(Closed) Deceuer Catch All

[mirshikar]

Who: Asura + Plotted CR
When: Deceuer
Where: Various locations in Aefenglom, the Outer City, and the Wilde.
What: Quest and event threads, along with a healthy dose of clowning. I'm always down for building new CR, so if you'd like a thread starter, feel free to hmu @ the Dec plotting post!
Warnings: Light violence.

Comments

[joies]

[The wings twitch faintly under his touch, the new appendages still becoming accustomed to all kinda of touches - really, Asura has been the only other person besides herself to touch them directly. Yet, the newly growing dragon doesn't stir from where she rests by his side, mind still adjusting the the constant presence of another - far too used to having her own mind be a lonely place. And, as Asura is very aware, very accustomed to being alone with her thoughts far too often.

It's why there's some apprehension, despite how she remains curled by his side - stray raven curls being played with obsidian tipped claws, the touch incredibly gentle. Mindful of how sharp her talons can be, and having no desire to cause any harm, the touches slow and lazy. Her own fatigue weighs heavily on her, already not being a fan of the cold - now ice has becoming even more of a weakness, something that quickly saps her energy despite the heat that now burns constantly in her chest.

His words snap her out of her stupor, cat-slit pupils narrowing as awareness descends on her once more - eyes of red and sunset flick up at him, hair tousled from her scar and left to flow free. Lips part to give her usual answer, one of reassurance and dismissal, before she stops.

Ah, she cannot do that anymore. He can sense for himself how she truly feels now, and so she cannot brush things aside with a smile as she is wont to do. So she hums lowly instead, tail absently swaying where it hangs from the bed.]

No, it's... I am used to being in my own head, going around in circles. It's very different, feeling someone else there. [It's new - frighting and yet curious. So long she had found herself alone in her mind, adrift in the many thoughts that plague her even as she smiles, acts as the bubbly and frivolous queen of Spring. Now all she feels and thinks, she shares with the King of Summer - no more secrets or hidden feelings.

It's... nice. Being able to be so truly, utterly free, with him. This sense of relief trails through her nerves, easing the tense push of emotions against his side of the Bond.]

But it's not a bad different, not at all.

[mirshikar]

[ A stark reminder of the disparity between the dragons of Geardagas and those of Arcadian origin, how perfectly listless Persephone has become in the onset of the cold—where Asura's body burns from the inside out, his frame constructed from the very fire crystal that had once served as his prison, the same cannot be said of the Queen. When she answers him, her fluting voice (usually so full of Springtime song) is absent of its sprightly cadence, tempered and slowed by seasonal languor which even the heat thrumming inside of her chest could not stay. Plummeting temperatures and snow are no great weakness of the King's (Summer follows him wherever he so happens to go), but for Persephone... It is for the best, that she remains indoors, basking in the warmth of dear company. ]

I am glad to hear it. [ Her raw honesty. He had seen her stall, felt her pause, but in the end she had looked to him with both eyes, scarlet and sunset, clear as day. Scarred or otherwise, she had chosen not to lie to him, and that is all Asura has ever asked of her. ] Though if it should prove to be a distraction, I am able to limit it, what is communicated through the Bond and what is not. As I am certain you will also be able to do with time, o' Queen of Spring.

[ Here, his lips twitch into a wry grin—no, there is nothing which would prevent the bearer of the Antler Crown (infamous for her guile, for her smile which masked calculated intent) from learning how to compartmentalize her emotions, restricting that which is able to pass through their Bond and link. But... Asura is untroubled by the notion, and if the freedom of baring all to one another is to be something short-lived, the King will certainly make these first few days worthwhile, starting with...! ]

But I will do no such thing, not until you know how it is I feel when— [ With a bow of his head, he sees his lips pressed to the fullness of Persephone's mouth, the kiss which he offers to her sensual and slow-building, deepening by increments and degrees as Asura shifts their position, drawing the Queen more fully atop his person. ] —we kiss.

[ And the emotion which swells to bursting in the King's chest (fed through, and into the Bond) is ardent like no other. If Persephone isn't careful, she might find herself caught, swept up and away, within that current of sentiment and fierce devotion; its pull inviting, enrobing the Queen with warmth. ]

[joies]

[In most scenarios, she would never allow herself to be seen listless like this - without a bright smile and an even brighter voice. Persephone would force herself up against the heaviness that has claimed her limbs, uncaring of how it exhausts her - appearances mean so much in the Emerald Court, that a moment of weakness would be enough for the more... ambitious subjects to sink their claws in. But she has no need to worry about that here.

Here, in Asura's arms, she can simply rest and be at ease - away from subjects and the snow that falls outside. The sway of her tail is slow and lazy, both eyes focused on him despite the darkness that always blocks the vision of the other, humming softly at his words - cheek pressed against his chest where she has settled herself.]

I doubt I will mind most of the time, though you having fun might prove a tad distracting.

