the chair. As Alyssandra sipped her tea, she smiled softly to herself. Spring had arrived, which always brought a smile to her face. Though, spring was not the only reason that a smile crept onto her lips.

She expected a visitor today, and she was looking forward to his arrival. It had been 5 months since she had met Stephan in the marketplace. It’s hard to believe that such time as passed, she thought to herself. They had corresponded for these months, not only about business, but she had also felt that she had gotten to know Stephan a little better through their letters. And now, he was returning to Narim, and Alyssandra found that she was anxious to see him again.

She, of course, had completed some business reports for him to review. She glanced quickly to the stack of papers on the desk, knowing that her interest in seeing Stephan did not only have to do with business.

Stephan Woulofen · May 22, 2004, 11:17 PM

Many months had past since Stephan had last been in Narim and a very long time since he had left Alyssandra here alone after wanting to know her much more. They had corresponded through letters and such and had greatly learned much about each other, but he still longed to see her again. There was just something about Alyssandra that interested him and he wanted to learn more about her and more, added she was surely a good strong business asset and would provide much for his company.

Strolling to the home that he had purchased for her Stephan knocked on the door and awaited her to answer. He usually would have simply walked in, however he felt it would be much more proper and exciting for her to welcome him at the door. Stephan had made sure he looked well and proper for her, unlike most women he knew and liked, Alyssandra was of a much higher class and deserved much more from him than others.

Standing there waiting for her to answer he wondered how she would greet him. Would she simply welcome him 'home' with a smile or would she embrace him showing a strong joy in his return, which would also mean to him she wished for him to be just more than her buisness partner.

Alyssandra · May 24, 2004, 10:16 PM

At the knock on the door, Alyssandra set her cup on the tray and rose gracefully from her chair, smoothing the fabric of her dress unconsciously. She had dressed for visitors today, abandoning her normal simple linen blouse and skirts for a more elegant blue gown, which was trimmed in a darker blue velvet at the neckline and cuffs.

She made her way carefully to the front door, taking a deep breath to steady her increasing heart beat before swinging open the door.

Alyssandra smiled widely as she recognized the tall form of Stephan on her door step. "Stephan!" she exclaimed, "It is so good to see you..." Her first instinct had been to hug him, but she had been taught since a young child to suppress such outbursts in public, so she reached out to take Stephan's hand warmly instead.

"Please, please...come in! I've been expecting you...I hope your journey went well?" Alyssandra guided Stephan through the door, closing it securely once he was inside.

Stephan Woulofen · May 25, 2004, 04:52 PM

Seeing Alyssandra at the door as she opened it made Stephan's heart skip a beat, literally, he was overjoyed to see such beauty before him and the woman there had impressed him so much when they first met. She was dressed so beautifully, surely because she knew he was coming and that could not make Stephan happier. As she yelled his name due to her joy to see him it nearly made him jump but he didn't and instead just smiled. "And it is good to see you too Alyssandra, I have waited for this day for far too long," he said as she took his hand and pulled him inside.

"My journey went very well, didn't take me as long to get here as I thought it would have." As he walked into the home for the first time Stephan looked around and smiled glad that he had purchased such a property for her, or them. "This house is very beautiful, you have taken great care of it. I hope you like it here, would you care to show me around?" Turning around to face her as she closed the door Stephan smiled, they were both alone for the first time, and away from the publics eye. However, he didn't know what her feelings were towards him, they had conversed back and forth for a long time but they didn't ever talk about their real feelings.

As he stood there with a smile he didn't want to impose himself on her so he kept a good distance, waiting for her to show him around the house.

Alyssandra · May 25, 2004, 07:11 PM

Alyssandra smiled brightly, "It is a wonderful house...I've been very happy in it, and the gardens are a joy as well..." Despite having shown Stephan inside and closed the door, her hand still rested comfortably in Stephan's. She looked down for a moment and smiled, squeezing Stephan's hand warmly. She was happy to see Stephan again.

"So, let me give you the tour...this is the foyer, of course...the stairs there lead up to the family bedrooms...And here to the left is the study...I've been using it as an office, but it is also a good place to read in the morning," she explained as she moved closer to the doorway leading into the very masculine-feeling room.

A large solid desk sat commandingly in the center, with 2 leather-upholstered chairs in front of it, seeming to wait expectedly for clients or business associates. A large well-made bookshelf lined the inside wall, and a modest fireplace occupied the far corner of that wall, leaving just enough room for another door. Large multi-paned windows looked out over the lawn to the street, allowing streams of morning sun to dance gracefully across the carpet.

Alyssandra smiled to herself, and said softly, Next to the gardens...I think this may be my favorite room... Alyssandra waited a few moments for Stephan to look over the room, then motioned across the foyer to another set of pocket doors, "This is the parlor...it gets morning sun, like the study, but I find it a little formal...I haven't really had the chance to use it."

