A Courtesy Tale

[Raven Talius]

Timestamp: Vhalar 10th, 718th Arc

Exiting the family home, an eye was cast over her shoulder for a moment before she continued upon her path. A simple walk at best, which would probably end up at The Prime Atheneum. However, she decided that she would take it slow. Over the past few days, something had unsettled her and she wanted to double check her suspicions. One could never be certain, she surmised as she slipped her golden arm band up along her arm. The female had received disturbing news and she was still at odds as to what to do with this piece of news. Turmoil raged a war within her mind, but her expression nor her posture gave any of that away.

Cool, calm and collected was the facade that she presented to Viden, however, she was anything but. Anger, dark and vicious boiled underneath the surface. Although, really, how could she be surprised? Her father had been trying to arrange a marriage for her for quite some time and seeing as he had sent her away, he had probably wanted Viden to forget how unapproachable she was. Well, for the most part, her brother had no problems approaching her, but they were siblings, but other than that, marriage had never once crossed her mind. At least not when it involved voluntary marriage.

When she had heard of her engagement, she had argued afterwards, the female fought against the marriage but the other party was already aware of the arranged marriage contract and it might as well be a done deal. The woman needed a walk in the cool crisp air, one where she could plan her next move. If breaking the contract wasn’t an option, then her next question was who was this Isthmae Fahe? What secrets of his could she dredge up and how could she use any knowledge gained to her advantage? The Eidisi drawn in a breath and shivered slightly against the cold. Oh how she had missed Viden’s climate, Rynmere’s climate was unbearable to say in the least and the woman had despised it. Instead of focusing upon that topic, the female had focused upon the studies that she could potentially learn in Rynmere and it made things semi-bearable.

Slowly, she drew her cloak made of black fur around her thin form, making sure to sweep her black locks out from underneath the heavy material. The warmth embraced her, but she still felt the chill that Viden was famous for and she embraced it. The cold reminded her of her favourite season, Zi’da and she hoped to represent such a force one day. Knowledge was power and she was going to wrestle that for herself whether it killed her or not. However, the obstacle standing in her way was this arranged marriage and she needed to find out information on her betrothed, but the question was. Where to start?

Walking forwards, she passed a few people whose conversations dropped to whispers or stopped altogether. A couple had to step aside as Raven walked passed them and paid no mind to them. It was irrelevant information. Not relevant to her current situation. What was relevant were the occasional windows that she passed and what was reflected in them. This pattern was going to end today. A pattern which indicated a tail and she would not stand for someone tailing her, especially if it was her father’s tail, then the female was going to have a say about that. No she wasn’t going to run, running was reserved for cowards. No, Raven was much more than that and she was going to face this situation that she found herself in and regain her footing.

Mistress of Darkness-

[Isthmae]

Isthmae Fahe had just begun to step into his stride as an agent of the Intelligence Authority. The rigors of establishing identity was one he'd dealt with in his short time in working, but now? The Agent thwarted the continuance of explosions that ruined the grounds of Viden's Academy. He'd attracted enough attention to send him to the Seeker's Hideaway, to become better informed. The assignment he was given wasn't the safest path to take, and he relished in that. Resourcefulness was the gift that insight granted one, and Isthmae sought to learn Viden's enemies and root them out. What he didn't seek after, however, was the band he'd been shown at the turn of the season. A glittering diamond sat above a beautiful, silver band. Beneath the jewel rested an onyx setting, the stark contrast between minerals making each strike the senses.

The Fahe scion, like many of his kind, showed polite indifference in the midst of the sudden revelation. He carried the stone with him for days. The Agent ended his professional pursuits each morning and retreated to the Talius home. Isthmae was not particularly versed in the forms of stealth, and while he maintained his distance from the female Eidisi, he doubted the integrity of his position. After all, Isthmae was the scion of the Fahe household. Dressed in finery befitting his station, the Eidisi was the epitome of aristocracy. Insofar that he looked the part. The Fahe scion stepped with the brisk, straight pace of a lord. His head was low, but he couldn't keep up appearances and attempt to remain hidden. Of course, the very last time before such thoughts coursed through the mind of the Talius scion, Isthmae felt the impression of catching her eyes in the mirror. He without fail recognized it, the foreboding chill that set through his spine both a foreign and deeply unsettling sensation.

