To Walk Among Shadows (Astira & Ember Star)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Astira on 28-01-2014, 08:06:13</h2>
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				Title: <strong>To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Astira</strong> on <strong>28-01-2014, 08:06:13</strong>
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				Once upon a time, there were many. <br><br>There were Gods and Men, monsters and giants, fairies, elves, gnomes and nymphs and exotic creatures whose names are not pronounceable in any language you or I know. <br><br>There was magic and science and faith and they all existed in harmony; they did not claw at each other’s necks but rather politely acknowledged each other as they passed by on the street. It was a simple acceptance amongst the creatures of this time. <br><br>If there were an infinite amount of pages to write on and just as many words to say, this would be a history book. As it is, I want to tell you a story. Not a tale, not a myth or legend or any fabrication of the mind, but a truth story. And a truth story is - at its core - real. It is not for me to force you to believe. My job is to simply inform you of the truth. What you believe is your business.<br><br>Now, where was I? <br><br>Ah…yes.<br><br>This is a truth story of two of the many; two souls who could not be more opposite in the eyes of society but no less destined for each other. This is the truth story of Reya and Loki.<br><br><hr><br><div class="floatright">(https://24.media.tumblr.com/81259a028d05f22e4549aaf25fcc065c/tumblr_mu62pkKGtP1skt3v6o9_r1_400.png)</div>The sun’s bright rays reflected off of the golden towers of the palace casting a warm glow around the foliage of the garden. An artist would give his left hand to be able to capture such a scene on canvas, but the endeavor would be impossible. This garden was too unearthly to be encapsulated by hand, too enchanting to be contained on a surface; it was the stuff of childhood fairy tales and the paradise all people dreamed of.<br><br>Hundreds of fragrances that came from tree and flower alike wafted in the breeze, swirling lazily with the wind that blew them obligingly. Occasionally that sweet fragrance mingled with the salty tang of the sea, creating a heady scent that always eluded capture by even the most skilled perfumer.<br><br>Paradise was where Reya lived. No other spot in the nine realms could be more perfect than this one. Gardens that swept across acres of land, laced with freshwater streams, dotted with warm earthen pools and cleverly hidden spots furnished with benches and fountains were a thing only the most elite could enjoy and she was lucky enough to be the one that created and tended them. Of course, her skill was nowhere near matched by any who breathed, but she didn’t take that in to account.<br><br>The woman whose luck was blessed enjoyed the delights of the garden almost as much as she loved caring for them. Each day was filled with some trimming here, planting a few seeds there and always on the lookout for disease or encroaching fungus. <br><br>Her fingers were nearly always brown and black with the soil of the earth, but that didn’t matter to her as she wiped the sweat from her forehead. It was much hotter out then was usual for the end of spring and its effects were definitely felt. The young woman looked around for a moment, taking a small break from her efforts. It was hard to keep her head from clouding with thoughts of relaxation and bliss while in paradise, but occasionally she allowed herself to feel like royalty for a few brief moments. <br><br>Reya took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the sweet, warm air. She lifted the flask on her hip and uncorked it, taking a hearty swallow of cool water, and then spraying a bit on the skin of her neck, relishing in the sensation of the cool liquid as it trickled down the neckline of her dress. Feeling rejuvenated, she kneeled back down to continue her current project of relocating a few flowers from one part of the garden to another. The annual summer festival was next week and she knew guests of the royal family likely would arrive sometime this week so she wanted to have the gardens perfect.<br><br>As delicately as she could, Reya cupped her hands together beneath the flower that sat patiently on the grass. She lifted the blooming plant up to her eyes, a tender look upon her face as she turned it about, checking the leaves and making sure the roots were strong. The flower was a deep royal purple with streaks of turquoise and white tips; it looked like a star at midnight winking with mischief. &nbsp;The Lyra flower. It was one of her favorites and a flower that only bloomed in the royal garden of the Asgard palace. It was forbidden anywhere else for reasons unknown to her.<br><br>Once she made sure no leaves would be buried with the roots, Reya placed the plant within the hole she had just dug before covering the exposed roots with the upturned dirt. Her movements were soft and unhurried; exhibiting the care a mother would have for her newborn babe. Once the flower was steadfastly planted, she picked up her watering can and poured the liquid into the small trough she’d indented around the plant’s base. The earth sucked down the life-giving liquid like a dry sponge. <br><br>She was nearly finished – all she had to do now was the final touch of stringing up lanterns all around the garden. She gathered as many as she could and began placing them in clever spots – like a rose bush or small tree - where people might stand. She hummed a soft melody as she worked occasionally taking a few moments to admire the brilliant spheres of light once they were hung. These were her absolute favorite decorations that were used during the festivals. They were tiny balls of glowing gasses that changed color constantly and emitted just the right amount of light to see by. If she remembered correctly, they were invented by Prince Loki. <br><br>She hung the last one and stepped back, wiping her hands off on her rapidly browning apron. It was a breathtaking sight to behold with the twinkling lights growing brighter in the waning light. She nodded in pleasure before picking up her tools and making her way to the small shed that was nestled in a corner at the northern end of the garden close to the palace. It was a small wooden hut that was tastefully camouflaged by vines, bushes and various plants, something that suited her just fine. See but not be seen. <br><br>The ancient wooden door creaked on its rusty hinges as she opened it and the worn floorboards groaned in protest when she stepped on them. This place was where she spent most of her time. It was where she slept, where she worked, where she thought – it was home and it was perfect. She placed the tools back in their proper place before stepping back outside to survey her work. The last eight hours had been spent weeding, tilling and planting. In addition to readying for the festival, the summer plants needed to be in place and awaiting the warm weather too. Unfortunately for Reya, she happened to pick the day that was a lot warmer than usual for this time of year, which made working in the gardens a little unbearable beneath the hot sun, but she was quite used to laboring under such circumstances.