Ostus grinned as he watched the man take off; that was easy! Intimidation seemed to come easier with age; he was happy he still had "charm," though that now left him alone with Kiara.
Logically, he should use this time to leave. Perhaps he should go dance out there with the others or go get a drink. A few of the men, however, glanced their way. Kiara and Ostus had slept in separate tents the first night, and men being as they are, he was teased about it the next morning. He didn't even remember what excuse he muttered off to get them to stop the jokes, but it was clear that if he kept his distance from the princess too long, these people would start to ask more serious questions.
So he stayed, looking at the fire, the dancers, the trees surrounding them, anywhere but at Kiara.
Music was playing; a light, upbeat tune, perfect for dancing. A bonfire waved and flickered merrily at the center of the large encampment, couples and mothers with small children dancing to the music. Embers drifted in the air above, a warm glow bathing everything in its wake. The summer air was mild and crisp; it was a beautiful night.
When was the last time Ostus had seen so many people so happy? He couldn't remember. It was an uplifting change of pace to hear laughing and see smiling faces instead of dealing with the grim, dismal task of cleaning a field of bodies. He tapped his foot to the music, not realizing that he was bobbing his head slightly from side to side. He wanted to let go, feel happy, laugh for once, but there wasn't anyone special to really do those things with...
That's when Kiara held out her hand. He glanced down at her, raising an eyebrow in surprise, then his entire body froze when she asked him to dance.
Was she joking? Was she making fun of him? His gaze swept over her face; there was a softness there he did not recognize. For once she wasn't looking at him as though he was some raging beast or disgusting bug to be squashed. Her gaze drew him in; how could he say no?
His face broke into a wide grin. "Fuck yeah!" he announced, firmly taking her hand in his.
Eagerly, he lead her to the other dancers, excitement lighting his eyes. "What kind of dancing do you know how to do?" he said. "We're doing none of that ballroom shit; walking around in circles or something? No, this..." He closed his eyes, swaying his torso to the rhythm of the music. His head moved first, then his shoulders, his grove sliding down his arms. His feet were next, stepping from side to side as he swayed. Finally, he broke into a little jig, hopping and clapping, swaying and side-stepping. He certainly wasn't the best dancer, but it got several people around him to grin and laugh, which encouraged him. He winked at a few giggling children, then reached for Kiara's other hand. "Keep up! You don't have to match me, just... move..."
Alfbie
Member
Shenanigans!
STATUS: Hey, all! I will be away on a week-long camping trip from 8/7 to 8/13 and won't be able to respond to RP during that time. I will send replies as soon as I return. Happy summer! 7 yrs ago
- Last Seen: 3 yrs ago
- Old Guild Username: Alfbie
- Joined: 10 yrs ago
- Posts: 339 (0.09 / day)
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Username history
- Alfbie 10 yrs ago
Status
Recent Statuses
7 yrs ago
Current
Hey, all! I will be away on a week-long camping trip from 8/7 to 8/13 and won't be able to respond to RP during that time. I will send replies as soon as I return. Happy summer!
7 yrs ago
Sorry for my disappearance! Out of town for a couple days; thought I'd have internet but I thought wrong. Will post as soon as I can!
1
like
7 yrs ago
That feel-good feeling when you catch up on RPs. For everyone currently writing with me; thank you for your patience. You're all wonderful :)
7 yrs ago
I finally put something in the bio section of this thing! I even made it pretty, ooooh!
2
likes
7 yrs ago
RP'd with me, been gone for a while, and wanting to start something up again? Don't be shy; I'm active!
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Bio
Why, Hello There!
Welcome to my nifty little hovel! *bows* Who you'll find here is an aspiring writer with over 15 years of various RP experience. I prefer plot-driven fantasy and/or supernatural RPs with a romantic twist. I write from the mid-casual to high-advanced levels and am fairly open-minded when it comes to mature content. I am always looking for new RP partners, so if any of this sounds interesting to you, don't be shy!
~◊~
What I Look For in an RP Partner
◊ You must be *this tall* to write with me. Please be over 18.
◊ One liners are the devil. Though I prefer literate quality over quantity (especially when it comes to dialogue), if you're the type that practically writes a novel per post, I'll love you forever. If you can only crank out a couple of paragraphs but they engage me, I'll be just as excited. All I ask is a touch of effort.