The Fahe scion knew he was foiled, and instead of retreating, first he reached into his connection to Yvithia. The Xypha bore on the flesh of his face. He breached into the woman's thoughts and placed one, brief idea in her mind. This game is over, set into her. The Fahe did not shy away or bother to hide himself anymore. His pace turned quicker, longer legs overtaking the admittedly (reluctantly so!) lovely Eidisi woman. The idea of being attracted to her poured scalding heat into his mind. He detested the notion, for he'd resolved to do nothing more or less than ignore her. Betrothal be damned! Isthmae Fahe had his priorities, and his aims were to make a name for himself. The Fahe wished he could forget his name, or erase his face. He'd trade all of the status his name held if he could be known for his talents. And yet... the arrival of an exile relegated to Rynmere for misbehaviors against her name might ruin it all! Isthmae could not, and would not, disobey his grandfather. Sheud Fahe was everything to Isthmae, both mentor and a parent in a way that Selek could never be. He had to obey, however reluctantly he'd be doing so.

Isthmae approached the woman without hesitation. The stone was a very heavy weight in his pocket but he ignored its presence entirely. Instead, he leaned forward. He breathed into the ear of his reluctant fiance, "You know me, yes? I think we should speak. Immediately," he admitted. Isthmae tailed her in an effort to learn who his betrothed was. At first. Then he used the resources at his disposal. The weight of the Intelligence Authority against Raven, Isthmae knew... enough. Now, he tailed her to ascertain who she truly was. Was Raven Talius as troublesome as the data presented her to be? He had to find out for himself.

[Raven Talius]

Snow eyes caught sight of the familiar figure that had been tailing her and a slow smirk curved her lips, And now I’ve got you. The woman thought to herself as she came to a complete stop and noted that the man had also realised that she had made him. That was until she heard a voice within her mind whispering four little words.

’This game is over.’

His voice perhaps? The female questioned as she began to turn but was swiftly over taken by the male and so she didn’t bother to turn, instead she waited for the male to turn and she waited patiently. He obviously had something to say and the female was patient, if not unwavering so. Especially in public. She had to reflect the stoney face of a statue so not to give even the faintest of hints away. Slow eyes travelled over the man’s frame and she quietly approved, he was impressive, to say in the very least. Attractive and if she didn’t have any control over her own movements, she probably would have reached out to him already, but she steeled herself against any movements. Instead, she adopted a look of indifference and watched his own facial expressions should he have any. Did he think that any of this was a game? Indeed, it was a game, a game of wits and the female intended on winning. Who ever he…

Raven’s thoughts trailed off as she noted the fine clothing that adorned his figure. Could this be Isthmae Fahe? The man that she had been determined to find out about? The very man whose secrets that she did not know just yet? Finding herself at a disadvantage, the Eidisi did not budge when he leaned in to violate her personal space to breathe into her ear. His breath caressed her pale blue skin and she had to withhold the shiver that threatened to travel down her spine. Every inch of her being was very aware of this formidable force that stood directly in her path and it took every fiber of her being to remain absolutely still.

Dangerous, was the word that she would use to describe this man. His very aura screamed authority and strength. There was something about him that she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Not quite yet anyway. ”Indeed, I do know who you are, Isthmae Fahe.” She mumbled softly, but was very aware that he would be able to hear her clearly enough. Finally, she tilted her head to the left as she took in the man before her again. Why had he approached her in such an informal setting? Or at all without relevant parties present? ”While I do have the time to speak, I’m not so sure that we should, unless you would like to call off this marriage?”

Of course she had to throw the question out there, he didn’t seem like someone who would be interested in marriage, but who was she to judge such a detail? A sigh parted her lips then as stepped to the side and then continued on her path towards The Prime Atheneum. Should he follow or step in beside her, she would speak once more. ”We can talk all night; debate the pros and cons of this arranged marriage, but I can only assume that there is someone on your end that would like to see this marriage through. My father seems rather pleased about something and I can only guess that it is because he thinks that I cannot weave my way out of this one.”

It was the only logical reasoning for it. This man, this gorgeous man beside her, even though she wouldn’t admit that fact to him, was her betrothed and it sounded strange to her, even in her own mind. However, marriage had not been in her future planned endeavours. Her reputation for declining marriage proposals had seen to that… Except for this one. ”So, seeing as I am locked into this marriage arrangement, I gather that we should talk about, our future together.”