[Of course she has to make a comment like that, her own grin teetering more towards the territory of 'shit eating' - not able to stop herself from poking just a little bit of fun at this. But she knows she will eventually find ways to restrict the feedback from her end, her habit of hiding everything under a smile a hard one to break - even though Asura does deserve honesty, more than anything else. Maybe she might be able to keep herself open, willing to bare all that she thinks and feels to him, even if that is such a contrast to centuries upon centuries of behaviors she's forced upon herself.

But now is not the time to think about that, especially when his head dips down to her own - the press of lips to hers returned with no hesitation, talons trailing from raven locks to curl around the back of his neck as she moves atop him. Only encouraging every slow deepen of the kiss, a pleased hum escaping from low in her throat as a familiar warmth washes over her.

Yet, it's the emotions that come through his side of the Bond that almost overwhelm her, that causes her breath to catch in her chest. It's an invitation she cannot ignore, especially as her own feelings loop back to him - an impossibly deep fondness, a sense of bliss that always makes her heart flutter. It makes it impossible to ever consider pulling away, when she can feel what he feels like this - when all it does makes her want to be closer.]

But if this is how you feel, maybe I'll have to ask we don't rush into any limiting what comes through the Bond. [Her words are soft and slow, lips brushing against his own as she practically breathes the words. There's a warmth in her cheeks that threatens to bloom into an actual blush, but this time... This time she won't try to hide it. Embarrassed or no, she'll allow herself to be completely bare to him.]

[mirshikar]

[ Between them, touch is not so simply touch: even with the barest of brushes (Persephone's lips, featherweight as they mold to his own, her words breathed into his chest and filling the whole of him), the Queen siphons the excess magic from the King, and the sensation is invigorating, electric, though... It cannot eclipse the sentiment that answers his own in kind; a deep and encompassing affection which is neither fierce nor bold (not like Asura's wrath-touched emotions), but simply... happy. Unabashedly so.

Smiling despite himself, the King draws back and away for the sole purpose of drinking in the sight of Persephone's blush (many a time, he has seen its rose-hues color her features on solely his account) while imagining how this night could have been so very different, if the Queen had not accepted his proposal of a Bond. One month ago had found Persephone bloodied in the rain by the emergence of draconic traits and features, and now... now, where the onset of ferality might have affected her, they linger only in the warmth of close proximity, Asura's magic granting the Queen clarity where...

Once upon a time, it had been her light which helped to quell his own lack of clarity, his reason stolen from him by another.

(It is a small thing, to repay her in this way, but Asura cannot allow for any outstanding debts to remain between them). ]

H'oh? [ Canting his head to the side, Asura lofts a brow in both jest and play, voice lilting and deep as he pronounces: ] I can't have heard that correctly. The Emerald Queen does not wish to keep secrets?

[ But then, the secrets between the Emerald Queen and Crimson King have always been few and far in-between, with Asura himself guilty of only one great trespass, because... For once, he thought to put the Queen of Spring first (where she so often placed herself below all others, acting as though she were not the vernal sovereign, to be protected at all cost), and he had inspired her ire for it. ]

Then... she should know that if I'm ever having fun, that she always has an invitation to join in.

[ Whether that's a knock-down drag-out brawl which leaves Asura with a blackened eye the next day, or a more ardent pursuit, Persephone's is always a welcome presence—and besides, have they not enjoyed the company of many a Spring courtier together...? More than cheeky, Asura bats his lashes, the fullness of his mouth curving into a deeper grin.

(Will Persephone's blush deepen, spreading further still? Only time will tell!) ]

[joies]

[It probably comes as little surprise, the unashamed happiness of her own feelings that flow through their bond like sun rays shining warmly through a window - Spring was as much about happiness as it was desire. And she'll make no attempts to hide how simply happy she is, to be with him like this - to be able to share everything like this. As he draws back, she shifts to rest her chin against his chest, mismatched eyes focused on him still - smile bright enough to rival the morning sun.

(The blush lingers still, a faint dusting of color across her cheeks - if anything, the addition of obsidian scales along her skin only makes it sound out more so.)

And alongside the warmth that flows steadily between, of unabashed fondness and affection, she can feel the agitation that crept under her skin slowly ease. The urge to lash out or worse fades, soothed by the Bond between them - it's almost frightening, when she realizes it's been far too long since she felt completely calm and at ease.

It makes it easier to just... relax too, her own smile something slow, as it curls at the corner of her lips. A low hum rumbles from deep in her chest, mischief shining in mismatched eyes, her voice regaining some of that melody that was usually so apparent.]

I hope that is not a complainant I hear from the Iron Spear? Maybe I'll keep a secret or two to keep things interesting.

[But she is guilty of keeping some secrets from him. Of hiding things, out of a belief that it's something she could handle and not wishing to have him involved.

It was a habit she's slowly learning to let go off, recalling how furious she had been upon discovering his last secret - something she's still sore off, a dull ache in her chest when she thinks about it. But it's easier to focus on the man before her, as he speaks - a chuckle escaping her in response, canting her head just slightly. Blush curls falling around them both, obsidian talons gently tapping against his chest in an unheard melody.]

