akela

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

Claire swallowed her selfish anger, lips curving into a gentle smile. He was just as unhappy and wanting as she. Her heart sank when he tossed the smooth stone before she got to her feet and walked to his side.

“That doesn’t count, you know,” she informed him quietly, looking out at the river. It looked inviting in this warm weather, but she knew she would cringe if her toes actually touched that chilly water. “I already won, no second chances.”

She sighed softly, finding his fingers with her own and holding tight. “I have thought of you as a lot of things, Nicholas, but below me was never, not once, one of them.” Her thumb brushed against the back of his hand, her eyes on him now. “Is that it, then? You see me the way you do and put a wall between us because we simply don’t belong together?” She smirked, amazed. If only she had seen the married through his eyes before, perhaps they could have already been falling for one another. “You silly man, I have not once looked down on you. In fact, I’d say I look up! I may not act like it because of my pride, but it’s true,” she laughed, remembering that first night once more. “For the past what…four months now? I have doubted every move I make, from simply stepping out the door to-“ Claire paused. “To more important decisions. You may be of trade, Nick, but I see you as the handsome man who has a chance to be with any woman in the room. I suppose that caused me to see arrogance that might not actually exist.”

Claire swallowed, a bit shamed at how she had acted. “I did not send a note those two weeks because I wanted you to prove you thought I was worth something. Why would Nicholas Rochford, who had the eyes of many women on him because of his looks and attractive words, need me to tell how deeply I craved his company? I thought it would be obvious.” There was so much to clear up…but was she rambling at this point? It didn’t matter. He needed to know she was different, and it wasn’t wealthy living that got her out of bed every morning.

“And for your information,” she added in a sing-song tone, “I do not try and be pale. I would love to spend all my time outside playing games or riding that gives one a tan, but how can I be anything but pale in these dreadfully hot clothes?” Claire complained, putting her fingers to the neck-line of her dress. Her blush was getting darker because of it. “As for marrying an eligible bachelor…” She frowned, letting go of his hand and taking a step closer to the water. She was very close to the edge, the wind coming off the tiny waves felt good on her face. “I will admit I didn’t argue with father much because I knew I needed you. You cannot be cross with me over that,” she defended quickly, “I can’t depend on my him forever, and reality would rather me starve otherwise. But if you knew me before you would have seen titles didn’t mean much to me. Noble men have asked to court me before, and I refused. So speak ill of high society if you wish,” she said, turning to face him and lifting her hands to rest on his chest, “but as you do so remember that I am at least a little different. Even you can admit that. For instance,” she giggled, nodding toward the river behind her, “I want nothing more than to jump into that water and splash you until you’re soaked, just to see the look on your face.” The thought brought a bright grin to her face as she closed her eyes, leaning forward until the brim of her hat touched his forehead.

“I’m sorry. You were right…again, though I don’t enjoy admitting it. I will not judge and assume you want to leave the room as soon as I enter it. Forgive me? I'm new at this thing called marriage we have between us.” It seemed the incident with the married man had brought her well below humility and into a lack of self-confidence. She hadn’t really noticed how bad it was, and certainly hadn’t meant to push that on Nick. It was possible, though, good had come of it all. As she said before, she did not think of herself as higher than anyone because of her name. As London had proved to her, some of her status could change in the course of a day. Claire reached up and brushed her fingers though his hair again, the corner of her lips twitching into a secretive smile when she saw how ruffled she had made his hair. “Tell me what you were going to say before. You were going on about contradicting yourself…I don’t understand, and it is important. You said you would be honest,” she playfully reminded him, hoping he wasn’t feeling so hurt anymore.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind (Blitz x akela)

Alice nodded with a small smile, leaning down into the seat until her feet were up on the dashboard, her eyes out the window. She didn't talk much during the ride there, which was unusual based on their past time spent together. When they arrived she slipped out of the seat, leaving her backpack in the car. "Mind if we get out of here after we find something? I don't care where, we can go clubbing with fake IDs if you want," she said with a crooked grin, glancing sideways at him. "Are you surprised I have one? Never used it, though," she smirked, trying to lighten the mood.