Mistress of Darkness-

[Isthmae]

Isthmae Fahe took the home field advantage. Where Raven Talius earned the ire of her family, Isthmae was the scion of his own. The jewel that was Viden was a prize to be claimed, with influences and power creating a foothold for ever so many means. The Fahe took his target off guard by approaching, by breaching the silence of their game and turning it into a new one. The Agent stepped into the dance of selves every day. A new life within the Intelligence Authority taught the scion to tread carefully in positions of disadvantage, to toe the line between friend and stranger with precision.

However, his meeting with Raven was anything but disadvantage. The Fahe scion had surprise and knowledge both on his side, and found the moment to strike where, perhaps if he faltered, he might have ended up prey. Isthmae relished in a worthy adversary, a being who could challenge him outside of the game of spies. Her words pulled at him, her soft mumbles so easily heard against his ear before he pulled back. They caught one another's gaze in earnest and her words were what he imagined he might say in her place. Granted, the Fahe would love the opportunity to be rid of the foreboding tendrils of matrimony. If it was his choice he'd abandon the Talius woman right here and now and step away. The woman walked towards a place he knew very well. Much of Isthmae's time was spent within the Academy. His grandfather lorded over the place. His father was the Head Researcher of its beating, unseen heart, the Facility for Retrospective Analysis.

She leaves unfamiliar ground and takes us to my grandfather's domain. Does she know the likelihood...? The scene this might cause?

The idea of running into Sheud Fahe while with this woman was in too many ways to count unbearable. He couldn't have it, and instead, he grasped at her arm. Isthmae walked side by side with the woman, letting his connection with Yvithia send a one-way transmission to her once again.

My grandfather is the soul of this academy, he informed her. It seemed that Raven was not prone to the same flights of fancy as he. Or perhaps, her exile served to further her disadvantage and she was ignorant of her betrothed familial ties. It didn't, in truth, matter, for regardless of her knowledge the end result was the same. Sheud Fahe adored Isthmae. He'd made the young Eidisi his scion when it became apparent that Selek delved deeper and deeper into seclusion. Sheud was the father Isthmae truly came to know and the fondness between them absolutely merited his trepidation. He spoke, this time with his mouth, seething words that poured into her ear.

"If we are seen, you'll very much wish you were dead," he informed her. The doddering figure of Sheud Fahe was impossible to miss. Though the man was aging, he walked with strength to his step. Head held high and pace brisk, he passed by humans with ease. The Fahe's eyes widened, the very first visible sign of his emotional distress. He wrenched at Raven's arm, pulling her along until they were buried in a crevice. He couldn't help the close quarters, knowing that in the shadows of the alley they'd remain safe from the elder Fahe's weakening vision. Isthmae's chest was pressed to Raven's, with merely an inch on either side of them as room to breathe. He'd have her pinned to the wall, a hand rising up to keep an ear very close to her mouth.

Isthmae certainly wanted to hear the woman's voice again, and in her visage he saw a semblance of intelligence within her. Figuring she'd catch the significance of his actions and speak in hushed tones, he did not cover her mouth. Isthmae himself did not speak, instead reassuring the woman with Telepathic Communication that he'd release her and allow them on their way once the Fahe was well on his path to his office. It was a walk he'd joined him on many, many times. The Eidisi knew how long he took to navigate it.

[Raven Talius]

The male had once again caught her off guard by catching her arm in his grasp. The warmth that radiated from him had her acutely aware of his very presence. What on earth was he doing? She quietly mused before she felt his presence within her mind once more. It left her on an uneven playing field and it disturbed her slightly. Did her father know that Isthmae would have this effect upon her? Undoubtedly not, but he was having an effect upon the woman regardless and she very much wanted to get physical with the male and that was very unlike her. How could she dig up dirt when he was inside her mind and tailing her?

So, his grandfather is the soul of the academy? It would explain why Fahe sounded familiar and why her father was so sure of this arranged marriage. Quietly she cursed her luck that her father would be so cunning, that was until she spied the old man and a glance to her companion saw that his eyes widened in response. Before she knew it, her form was pulled into a little hidden crevice where their bodies was forced to press in close to hide them and a soft gasp parted her lips. With her back pressed firmly against the brick and Isth’s form pressed in close, she was having a hard time with not reacting. Her right hand lifted to press against the man’s chest in hopes that it would help lessen this attraction that she felt, but the action only made the situation worse.

