Secret Lives (Taken)

Status
Not open for further replies.
Brandon was absentmindedly cleaning the necklaces, they didn't really require a whole lot of concentration from him but he felt like he should be doing something and so while he cleaned the jewelry he had ample opportunity to watch Aeroa at work. The way she handled pictures, cleaning, arranging, he had to admit that she had an eye for beauty in just about everything. The way she arranged the pictures in the corner it was so much cleaner than the way he'd organized the rest of the store. In a way it framed the artwork beautifully with a certain edge of sophistication.

She then tried to tell him that she was just interested in things, like the way she organized things wasn't really all that special and yet. He could see her in almost everything that she touched. The humble beauty of her work. "Well, your incredibly good at it." He said as he put the jewelry down on the counter. He moved over to where she was working just to take a closer look. "This is interesting, it seems so much more clean over here. Perhaps I should have you work here in the store instead of my home." He laughed a little bit.

A question came to Brandon's mind as he reached out to touch the corner of one of the pieces, "Tell me, what kind of a piece would I paint? What would you use to tell that it's mine?" Curiosity was riddled into his voice as he spoke, he really wanted to know just what Aeroa thought about him. Thought about who he was, perhaps he could even glean if she had any interest in him at all.
 
Aeroa gave a small laugh, "Well, I try to do my best where ever I am." Which was true. She always wanted to do as well as she could, in anything. Aeroa stepped back to look at her work, she couldn't help but to notice the difference in her corner compared to the rest of his store.

Aeroa looked at Brandon as he touched the corner of one of the pictures. His question was quite peculiar. He wanted to know what kind of piece he would paint if he did. That would require some thought, and doing so Aeroa unconsciously pursed her lips, and put her finger on them. She thought about it for a moment. Trying to picture it in her head. It was simple of course. A picture Brandon would paint would be like him.

And so, Aeroa began to speak her thoughts aloud, "It would be like you. It would seemed to be painted by many different people. There would be some smooth strokes, some that were a little less so. Some would be long, and some shorter. The style would seem to start out rough, and become defined as the picture developed. Each stroke would compliment each other. Each feature of the picture would seem to be an odd combination, but together they would fit perfectly. It would be a rustic, battered design. It would have elegance to mask it. You of course would be painting the city of Gratinis." Aeroa laughed, "It would be night, and the lights would be a blur, but they would be blurred beautifully. Giving just a good enough glow to capture the elegance of the city. The stores in it would be the restaurant, the bakery, and this shop. They wouldn't be in the right place..... But they would be all the same." She paused, "It would be strange, but that would be how it was intended. The painting itself would captivate the on-looker. They would want to keep looking, until they noticed everything. They would notice more and more detail the longer they looked." She waited a little bit, and then gave another small laugh, "If that answers your question."
 
The way that she'd described the picture was beautiful, her words gave it life in his mind and he could literally watch it being painted in his mind. He never had a talent for painting so it was simply the artist of the mind painting the picture as she talked. The strokes blended, the lights dimmed and brightened, it was the city of Gratanis which only made him smile more because he knew that it would be what he painted. The city as his inspiration and the people which had helped to build him the focus which none but those that could see art for what it was could understand.

He couldn't help but nod at everything that she said, then he heard her cute little laugh. It always brought a smile to his face as he turned to look at the girl standing next to him. She was curious, like a cat, and had been observing him for what seemed like ages. She was unique in more than just her hair color. There had always been a sort of mystery behind her but that never seemed too much of an issue. She was just there and you enjoyed being in her presence.

"It does answer my question, perfectly." He laughed as well as he continued to look at her completely forgetting about the picture in front of him, "I have no talent for painting so it's interesting to hear what I would paint if I tried." He then thought he heard something at the back of the store, it seemed something had caught hold of James. "Tell me Aeroa, you see all that in me?" She really seemed to know him, "It seems like you're the one who keeps looking at this painting, noticing more and more detail."
 
Aeroa had been observing Brandon for quite some time. Brandon was the picture that she was looking at, drawn into, staring that, the one where she noticed more and more detail. It was true, which was probably why she put it in her description. Brandon's laugh echoed throughout the shop, she enjoyed it. She liked to see him happy, to see him enjoying his time. Though that may have been true for anyone, it was more so true for Brandon.

Aeroa paused, it was a long pause, she knew that she saw all of that in him. But, she wanted to make sure she was a hundred percent sure before she answered, "Hmm. Yes. I do see all of that in you." It was peculiar, to tell someone what she saw in them. Most people weren't interested, most people didn't even realize they were being observed. But she liked to pick up on the small details. "But.. Granny Sophie, the Chef, and probably even James, all see that in you too.."She poked his shoulder and gave a small, "They are all probably looking at the painting, noticing more and more details. Even if they don't realize it."

Aeroa couldn't help but to think about Brandon then, the things he had done for her, how kind he was, how generous. He was chivalrous and sweet. He had gotten her many things she didn't deserve, or would have ever been able to afford herself. He was taking her to the festival. She smiled, mostly just caught up in her thoughts. He escorted her around all the time. She shook her head, she never would have thought that being rescued in an alley way would lead to this. It had felt like forever ago that she had been rescued, and yet, it had only been a few days.
 
The people around him, he never realized that they might be looking into that picture as well. When she'd worded the picture so well in her mind he couldn't help but only see Aeroa in front of it. And yet, why would so many people have offered him a chance, helped him on his way, if they hadn't seen that potential for a beautiful picture in him as well. "Thank you Aeroa, you really are amazing..." he told her truthfully, "I'm really glad that we met, and even more glad that you decided to stay." He said quietly, personally, and thankfully.