The room was furnished with a beautiful couch and a few sitting chairs, all upholstered in crimson silk. Voluminous crimson velvet drapes framed the windows. Like the study, a corner fireplace sat ready to warm the room for cool evenings.

Next, she led Stephan further down the foyer to the room next to the study. As she slid open the pocket doors, she said, This is the dining room...it can seat eight comfortably, though I haven't had any dinner parties to test that.

The walls of the room were painted in an ice-blue color with white moulding and chair-rail completing the formal look. A modest chandelier hung above the large dining table, which was surrounded by 8 elegant chairs. A sideboard cabinet lined the inner wall, and a fireplace again sat ready in the corner of the room. A door next to the fireplace led back to the study, Alyssandra explained, and a wide door across from the fireplace led through a breezeway to the kitchen. Lastly, a multi-paned glass door opened cheerily onto a covered porch and out to the gardens.

Alyssandra smiled, and led Stephan back out to the foyer. A lone closed door led from the foyer, and Alyssandra explained, "That is technically the guest bedroom, I believe, though I've taken it as my own for the last few months. With just me here, it seemed a waste to feed fireplaces for upstairs and down...I've aired out the Master bedroom upstairs for you while you are here."

The final exit from the foyer was the most dramatic, a set of double multi-paned glass doors led out to the covered porch and gave a beautiful first glance at the gardens beyond. Alyssandra pushed open the doors gently, and breathed the new spring air, Isn't it incredible, Stephan? The flowers aren't all in bloom yet, but the new growth is starting and soon it will be awash with color...

Turning slowly to face Stephan, Alyssandra looked up and smiled softly, Thank you again for buying it and letting me stay here...I am so very grateful...I feel like my spirit has healed a little...

Stephan Woulofen · May 25, 2004, 09:49 PM

Stephan smiled as Alyssandra led the way with him by her side, hand in hand. Walking alongside her Stephan held her hand firmly by gently in his and walked closely by her side. Her scent was more than intoxicating to him and his attention on anything besides her was simply minimal. However, he did really want to see the place and as she showed each room he looked around at it closely and realized the real wealth that was in this place. The study interested him very much so because it was much more an office that he was sure he would use every now and then and share it with Alyssandra as they would be working together.

Of all the rooms Stephan liked the parlor the best, it was formal looking, sorta, but the couches looked very comfortable and the room just looked pleasant to be in. He was sure he would spend much time in here as everyone knew he liked to be lazy and relax. As they entered the dining room it reminded him very much of Wellington Manors, although this dining room was much smaller it was just as elaborate. "Well, now that I am here, to stay for some time, we must use it as much as possible. No reason for the rooms if we don't use them," he said and smiled as he brushed her side with his.

As they entered the guest bedroom Stephan took a look around and smiled, this was the guest bedroom? It surely looked like a master bedroom to him, however, comparing this to his master bedroom in Wellington Manor was a joke. He actually could not wait to see his master bedroom, hopefully it was elaborate as his own in Port Alyxandrya. He was about to make a comment to her about allowing her to use the master bedroom while he was here but she moved on and opened the elaborate doors to the garden.

Stephan was quite amazed by the sight he saw, "Wow, yes this is very beautiful and it smells so fresh and so pure. I could really enjoy it here." Looking down as she looked up at him he smiled and looked deep into her eyes as she explained her joy in this home. "I am glad you like it so much, this home is yours and you may do with it as you wish, but I hope that I am always welcome here. Although I find beauty in the home I find more delight in spending time with the beautiful and wise owner of this property," he said and placed a hand on her cheek brushing away a strand of hair that covered her face.

Alyssandra · May 25, 2004, 10:18 PM

Alyssandra smiled warmly at Stephan's comment, and the touch of his hand on her cheek. At their first meeting, she would have blushed uncomfortably, but after their many letters, she felt more comfortable with Stephan...she trusted him more. She moved closer and looked up at him, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "I should very much like to use all of the rooms in the house more...I would expect that we will have many extra visitors with a Lt. Governor and Senator in residence," she teased gently.

The time apart from Stephan had given Alyssandra the chance to sort out her reactions to the handsome Senator, and evaluate her life. She was still a young woman, and she had come to realize that while her heart might always belong to James, she must begin to live her life again. She was attracted to Stephan; she just wasn't quite sure how to let him know. It certainly wasn't part of the lessons that her grandparents taught her so many years ago.

Dropping her voice, Alyssandra continued, "I had hoped that we might have a quiet dinner tonight..."