<br><br>A shout that came from the direction of the kitchens told Reya that her time was short. The royal family enjoyed a stroll in the gardens before they went in to dine for the evening so she needed to make herself scarce fairly soon. See but not be seen. That was part of the mysticism of this place - like it existed of its own accord and with its own magic. A good gardener leaves no trace of interference by their hands. Gathering her skirts, Reya made her way around the gardens, her trained eye catching any hint of a weed or whisper of a leaf out of place, perfecting them before she moved on. She swept away any leaves and plucked bits of stray grass from the soil. <br><br>Finally Reya came to the last garden. It was called The Queen’s Hideaway and it was nestled in one of the southern-most corners. The small area was surrounded by vines of morning glories, grapes and ivy – completely blocking from view anyone who did not wish to be seen from prying eyes. There was a small stone bench just large enough for two people to sit on situated beneath a tall, dense wisteria tree. The purple flowers were just coming to full bloom and the sight was breathtaking. Completing the perfect hideaway was a bubbling brook that happily fed a small pool decorated with lily pads and water-moss. <br><br>Upon entering the sheltered area, Reya immediately noticed a small wilting plant nestled between a large rose bush and the stone bench. Slightly alarmed, Reya quickly made her way over to it and knelt down to find its emerald leaves were turning yellow. It needed water. And judging by the large rose bush next to it, it probably hadn’t received much lately. She bit her lip. The royal family would be here any minute and she did not wish to tarry long. But her eyes strayed back to the small helpless plant. <br><br>With a small frown, Reya stood up and jogged to her small cottage at the opposite end of the garden. Grabbing the watering can, she paused only to tilt some nutrient-enriching liquid into it before making her way to the garden well. She pulled up a bucket of cool water and poured some in to the can before quickly making her way back to the plant. She sloshed a bit of water down her front in her hurry, but it couldn’t be helped. <br><br>Once at the plant, she expertly kneaded a small trough around its base to hold the water then picked up the can and cautiously poured the water into the soil-trough. She nearly finished pouring when she heard a man’s booming voice echo through the halls and down to the garden. Her stomach dropped out from under her. It was Prince Thor. And judging by the other voices, he was with Lady Sif and the Warriors Three. That meant that the royal family was nearly here.<br><br>Trying not to panic, Reya finished pouring. Once the last drop was in the soil, she stood up and went to the archway. She peered around the edge but almost as quickly, she stepped back, cursing inwardly.<br>They were already here. <br><br>“Volstagg, if you fought half as well as you ate, you would likely be a better warrior then all of us combined,”<br><br>“I humbly disagree, almighty Thor – Volstagg does not have a magic hammer,”<br><br>Laughter rang out amongst the comrades. Reya peered around the edge of the archway and could see the Thunder God’s broad frame silhouetted in the light coming from the halls leading to the garden. Reya counted - there were six figures in all which meant that Prince Loki must have been with them as well.<br><br>“We shall see what sort of magic my hammer can conjure at tomorrow’s rematch, Fandral. Now be gone, my friends. I refuse to listen to your taunts a moment longer. I will see you at last meal,” Thor responded with humor.<br><br>Reya’s eyes darted to where her cottage lay hidden in the foliage at the other end of the garden near where they stood. If she ran she could get there in a minute or two however she wouldn’t be able to avoid the sporadic dots of light that came from the luminous lanterns and spilled from the golden halls. If she walked, there was still no guarantee that they wouldn’t see her. Her best option was to stay put and wait it out in hiding.<br><br>Reya’s eyes scanned her surroundings within the Queen’s Hideaway. The bench was too open, the rose bush was large but too small to cover her whole frame – it wouldn’t do for proper camouflage. She glanced up at the wisteria tree – it was her best option with its dense flowers and branches. Placing her watering can cleverly amongst the rose bush’s flowers and twigs, Reya then wasted no time in scrambling up the tree. <br><br>The rough, jagged bark bit at her hands and arms and the uneven branches scraped and tore at her exposed skin, tearing her dress and pulling at her hair. Finally, however, Reya made it to the flowering part of the tree where the branches flattened out enough for her to lay down. She drew her dress around and between her legs so to prevent it from dangling beneath her, then curled herself into a fetal position and made herself as small as possible. She glanced up, able to see over the flowered hedge at this height. The royal family was now gathered at the large fountain close to the center of the garden. She hoped they stayed there, but was confident they wouldn’t see. It was impossible.<br><br>The family must have been speaking, but it was nothing that she could hear. They stayed that way for a long time and after a while, she grew bored. Making herself a little more comfortable, Reya began to occupy herself with tracing the odd patterns made by the bark of the tree. The sun had set and the moon was nearly raised when she glanced up once more. They were gone. She felt panic bubble slightly as she looked around for them, wanting to keep an eye on their progress so she would know when it was safe to leave. And then she heard them, the voice of the Allmother and Prince Loki. They were approaching the hideaway.