The rest of the day at the shop went smoothly, the display which Aeroa had done sold two of it's pictures. Brandon wasn't at all surprised, he was suddenly inspired to do the same to the rest of his shop. They sold a few more necklaces but by the time the day was complete and Brandon was closing up the store he realized that he hadn't heard a peep out of James the entire day. Not a word which was strange to him. He began to walk back towards where James' studio was but the gruff voice of James met him before he could turn the corner. "Don't come back please, I'm not done... I don't want this seen until it's complete." Brandon found this strange because he'd never been so secretive about his other paintings. This one must have been special.

"Well, we're just closing up the shop thought you might want to return home to your beautiful wife." Brandon decided to respect the painter's privacy and not take a peek. It was killing him to do so the curiosity was almost too much.

James looked outside it was getting darker and sighed, "Alright... just clean up I'll be ready to go when you close." He needed to hurry, he could tell that the night would be long and he wanted to keep the colors as fresh in his mind as he could. They cleaned up further and closed the shop, James came out of the back of the store with a smile on his face. Brandon was ready to ask him about the picture when a rap at the door front caught everyone's attention. Looking up James became confused, it was his wife, she was wearing the same dress that she'd worn when they first met. She was beautifully tall, her figure the picture of feminine, her long brown hair was pulled tightly into a bun. She wore minimal jewelry other than the small pendant which hung around her neck. It was the same necklace he'd given her those many years ago. He rushed out and into his wife's arms. "You look absolutely beautiful Liz," he then leaned in and kissed her lips.

Brandon smiled but felt a little awkward standing there with Aeroa and watching them kiss, so he decided to avert his eyes, "We'll give you two some privacy," With that he took Aeroa's hand and led her down the road towards the clothing store. Laughing lightly at how the young couple were so comfortable kissing in public. Looking over at Aeroa he wondered for a moment what she thought about it.

They arrived at the clothing store and Karon was ecstatic, the dress had turned out perfectly and couldn't wait to dress Aeroa up in it. In fact she wanted to be the one to do it, so she politely asked if it would be alright if Brandon returned home to dress and to come back to pick her up. She promised to have her ready by then. "What do you want to do Aeroa?"
 
Aeroa gave a smile when Brandon thanked it, it was very sincere, quiet, and if Aeroa had to guess, came from the bottom of his heart. That big, warm, inviting heart of his. "I'm really glad we met too, and staying has turned out to be a wonderful thing. It isn't one-sided." Aeroa's smile only grew as she spoke, it was true, all of it.

The day almost flew by for Aeroa, it was nice helping out around the shop, and being around Brandon. Though, the part that caught her attention was when James ask that Brandon didn't come back to him. James had wanted to be alone, but as far as Aeroa could tell there was nothing wrong with James. So she found it peculiar and she could almost see the curiosity dripping off of Brandon. By the time Brandon was ready to close up shop, someone had arrived. It turned out to be James' wife. Aeroa only watched as James went up to her and they kissed. The kiss was a little weird. Aeroa and Brandon were just there.. But Brandon rescued the situation by taking her hand and leading her down the road towards the clothing store.

Aeroa couldn't help but to smile and blush as Brandon took her hand. It was still odd to her, but she liked it, enjoyed it. His hands seemed warm, and pleasant, like him. Once they reached the store, Karon was absolutely energetic about the dress. She had suggested that Brandon go get dressed while Aeroa stay here and get dressed. "Well, I'll go ahead and get dressed here." Aeroa said smiling, realizing she could laugh at Brandon when he say her. Because each time she had gotten dressed into something he was always quite shocked, even stared at times. She laughed at the thought of it.

"See you in a little bit." Aeroa said, and once Karon had heard Aeroa's response she shooed Brandon out of the shop, and led Aeroa into the back. There the dress was, sitting on a mannequin, the details of the dress had been finished, and even on the mannequin it seemed absolutely beautiful. Aeroa started to became excited, she would be wearing that dress to the festival. It was absolutely amazing. She pictured herself in it, one shoulder strap, going over her left shoulder. The beautiful soft green bringing out the blue in her eyes, giving small accentuates to the black and silver hair that flowed down her back. The dress would go down to the floor, and small little black flower designs decorated the bottom, and ran up her right leg. The left side had a small slit going one third the length of the dress up. It was silky, but accentuated with a beautiful soft, delicate shimmer. She shook her head, she must have been dreaming.

Karon seemed to pick up on her disbelief, "I know! It's amazing isn't it! You'll be gorgeous!" With that Karon ordered her around, helping her get the dress on properly. It wasn't an easy task, and Aeroa was glad to have Karon to help her out. Once the dress was on Karon almost teared up she was so happy. "It's great." Was all she said as she walked out of the room. Covering her mouth, trying to hide her smile. Karon knew she had helped make the dress that amazing on Aeroa, and she was beyond happy. She didn't want to mess up Aeroa's expectation of Brandon's reaction by showing surprise herself. Aeroa was far more amazed by what she actually looked like when she had it on. She could see her curves, something that her loose clothing hid quite well. Aeroa's fair skin contrasted nicely with the soft green. She couldn't help but to smile.

"Who are you going with Karon?" Aeroa asked walking into the room that Karon had went into, suddenly aware that Karon hadn't mentioned anything about going with someone.

"Just a friend of mine, I've known him for many years. He's sweet." Karon said, few words, and with noticeably less enthusiasm than usual.

"Whats the matter?" Aeroa asked.