Stephan Woulofen · May 25, 2004, 10:39 PM

As she spoke Stephan continued to brush her face lightly with his thumb as she moved even closer to him so that their bodies almost touched. For the first time in their time together Stephan sensed her desire for him and he could tell that he was drawing her in. She may be proper and follow things according to tradition and manners but everyone had that breaking point and Stephan knew that he had almost brought Aly to that point. He could sense she wanted her desire to take over and forget both the manners and properness she had been taught over and over again. "Yes, I am sure many will come to visit, however, I hope we have much time alone as well," he said and smiled.

Stepping in closer and placing his hand on her back Stephan pulled her close up against him and looked down with a smile. "A quiet dinner is much to my liking, anything that I have the ability to do with you is to my liking," he said and then kissed her forehead. Hesitating after kissing her forehead Stephan pulled slightly back and looked into her eyes. Dropping his head and rubbing her back with his hand he moved his lips to hers and gently enjoyed a soft kiss upon her lips. The kiss was deep and long, however delicate and the full impact held back as he wanted to leave her wanting more for now.

Pulling slowly back from the kiss he pulled her lips along before she could not keep up and their lips separated. With a smile on his face Stephan stepped back and removed his hand from her back. "Well, I must say I enjoyed that very much. The taste of your lips are very delicious, and I hope you enjoyed mine as well," he smiled and then walked away slowly to leave her in thought and choices. Heading towards the study, sorta, actually just walking around, Stephan wanted to see Aly's next course of action and what she would do. He had wanted to see Aly's reaction to the kiss and his implications, now it was just his time to wait.

Alyssandra · May 25, 2004, 11:04 PM

When Stephan had pulled her close, Alyssandra's heart had skipped a beat, and she had been a little surprised to find herself disappointed at the kiss on the forehead. She still remembered the soft kiss that Stephan had given her the first day of their meeting, and she had wondered over these past few months how it would feel to be kissed by him again.

And then, he had leaned back down to kiss her lips. It was deep yet soft, and seemed to last a long time. This time, Alyssandra was a more active participant, returning the kiss and trying to match Stephan's intensity. It was actually better than she had remembered from the many months ago, and she was not quite ready to end when Stephan had pulled back slowly.

Alyssandra was a little dazed and almost missed his comment on her lips. Standing in the doorway that led out to the garden, she could still feel the warmth of his lips on hers, and his hand on her back. Shaking herself from the daze, she managed to reply, "Perhaps it was the jasmine tea that you tasted...I was having a cup when you arrived...your lips were...likewise...delightful, but I couldn't quite make out the flavor...I may have to taste them again to decide..." Alyssandra let her voice trail off as she flirted openly with Stephan.

Stephan Woulofen · May 25, 2004, 11:20 PM

Stephan could tell she had enjoyed the kiss very much by her facial expressions and her proper stances, which had become sloppy as he had definately affected the stability of her legs. As he heard her speak Stephan stopped in his place and turned with a smile on his face. Placing his fingers to his lips he smiled, "Yes, that is definately the taste of your lips, a most delightful and delicious mixture." As she explained that she did not know the taste of his lips yet he smiled again and became quite interested as she explained she wanted to have another taste.

He was more than willing to kiss her again however knowing her proper manners he did not want her to feel uncomfortable by his forwardness. Oh well, his manners had gone completely out the window as something else took over inside him. His other side had taken over so many times before in his life that by this point he was just unable to stop it and thus didn't even try to put up a fight anymore.

"Well if you must taste them again to figure out the taste then you better come and find out," he said and stopped by the doorway to the study, leaning against the doorway. Watching Alyssandra in her beautiful dress he wondered just how much longer that would remain on her. He knew she desired him and his actions had increased that desire, however it seemed Alyssandra was still quite sensible and for anything to happen that just could not be much longer.

Standing there waiting for her Stephan unbuttoned the top button of his silk garb revealing the top of his muscular chest. It was alittle revealing but yet nothing to say that he was ready or desiring to take her lustfully into his arms. He decided that was her decision to make, not his.

Alyssandra · May 25, 2004, 11:33 PM

The teasing smile on Alyssandra's lips faded slightly as Stephan called her on her offer. She hadn't really expected that he would do so, and her eyes widened slightly in surprise. Her surprise came more from the control that he was placing in her hands. It would be her decision to kiss him again, if she wanted.

Something about that invitation enticed her, and she found her self moving towards him slowly, her eyes not leaving his, even as he unfastened one button on his shirt. When she was an arms length away, she could feel that her heart beat had risen and her breathing had increased. Taking a deep breath, she smiled broadly up at Stephan, and held his gaze for a moment.

Then, as if making a decision, she took a step closer to Stephan, placed her hands on his chest to steady herself, and stood up on her toes to kiss him lightly on the lips.

