Haya's Reach (Keeva)

[Keeva Kaldres]

“It is the only lead that we have, Kirio Russel. What other choice do we have?” The young woman responded, popping one of the round morsels into her mouth after she did. They were a curious manner of food, to be certain, though she did not argue the fact. After all, such would have been absurd, debating the complexities of food shapes with a guard who was likely more interested in hers than anything else.

“Besides, we are not going to rush into things, as you say. If one boy has spotted vysstichi there, then perhaps another in the area would have, as well. We will seek a sighting in harmony with what we have found, and then decide what to do next.”

She smiled at the young guardsman, then, canting her head to one side as she reached for another of the diminutive rice balls. Even contrary to the fact that she had a mission to attend, Keeva was enjoying this little break from it all, the chance to relax a little, and cool down. If the old woman’s words proved to be true, then they would likely have a chance in earnest on their hands soon enough, and the girl wished to be prepared as best she could.

“Perhaps that sounds a little more reasonable to you, Kirio Russel?” The woman queried, a slight lilt to her voice indicative of the fact she was teasing. The guard was being a tad uptight regarding this situation of theirs, after all, and it would not hurt him to try to relax, too.

[Eir'helm Mithania]

The pretty young woman sitting across the table from him managed to get the guard to give up a smile. She was mocking him, somewhat, and while it was mostly harmless, the area that the elderly woman had spoken of wasn’t as safe as her teasing. There were pirates and even a few slavers in that section of the city. It wasn’t a perfectly safe place to be, even from him.

For the moment, he smiled. The path that Keeva had suggested was reasonable enough. There was a problem as he saw it though. A man in uniform would attract more attention than they wanted.

“Fine. You’re right. You seem to have a fair idea how to find out a little more about these dark elves and where they hide. I think you should give me a chance to change though. My uniform might attract a little more attention than we want.”

He ate two of the rice balls, holding them in-between two different sets of fingers on the same hand, and alternating, back and forth, back and forth.

“Once we’re done, if we could return to my home, I’ll change into something suitable, and we can ask around in that quarter.”

Russell raised his hand, summoning a boy with a bottle of wine over to where they sat. For a gold coin he acquired two glasses of white wine. One glass was set out before each of them, and the youth wandered off to serve someone else.

“Does that seem reasonable?”

The gentleman guard gave Keeva another little smile, though he still managed to look somewhat innocent to the invitation he’d made, to take her home.

[Keeva Kaldres]

The guard appeared innocent, though Keeva doubted the purity of his intent. She was, however, here on a mission, and for the sake of her family, no less. Entertaining this man’s whims was as nothing compared to that, and she would ensure that her quarry was found, regardless of what it took, or how long it would take.

“It certainly does, Kirio Russel.” She smiled, lifting the glass of wine to her lips as she did. “Should we leave now? I’d rather we get to the bottom of this case sooner, rather than later.”

Another sip of the wine, and the smile remained, alert as she was as to what was being done. The guard was trying to get her drunk- or under the influence, at least- if only to better his chances at bedding her, later on. Keeva knew his sort, and she was mildly amused, if not enough, as of yet, to make his dreams come true.

“Perhaps I should slip into something more suitable, as well?” She finished, as her smile broke, with only a slight smirk left to slither into place. Time would tell how matters would ensue; even she barely knew, as of yet.

[Eir'helm Mithania]

He couldn’t help but not softly in approval as Keeva seemed to find his suggestion reasonable. There was certainly the thought that if he could get her to his home, with a little wine in her, there might be time for other things as well, but he hadn’t expected the woman to point that out so clearly. He surely didn’t expect an answer in the manner she provided.

Russel was stunned for a moment after Keeva spoke.

The young man’s smile widened as Keeva told him that she’d like to dress otherwise as well. It was an all too blunt suggestion that he’d soon get her dress off her. The local guard couldn’t help but want to smile at that, but he was clearly trying to fight the need. Instead, he took another bite from each of his rice balls, and then a drink so cover his mouth.

Russel seemed to think a moment, though he was honestly unsure. He didn’t want to rush off; it’d make him seem desperate. He nodded again, finished one of his rice balls, drank another sip of his wine and made a smile suggestion.

“Why don’t we finish these and then we can change. Best to be active on a full stomach.”

He gave the young woman a wink and offered her another with a wave of his hand.

They’d be gone soon enough.

[Keeva Kaldres]

“Indeed?” The young woman replied, a curious little lilt to her voice almost teasing as she looked to the guard, through wonderfully calm grey eyes. Naturally, she knew what he meant, knew what he intended in not being ‘active on an empty stomach.” Kirio Russel was being blatant now, so it seemed, though he had been dropping little hints and suggestions all day. Subtlety, it seemed, did not happen to be one of the man’s stronger points. Keeva could only hope that he had others which would be of some worth, and use.