As soon as they got inside she called for her father, making sure he wasn't home. As if his sedan being absent from the carport didn't make it obvious. "It's upstairs," she muttered, looking at him with worried eyes, standing at the bottom of the stairs. "You honestly think we'll find something?" Alice added, but still didn't move. Finally she reached for his hand, wrapping her fingers around his before making her way upstairs. The second door on the left led to a small study that was just as perfect as in the movies. There were no pictures of anyone, however, and no drawings from Alice as a child. Only expensive nicknacks and stacks of papers in and out of pale yellow folders labeled with...

"Names. All the folders are labeled with names," Alice murmured, licking her lips as she stood over the large desk. There was a computer, but she knew it would be password protected.

[high casual-low adv] mxf time travel

bump

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

He simply let it drop. Nicholas let the stone plop right into Thames without even trying. Claire’s lips parted in surprise, but she said nothing. He wouldn’t even look at her. She expected him to laugh, for them to kiss. Playing picnic like they were in love had been going so well, what was wrong now?

She then asked if they could be under the tree and she of course obliged, being reminded of how unwell he was. Or perhaps it was more than the wound getting him down. Still, she sat down beside him, running her fingers over his arm with little response. The entire time she wondered what was on his mind, what she had done to upset him. She had given him an out and he didn’t take it. He was being sweet and flirting, saying he would keep promises that he would soon forget. It was a game, why had he quit playing?

Just as she was starting to feel comfortable, assuming he was just tired, Nicholas spoke. “Why do you doubt me so? Why did you have to think that I will not spare part of my time to spend with you? Have I done you wrong?”

He wasn’t finished. And just like the night he left the bedroom, he actually seemed hurt. “What am I doing wrong, Claire? Tell me. Tell me why you have to give me a chance to win back the favor you won?”

“Why would you not spare your time? Because you would not do it before, why would you now!” she asked desperately, getting angry. But he did not deserve that kind of attitude. “Oh, Nicholas,” she breathed, licking her lips with hesitation. “I give you a chance to win it back so you do not have to lie to me again. But if you want to, if you want to make false promises that will not be kept, then by all means continue to do so. Whatever makes you feel better,” Claire murmured, watching him. “Let’s take a look at my experience with you so far, shall we?” she said, unsure where else to start but the beginning. If he wanted to know why she doubted him, if he was so blind as to need an explanation, then she would give it.

“Our first night together was nothing but pleasantries. I gave you an out and you took it immediately. When we became engaged…well, I have to admit you won me over quickly, even after clearly not wanting to show me the estate,” she laughed bitterly, the heartache still there. It wasn’t so long ago, despite how much had happened since then. “You were charming, swept me off my feet as if our marriage would be a storybook romance. ‘I will be in constant contact,’ you said, and sealed it with a kiss. I waited, but heard not a word. That hurt me, did I not make that clear at the wedding?” Claire let him dwell on that a moment before going on, her fingertips at her throat where the necklace he’d given her lay.

“You continue to give kisses, but keep your hands to yourself with sweet words I feel you do not mean. After flirting that you do want more than that, of course, but make no move to prove otherwise. I want honesty, but all I feel is distance. So now I am putting up my own defenses. I would rather not expect much from you and be pleasantly surprised than expect what I want, what you say you will give, and be disappointed. So please. Please do not push me to dream of being loved again, because it hurt when it was proved to be a fantasy.”

Claire groaned softly, wishing she could hide her face from him. Just get up and leave, forget the conversation and any idea that he might care. “Why are you doing this, aren’t things going well?” she asked softly, her fingers clenching over her dress. “If you believe I am wrong to doubt, that I should trust your charm and promises, and that children will one day come and we will smile in each other’s arms with whispers of ‘I love you”…then prove it. Give me a reason to have hope.”

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

“I think I will be content with ten. Five boys, five girls. The eldest being a boy. No, the first five children should all be boys. That way, they can look after their little sisters and scare away any unworthy suitor.”

“Ten children! My lands, Nick, you have thought about this!” she gasped, a wide grin beneath blushing cheeks. It was her turn to be embarrassed. “I do hope some of them are twins, or I may be pregnant my whole life,” Claire joked with a giggle. “Sounds like we better start soon if that is your plan.” Perhaps as time went on the little devils would make him want less and less. But the idea of her and Nick having such a big family…it was beyond her imagination. With him working, would he even ever see them?