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ember Star</strong> on <strong>13-02-2014, 21:35:11</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n612/Ember-Star/male%20photos/Smile-Loki.jpg)</div> Loki, the always overlooked brother of Thor. Overlooked because everybody gave Thor the attention with his loud brashness and mighty hammer. Not that Loki himself always minded all eyes being on his brother. It gave him more privacy for his own endeavors. However, there was always that ping of jealously beneath Loki's charming outward demeanor. <br><br>Tonight though, tonight was pleasant. While Thor had loudly marched off with his friends, their Mother wished to walk and talk with Loki. A welcome aside for the dark haired prince. He enjoyed private time with his mother, more so than he did with his father or brother. He felt, perhaps more connected to her with her calmness and caring. She always cared and was always concerned. <br><br>So, when after supper she asked him to walk with her in the gardens for a private chat, Loki was pleased to comply. Besides, he did so enjoy the gardens. They were kept so beautifully, each leaf and flower tended to with care. Though the ones tending them were rarely - if ever - seen. This gave gardens a sense of being a self sufficient world of their own. With little more to notice than the bugs and the birds fluttering among the flora. He came out here sometimes, to think quietly.<br><br>To begin with, the walk was quiet. He and his mother similar walked down the path, enjoying the sweetness of sight and smell. Though they soon turned to idle chatter, mostly about him and how he was getting along. His mother seemed somehow concerned, and Loki sense this conversation was soon to take another turn. Perhaps one he didn't like. <br><br>"Loki, what thought have you given to marriage?" His mother asked as they approached her private hideaway.<br><br>This made him pause in his track. "Marriage, Mother? Well, none at all. Why should it matter?" He asked curiously.<br><br>His mother shrug and began her soft steps forward again. Forcing him to follow. "Your father and I have spoken on the matter and believe it is time you marry." <br><br>This causes Loki to pause again, though they had made it just inside the hideaway now. "Do I presume you have already chosen a candidate?" He asked. <br><br>She shilled her head. "No. The choice will be yours." <br><br>Despite the words though, Loki knew that they would have their preferred choices. They were royals after all. Royals didn't get involved with just anybody. "Why?" Loki asked. <br><br>"It is time you begin taking on more responsibility and as traditional expects, you should have a partner by your side to help support you." She answered. <br><br>"What if I do not want a partner by my side?" Came his next question. <br><br>"Well, we cannot force you. However, traditional is traditional for a reason. Think on it, son. I believe you will find the idea more suitable with time." With that she lightly brushed her hand over his cheek and smiled. As mother often do. Then she turned and left Loki alone to think. <br><br>His first thought was <em>'Will Thor have to marry to?'</em> Humph. Likely not. He was still far too immature. Perhaps that was why their parents wanted him to marry. He was always the calmer and more mature of the two. At least he thought himself as that. He assumed they did too. <br><br>Something caught his ear and broke his thought though. A slight sound. What that a breath. His senses became alert. There was somebody else here. Who was it? Where were they. His eyes followed up to the nearby tree. He stared for a moment, or two, or three. He was looking directly where the woman was. Though he couldn't see her, he knew he was there, somewhere.<br><br>Ah-ha! He caught a glance of dark red hair between the leaves. "Spy!" He accused. "Show yourself or else I will!" He demanded of the woman. He assumed the person in the tree was some sort of spy gathering gossip on the royals. He would have none of it. The conversation between himself and his mother was private. Should the information get out, it could cause great trouble. At least though, it wasn't worse than what it was. Imagine should it had been more dire security matters being discussed.
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Astira</strong> on <strong>14-02-2014, 21:12:30</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(https://24.media.tumblr.com/81259a028d05f22e4549aaf25fcc065c/tumblr_mu62pkKGtP1skt3v6o9_r1_400.png)</div>Reya watched them from her hiding place. She felt horribly invasive and tried not to listen, but it was hard given her position. At least it wasn’t something more inappropriate, like plans for war or something. Still…marriage seemed a personal enough issue and Reya wished dearly to leave them be. <br><br>The Queen soon left the Prince to his own devices and Reya waited, hoping he would soon follow. He remained almost unnaturally still as he sat in a hunched over position, his arms resting on his knees and his hands folded together. He seemed to be staring at the ground in deep thought. She wished he would just leave. Her legs were cramping up and she was in no mood to wait-out a long ‘thought’ session. <br><br>Forced to wait in silence, Reya stared across the twinkling starlit sky. The natural gases that existed in space were lit by the sun that had long since disappeared, painting the sky in hues of gold, blue, pink and green. It was beautiful and something she never grew tired of.<br>Long minutes passed and Reya started to grow restless. She looked at Prince Loki – he still hadn’t moved. She sighed, starting to once again trace the patterns made by the bark of the tree. <br><br>Finally, after what seemed like hours, the Prince stood up, the leather of his pants and overcoat creaking a little as he made his way towards the archway. She watched him go, holding her breath. The Prince suddenly stopped and turned around, his eyes scanning the tree she was in. She frowned – what was he doing?<br><br><em>“Spy! Show yourself or else I will!”</em><br><br>Reya nearly fell out of the tree in shock. But that was impossible! He <em>couldn’t</em> have seen her! And yet, she knew he had for he stared right at her. Had she made too much noise? Her stomach dropped to her feet, Reya concentrated harder on her appearance and shifted forward so she could jump more easily from the tree. She had no intention of being fully caught, even if he <em>did</em> know she was there. Not that it was a big deal if she had; she was the gardener after all. But such was her nature. See but not be seen.<br><br>With the grace of a cat, Reya leapt from the trees and landed lightly on the soft earth some ten feet from him near the exit. She made to sprint past him, keeping her glamour in place so he wouldn’t see her and minimizing the noise her already light gait. She made a move, freedom lying just beyond the Prince.