"We've been going for years." Karon began, "But he just hasn't gotten me a necklace. So. It's like going with my best friend. and I'm still waiting for him to offer me a necklace. Any kind. At all. A simple lace would fit. Nevermind that now, Brandon shouldn't be much longer, you stay in the back. I'll wait for him out on the floor, and bring him back, or call you forward when he arrives! I can't wait to see his face!"
 
Brandon it seemed was not allowed to be around but at the same time, it added an air of mystery to the whole evening. He liked it and was going to enjoy every minute of the evening. He could already see it now, maybe, at the end of the evening he could take her up to the lake. It wasn't that far of a walk out of town and he knew that Aeroa wouldn't mind the adventure. He twirled his cane as he walked feeling better and better about and yet with how good he felt there was a bit nervousness that he felt. Anxiety of if he would make the night enjoyable for Aeroa.

Returning to the shop he was wearing a much fancier suit, it was a dark shimmering black. His tie was a deep dark green, the buttons were a brilliant silver. He wore a pair of black trousers along with his best boots. From head to toe he was the epitome of upper-class and yet he felt a little ridiculous. It was so over the top from what he usually wore. His shirt was a bright white and contrasted well against his silver gloves. In one hand his can snapped a tight rhythm against his walk and in the other hand he held the long black box which held the beautiful necklace he wanted to give to Aeroa. Smiling he turned the corner and saw the shop, walking in front of the window he checked his hair, tie, coat, and pants trying to make sure that everything was in it's place.

Opening the door he saw Karon waiting for him, she quickly came forward and curtsied beautifully to the gentleman standing before her. With a grandiose announcement she introduced the Lady Aeroa and then Aeroa came around the corner. Brandon had never had seen her wear something like this before. He was completely speechless standing there with his mouth open no words coming to mind as she stood before him. It was a few minutes before he'd even gathered enough confidence to speak with such a beautiful woman.

"Aeroa... I..." he started but didn't quite know how to finish, it took him a few moments longer of stumbling over his words. Walking forward he took her hand and bowed deeply to her. "Lady Aeroa, would you be so kind as to come to the festival with me?" Every penny he'd spent on the dress was worth it, she looked stunning and beyond words. But what made him even more nervous was the small box that he held in his hand, the fact that Aeroa looked so wonderful he wasn't sure he had the courage. Looking as she did she would have the eye of any man she chose and yet here he was, laughed with her, talked with her, got to know her and he wondered if she would accept his affections.

Looking up into her eyes he stood slowly, "Aeroa, I'm sure you've heard about the necklaces of the Lueur Nouveau festival. They are meant to show the spark of affection that grows within two people. An outward symbol of their connection." Looking down at his hands, as beautiful and unique as the silver necklace was he felt like a pauper giving a queen some trinket. Holding the box out to her he could hear Karon gasp, "I have grown to like you a lot Aeroa, over the short time that we've known each other. I'm truly glad that we met and I hope that we might stay connected, at least for a little while longer, and that you'll accept this necklace from me." He opened the box revealing the beautiful silver necklace and sapphire pendant attached to it. It seemed to glow in the box that it lay.
 
Aeroa was starting to grow nervous waiting for Brandon, but Karon was right, it didn't take him long to get there. She was happy to step out into the the main floor to see Brandon. Aeroa herself wasn't really sure what to expect Brandon in, she had seen him in his suits, and wasn't a suit what men wore to the festival? But when she looked at Brandon she smiled. He wore a far more stunning suit than usual, from his head to his boots he was handsome. His gloves, his cane, the way his suit shimmered. But what really caught her attention was the box that he carried.

'What could it be.. No. it couldn't. Could it? Did he? Why? So soon? But. We do.' Her thoughts became confusing. Had he gotten her a necklace? Her? The random girl he had saved from men, had he gotten that girl a necklace? It was impossible. Aeroa laughed at herself, of course not, there was probably something else in that box. Something she wasn't accounting for, something she needed for the festival. Why was it in such a box if it was something other than a necklace? Aeroa couldn't take it anymore.

When Aeroa looked into Brandon's eyes, her thoughts almost melted away. Brandon stood, he had asked her to the festival. Of course she was going to go, she wasn't going to deny him the festival after waiting what felt like forever for it. Then Brandon explained the necklace. Aeroa knew about it. That was one thing for sure. She had heard so much about them just today that she felt herself an expert on the subject, well almost. Aeroa was basically speechless. He had confirmed it was a necklace before even opening the box. He must have been teasing her again, of course, the box was empty, or had a fruit in it. There certainly wasn't a necklace, not for her. What made her so special? Out of everyone he had met, surely there was someone else?

Aeroa's smile only grew wider, tears almost came to her eyes. She couldn't accept such a wonderful thing. Surely it was expensive. Like the dress. Why did he have to spend so much money on her? She didn't care for it. It got her nice things.. but she didn't need nice things. She didn't care for them. She was reluctant to accept them because she would have been fine with anything. Even something far less expensive... When Brandon opened the box and she saw the silver necklace with the sapphire pendant Aeroa's mouth fell open and her hands came up to hide it. It was true. It was a necklace. He hadn't been teasing. He hadn't just wanted to see her reaction to an empty box. He had wanted to go to the festival with her, but not just with her. Together. Them two, as a couple. Together.