You know I'm always happy to join you, so long as your other guests don't mind. [Less so with brawls she'll happily contribute to, and more with the... intimate sorts of fun. She's not everyone's type, after all, and she's not vain enough to assume so. But...

... But while it's so easy to joke and tease (sadly, the blush fades rather than blossoms anew! If only due to thoughts taking a more serious turn) she does want this Bond to be the next step, for them. The Queen of Spring has always been a personal recluse - socially open to all, but there was always an emotional distance. A gap few could bridge, and a gap she was unwilling to shorten. And for many years, she only allowed Asura to cross the smallest distance - close, but never close enough.

Now they share everything, feelings and thoughts, and she cannot keep acting as if what she thinks or feels will have little bearing on him. Something in her expression softens, the playfulness fading away to something far more genuine - something almost vulnerable.]

But, if I may be serious for a moment, I do not wish to keep secrets from you. Not anymore, not when we're bound together like this. [It's almost nerve-wrecking, vowing this when for so long she had been closed off so utterly. But she pushes it aside - Asura deserves nothing less than this, especially after all this time.]

I may be awkward or hesitant at first, but I don't want to hide anything from you, Asura. Not anymore.

[mirshikar]

...you honor me with accolades so freely. [ In ways which never fail to take the King's breath away. When she looks to him, her chin against his chest, Asura does not glimpse vulnerability in Persephone's gaze: instead, he sees the strength which he wishes she'd shown him that night in the rain, and knows that she will not allow the fear of being perceived as weak to mask it again. Still languid and still luxuriating in the glow intrinsic to the Queen, his breath is slowed, the baritone of his voice rhythmic and slow as he speaks: ] By your grace, I have been given your trust and your affections, and now...

[ He will not refuse her vow, as it settles upon his shoulders a mantle of Spring; he will not question her certainty of the decision; he will not allow his own thoughts to stray, wondering if she would be able to keep the promise made. Guile is in Spring's nature, as surely as wrath would always walk hand in hand with Summer, and yet... in this moment, have the King and Queen not tempered the seasons which they have come to embody? All tension seems gone from Asura, his body liquid beneath warm weight of Persephone's frame, and as for the Queen herself...

She is braving what Asura once thought to be impossible, and that in and of itself is a gesture which can only be answered with a vow in turn. Asura's gaze is an arresting thing, after that, his green eyes made bright by the kajal-smudged shadows which line them, his taloned fingers threading gently through the Queen's ever-flowering hair. ]

Though I am no Winter courtier, and thank the sun and stars for that, I will take your secrets to the grave, Persephone.

[ ("I, the Crimson King, will take stewardship of that you do not wish to share with the world and protect it always," he had said to her once, not so very long ago. And at that time, despite the silvered lilt to the words and the cheekiness which had followed, Asura had meant them every bit as much as when he proclaimed red could be Persephone's color. ) ]

But I will ask you: what has changed? [ Apart from the way they had both been bent and reshaped, altered in accordance to the designs of the realm they now inhabited. ] Were we not Bonded, would you still feel the same?

[ No secrets, o' Queen of Spring. . Not anymore. And perhaps not since that night when Asura had said my heart is with you, Persephone. ]

[joies]

Oh, does this mean I should more often? I'm certain I would have little issue doing so.

[Teasing words spoken from the lips of a cheeky grin, yet she seems to melt against him even more so - tail for once still, loosely wrapped around one of his legs. Her blinks becoming slower, very much like a content and sleep cat, yet both eyes - seeing and not - keep their focus on Asura. It is rare, isn't it, to see him without his guard up, without him being tense and alert for any threats that may lurk in and out of view. It's a sight she appreciates, especially with how little she is able to see it.

Though it's not as if she isn't just as relaxed, despite the promise she made - to do something she hasn't done for so long, except in the presence of her dear motley. There is some trepidation there, a faint flutter of worry, yet it's something she can ignore. Persephone knows she can't keep her tendency for secrecy, hiding thoughts and feelings behind sweet smiles and words to direct attention elsewhere.

And she's glad, she can finally part with that decade-long habit, smiling softly as talons trail through her hair, just as her own talons gently twirl raven strands. His assurance never needed to be spoken, but it still brings warmth to her heart all the same, her smile a soft, but impossibly warm, little thing.

Though that question... That's the important question, isn't it? Before she would smile and glide past in, giving a non-answer that only left him with more questions and with her stepping away from the topic. But now, now she goes quiet as she thinks - casting her eyes to the side, as her mind mulls over that question.

There is to be no secrets, she promised that. So the answer that leaves her after another beat of silence is genuine, as her eyes trail pack to his - sunset and crimson locked on sage green. No, she will not hide this time.]

Yes, I would feel the same. You have seen the best and worst of me, Asura. Even when I was broken and wanting to push everything and everyone away, you still accepted me. You wouldn't let me hide away, even as I changed and bled out over the garden.

[No matter what had happened, he had been there. And she is loathe to offer him anything less in return.]