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ember Star</strong> on <strong>06-05-2014, 06:58:50</strong>
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				The little wrench! He knew she as there, and yes, he knew she was indeed a she. Yet she seemed to have a trick or two of her own, for Loki could not spot her despite his keen eyes. This angered him, as was evident by the clenching of his fists. But he was also mildly amused by it, as was also evident by the slight grin he wore. He enjoyed a challenge, a chase, a game, occasionally. It kept things... fun. <br><br>"What did I just tell you?" He sneered in the general direction he believed her to be in. "I told you to show yourself, not hide yourself." He continued as his eyes and ears scanned the area. "Tisk. Tisk. Tisk. Somebody does not listen very well it seems." With that he turned his head to look directly at her. Though he still could not actually see her. He guessed her to be there, sense it. His senses rarely failed him, unlike his bumbling ape of a brother whose head was too filled with immature things to dare open his senses to the world around him. <br><br>"Do you remember what else I told you?" He asked the unseen figure. "That I would do it for you. Shame you could not obey, really. Then again, this may be more entertaining to me." He gave a slight laugh then raised his hand snapped his fingers. Within a puff of smoke, he was gone. Though not really. Like her own trick, it simply hid him from sight. <br><br>Taking advantage of this, he crept nearer, until he stood perhaps just feet from her. Then <em>snap, puff</em> he reappeared. "Do you not know who I am? Do you not know of my skill? Well, perhaps you should learn." With that he snapped his fingers again, and one of the nearby vines seemed to take on a life of its own. Reaching out and creeping around, searching for the feel of the woman. With a need to wrap around her ankles and hold her firm and tight. Though not hurt her, not yet. Loki wished simply to see his spy and who she was for the time being. She had made him curious, it wasn't often a trick worked on the grand trickster. So he thought that surely, she might be of some interest to interrogate. If not, well, he could simply do away with her. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Astira</strong> on <strong>14-05-2014, 19:13:24</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(https://24.media.tumblr.com/81259a028d05f22e4549aaf25fcc065c/tumblr_mu62pkKGtP1skt3v6o9_r1_400.png)</div><br>He was seething - she didn’t have to look at him to know that. Still, she chanced a look beyond her shoulder and nearly tripped when she saw he wasn’t there. She turned back, not wanting to spend time looking for him when suddenly he was there in front of her. Reya gasped and barely had time to veer left at the last second before she ran in to him. This threw her into the path of a moving vine, one she hadn’t seen before. She restrained the yelp in her throat as it wrapped around her ankle and yanked her to the ground. Thinking fast, Reya knew the fine was susceptible to touching so she stroked it’s spine just enough for it to loosen it’s grip so she could escape.<br><br>It was just in time too, for Loki was nearly upon her. Not able to wait for the vine to loosen completely, she tore her ankle from it’s grasp, not noticing as part of her gown was torn off, leaving a piece of the fabric behind. She scrambled back just as Loki stepped where her hand had just been. Eyes wide and heart beating faster that a woodpecker, Reya stumbled to her feet and made her way out the exit, sprinting towards her hidden home.<br><br><hr><br>Hours later, Reya was tending to the bruises and scratches she’d acquired during the scare in the garden. Adrenaline had masked the pain, but now she felt it full force. She ached and was nauseous from anxiety - that had been far too close. She was desperate to stay hidden from view - she did not like attention at all and to have attention from the Dark Prince would have been disastrously humiliating.<br><br>Reya sighed when she finished her first-aid, then cleared the small table of her supplies, her thoughts upon this evening’s escapades. Never in her life had she so much as looked upon the royals for more than a few seconds at a time – tonight she’d had a whole hour-long encounter! Where was the justice in the world? Why her? All she wanted to do was garden in peace and quiet. Was that so much to ask?<br><br>She pumped the water angrily into the sink then began to scrub the left over plates from dinner as if her life depended on it. She wasn’t mad, more annoyed. Well, maybe a bit mad. At least she knew one thing for sure – the rumors about the Princes were true. Loki was alarmingly strange and frightfully difficult to read…and he had a quiet temper that scared her more than one hundred angry Thors; the way he spoke made her skin literally crawl most uncomfortably. <br><br>After drying the cutlery, Reya set the dishes back in the cabinets. Once she was sure the small, one room cottage was in order, she picked up a book from the wicker rocking chair and sat down, curling her legs beneath her as she did so. Despite the warmth of the day, she had a small fire going. The cottage was drafty and the nights here were dry and chilly. She found it was best to at least keep embers in the hearth. <br><br>Reya closed her eyes and relaxed her chaotic mind. Today was over – she wouldn’t see him again. She could move on with her life in the gardens. She opened her book and began reading in earnest, thoughts about her encounter as far from her mind as Midgard was from Asgard. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ember Star</strong> on <strong>09-07-2014, 00:08:12</strong>