◊ Get your chit chat on. I like to make friends with my RP partners, so if you're the type that loves OOC chat, by all means yammer away! I also LOVE discussing the RP, so please please please don't hesitate to speak your mind if you're bored, stuck, have an idea, or just want to be silly in OOC with your characters. I am remarkably flexible and would rather rewrite scenes and/or scrap weeks/months of RP for something new than watch one die due to lack of communication.
◊ Leave you slice-of-life, fluff, and tavern RP at the door. I have nothing against these things--in fact I expect any and all of these things in my RP and then some because that's the stuff of developing character relationships. However, I need more--conflict, a purpose, a goal, some sort of basic storytelling device to keep the RP going. Essentially, I need direction through plot; I get lost and anxious if all our characters ever do is talk.
◊ Own your flakiness. We've all done it--ditched an RP without a word. It happens. I understand. But please tell me if you're just not feeling it or if you need to take a break for any reason. I am incredibly patient and have picked RPs back up that have been under hiatus for months and even years. Thus, your absence would be just that--absence. If you are someone that has suddenly ditched without a word and want to return, hit me up! I promise I won't gripe or fuss; I'm just happy to RP.
Get it--got it--good! If I haven't scared you away by this point, please drop me a PM! Even if you don't have a specific idea in mind, I am more than happy to help you brainstorm something awesome.
~◊~
My Roleplays
Thread RP
◊ Rising Winds and Shifting Sands (Active) with Nemaisare
◊ Underneath (Active) with Nemaisare
◊ The Lost Princess (Inactive) with Aelin
◊ Crimson Moons (Inactive) with Love Dove
◊ Vanish Into Light (Inactive) with El Taco Taco
◊ The Empress of the Underground (Inactive) with mamagermany
◊ A Journey for Peace (Inactive) with Arrayah
PM RP Partners
◊ CoyoteLovely
◊ Light the Dark
◊ Burning Daisies
◊ Hellish Hin
◊ Jinny
NOTE: Avatar artwork is NOT mine (I wish it was)! It is Thorns by Candra. Used without permission.
Most Recent Posts
She asked him to dance! Aaaww! *cues music*
I'm lost without a good setting and clear context; your introspection gives me ideas on what direction to take with those things. I have yet to read one of your posts and think, "Shit, I have no idea how to respond to that," so this is definitely a good thing :)
Though I keep forgetting to mention the trees! You describe Astora as a place full of trees, but I keep picturing something very different, so I keep meaning to think to describe trees in my posts to get me in the proper mindset. Eventually :p
Though I keep forgetting to mention the trees! You describe Astora as a place full of trees, but I keep picturing something very different, so I keep meaning to think to describe trees in my posts to get me in the proper mindset. Eventually :p
I really liked Tera as well! I stopped playing due to lack of time and lack of friends that also played. Ah well. Same thing with Wildstar (where my avatar is from). Great game, but I just don't have the time for it. Alas.
I have denied you drunk Ostus this time around, mwahaha. Maybe next time :3
And I glossed over 5 action sequences, lol. I purposely didn't mention Ostus's thought of Kiara in them because I wasn't sure if she would manage to be heroic without him noticing or not. If he noticed, he would definitely be impressed. If he didn't notice, then he wouldn't be, lol. Whatever Kiara did during those times and what Ostus saw involving her I will incorporate in upcoming posts *nod*
I have denied you drunk Ostus this time around, mwahaha. Maybe next time :3
And I glossed over 5 action sequences, lol. I purposely didn't mention Ostus's thought of Kiara in them because I wasn't sure if she would manage to be heroic without him noticing or not. If he noticed, he would definitely be impressed. If he didn't notice, then he wouldn't be, lol. Whatever Kiara did during those times and what Ostus saw involving her I will incorporate in upcoming posts *nod*
Ostus was glad they had decided to travel with a caravan. It was enough to keep him distracted from thinking about Kiara. There was always someone to talk to, someone was always playing music, and at the end of the day when everyone was settled for the night, there'd be drinking and stories and laughter around the campfire. He wasn't the sort to sulk about his problems for long, so this social aspect was welcomed relief.