"Brandon.." Was the only thing she could think of. How could she accept such an expensive gift. "I can't.." She said, but upon realizing what that could have implied quickly added, "I can't accept that. It's so.. it's so expensive. Why would you spend so much money?" But Aeroa started for fumble for her words... it wasn't the money that mattered in this situation, the offering of the necklace wasn't about the money. It was about her. And him. And if she wanted to go to the festival with him. Together. Aeroa had started to feel the same way Brandon did over the last couple days. She had started to notice his quirks, and she thought they were cute. He was handsome, but above all, he had a wonderful heart. And Aeroa, through all the people he had helped, through all those that had helped him, had started to like him a lot as well. She started to want to be close to him. Feel his warmth. "Yes. Yes. Of course I do. I accept it... It's just. So expensive. Thank you... I do accept.." She said. looking at him, her eyes still a bit watery from her emotions.

Aeroa couldn't help herself, she went up and hugged Brandon, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling herself close to him. She rested her chin on his shoulder. "Thank you.. it's beautiful.." She let the embrace last, because it was enjoyable, she blushed as she did, but she had accepted the necklace.. hugs could be a normal thing for her from now on. Whenever she wanted, and that was a happy thought, because she liked being close to him.
 
Brandon waited only a few moments for her to say something and yet the time felt like hours, the world was the farthest thing from his mind and he just wanted to know that she would accept his affections for her. To accept him and hopefully to stay with him, if only a little while. He knew she was a wanderer, but over the past few days she continued to be so happy. And earlier that day she'd said that she wanted to stay that she was glad she did. That was enough convincing for him that she wanted to stay around. And yet he heard the words no man wanted to hear from a girl that they like, she said that she couldn't. Brandon's countenance almost fell but then she corrected herself. It wasn't his affections that were too much for her, just the fact that he'd spent so much on a necklace.

She began to tell him that she accepted his affections, thanking him profusely and throwing herself at him in a tearfully joyous hug. It was so warm to feel her so close to him, to have her cheek on his shoulder gave him confidence and strength. She was hugging him, it felt so real and so right. So he wrapped his arm back around her holding her as close as she wanted to be held and continuing to hold her wishing for the world to just stop for a little while longer. "Thank you Aeroa," his voice was soft and for her ears only. Over the past few days, Aeroa had come to mean the world to him. He'd never been so happy and so content with his life and now it was the culmination of all that which lay in his arms now. Her. The woman of his dreams. "I've never been so happy as I have around you Aeroa, thank you."

After a while had passed Brandon lifted them both off the floor, Brandon was tall and so her cheek could no longer rest on his shoulder but instead rested in his chest. He didn't mind at all, in fact he welcomed it. He wouldn't need to get used to getting hugs from Aeroa because he knew what they meant and it made him feel happy and whole. They slowly released the hug and then Brandon looked around, Karon was no where to be seen. It seemed she'd left them to their moment, which Brandon had lost track of time. He could hear the music of the festival playing through the walls of the store. It seemed however long had been long enough for the festival to start.

A knock came to the glass and a young man stood outside, a flower in his left hand and a box in the other. A small black box just like Brandon's had been. Brandon recognized him instantly as the young man which had come in that morning to the shop. He'd bought a very nice silver necklace with a star shaped pendant, who was he here for?

Karon came out of the back in one of her dresses a beautiful one and happily went to the door, the young boy smiled and quickly handed her a beautiful and full red carnation. Knowing how much Karon used flowers in her work. "Hello Karon,... uh, this... this is for you. And um..." he stumbled through his words clearly nervous about the whole thing. "I... Look, I've known you all my life." He started out slow but quickly gained confidence when he realized that he'd passed the point of no return and it was now or never. "You've gone to the festivals with me before and, I've always wanted... to get you a necklace. But you deserve a beautiful necklace, one that matches your beauty..." he swallowed a moment to catch his breath and opened the small black box with the silver necklace inside. "I just needed a little time to pull together the money, so here it is... do you accept?"

Brandon wrapped an arm around Aeroa, it seemed like they would have a few friends to go to the festival with. There was a lot of similarities between how Brandon had handled himself and the young boy. They weren't the smoothest of talkers but he hoped Karon's reaction would be the same. Looking over at Aeroa he smiled, then while the other two had their moment he took the necklace out of it's box and walked behind Aeroa, slipping the necklace around her neck he fastened it. It hung beautifully in the center of her collarbone shimmering in the darkened shop.
 
Aeroa felt herself lifted, and as she was, she wasn't tall enough to stay on Brandon's shoulder, she instead let her head rest on his chest. She let her cares melt away, staying in his embrace until eventually they slowly drifted apart. It was a warm sensation, she enjoyed it. For once in quite a long time she was able to feel completely safe, care-free, without nervousness. She didn't even have to think or observe. She just got to feel the simplicity of being with someone, that truly meant something to her.

Aeroa was distracted by the knock at the door. And within a few moments, Aeroa knew exactly who it was. It was Daniel, the man that Karon had wanted to get her a necklace, she had mentioned his name the first time Aeroa came to talk with her. And Aeroa smiled when she noticed a black box, like the one that Brandon had. He had gotten her a necklace after all, Karon could be happy too. It was weird, thinking about how things like this never happened to a wanderer, how different life was in the city. The city could be fun, but it missed the natural beauty and invigorating feeling that the forest or any natural place could give. Aeroa watched for a moment, as Daniel stumbled over his words. She laughed a bit to herself, not because it was funny, but because it was cute to see him so nervous. Had Brandon felt as shaky as him?

Karon just stared, her mouth slightly a-gap. He had came. With a box. For her. She smiled, almost bounced as he walked towards her. It took him so long as he stumbled over the words. She almost grew impatient waiting for him to say it, she wanted to just tell him to spit it out, but she waited. At last, he had finally brought her one. It took so long. She had been waiting forever. She shook her head, "Yes. Yes. Yes. Oh, gosh, yes!" Giving barely a moment of silence after his question ended, she almost interrupted him it was so soon. She let him put the necklace around her neck and she gave him a passionate kiss. "Daniel, it took you so long."