Raven growled inwardly at herself as she wrestled with every one of her body’s involuntary responses to the situation. No one touched her, not usually and she struggled with this amount of contact, it was almost as if she had starved herself of contact and now she wanted to dwell in this situation that she found herself in. His touch was almost enough to set her skin ablaze and the hand that rested upon his chest curled at the thoughts that rushed through her mind. ”I don’t wish to be dead, it is I who make others wish that they had not crossed my path.” The Talius woman forced out in a strained whispered tone. In was hard to stay neutral in such a… Unique situation that she had suddenly found herself in.

While she had heard whispers of the old man, Raven hadn’t exactly interacted with the man himself and seeing as Isthmae was related to the man, she was more inclined to rely upon his knowledge of the old man. His… focused and somewhat distressed expression told her that he was indeed very serious about their situation. Otherwise, she might have shoved him out of her way if she had been strong enough, but she doubted that. So perhaps a sharp word? However, now was not the time and she bit her bottom lip. This scion will be the death of me, this thought to herself as she eyed him for a moment. ”You’ll have to excuse my lack of knowledge, I have just returned to a shit storm and a fiance that I was betrothed to before I even returned home.” The Eidisi whispered, straining to keep her tone neutral.

The male’s scent was powerful and she closed her eyes for a moment to draw in a breath. This has to be a nightmare, she thought to herself as his scent washed over her and images started cropping up. It reminded her of earthy tones and the scent of fresh rain. She groaned inwardly as her fingers involuntary turned inward to grasp at his cloak.

Get a grip, Raven growled at herself and a slow breath parted her lips once more. Her hand relaxed against the man’s chest and her eyes opened once more to peer up into his face. ”Tell me, why did you seek me out? Why bother tailing me, only to confront me when I made you?” Talius asked in the same hushed tones to make sure that their cover was not blown.

Mistress of Darkness-

[Isthmae]

Thank Yvithia for the gift of Xypha, for he wouldn't dare to think that in the midst of his stress that he'd maintain a lower tone with the woman. However, in the safety of the crevice, at last the Fahe seemed to relax. Hiding from Sheud was perhaps a greater catharsis than this situation was stressful for Raven.

It'd take a fool to not notice the hiking of her breath against him. Her right hand hand rose up as if to create a barrier between them, but the sight was had. As remiss as the Xypha was to admit his attraction, it was vivid. Fiercely the Eidisi hungered for this woman, and it took him focus far greater than he would've liked it to for him to abstain from indulging himself right then and there. By Raven's reaction to his touch, it hardly seemed as if she'd refuse him. The velvet box that held the beautiful wedding band was pressed up against the woman's waist as the scion of the Fahe listened to her questions.

"I am not a coward, Talius. When such an obvious challenge is made, you'll not see me retreat from it." The Fahe scion's words were as a snarl against the flesh of her jawline. He couldn't help but close in. His breath licked at her ear as his lips very briefly set along the pale blue skin of her jawline. Looking closely at the Talius, it was apparent why she'd refused so very many offers of marriage before Sheud's offering of Isthmae. She was so very young, both her and Isthmae just past the cusp of adulthood. In the woman's time in Rynmere, both she and Isthmae grew into sexual maturity. It was an idea both alien and primal, to indulge in her presence.

He drank in the sight of her, his nostrils filled with the scent of her as his hand brushed aside the hand that kept his chest back. He pressed into her, chest set upon her covered breasts. A hand lowered to trail along the flesh of her thigh. The movements were instinctive, as a serpent coiling about prey as he found himself more and more... enthralled. The Fahe scion eventually caught hold of himself, his breath ragged and their contact a heady intoxication he both detested and absolutely needed more of. His tones sought to bely his arousal, keeping in his voice at the very least the semblance of sanity even when both chest and hands betrayed the notion. He raised the woman's leg, her thigh scraping against his hip. The briefest touch of lips set upon the flesh of her neck before he added,

"One can only stay back for so long, however. I think we can leave this place," he told her, his breath hot and quick against her. He didn't yet pull away, and slowly he raised his periwinkle hand to sift into the delicious black tresses of her hair. He'd pull back on her head to breathe into her ear,

"Come with me. We'll speak of our engagement freely. We are flies in a trap, but perhaps we can reach an accord."

The Xypha left Talius in the alley, a shadow of a grin visible upon his countenance before he led her anew towards the Prime Atheneum.

[Raven Talius]

The tone of his voice, snarled in her ear and finally an involuntary shiver travelled down her spine to send shock waves off inside her mind. How on earth did this situation happen? The female questioned as she was suddenly very much aware of something hard with a sharp corner pressing against her waist. His tongue and lips burned with each touch and she bit back the moan that tried to rise up from within. This man will be the death of me, she mused as her hand was no longer pressed against his chest and suddenly his form surrounded her in every form. Her arms rose then to lace around his neck to still her form against his own.