In the span of two days, the caravan had been attacked by bandits five times. Ostus had never seen so many; the war was definitely taking its toll on Astora. Though Ostus had given everyone the impression that he was a blacksmith, he was among the first to defend the small party during attacks. After all, despite his differences with the princess, it was still his job to protect her. Furthermore, the caravan was full of good, hardworking people, some with children -- he would not stand idly by and do nothing.
After the first attack was successfully thwarted, the caravan readily accepted Ostus and Kiara as part of the fold. He was grateful for this due to the added security a loyal group would provide. By the fifth attack, however, he couldn't help but worry about the journey to come. Soon there would be no caravan. Soon it would be just Ostus and Kiara. If bandits had discovered his mountain trail, how well could he protect her from onslaught after onslaught of ruffians? He kept telling himself that the mountain path was well hidden, that he could keep Kiara safe, that there'd be nothing to worry about. The princess already hated him; he did not want her to think him weak as well.
At night, Ostus didn't drink as much as he wanted to. Though the dancing was fun and a few women there made him wish he had not portrayed himself as married, he couldn't keep in the spirit of merriment. Even the uplifting notes of flutes and lutes couldn't lift his spirits. Ostus's guilt was like a festering wound; if he did not deal with it soon, it would only get worse. Before meeting her, he had expected to show Kiara a little fun on her last days as an Astoran princess. He planned to teach her how to drink, show her how to dance in the commoner fashion, drill her a bit on self defense though he knew now that she already had that covered... How could he protect her when they couldn't even talk to each other? Yet every time he cast his gaze on her, every time he opened his mouth to say the words, his mind would draw a blank or he'd lose his nerve. Would she even believe his apology anyway?
At least his desire to protect her was still strong, though he chalked it up to simple duty. He approached the princess from behind, returning from taking a piss, seeing some drunken slob all over her and her body language showing all the signs of a woman not interested.
He clasped a hand very heavily on the man's shoulder and squeezed as he leaned forward. "Who's not here?" he said, smiling at the man, though there was a darkness to his expression. "Seems to me like my wife desires a bit of space, don't you agree?" The insistent glare through his smile was unmistakable.
In the span of two days, the caravan had been attacked by bandits five times. Ostus had never seen so many; the war was definitely taking its toll on Astora. Though Ostus had given everyone the impression that he was a blacksmith, he was among the first to defend the small party during attacks. After all, despite his differences with the princess, it was still his job to protect her. Furthermore, the caravan was full of good, hardworking people, some with children -- he would not stand idly by and do nothing.
After the first attack was successfully thwarted, the caravan readily accepted Ostus and Kiara as part of the fold. He was grateful for this due to the added security a loyal group would provide. By the fifth attack, however, he couldn't help but worry about the journey to come. Soon there would be no caravan. Soon it would be just Ostus and Kiara. If bandits had discovered his mountain trail, how well could he protect her from onslaught after onslaught of ruffians? He kept telling himself that the mountain path was well hidden, that he could keep Kiara safe, that there'd be nothing to worry about. The princess already hated him; he did not want her to think him weak as well.
At night, Ostus didn't drink as much as he wanted to. Though the dancing was fun and a few women there made him wish he had not portrayed himself as married, he couldn't keep in the spirit of merriment. Even the uplifting notes of flutes and lutes couldn't lift his spirits. Ostus's guilt was like a festering wound; if he did not deal with it soon, it would only get worse. Before meeting her, he had expected to show Kiara a little fun on her last days as an Astoran princess. He planned to teach her how to drink, show her how to dance in the commoner fashion, drill her a bit on self defense though he knew now that she already had that covered... How could he protect her when they couldn't even talk to each other? Yet every time he cast his gaze on her, every time he opened his mouth to say the words, his mind would draw a blank or he'd lose his nerve. Would she even believe his apology anyway?
At least his desire to protect her was still strong, though he chalked it up to simple duty. He approached the princess from behind, returning from taking a piss, seeing some drunken slob all over her and her body language showing all the signs of a woman not interested.
He clasped a hand very heavily on the man's shoulder and squeezed as he leaned forward. "Who's not here?" he said, smiling at the man, though there was a darkness to his expression. "Seems to me like my wife desires a bit of space, don't you agree?" The insistent glare through his smile was unmistakable.
Haha!
I keep meaning to try the game, but never got around to it. I was once a WoWhead... would like to go back, but I don't have the time. The expansion's coming, too! Noooo...