Aeroa almost laughed at herself, she let her gaze fall on Brandon. It was odd to think of just meeting him in the alleyway. It was difficult to think of the first night. How they talked. She almost laughed at herself, that she almost. Why? Because how could she not notice it from the start? There was a spark. From the beginning. She let her mind wander, it went from the beginning to the middle to the time she was standing at in that exact moment. And it went further. She thought of staying with him, how she felt about wandering. Maybe they could wander together for small amounts of time. She could show him her world. Where would the future take them?

When Brandon smiled at her, she smiled back. It was better to leave Karon and Daniel to their own time for a bit. Aeroa lifted her hair out of the way as Brandon fastened the necklace around Aeroa's neck, and she watched it shimmer, and shine and glimmer in the darkness, she watched it until it was out of her sight. She pulled some of her hair to over her shoulder. Letting the silver hair with black streaks fall over her right shoulder. The sapphire necklace, the shimmering green dress, and her hair would clash in just a way that Aeroa figured would still look nice. "Brandon, you look stunning." She complimented, since she realized she hadn't earlier. "I honestly didn't know what to expect, since I had already seen you in a suit." She gave a small, short laugh.
 
Daniel was soon rewarded with a showering of affection from Karon, apparently she had waited for this day awhile and it kind of threw Daniel off because he wasn't expecting such a wonderful reaction from her. If she had shared his affection he expected her to question why it had taken so long, which she did, but the way she hugged him, and that kiss made him think it didn't matter too much. And the other side, if she had no feelings at all... well that didn't seem the case so he didn't worry about it. She questioned him as to why it took him so long. He waited until she gave him a moment to breathe, "Karon... I wanted to make it something special, something you'll treasure throughout your life. I wanted it to be silver, but you deserve better. More than I could ever give you... so I offer my promise of love to make up for the rest." He said shyly but then decided that it was time for him to be a little more brave. Taking her face in one of his hands he pulled her towards him and kissed her passionately.


Brandon it seemed had chosen the necklace well, it was extremely flattering on Aeroa as she stood there dressed so beautifully. Everything contrasted so softly and yet the colors were so vivid that it drew your eyes to her. All of her. He took her hand and led her outside past the other two who seemed a little preoccupied at the moment with their newfound love. "Yes, well, I pale in comparison to your beauty tonight Aeroa... I... I'm still without words to properly describe it." He laughed lightly at the notion, usually Aeroa was the one with so little to say and now it seemed he couldn't gather his thoughts.


The streets were beautifully paved in golden firelight, the pavement was thronged with people of all ages and genders shopping, drinking, dancing, and laughing. It was almost winter, in Gratanis it was a season of love and preparation for the joys of spring. It was every young boys dream to have courted a girl before the winter so that they could spend the few cold months together. An excuse to sit close and cuddle with one another for those that wished it. A new spark, a spark of affection and Brandon for the first time felt like it was real.


Walking out into the center of the marketplace Brandon kept her hand in his, now it seemed official to do so. There was warmth there and a connection that he could feel coming from Aeroa. This would certainly be a night to remember for him and he assumed it would be for her as well. Twirling her around he pulled her close, keeping a grasp of her hand with his and then wrapping his other hand around her waist in a traditional dancing stance. "Would you care to dance?" He asked briefly, but not really waiting for an answer as he began to lead her in a dance.
 
"You were all I ever wanted.." Karon was one of the happiest girls alive, her fairy-tale had finally come true. Her prince charming had finally said the long awaited words. She would begin the happiness that she had envisioned for many days. Just to be together with Daniel was enough for her. She laughed to herself as she pictured a marriage in the future. Dreams. They would come true if you wished upon them long enough.

Aeroa was quite flattered, Brandon became speechless and at a loss of words when it came to her. His cool composure faltered when she was around, and it was quite interesting, and flattering. Though, out of everything Brandon showed while around her, his happiness was what she enjoyed the most. He had had such a difficult life, and to be able to see him happy like this was awe-inspiring. Sure, she wasn't there in his difficult times, but she respected them, and kept them in mind. She couldn't help but to think about such things around people. It was her nature. She observed, and just had to pick up on everything. And this was a major part of the person she had been observing for quite some time. It was what made him so wonderful.

Aeroa could only look at the beautiful Gratanis. There were people flocking around, and they were all having a joyous time. She saw other females with dresses, with necklaces, all of them with their escort. Each had a captivating beauty, though each had their own. The dresses worn were mostly made to compliment each figure individually. There was no uniform way of making flattering characteristics. The joyous atmosphere lifted Aeroa's spirit. The music, the dancing, laughing and lights. She walked with Brandon, hand in hand, and with so many people around it was peculiar to feel like they were the only two.

Aeroa smiled as she was twirled, and pulled close to Brandon, his hand touched her waist, and she couldn't help but to look into his eyes. They had the same inviting look, but she almost swore that they showed more happiness than before. He asked if she would like to dance, and then began. She was nervous, because she hadn't ever danced with someone before and she didn't know the motions. So at first it was awkward for her, but she let herself be guided by Brandon. She simply followed him, and stayed close. It was difficult and demanding at first, but upon getting the hang of it, she relaxed and was able to enjoy it. Dancing did have a way of bringing two people together. She finally realized why so many people loved dancing with someone else.