The girl said nothing more, however, as she continued to eat, and partake of the wine which the guardsman had bought. The remainder of the meal would be had pleasantly, though at the end of it Keeva would smile that demure little smile once again, and offer him the simplest suggestion, in turn.

“Would you like to take me home now, Kirio Russel?” She queried, her voice ever soft, ever silken, ever calm. She had known the answer long before the question had even come to exist itself; it would simply be pleasing to hear it from the guardsman, instead.

[Eir'helm Mithania]

The teasing and toying drained from the young man’s voice as Keeva finished her meal and asked her question. He was calm as he watched her. He leaned forward as she asked if he’d like to take her home before they went in search of their vysstichi. The male couldn’t exactly refuse her.

In a firm, though quiet voice, he confirmed exactly what Keeva already knew.

“Very much so.”

His foot had slipped from his shoe, and under the cover of the table covering it stroked Keeva’s leg.

If she said the word he’d drag her away, back to his humble home.

The dark elf could wait after all, couldn’t it?

[Keeva Kaldres]

Keeva was entertained, though his movements upon her leg had been unexpected, and thus greeted in response with a genuine ‘o’ of surprise. He was certainly interested in her, and seemingly eager to get down to business, as well. The girl, however, merely smiled and shook her head, gracing the Eunesian with a soft, playful kick in the leg herself. It was a warning, perhaps, or idle chastisement…Either way, there was little harm meant- she was simply continuing to tease.

“Patience, Kirio Russel. Patience…” She beamed, before rising, deliberately and gracefully, from her seat. The young Kaldres woman was certainly of finer stock than most, even if she did happen to be catering to the guardsman’s whims.

“Let us walk, shall we?” She queried, gently, holding out her hand to the man in the hopes and the premeditation that he would accept.

Kirio Russel, it seemed, was becoming rather predictable, after all.

[Eir'helm Mithania]

The young man sitting across from Keeva didn’t flinch as she kicked him. All the action seemed to do was give him another reason to smile back at her.

“My apologies dear lady. You see, in my youth I was a scoundrel. I was a rascal if ever you could find one on our good island, and while I may try not to be, that troublesome boy is still there…. And he very much likes you.” He said, playfully, though innocently enough.

As Keeva offered to take him for a walk, the man couldn’t help but accept. He took her hand and rose from his seat, only to help her up as soon as he’d done that.

He’d let her lead if she wished, and if the woman wasn’t so driven he’d guide her, gently, back towards his humble, but respectable residence.

[Keeva Kaldres]

“Well, we’ll see if he can’t be tamed, won’t we?” The girl chided Russel in return, happy to take his hand as he helped her back onto her feet. There was little more to be said, after that, as they made their way towards the guardsman’s place. Keeva had little left that she wanted to add, whilst Russel likely had other things on his mind. He had an inkling of what was coming, after all, and that in itself should have been enough to drive his imagination forth, onwards onto less innocent points of cause.

Even when they arrived, the woman merely smiled- knowingly, in the wisdom of something that the both of them very much understood. Russel would be left to lead, to guide her into his abode. Keeva wished for the man’s help, and if there truly needed to be a trade in order to confirm the solidity of such, then so be it.

It was her family who would benefit, in the end.

[Eir'helm Mithania]

The young man had no idea that Keeva was hunting this elf for anything as noble a reason as family. If he had the way he’d approached her, treated her might’ve been very different. He, however, didn’t know what drove the woman in his company. He imagined it was work, and that he’d be a diversion from that work, not a price she had to pay.

Regardless of how noble or ignoble the action was, Keeva found herself being led through the streets of Secyclion. The sun hadn’t set yet. People were still about on the streets, though the shops were starting to close.

It wasn’t long before Keeva’s host had her turn a final corner to a small apartment set into a larger shop building.

Like a gentleman he opened the door for her.

The residence wasn’t large. It was small, humble, and while it and its furnishings were simple they were also clean. Russel took care of his home.

As he closed the door he moved upon Keeva, showing the same care that he displayed with his personal effects. The man was nearly shy as he kissed her, easing her against the doorway.

Russel’s fingers traced over the edge of Keeva’s jaw and he stole a second little kiss before making a rather hushed confession.

“I’ve wanted to do that since the moment I’ve seen you Lady Kaldres.” It wasn’t an effort to toy with her, simply an honest statement, and then came an impish smile, though he clearly wanted to do it again and again.

[Keeva Kaldres]

The guard’s residence was not large, but it was quaint, cosy, nevertheless. It was the sort of place that Keeva herself would have preferred, perhaps; a space within which she could have privacy, and peace. After all, even though her foremost drive in life were the bonds to family and friends, it was nice to get away from it all, once in a long while.

Russel was being the perfect escort, it seemed, and even the girl herself found herself being charmed by his graces. In truth, however, it was not entirely what she had expected…The man was just that, after all, and clearly only after one thing…was he not?