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				He had nearly had her! He was furious when has felt her escape from his trap. Why!? How!? He hadn't expected her that to be clever enough to loosen the vine. He himself hadn't even realized that trick. Otherwise he wouldn't have used it. But he also was not a lowly gardener. <br><br>It was just as he was about to try and chase&nbsp; after her that he noticed the torn cloth. Pausing, he eyed then picked it up carefully and turned it over in his hand. He looked up in the general direction in which she fled, then back down. A all too malice smile played over his lips. He would <em>let</em> her go for now. <em>Let</em> her think she got the upper hand. He could find her later. <br><br>With that proud thought, he turned and strode away back towards the palace.<br><br><hr> <br><br>Over the next few hours, Loki went about his business as usual, trying to avoid his mother for the moment. His father too for that matter, though that wasn't unusual. As for his bumbling ape of a brother, well he was off doing his own thing with his friends. Loki had no friends, though there were plenty of people who liked him just fine. He tended not to <em>play well with</em> others unless he was in a mood too, and really, he rarely ever was. <br><br>So, he spent most of his time studying. He loved books and all the knowledge and power they contained, and he sought out increasingly darker and more powerful works. Loki had plenty of tricks no one else on Asgard knew. Which meant he considered himself smarter than most others. <br><br>However, becoming bored with his research, his mind traveled back to the girl in the garden earlier. He still felt she needed punishment and he intended to do something about her. One way or the other. He did not like being spied on so. He pulled the cloth out of his pocket and grinned. He had figured out where she lived, perhaps he would go surprise her. So, with a grin he tossed his book down and made his way out. <br><br>Approaching her house, he decided to use the same bit of magic on her that she did on him. He was silent in his invisible approach as he peered in the window at her. It stuck him that she was quite pretty. They, as he expected, very lowly. <br><br>Cleverly, he decided to have some fun. So, thinking up the right magic, he snapped his fingers and with a puff went from outside to inside her house. <br><br>When he appeared suddenly before her, he was visible, and grinning all too pointedly. "You forgot something." He said as he waved the cloth then dropped it on the table. "Thought I'd return it. Nice house. It's... cozy." He commented coyly as he looked around. He didn't mean it. He didn't mean anything he said. He was of course plotting wildly. But, first he would enjoy her reaction to his sudden appearance.
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Astira</strong> on <strong>21-07-2014, 20:52:30</strong>
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				<div class="floatright">(https://24.media.tumblr.com/81259a028d05f22e4549aaf25fcc065c/tumblr_mu62pkKGtP1skt3v6o9_r1_400.png)</div>Reya was draped in her chair with one leg underneath her, the other dangling free with her skirts hiked up a little from the odd angle. Her wild hair was in disarray around her but when reading, one didn’t think of these things. In fact, her eyes had begun to droop closed, her body preparing to sleep after a good, long read when she was startled awake by him.<br><br>The poor girl jumped so badly that her precious tome toppled off her lap to land with a loud THWACK! on the wooden floor, startling her even more. Reflexively she jumped up from her seat to prepare for the intruder, however in her haste she didn’t notice that her poor leg beneath her had fallen asleep and unable to bear her weight. “W-wha-huh? Eeek!” she yelped, the result being a wild flailing of limbs was she fell headlong into the dark God who’d abruptly appeared in her tiny, one-room cottage. <br><br>If he caught her, she would be clutching his forearms, her amble bosom pressed into his groin and her head resting on his abdomen, while the rest of her was somewhat strewn about on the floor. Her face would be flushed, her skin prickling at both embarrassment and the way in which she’d landed, and her breathing would be labored from the adrenaline rush.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ember Star</strong> on <strong>23-07-2014, 20:35:14</strong>
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				Oh and how her reaction was priceless. Loki's grin grew twice its size when the woman startled awake. It was like watching a jester's performance only better. The sudden jolt of shock from her and the serious of unfortunate events played out so beautifully, that he was sure none could replicate it even in careful study. He had expected a good reaction. This however, went beyond even his explanation. <br><br>He considered for a half second of taking a step back and letting her fall flat on her face. However, considering she was falling directly for him, he reached out an arm and grabbed her shoulder. Even with that though, it put her in a somewhat awkward position with her chest against his groin. He couldn't say he disliked the position. Her chest was soft and full, and his manhood would appreciate the company. But he had enough control over himself to not let it get to another level just yet. Besides, he was chuckling wildly. <br><br>"Marvelous!" He exclaimed as he put a single finger under her chin, and pushed up, gliding her to a standing position. "Simply marvelous! Tell me, did you plan all that out or was it improvised?" He asked her. "I mean, I know people must dream of throwing themselves at my feet. But that was quite a elaborate way to do so." He said with another chuckle. <br><br>Idly, his hand adjusted from single finger under her chin to full palm on her neck. He wasn't holding tight enough to hurt her, but it was firm enough to manipulate her. Her turned her head one way and the other, examining her face. His wicked grinned flashed back with delight. "Tell me your name." He demanded as his palm slide under her chin where his finger had been, and he squeezed firmly, holding her chin in place and her eyes towards his own.