An old RP friend of mine has been trying to get me to RP with her in Elder Scrolls Online. First of all, I suck at in-game RP. Like, a lot. I'm too introverted for that sort of thing, I guess. This is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more fun; you have no idea. Secondly, I can't stand playing that game. Just the thought of it stresses me out. Horribly designed, horribly executed. Elder Scrolls does not an MMO make. Ugh. My subscription for that game expired over a week ago. Good riddance.
Anyway, I should get to posting, lol
I keep meaning to try the game, but never got around to it. I was once a WoWhead... would like to go back, but I don't have the time. The expansion's coming, too! Noooo...
An old RP friend of mine has been trying to get me to RP with her in Elder Scrolls Online. First of all, I suck at in-game RP. Like, a lot. I'm too introverted for that sort of thing, I guess. This is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more fun; you have no idea. Secondly, I can't stand playing that game. Just the thought of it stresses me out. Horribly designed, horribly executed. Elder Scrolls does not an MMO make. Ugh. My subscription for that game expired over a week ago. Good riddance.
Anyway, I should get to posting, lol
*thumbs up*
In some ways, Ostus is kinda moody, lol
Hmm... Well, if their first night is them pretty much avoiding each other, we can skip ahead further. If you want to do that, feel free. Otherwise, I'm perfectly fine with doing it :)
Hmm... Well, if their first night is them pretty much avoiding each other, we can skip ahead further. If you want to do that, feel free. Otherwise, I'm perfectly fine with doing it :)
Haha! Ostus drunk is a riot :3
So, after your post, shall we jump ahead a few "hours" to their first night in the open wilderness (with the caravan)? Or should we skip ahead even further? Or shall we not skip ahead just yet at all?
So, after your post, shall we jump ahead a few "hours" to their first night in the open wilderness (with the caravan)? Or should we skip ahead even further? Or shall we not skip ahead just yet at all?
Kiara's blushing intrigued Ostus; what had she been thinking about then? If they were on better terms, he would have teased her about it. There was no mistaking her transition into anger, however. Ostus expected a scene or some sort of clever retort back. After the immediate satisfaction of what he just said, he was even beginning to enjoy the banter a little. So it came as a complete surprise when Kiara actually gave in to his demand without fuss, without complaint, and without too much of a snide tone, all despite her anger.
The offer was even more stunning. At once he felt guilty. He could barely look at his horse as he muttered to the man which one he wanted. Eagerly, the stable master collected their coin and got to work preparing the beasts for departure, but Ostus could hardly feel excitement over knowing they would finally leave.
Why was Kiara so upset anyway? She was acting as though they actually were married, as though they actually did have a private life to talk about, as though he had given away her most intimate secrets. He had no idea of her private life; had he said something personal, too close to home? He would wonder what exactly her experiences while traveling were if he didn't feel so guilty about thinking he had crossed a line. Damn her for making him feel this way... over a story! He knew, however, that the guilt was over how he made her feel regardless of what she had said.
He remained silent as they waited for the horses to be ready, offered to help Kiara on her own horse with only a gesture before mounting his own, and said not a word as they headed out to take their place in line to leave the city and catch up with the caravan they'd be traveling with on this first leg of the trip. In truth, he was tired of fighting with Kiara and didn't want to say anything to set her off.
The offer was even more stunning. At once he felt guilty. He could barely look at his horse as he muttered to the man which one he wanted. Eagerly, the stable master collected their coin and got to work preparing the beasts for departure, but Ostus could hardly feel excitement over knowing they would finally leave.
Why was Kiara so upset anyway? She was acting as though they actually were married, as though they actually did have a private life to talk about, as though he had given away her most intimate secrets. He had no idea of her private life; had he said something personal, too close to home? He would wonder what exactly her experiences while traveling were if he didn't feel so guilty about thinking he had crossed a line. Damn her for making him feel this way... over a story! He knew, however, that the guilt was over how he made her feel regardless of what she had said.
He remained silent as they waited for the horses to be ready, offered to help Kiara on her own horse with only a gesture before mounting his own, and said not a word as they headed out to take their place in line to leave the city and catch up with the caravan they'd be traveling with on this first leg of the trip. In truth, he was tired of fighting with Kiara and didn't want to say anything to set her off.
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