“Claire,” he added, which got her attention. Claire loved when he said her name, it always sounded romantic. “I was just teasing you. Of course I will not be flirting with other women at your party. I hardly know my wife, why should I go running off chasing skirts of mysterious women when there is one here I haven’t figured out? I may not look like it, Claire, but I am a faithful man. I promised, with London as the witness, to be only yours. I intent to keep that promise… Promise.”

She did not believe him. Nicholas Rochford seemed a decent man, better than most, but she knew better. He had no desire to “figure” her out in any way, and eventually someone would catch his eye. Even if not, even if he remained faithful as he promised, wandering eyes was not a sin. Her stomach sank as a part of her actually hoped he had a night with another. Perhaps then she wouldn’t feel like was such a burden- the adulteress he was attached to, forever diving into his work to forget the home life he was stuck with. How embarrassing, though, if London found out. Claire Rochford, stuck at home with ten children with their father has his fun. She deserves it, for what she did before marriage they would say.

Claire blinked, realizing time had gone by while she had completely made up an entire scenario of their lives before any of it had happened. What a bad habit. Still…Claire did not believe he intended on chasing her anytime soon. And that was fine by her.

“Let’s wager then, to test my luck.” She shifted a bit as he sat up, putting the grapes to the side. “I bet you will not be able to make a flat stone bounce on the river. Name your price if I am wrong.”

What a bet! His wife’s eyes immediately lit up and she quickly looked out to the water, eyes searching it for the perfect thing to ask of him. The world around them was quiet, as if time stood still as she decided. Finally Claire held out her hand so he could help her up, and as gracefully as possible went to the bank to find the perfect rock. “Soon you will be well enough to return to your work. I know I cannot keep you away forever, and our time together hasn’t been perfect, but I would like to request one thing,” she asked, picking up a flat stone and looking back at him with a playful glint in those emerald eyes. “One day a week, you are mine. When I wake in the morning, you are still at my side. We can order breakfast in bed, and plan out our day together as we eat. After I steal a few kisses from you,” she added with a smile, “we shall get up and do whatever it is that pleases us. Of course in a few years it may be multiple children jumping on the bed to get us up,” Claire said, painting a lovely picture of their lives together. “We could go shopping together, or travel to Brighton and leave the next morning,” she offered. “Or perhaps all we want is to stay in that warm, cozy bed beneath the covers all morning.” Claire walked toward him, putting her arms around his shoulders with a sigh. “All I ask is for one day a week. I do not even have to see you the rest, if that is what you wish. One day, Nicholas.”

With a kiss to his cheek she went back to the water, praying this would work. She’d done this before as a child, but it was possible she didn’t throw properly. The stone would simply sink to the river, along with her hopes of ever getting to know her husband. With a deep, steading breath Claire flicked her wrist and tossed the stone. What luck! The rock bounced along the top of the water, defying gravity for a total of not just one, but two jumps! The young woman laughed happily, twisting to quickly look back at him. “Do you believe that?” she grinned, putting a hand to her still slightly red cheek. The heat in her multiple layers was giving her a permanent blush. “You didn’t think I could do it, did you?”

Claire watched him carefully, curious if the idea of taking a day a week off work was too much. “I’d like to make a bet with you, now,” she said, her smile fading a bit. “If yours can go further than mine, more than two skips, you can take back what I just won.” She was quite confident he could do it. “You can work as much as you like, no promises made.”

[high casual-low adv] mxf time travel

Okay, so the last about four people I've tried to start an rp with have quit before I even get a chance to write anything. So before anything, don't reply, have me start a thread, and then disappear. It sucks, I don't have time for false starts. I want to write!

Now then. This particular interest check is coming after a just finished a book called "Both Sides of Time". To summarize, a young woman is sucked from 1995 (yes it's an old book) to 1895 where she- you guessed it- falls in love with the handsome young man that lives in the local, falling down mansion that's about to be destroyed in her own time. He is the one who actually sees her fade into the era, and demands an explanation...afterwards doing his best to hide the obvious difference in her mannerisms. Should he believe her, or send her to an asylum? It also kind of reminds me of one of my favorite movies, Kate and Leopold.