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Astira</strong> on <strong>24-07-2014, 21:08:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://24.media.tumblr.com/81259a028d05f22e4549aaf25fcc065c/tumblr_mu62pkKGtP1skt3v6o9_r1_400.png)</div>Oh by Odin’s one good eye. Oh Gods. Oh shit. She just fell - literally FELL - on top of Prince Loki. Well, against him. Reya’s white skin became a burnished red, making her shine like a beacon even in the dimly lit cottage. It only intensified when she became aware of her position against him. She nearly fainted with humiliation. <br><br>Despite her incompetent leg, she scrambled back, aided by the finger on her chin that he pushed in order to make her stand. She tried to pull away but his hold on her shoulders as tight. <br><br>Improvised? What was he…oh. He was laughing at her. <br><br><em>“I know people must dream of throwing themselves at my feet, but that was quite an elaborate way to do so…”</em><br><br>Her cheeks flamed, the delicate blush disappearing below the dip of her bodice to flush over the tops of her breasts. She looked to the floor, shamed. “No, it…it wasn’t. I’m s-so sorry M-My Prince,” she stammered. “Your presence is welcomed but it startled me badly! You see I was reading and lost track of time and if I had known you were coming I would have prepared…” she was babbling on, completely mortified and fearful of his being here. Did he know that it had been her in the alcove? Did he suspect? But that was impossible…he couldn’t know. She had gotten away! Did he want something? Was there something amiss in the gardens perhaps? <br><br>Her babbling continued until he interrupted her, the finger - still beneath her chin - sliding down her neck to full grasp her throat. Her whole body froze, ice lacing through her veins and weighing her down like lead. Dread filled her belly and she grew stiff and very silent. She barely breathed. He wasn’t laughing now. But there was a wayward, mischievous grin on his lips. It didn’t seem playful. <br><br>He turned her this way and then and she realized just how much smaller she was then him. He had more physical strength in his little finger than she had in her whole body, she imagined. He could crush her windpipe with a simple squeeze. <br><br><em>“Tell me your name.”</em><br><br>It wasn’t a request. As if to emphasize that, his hand glided back up her throat in a gesture that was far too intimate, resuming his grip on her chin. She felt utterly small and helpless in his hands and did not like it. He held her gaze, her amethyst eyes sparkling like gems with how she was angled. They were unusual; never seen before in Asgard and a sure giveaway she was not full Asgardian. And now he was staring right into them.<br><br>“Reya. My name is Reya. I’m the gardener here.” She said in a whisper that he’d have to strain to hear.<br><br>He knew. He knew it had been her. That was why he was here. And she was sure she would now be sentenced to death. Her eyes closed briefly at the thought, clouded with fear and vulnerability as she watched him. Belatedly she noticed his green eyes were incredible, beautiful and wise looking, despite their mischievous glint. He was a very handsome man. It made her blush even more.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ember Star</strong> on <strong>31-07-2014, 23:51:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He had made her blush. Good. She was simply adorable with that pink shade of skin, especially in contrast with her dark red hair. He chuckled again as she feebly tried to explain herself. "Oh, but my dear, had you known I was coming it would have ruined the surprise. I do love surprises, you know." He told her with dark humor. He decided that despite her foolish listening, he might just like this one. She was so... refreshing. <br><br>He eyed her observantly. She was pretty. Well built, particularly petite next to his tall frame, and nicely filled in at her curves. Though she was also so very common looking. Somehow though, that gave her a delicate look higher ranks did not have. Of course, her very common nature did make him all the more curious how she had escapes. Who, after all, ever escapes the grasps of the likes of him, Prince Loki. <br><br>As she said her name, his eyebrows raised with a certain look of dark delight. "Reya?" He questioned the name as if testing it upon his lips. "What a... lovely name." He said in a sideways manner. "You know, Reya, you lost something earlier." He told her, and then held up the piece of cloth clearly torn from her dress. "You really should be more careful with your clothes. You should also be more careful where your ears wander." He added as he dropped the cloth upon the table. <br><br>He removed his hand from her chin and pinched her cheek rather hard. "Oh but you're so cute when you're embarrassed!" He told her cheerfully as he released the pinch. "Or is it fright?" He asked with a sudden lowered tone. He gave another chuckle and grasped her chin again. "Tell me, why were you listening to us?" He leaned his body in close to her, his face mere inches from hers. Yes. He was purposely putting her in a very uncomfortable situation. But that was what he loved to do, wasn't it 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Astira</strong> on <strong>01-08-2014, 20:22:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://24.media.tumblr.com/81259a028d05f22e4549aaf25fcc065c/tumblr_mu62pkKGtP1skt3v6o9_r1_400.png)</div>Reya fidgeted under his gaze, his silence and scrutiny crawling across her skin like a thousand tiny insects. He was mocking her, but not in a pleasantly teasing way. It made her feel utterly small and insignificant…like and ant waiting for his boot. His grip on her chin was not bruising, but it was strong enough that it would feel a little sore later. She prayed there would be a later.<br><br>He said her name in a way that was far too intimate for acquaintances, let along Prince and servant. It was as though he was tasting a fine honey wine, a bouquet that was worth the swishing. A look of sheer delight crossed his features as he complimented her, again in a vastly personal way. And then, horror of horrors, he held up a swatch of fabric that looked familiar. She blanched and felt her limbs go heavy when she recognized it as being from the dress she currently wore. Seconds later, he affirmed what she feared. He knew.