There was something about Brandon that she could feel through him. It was as though they were connected. It was odd though, wasn't it? How much they had in common, how they shared the same point of view on important things. They were happy together, and their shared happiness brought them closer. Had it not? Starting out as a servant, things became different as they realized how connected they really were. And yet, at the same time, they were completely different. So much so it was odd that they had even found each other. She, a wanderer, he a settler... She knew less than the average person about society, and he was very in touch with it. He grew up knowing the people of Gratanis. Making a home for herself. She was just a visitor. It made her wonder how such a thing came to be, that they were here, tonight. Together.

The dancing flowed through Aeroa, she loved feeling Brandon there, being led by him, looking at him. She could simply enjoy his presence, there was words, with no verbal communication. There was a shared affection..
 
  • Love
Reactions: 1 person
She was so beautiful in the glow of candlelight, her jewel sparkled brilliantly as they danced and twirled. Yet there were a pair of jewels far greater and more important than the one above her collarbone. It no longer felt strange to stare at them, to wonder about what hidden words those eyes could speak to him. There was no real desire to look away because that gaze just made them closer. He didn't speak, just led, and while she was no natural expert on the dance floor she was a quick learner. His confidence grew and he knew that certain eyes were upon them, no doubt envious of her beauty, but he didn't care to know. In his mind he felt their gaze but they were far away. All that really mattered was directly in front of him, holding his hand and looking into his eyes.

They danced a twirled like experts lightly floating on the surface of the road, the music changing pace and they just changed with it. Like the water that her eyes reminded him of. The silver of the moonlight seemed to glint off of her silver hair, sharpening the mental image of her beauty and signifying the passage of time. They danced well into the night just enjoying one another company as they glided around. As a song came to an end Brandon twirled her around and dipped her back, holding her as he looked into her eyes. His breath was trying to catch up to him but he pulled her back onto her feet. "Thank you, Aeroa, you dance beautifully."

They went and got a little bit of water, it was cold and crisp and went down easily for him. They munched on a little fruit and filled their bellies for a few as they caught their breath. Looking around he noticed all of the women were in their finest dresses and yet they all paled in comparison with Aeroa, she was like a goddess among them. A wanderer who had strayed into town and found his way into her heart. It gave her an air of outer worldliness that none of the girls in the town shared. She was unique and if he was to bold to say, she was his.

Afterwards he took her hand and decided that they should get some fresh air, he also remembered that he was going to take her up to the lake outside of town. She would enjoy the ability to be in her element, the wilderness. However the music still played softly in the well lit city behind them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
Aeroa was caught up in the moment, the wind going passed her, the warmth of Brandon, the glow of the lights. She was having fun, she was enjoying the movements. She wanted to be closer, to rest her head on his chest as they danced. His blonde hair moved slowly about, and she couldn't help but to smile. Dancing had an enchanting feel to it. She was able to think about dinner, and talking about Brandon to Karon, how Karon had got her happy ending. Being with someone never really meant much to Aeroa, she had loved her family, and when that was taken away from her she was reluctant to get close to people. Brandon seemed to worm his way in, without much resistance.

When the song finally ended, Brandon had twirled her, but she felt herself going backwards. He dipped her back, and his gaze seemed to catch her breath more than dancing had. Time had stopped. It was just to two of them, face to face, in the low glow of the lights. She just looked into his blue green eyes, she could almost feel the passion, the affection leaking from him. From his soul to hers, from his heart to hers. With the size of his kind heart, she was sure it was probably his heart that was sharing it's joy and affection. His soul was busy dancing around, and she could see the twirling in his eyes. She gave a small smile, and realized she too was a little tired from dancing. It was more vigorous than her usual exercise.

"Me? Dancing beautifully?" She gave a small laugh, "Thank you, but you were far more experienced."

Brandon stopped and they got water to drink. To calm their thirst and allow them time to get a breather. The water was cold, and refreshing. Aeroa carefully picked out her favorites of the fruit and snacked on them happily. She was with Brandon, and she realized the festival would have meant nothing to her if it wasn't for him. The cheerful voices, the laughter, the fun everyone else was having; she would not have shared it. It was wonderful to have someone like him in her life. It wasn't lon g before Brandon took her hand, they ventured towards the outskirts of the city. The music just a small fading sound, playing a welcoming melody.

"Are we becoming wanderers?" She asked, looking at him with a teasing smile.
 
A playful comment came from Aeroa's lips, it had seemed so sparing that he'd heard her voice this evening that it became a precious treasure to his ears. It was melodic and happy. It seemed to mirror what his heart was feeling and in some way he imagined that Aeroa's was feeling the same. Looking at her he smiled, "Perhaps, at least for a little while..." he told her with a light laugh.

While the path was well trod and the trail visible, the bright moonlight gave him every ounce of light he'd ever need to find his way as they approached the forest. It seemed that the light didn't dim even as it passed through the canopy of branches and leaves which sought to shield them from it's presence. As if the moonlight had a demanding gesture of making it to the happy couple as they walked. The moon wanted to make sure that they made it to their destination safely. Brandon lifted up his leg to climb over a log, the was before he helped steady Aeroa. The night was silent save the thud of their steps intermingled with the occasional branch or leaf which would crackle underfoot.

Through the trees Brandon led Aeroa, "I just figured that tonight was a night to celebrate both of us, together, and that you could use a little bit of 'wandering." Just beyond the edge of the tree-line a clearing could be seen. Yet, it seemed almost that the clearing was a sea of silver grass slowly swaying the light chilly breeze of the night. Brandon smiled before looking back at Aeroa, wondering if she'd figured out what he was leading her to. "This was one of my favorite spots as a kid, I'd come here in the summer for little breaks."