You can imagine the drama from some random girl showing up in the late 1800s without knowing a soul and wearing strange clothes. As much as I love romance, I really want a good plot to go along with this, a good story with great supporting characters around our duo. And don't worry, this won't be "love at first sight" either. :)

I thought about mixing a murder story within the plot. Blame the new girl, but it's really somebody else...I don't know. If you reply to this interest check, I'd really like you to have some ideas of your own as well. As soon as you read the idea, mini scenes should have popped into your head, if not a larger plot idea (which I would love!). This is a team effort, and I want somebody who can post multiple paragraphs and help me move the story along. Maybe they eventually figure out a way he can travel with her, or she has to decide between staying there or going back home...perhaps she was sent back for a reason, to save his or someone else's life.

Being a girl I would love to play the female of course, but I'd be happy to play the male as well and side characters of both genders.

I rp over thread or pm.

I NEED characters with depth, with feelings, and wants, and dreams, and fears, and I want to know all of them throughout the rp. Also on your end: I get mistakes, but constant grammar errors are super annoying. I do my best to edit mine before posting.

One more thing: this rp feels like it's going to take someone who writes well and is very creative...I'm going to be picky. If you want to rp and you're a little hesitant on this because you don't know how it would go, here is my other interest check:http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/15821/posts/ooc?page=1#post-773544

PM me if you're interested!

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

Okay so I had the most random dream that I woke up, and you posted like 3 pathetic sentences and a bunch of "Downtown Abby" videos. I was like omg is she drunk posting or something haha weird...I dont even like that show.

Have you ever read a book "both sides of time"? Its a series, thats the first. Its obviously for young teens if that, but the first one was good. Girl time travels to 1800s, I want to do an to based on it. Just curious if you'd heard of it. Its an old book.

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

Surely Nick felt the twitch of her fingers at the mention of him flirting with another, but she said nothing. Perhaps he was thinking of the red-head he spoke with at the dinner where they first met. Whoever was on his mind, his smile was like nothing she had ever received, but still her hand kept running through his thick brunette hair. She even leaned over as much as her corset would permit, letting the wide brim of her hat cast a comfortable shadow over his face.

“Oh! I had forgotten about our little wager. I suppose we’ll have to come up with something else to race for now that I’ve enjoyed your warmth as I slept.” Claire shuddered at just the memory of being held in such an intimate way.

It was then, under the warmth of the sun with such pleasant conversation, that she realized they could possibly, probably be friends. Love in a marriage was a fairytale girls hoped for, but eventually found to be unrealistic. To find a man whom one could rely on financially and speak with comfortably? Even that was rare, and she should be content with such a thing.

“Now, if you are asking about business,” he continued with a sigh, “I cannot possibly express how much relieved I am to be forced into vacation by this injury. If I can redo that night, I would still trace the steps that led me to that gunpoint if only to have a few days to myself. So to answer your question, no. No, I don’t enjoy working and I don’t have the passion for it.” Claire let him kiss her hand, going limp in his hold. “Money is a good motivation though. I am working for the money that will provide for me and my future family. How many children do you want?” His blush made her giggle, but she managed to keep her own pale complexion and simply ran her thumb along that pink tint on his cheek.

“You don’t have to answer that.”

“No, that’s all right, I don’t mind. I can’t say I haven’t thought about it,” she replied coolly, remembering she was talking to a friend and ignoring that this was the man she would be having said children with. “I believe three is a lovely number, if there are no complications with the first two,” Claire smiled, looking out toward the water. She had heard stories of mothers bearing children despite previous issues, and she had no desire to push her luck if there was a problem, even with modern medicine. Her closest friends had teased she did not possess “child bearing hips” to begin with, but it didn’t really mean anything. She would do just fine with three.

“One is too little. It was no fun growing up without a playmate, and I would have learned to share a lot sooner if I had had a reason to do so,” she smirked, twisting Nick’s hair along a gloved finger, looking down at him again. “Four…well, then they would out number us two to one, and that would just be asking for trouble,” Claire grinned, eating a few more grapes now that the mood had changed. "How many children would you like to have?"

“You know, I never would have guessed that about you and your work. And I’m glad you want to work so many hours to provide, it’s a wonderful reason to go, but…Nick, do not forget to actually enjoy that which you are working for. Else what is the point in having it?” she asked, giving him a weak smile. “Or find something else that makes you happy, gives you reason to get up in the morning. What I mean to say is- I’m proud of you for your business, but remember to spend time doing what you do have a passion for, Nicholas. Whether it be your family, spending your day riding alone, or that red head you’ll be flirting with at my party,” Claire added with a grin. “I’m not trying to steal you away, I promise, but simply remind you to be happy with something or someone in this world. I’m afraid you’ll wake up one day with regret if work, something you do not enjoy, is all you have lived for.”