<br><br>“My Prince I am so-eek!” she was interrupted when he pinched her cheek, making her yelp and stumble back, but he took up residence on her chin again, keeping her in place. She was utterly red from humiliation, nerves bubbling in her tummy like a viscous liquid bent on causing her turmoil. So many questions assaulted her: what would he do? How did he know it was her? How had he found her?<br><br><em>“Oh but you're so cute when you're embarrassed!" </em><br><br>Cute!? She didn’t want to be cute. There were rumors going around regarding what Prince Loki did with women he thought were cute…<br><br><em>“Or is it fright?”</em> She heard his tone lower and any color she had left beneath her blush drained from her face. She didn’t want to displease him…but she couldn’t help her fear. Gods, he was so tall. She gulped a little. He chuckled and stroked her chin. She stiffened. <em>"Tell me, why were you listening to us?”</em> Then he moved his body in closer to her and she instinctively tried to scramble back, the proximity far too intimate and personal for her. <br><br>She didn’t like to be touched as it was and this hand on her chin was sheer agony to her. His heated skin on her’s felt scorching hot, burning his fingerprints into her delicate features. She tried to calm her emotions knowing it was an effect of what she was, what she could do. Bolts of electricity forced their way through her system, making her feel flushed and outwardly, perhaps, looked pleasured by his touch. Aroused. And in fact, she was…but not willingly. Touch for her kind was an incredibly visceral thing. It was something only lovers did, something that penetrated deeply into one’s sexual being. He couldn’t know that, of course. No one could. Asgardians were not afflicted with this, but skin-walkers on the other hand…<br><br>Her breathing increased, her ample breasts - which were now obviously much larger than previously thought- were pushing up and down in her bodice as she stared at him, flushed. “P-please…” she said, helpless as to what to ask him for. She thought it was for him to release her, to let her be on her way, but the way his thumb absently (perhaps even unknowingly to him) stroked her skin just a tiny bit left her wanting. She bit her lip and lowered her gaze to stare at the pale, tantalizing column of his neck. She bit her lips harder as the faintest of whimpers left her throat.<br><br>It was very obvious at this point that she’d had no interest at all in whatever Loki and Frigga had spoken about. He would know (perhaps instinctually) that she didn’t care, that it had been an accident. What he might now take notice to was a particularly interesting and obvious reaction she was having to his touch.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ember Star</strong> on <strong>20-08-2014, 20:50:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Loki's reason for curiosity of the woman seemed to be increasing by the second. Certainly it started by the mere fact she managed to slip away from him in the garden. But now there seemed to be so much to ponder. She seemed unlike anything he had come across before, and he knew more about Asgard than many of its inhabitants. Of course, when Loki found something new, he always wanted to explore the possibilities. What fascinated him though is that she was right under under his nose for goodness knows how long. <br><br>She seemed to wither under his touch, quite literally so. Though, at first, he could not make out if it was a good kind or a bad kind of withering. Though certainly it was unusual. She was flushed, panting, seemingly visibly aroused or in pain, or possibly both. He knew better than to think a mere tough from him could make a woman shake quite like this. Though some could come close, this seemed different. She certainly didn't seem happy over the ordeal, there was panic in her eyes. Like a frightened mouse caught in a box with no way out. It made the predictor in him go wild. On the other hand - his eyes danced down to her chest - yes, there was differently <em>something</em>. The curiosity was <em>what</em> and <em>why</em>. <br><br>He thought silently for a moment before a grin of at least part realization formed. "Tisk, tisk, tisk. You are not what you seem." He stated simply. Though, granted, he didn't exactly know what she was yet, he knew she wasn't some low ranked Asgardian. He also decided that even if she didn't like the situation, maybe he did. So, he continued to toy with her. He let his hand brush down across her neck and over the top of her chest. He paused. Letting his palm rest on the upper part of one the fleshy pillows that were her breasts, feeling the softness of cushioned flesh beneath her clothes. <br><br>Yes. Maybe he did think her cute, or more. <br><br>"Tell me, what would you do for those you serve?" He asked, his meaning hinted at in his tone. The very state of her, was putting him in a state as well. Perhaps it was the very conversation he had with her mother that morning, perhaps it was simply seeing this intriguing woman in this vulnerable state. Either way, he wanted to test and tease her further. He leaned in so his cheek brushed against hers with a feather tough, the pressure of his palm becoming more firm. "Would you... kiss?" He whispered in her ear, making sure to blow hot breath against her as he did.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Astira</strong> on <strong>22-08-2014, 22:12:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(https://24.media.tumblr.com/81259a028d05f22e4549aaf25fcc065c/tumblr_mu62pkKGtP1skt3v6o9_r1_400.png)</div>He didn’t remove her hand and she was <em>sure</em> he sensed her discomfort. He’d have to be blind not to have seen it. Yet still he remained in position, large hand still cupping her jaw, his fingers absently stroking the petal-soft skin there. Her erratic breath hitched and she flushed further as she realized he was doing this on purpose. The only thing she could take comfort in was the knowledge that it was impossible for him to know what she was. So that, in essences, meant he was only curious and intrigued. Combined with the mischief he was known for, and she should have expected it.