The gentleness with which he eased her back, however, pressing his lips to hers as he did, came as a mild surprise. She had almost expected to be ravaged at the door, but as the seconds passed and she found that she was still wearing her clothes, Keeva allowed that little viewpoint to fade away. Perhaps Kirio Russel was not quite as bad or predictable as she thought.

Her back to the door, Keeva smiled up at the man, her youthful face a picture of delight as she whispered a handful of words. Even though he was a relative stranger, and this an equally foreign place, there was a certain calm in the closeness between them, a something which she had not felt for some time. It was…nice, though the girl was yet unwilling to be taken in so easily, even by Kirio Russel’s charms. She was, however, content enough in spending some time with him now, and even showed as much through her voice.

“You may do so again, if you wish.”

And then a deepening of her smile; welcoming, honest and pure.

[Eir'helm Mithania]

The young man wasn’t able to refuse Keeva’s kind offer. He kissed her again. The guardman showed a great deal of care in the way he touched her. As the third kiss ended he pulled away, if only for a moment, before running his cheek against Keeva’s.

Her host was freshly shaven. His skin was smooth, and still had something of a boy’s softness. He’d worked the gates. He’d stood in the summer heat and the worst rains, and it was hardening him, however slowly.

“I’m sorry Keeva.” Came the hushed apology. Russel hadn’t explained what he was sorry for, only that she was clearly owed it.

With that he eased away from her, giving her a little more room.

“We both know why we came back here Keeva. I want to have you. I’d take you to my bed and keep you there till morning if I could. I’d keep you longer if I could.”

He paused. He wasn’t even sure what he was in all this, when his games ended and hers began.

“You seem to be a special woman. I know I’ve just met you, and perhaps I sound like a fool, but I want you to know that I’m willing to halt on this path. I think your worth more than an affair with me.”

Russel gave Keeva another smile and leaned forward. He stole another kiss from her, this one no less sweet than the others.

The male wasn’t so foolish to claim he loved her. He confessed he lusted for her, but he also had the supposed hope for something a little more.

If she wanted one, Keeva was promised a lover, but he also hinted to a degree of intimacy.

[Keeva Kaldres]

At the man’s apology, Keeva canted her head, confused. Up until this point in time she had thought things to proceeding on a standard path, without deviation or flaw to mar it on its way. This, however, was rather…unexpected, with the girl in turn being momentarily taken aback.

His confession came, followed by her silence. She simply did not know what to say. After all…what was meant to be said, in response to such words? Keeva possessed no way of knowing, though from the look on her pale, young face, Russel would be able to tell she was stunned.

Keeva had come here under the impression that she would be used, just as she had intended to use him. The comfort he offered her, however, and the intimacy…Such things she had always yearned for, and craved; they were precious to her, things to be held sacred, and dear.

The woman’s eyes closed against the moment, indulging in this strange young sense of calm. She had been working to her family’s ends, or else been tied amid other things, for so very long now that she had scarcely had time so slow down. Yes, she had a current mission in finding the vysstichi, but couldn’t that wait? Couldn’t she feel content amidst the comfort and protection that this man could give, for a single darkening at least?

A saner person, perhaps, might have asked themselves whether or not they could live with such a thing, but Keeva already knew the answer to that.

Without saying a word, she moved closer to the man, easing her fragile frame towards his. Rising on her toes, Keeva offered Russel a kiss, before turning her head, and resting her cheek against his chest. Each action was committed to with grace, and a gentleness befitting of the girl. It was also clear enough sign of the fact that she accepted him, what he was, and what could become of them, occur between them, now.

[Eir'helm Mithania]

The young man didn’t have a chance to resist Keeva. He couldn’t deny her another kiss any more than he could shove her away as she leant her head to his chest. He simply held her there for a time, without saying a word, and then an embarrassing thought struck her companion.

“My name is Russel Wineguard… and if you’re willing, I’d very much like to spend the darkening with you… like this.” He paused for a moment, unsure of what he was supposed to do, and then, without another word he kissed the top of her head and squeezed a little tighter.

He felt like such a fool with this woman he’d just met.

If Keeva would allow though, he’d lead her back to his bedchamber, to lie with him, being held, and every so often he’d hunt for a kiss.

[Keeva Kaldres]

Keeva did not answer Russel’s words, but she was smiling into his chest as he spoke. Whilst she did not feel a close connection to the man yet, there was a certain intimacy there- a calm which covered her within its soothing embrace. The woman had no desire to be anywhere else but where she was now, and she made no move to escape as Russel held her, tight. Her arms moved to his back, and she sighed, a little, as she eased into his warmth; content, with simply being there.

The man led her to the bedchamber, and she followed along, close by, holding to his hand, her body rested against his, until their sojourn came to its end.

Kisses she would grant him, as they lay, into the night, though more than that she valued his presence, his embrace in keeping her safe. For now, the scared little girl could rest, letting go the shackles of formality and strength which kept her forcefully in place.

For a time, it seemed she would have peace.