At that moment a beautiful black and orange butterfly landed on Nicholas' knee. Claire gasped softly, her hand moving to lightly grasp his shoulder. "Nick, will look at that! You have good luck coming your way," she giggled, looking from the tiny creature down to his gaze.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind (Blitz x akela)

"I know. But we aren't stupid enough to post online about it," Alice replied, shoving her phone into her pocket. "Shit...okay. This is okay. If we leave now we should get there and have time to look before he even gets home. If you're still willing to come with me," She shook her head, heading toward her own locker. "This is insane, Lucas. I'm supposed to be worrying about next weeks test, figuring out how to go to the next party, or get a date with you," she smirked, unlocking it and putting her books back before shutting the thin metal door. "Not searching my dad's stuff so we can figure out if he kidnapped somebody. Tell me why we aren't going to the police again?" she asked, looking around before heading out to the parking lot with him.

"You do realize if something happens...it's up to you to get us out of there. I don't exactly have any guns to bring to the show," she grinned, showing a 'muscle' by holding her arm up, "and I don't have any offensive...talents. Any ideas if we do find out it's him?"

All is Fair in Love and War [Akela & Nuada]

“Treason is treason no matter what his reason may be. Because of him, a number of our countrymen are dying every day. Our military prowess is doubted by the world and most of all we look silly. All of these because our plans and tactics are being compromised, supply routes are cut by the enemy, and they anticipate our every move.”

Dying? That wasn’t what she wanted at all, and it wasn’t what her contact had promised. Claire wanted to ask more questions, get more details on what her actions had caused, but doing so would blow her cover for sure.

When the job had first been proposed she had tried to get details on the war from her father, but had been pushed away so easily. “Don’t worry your little head about such things. Such things will never concern you,” she had told him, brushing away her questions. And now, just enough information was being given to tease her, but no more.

“There is always a choice, Claire, but sometimes it is easier to believe that there is none. It’s just a shame that he died before the authorities learned anything useful from him. ”

Claire met his gaze, his words hitting her hard. There was always a choice… “Yes, it is a shame,” she replied quietly.

“Now, if you open your mouth again to speak of Matthew Hawthorne, I will kiss you on the lips right here where you are sitting, right now in broad daylight, with Thames and all the random passers by as witnesses.”

It took her a moment to respond, but at least the conversation had accomplished something. She knew Nick was not one to talk about these things with her, and would never understand the reasoning behind her actions. Once again she was stuck feeling very alone and very, very unsure of herself. “Well, I might just have to keep talking if that’s my reward,” she flirted right back, but didn’t lean or make any move to follow through with it. It wasn’t as if he meant it either.

Taking a deep breath Claire closed her eyes, letting the soft breeze that moved the few loose locks of her hair against her neck. “I’m sorry you’re in pain,” she finally commented, looking down before popping another grape into his mouth. He had a beautiful face, especially now that he wasn’t so pale. “Hopefully you’ll feel better soon. I plan on having a ball very soon. I’ve already written the guest list and am giving it to the house staff to send out invitation today. I’m thinking the upcoming weekend. It will be so uplifting after the terrible news of today, don’t you think? Besides that ballroom is so beautiful! Ooh, we could make it a masquerade, Nicholas! Wouldn’t that be fun? It’s been ages since anyone held one. You won’t have to worry about a thing, of course, I’ll give all the instruction to the staff.” Claire smiled down at him, brushing her fingers, her long nails through his hair to his scalp.

She wanted to talk of normal things, to see the real Nick that wasn’t trying to charm his way through a situation. What did he enjoy talking about? “Then, when the doctor permits you to ride, we can go together if you would like.” No, that wouldn’t do. He enjoyed his horse, but it probably wouldn’t hold his attention long. What else did they have in common? She had no idea. “Tell me about yourself, Nicholas. I know you enjoy work…are you in it just for the money, or do you honestly have a passion for it?” She gave him another grape. “I’ve spoken enough to last an entire day. I want to hear you.”