<br><br>But that didn’t keep her from reluctantly desiring his touch to become far naughtier and delve below her waistline to bring her more nefarious pleasures. Pleasures which she knew Loki was privy to in ways she couldn’t imagine, that is if his tendencies towards the darker side of things was true.<br><br>As if to emphasize her silent (or maybe not so silent) thoughts, he “tsk-ed” her and proclaimed she was not what she appeared. And then he moved. His hand finally left her chin to journey down her slender neck, calloused fingers fluttering like the wings of a butterfly against the skin there before his palm laid flat on the upper part of her burgeoning flesh. Her breath hitched and her eyes widened both in horror and question…and desire. “S-Sire?” she asked breathlessly, fearful that he would take her unavoidable tone as a wish for him to go further. <br><br><em>"Tell me, what would you do for those you serve?"</em> She gulped and closed her eyes, a whimper of fear leaving her throat. Where was this going? Why wouldn’t he just…go? What interest, sexual or not, could he possibly have in her? She was plain looking, boring…just a gardener! <em>You know that’s not true</em>, a voice hissed in the back of her mind, but she smothered it. To HIM, that is all she was, or at least that was all she should have appeared to be.<br><br>She felt him move, not further away but rather closer and his cheek brushed against hers. She gasped aloud and reflexively pulled away just a little before halting. He could easily see her disobedience as punishable. And the last thing she wanted was to be somehow thrust into the spotlight. His hand pressed more insistently upon her rapidly heating chest, her damnable breaths assisting in his quest as she breathed hard and forced her breast further into his hand. <br><br><em>"Would you... kiss?”</em><br><br>The question took Reya completely off guard and her eyes flew open with surprise. “I………what?” She breathed. And then remembering herself, added “Y-Your Highness?” <br><br>This time she tried to pull away a little more, despite the arousal she felt. Her fear and discomfort nearly trumping the pull she felt in her core. "Forgive me, Sire, but I...I think you had better go. Surely your family will be looking for you?" She managed not to stammer her response out, but her voice was slightly high-pitched. "Besides I...I have an early morning tomorrow and if it pleases you, I sh-should like to retire so that I may be well rested to tend to your g-gardens." Her voice wavered and she flinched.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Walk Among Shadows (Astira &amp; Ember Star)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ember Star</strong> on <strong>14-09-2014, 19:56:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Loki couldn't quite put together the pieces just yet. All he knew was that this feminine creature before him had sparked interest rarely sparked. Yes. Needs and desire coupled with action did occur. But he was rarely so interested or intrigued by a woman. It showed in his eyes too. Oh how it showed. He wasn't about to let up, or give in. He wanted more. More knowledge. More power. He wanted to tease her and wither her until she broke... or maybe, submitted. <br><br>She attempted to wiggle away from his strategically placed palm and something flashed in his eyes. Possessiveness? Dominance? Yes, and no. Both. She nearly whimpered a little questioning 'sire' and that only edged him on. He loved seeing her so seemingly vulnerable beneath him. He was narcissistic, but not without being playful. In his own strange way. <br><br>She wiggled again, and he tightened his hold, but oddly, still let her lean back slightly. The meaning behind this was clear by the direction his eyes took. He was examining her body again, more than that though, he was beginning to imagine her without her cover of clothes, yet still in this state of unsurity. <em>'Right under my nose,'</em> he thought absently. Of course, it was true, she wasn't much to look at, at first. But when things were put together, she was quite probably the best thing to look at. If only he could pry into her mind as well. <br><br>She tried to pull away again, both with words and body. He didn't let her. He simply raised a curious eyebrow at her and grinned slyly. Of course, reasonably, she could be truthful, slightly. But unreasonably, it wasn't necessarily true, or at least it didn't <em>have</em> to be. "My family does not bother much with where I go and what I do." He told her almost casually. "As for the gardens, well they were so well tended to today, Mother will hardly notice a slight waver in your routine. But then, no one really ever does notice your routine, do they?" He asked in a half conversational tone. <br><br>He pushed himself towards her again, this time his whole body. Groin against leg, chest against chest. Willing her to wither and squirm beneath his touch. But also, to give in to it. He leaned his head down and put his face close against hers, his cheek nearly brushing against hers. He inhaled deeply, trying to absorb her sent, as if that would be a breaking point for them both. His hand that had been on her chest, glided smoothly down her side, and came to rest on her hip. Her hip which he could feel pulsating with the same strange mix of nerves as the rest of her. He wanted to venture further. His own desire was growing. He slid his hand back slightly, and made it rest firmly on the edge of the fleshy cheek of her buttock. He needed only to push her further, he felt. He wanted her to cave. He wanted her to admit desire. Then... then he could venture as far as he pleased, and make her squirm even more.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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