Rounding the corner they were greeted by the silver sea, but it was not grass, nor was it really a sea. But it was water, a small lake stretched out in front of them. Surrounded by a wall of trees it was hidden from the world, known only by those that had a desire to find it. Across the water a buck and his doe calmly drank from the slow rolling waters. The moonlight glinted off the surface which is what gave it an almost silver appearance, to Brandon it was the picture of beauty, and strangely enough. A lot of the same colors that were before him he could find on Aeroa now. To him they were the epitome of beauty and he'd brought them together.

"I would come here to swim, sometimes I'd try to catch a fish... I wasn't very good." He walked over to a small ledge overhanging the water by a little bit. He motioned to the spot and began to sit down himself. It was clean and grassy, so it would be soft and they could sit together. "Though, sometimes, I just come here to think. It's calm and quiet out here," He looked over at her and smiled, "See, I have a little wanderer in me." He then laughed lightly and just gazed upon Aeroa's beauty for a few moments, being caught up in the moment.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
Walking into the forest brought a calming sense of familiarity. One that had been missing for so long. Aeroa hadn't quite realized just how much she missed the forest. The beauty of it all, the grace. She could see the playfulness of the light as it shined through the leaves. The leaves danced before them, just as they had danced in the town. Some swinging about on the wind, others doing a little swaying motion as the wind pulled on them.

There wasn't much sound as they made their journey. It was the normal, quaint sounds of nature. The occasional bird, the crickets. The sound of walking, breathing, and if you listened close enough, the sound of two hearts beating. There was a log to climb over, but it was simplistic feat. The nature alone made Aeroa comfortable, but being with Brandon just made things seem even more right. She wasn't alone, she wasn't wandering by herself, she was scared. She was with someone, with a destination. There was someplace she was going with someone she wanted to be there with.

Once they rounded the last set of trees, a vast plain came into view, but it wasn't. It was a lake, a beautiful one Aeroa had to admit. It shined and would be a perfectly tranquil spot to relax after a day. She loved finding little places like these when she was wandering, and with its beauty it was no surprise Brandon had enjoyed coming here too. Aeroa happily walked over to the ledge with Brandon and sat down beside him.

"It's beautiful.." She said as she looked out across the water, she wasn't sure but water always seemed to have an alluring feeling to it. Aeroa took in the serenity of it all, and she couldn't help but to smile. It was great to be able to sit out in the wilderness and see such a tame, calm place. Wilderness, was only the word given to the beauty of nature, so that men would be too afraid to traverse it. Thus, they would be less likely to destroy it.

"It sounds like you had a lot of fun. A nice spot.. relaxing. Perfect." Aeroa gave a small laugh at Brandon's comment, "We all have a little wanderer in us." Who could possibly be repelled by nature? Aeroa looked down at the ground she was sitting on, and looked over the ledge. She picked up a small twig and dropped it into the water below. She watched as the water made a ripple, and as the ripple slowly crossed the water. Aeroa felt like the water, and she felt as though someone had picked the stick up, a stick easily identified as Brandon, and dropped him in the water. That made a ripple. One that started small, and slowly crossed the surface.

Aeroa let her head rest on Brandon's shoulder as she looked out. "I'm glad you brought me here."
 
The water was beautiful as it rippled, Brandon wasn't quite sure what had enticed Aeroa to drop the stick into the pod. But she seemed somewhat deep in thought as she seemed to watch the ripples across the small lake. They soon disappeared from sight as they continued across the calm waters. It was relaxing to be here with her, to just sit down, away from the city. It was then that he felt her head resting upon his shoulder, her soft hair cascading over his suit as she spoke a few choice words to him and stared out across the water. Reaching out his hand he casually wrapped it around her waist and smiled up at the moon. He still remembered that casual request which had been so magically answered for him. For the first time in his life he felt the true unabashed feelings of being so close to someone else. The feeling of knowing that they liked you for you, not your money, your house, your friends, or your family. Aeroa was close to him because she liked him. It was the most relaxing thing he'd ever experienced.

A warmth seemed to encapsulate him, a chance to drink in the beauty that was around him both that which was natural and what belonged to Aeroa. When she had said she was glad that he'd brought her here it made him think a moment. This was what it was like to be completely alone with someone. Away from civilization, it was something that Aeroa was used to and something that Brandon was decidedly not. There was a distinctive change in Aeroa, not drastic, but because he'd never seen her like this he knew that something was different. She was far more calm and serene. Like the water that was before the both of them. He thought about the question that he'd asked her earlier about what he would paint. If she had asked the same question this was the answer he would have given. Something like this lake. Nature and it's most beautiful and bathed in the mysterious light of the moons soft silver glow. It would reflect her and yet offer insight because she was an insightful person. It would be detailed and colorful, yet simple and unique.

She was a strange individual and Brandon found himself unequivocally drawn to her presence. He didn't mind it one, little bit.

An urge came over him, filled him with a sense of anxiousness and nervousness. Yet the idea itself seemed so enjoyable and after tonight... it seemed perfect. "Aeroa?" He said softly before looking over at her, this difference that he'd noticed earlier seemed to make her more beautiful. She was in her element, relaxed, poised, and, he tried to find another word in his mind to describe it but all that seemed appropriate was beautiful. He was more drawn to her in that moment than he had before and when she looked up at him he gazed into her eyes and found himself lost. Yet never more sure in his life of what he wanted to do. "I'm glad I know you..."

With trepidation he leaned forward and turned his head to the side so that he could slip in past her nose to brush his lips to hers in a light kiss. Her lips were softer than he imagined and the feeling of the kiss filled him with something he could only describe as magic. A pleasurable chill ran up his spine and he felt a tingling sensation grow in his chest. In some way he couldn't believe was he was doing and yet there seemed no other expression that felt adequate for the feelings that he wanted to show her. It just felt right.
 