Stephan Woulofen · May 26, 2004, 01:30 AM

Stephan watched as Alyssandra approached and he smiled with delight as now he was fully sure of her desire for him. It was written all over her and by her actions and by this point he knew he had full control over her. He liked that, very much so, but he wasn't exploiting the fact as much as he felt pretty much the same about her. His feelings for her were probably not as intense as hers were for him, but he still wanted her very much so and knew he must have her. As she leaned into him and placed her hand on his chest as she kissed him lightly Stephan returned the kiss fully and putting his hand around her he raised her up into him.

The kiss was full and lasted much longer than the first and actually it continued as he actually kissed it and raised her off her feet, which was easily done by his strength and her light weight. As they kissed and enjoyed the pressing of each others body into each other many minutes passed. They seemed to be making no moments in any directions, towards stopping or towards more comfortable positioning on the guest bedroom's bed. Stephan let everything up to Alyssandra, where she wanted to take this was up to her and when she wanted to stop was as well.

As they stood there and kissed Stephan unbuttoned his shirt fully and allowed it completely open, however he declined to take it off. Surprisingly for now their kisses were still light and not lustful and thus things were moving slow, but in a good way of slow. He had no hurry to take this anywhere or make her feel uncomfortable, his realization that it had been a long time since she had been with a man was guiding him as well.

Alyssandra · May 26, 2004, 04:38 AM

Alyssandra had gasped softly as Stephan lifted her off her feet to press their bodies together, but she quickly forgot the impropriety of the action as she surrendered to the delicious feelings spreading throughout her body.

Their kisses were slow and exploring, causing Alyssandra’s entire body to practically tingle with excitement. She had not felt such things for many years…hadn’t thought that she would ever feel such a way again. And yet, it was happening, and Alyssandra was losing control of her actions. Stephan let her set the pace and to her relief did not make any moves to intensify the situation.

As the kisses continued, Alyssandra slowly became aware of her bare hand resting intimately on Stephan’s bare chest, where his shirt had come unbuttoned. The intimacy of the touch seemed to bring her emotions back into check, and she slowly pulled her lips from Stephan’s. She did not pull from his arms, instead rested her forehead against his bare chest. Her breaths were heavy for a few moments as she fought to regain control. Slowly, she looked up at Stephan, taking a deep breath, and exhaling slowly, ”I…I’m not sure what to say, Stephan…I don’t normally act like this.” Alyssandra looked down to where her hand still rested against Stephan’s bare chest, and continued, ”You make me feel things that I haven’t felt in so long…” Her words trailed off as she slowly began to disengage herself from Stephan’s arms.

Stephan Woulofen · May 26, 2004, 10:03 AM

Stephan looked down as she pulled back from the kisses to speak for the first time after their passionate kisses. He smiled and looked deep into her eyes as she looked up at him and as she looked down he kept his gaze on her. The kiss was simply magnificant, although he had kissed many in his lifetime there were those few people whose kisses still interested him very much. Alyssandra was one of those people. However, as she pulled back and expressed her very strong feelings for him, in a way that was outright saying so, Stephan looked alittle worried and upset.

For one reason or the other Stephan felt bad for what he did, he knew he had many lovers and loved them all the same, but Alyssandra did not know his exploits and he didn't want to hurt her, if she should take offense to it. Someone of her rank and background had to know someone like Stephan had many beautiful lovers, his good looks, wealth, and power made it fairly obvious. But, Stephan knew she would most likely never be excepting to this and he figured it best to tell her now before their feelings intensified and he had her in his bed.

"Alyssandra I must confess something to you," he said and waited for her to look up at him once again. "I have very strong feelings for you, I would say that I am starting to love you, considering our deep and personal letters we have been passing to each other for some time, but.... you are not the only one that I love. Ever since I lost my fiancee and lovers before her I have not been able to love just one woman and I take on many lovers, however that doesn't mean I don't love one more or less than any other."

Stephan didn't let her walk away from him or completely separate herself from him by taking her hand in his and rubbing it gently with his thumb. "I wanted to tell you this now before anything else happened, no matter my other exploits I still care for you very much and I don't want to lose you. However, I would understand if you wished to have nothing to do with me now, but that would also very hurt me. I love you," he said, hopefully the last part sealed the deal. He really did care for her, very much so and he didn't want to lose what they had between them. Surely she must understand his position of power and wealth, it was just something a nobleman and man of power did.

Alyssandra had all she could have ever wanted, a beautiful home, beautiful clothes and dresses, all the crowns she needs, and a man who is powerful, kind, gentle, and obviously cared for her. He could have simply told her a lie or never told her about his other lovers, but he didn't, he just could not do that to her. Stephan really had no idea how she would react, there were so many things that could happen that it worried him. He did not want to lose her, he loved and desired her, and as the heat between them had intensified he wanted to take her to bed as well.