  • Love
Reactions: 1 person
Aeroa was relaxed, she was happy and content. If she could sit here forever, she would gladly do so. There was no reason, care or desire to be anywhere else. She gave a sigh, not one full of burden, not one full of discontentment, one of relaxation. She let her eyes fall upon the moon as the crickets chirped in the distance, then upon the doe and buck upon getting their fill of water, pranced off into the woods on the other side of the lake. The buck taking the lead, and the little doe happily following. Safety she thought, in being together.

Brandon put his hand on around her waist, and Aeroa gave a smile, as she felt her heart beat. It was a rhythmic thudding. Soft and calm. She closed her eyes for a moment, and pictures of couples came to mind. It seemed they all enjoyed one simple thing. And Aeroa blushed as she thought about it. She thought about the hugs they had shared, and how close they were. She thought about dancing with Brandon. He dipped her back. What was missing at that moment? Both their hearts were racing, she believed they both felt the passion. It was a beautiful moment. That had filled her with joy, made her happy. Brought her close to Brandon.

Aeroa felt Brandon shift under her head, and she opened her eyes. He had said that he was glad to know her. That was no surprise. She already knew that, he had said it before. Hadn't he? Aeroa thought nothing of his leaning, until she saw his handsome face. His hair fell down as he leaned in. He was moving in closer, Aeroa felt her heart stop for a moment. She was surprised, she wasn't expecting it. A kiss. A kiss, that was what was missing after he had dipped her back while dancing. That is what would bring them closer. There was no reluctance though, she knew that she had wanted a kiss. She had wanted it when they were dancing. She liked his affection, she enjoyed his presence. It was beautiful. To be lost in the world with him. She could want nothing more. And to see that he was going to do what she had only thought about, it made her anxious, nervous. Butterflies flew around in her stomach. Her heart pounded.

Aeroa closed her eyes, as she felt his lips brush gently against hers. They were soft, and inviting. It was such a light kiss. She felt her heart start to slow it's pace, after momentarily being shocked. Aeroa's stomach fluttered. Aeroa almost felt like she would burst with happiness. The kiss started at her lips, and slowly spread across her body. Giving her a tingling sensation. And filling her with joy. It was something she had never felt before. It was perfect.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The feeling of kissing her, their lips brushing in a typical yet perfect show of affection between lovers. Brandon found a new urge as he realized that Aeroa was not resisting him, she was not backing away, he could feel through her lips that she was enjoying this as much as he was. A flame lit inside of him and a hand reached up to touch her cheek seeming to pull her further into the kiss and yet it still remained soft. Light. Beautiful. Just like the moon's gaze upon the water around them.

While it seemed that moment could last forever, all to quickly it came to an end. Although, Brandon was afraid that the moment it ended that warmth, that familiarity that he shared with Aeroa at that moment would just go away. And so with reluctance he pulled his lips back away, slowly, wanting the kiss to last as long as it could. His hand remained on her cheek with his thumb absentmindedly stroking the soft skin there. As he pulled away he slowly opened his eyes and took in the beauty that was Aeroa. His entire world seemed so much sharper and in focus at this distance, she was his world at that moment. Yet there was a feeling that he still didn't want that to end.

Looking at her he felt like words held no power here, there was only what was seen, felt, and understood between himself and Aeroa. No words were necessary just like when they were dancing. His hand never left her cheek, still stroking the soft skin there. She was absolutely beautiful in this moment and it was everything that he'd ever wanted. In that moment he realized that they were really together, that kiss could be shared again. And so he leaned in once more, this time with confidence and yet he stopped just shy of her lips wanting to know if she would close the gap and seal this moment with one more kiss.
 
Aeroa felt Brandon's hand come up to her cheek, and pull her further into the kiss. The lightness of it all, sent her heart aflutter. She put her hand over the one on her cheek. Aeroa could picture fireworks going off behind them as the kissed, being showered in beautiful lights. The way he lit up her world. Once the kiss had ended, she smiled. She wasn't able to make herself stop. She took her other hand and put her fingers to her lips. The soft embrace that the lips shared, felt as if it had lingered on hers. She looked into Brandon's eyes, as she slowly opened hers. There he was. The man that had helped her, took care of her. Spoiled her. Aeroa adjusted her dress a little, without looking at it.

Aeroa couldn't think of anything but Brandon, he was there, in front of her. Nothing else was on her mind, nothing could take her mind off of him. The kiss they shared. The emotions they shared. The kiss was the seal of their affection. It brought Aeroa to the realization that they were like all the other couples they had passed by. She could kiss him when she pleased. She could hug him. Hold his hand, be held by him, or wrap her arms around him. They were together, and this kiss made Aeroa realize that he was hers.

His thumb gently stroked her cheek, the cheek that was shaped up because of a smile. It still hadn't faded as she looked into Brandon's eyes. Then Brandon leaned in again, and Aeroa's smile grew bigger. She waited for his lips to touch hers, but he stopped. Just a small gap between them. She looked into his eyes, before closing hers. She gave a small smile and touched his nose with hers, and then she happily closed the gap between them. Taking her hand from over his and putting it on the back of his head, near his neck. She could feel his hair, soft under her touch. She gently brought him into the kiss, it wasn't as light as last time, but it brought the same sensations. She swore she could feel him, and his emotions through their contact.

When Aeroa reluctantly, and slowly left the embrace of their lips, she whispered, "Thank you. For everything." She let her gaze meet his. He was hers. That was still a peculiar, but pleasant thought.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom
Back