What was he doing to her? This wasn’t something that she normally did and her mind rebelled to take back control. The touch of his hand blazed its path along her skin as she turned her nails to bite into the man’s back. She was drunk, literally drunk on the scent of this man and she wanted more. Slowly, she leaned her head forwards so then her own tongue could slide along the male’s neck just before his hand moved to raise her leg and she resisted the urge to sink her teeth into the periwinkle skin. She was faintly aware of the male speaking once more as she pressed her lips to his jawline only to feel his fingers in her hair and a sharp pain in her skull as her head was pulled back and his breath washed over her ear once again.

Her brain didn’t want to function and a part of her wanted to get lost in these touches that caressed and burned their path along her skin, however another part of her was keenly aware that this was a public display and she was a Talius, known for their cool and collected facades. This realisation came crashing back into her and as the scion spoke about their engagement, the female was already pulling herself back together. Which led to her untangling herself from the male. What was wrong with her? She could have sworn that she was almost purring with delight.

The moment the cool air came crashing into her, was the moment that she knew that Isthmae had left the little crevice, which gave her time to pull herself back together. Drawing her breath, her hands set about righting her clothing and running fingers through her dark tresses, making sure that it didn’t look any less than immaculate. Her body was such a traitor, she growled mostly to herself, but how could she have let it get so far? If anything was for certain she had to take back control and massively. Raven wasn’t going to allow this man to have his way with her, not again.

After making sure that she was presentable, the female lifted her chin, straightened her spine and exited the tiny crevice. Upon spying the male’s awaiting form, the female brushed passed him, ”Let's go,” She said simply and began to walk towards the Prime Atheneum. All the while the Talius woman chasitised herself for her lack of self control, while keeping a neutral expression. Damn this man was good, too good and he was going to keep her on her toes, she surmised as she pushed open the door to the Prime Atheneum.

Mistress of Darkness-

[Isthmae]

Instinct.

The traitorous desires of mortal flesh did not often plague the scion of the Fahe. He laughed and blended in with others about him, but in the end there was the detachment of the Eidisi as an easy solution to his troubles. Isthmae bore ambition, he wore it on his sleeve and demanded the fruition of his goals. Dreams of a life separate from the shadow of his name were lofty indeed, but they were present. Banished, however, in light of the engagement between the two that were pressed together in that crevice. Should Isthmae have simply indulged then? Taken her in what would've been a very public and demanding display? A part of him, growing more and more, demanded that he think yes. In Raven's presence a hunger within him grew, one he scarcely understood but found welcomed by instinct. The Agent and the Mistress held their embrace for far too long, and he separated from her to preserve his sanity.

The Fahe scion left that alleyway and let periwinkle digits sift into the thick locks of his hair. He adjusted his coat, ensuring his appearance before he watched the Talius heiress escape from the alleyway. She exuded such presence, and Isthmae found his eyes narrowed and his lips formed into a grin before he followed after her. The pair set towards the library and Isthmae did not bother to shy away. He fell into step beside her, but did not make obvious signs of their association. Their engagement was not yet announced publicly, allowing them a modicum of sanctuary within the library. The Fahe, once they were clear of the entrance, took Raven by her arm. He hooked it in with his own and led her along the way and into the towering stacks of the Atheneum.

Buried in a sea of literature, the Fahe let his step follow through a passageway and into a sectioned off end to the stacks. Books surrounded them on three sides, shelves locked together in an effort to preserve the focus of a student. For them, it served the purpose of solitude. At least, insofar that no student was interested in the principles of adapting the implementation of light armour creation to the cold of Viden. A very specific, and somewhat useless craft, Isthmae felt assured of their sanctuary. His fingers drew up, the pale blue digits painting his touch along the flesh of her jawline. He guided her head to each side, as if admiring the profile about her. He didn't break their silence just yet, the tick of his heart, so quick in the alleyway and recovered thereafter, started to rise again.

What was this coarse, heavy intoxication he felt? The Fahe felt a shiver that began first in his loins before coursing throughout. He couldn't control it, so heavy it dwelled within him. Isthmae Fahe took a step back, placing himself against the stacks and withdrawing his touch from her. A sigh of both disappointment and dissatisfaction flowed from his full lips before he said,

"This... is worse than I imagined," he admitted. It was odd for him to feel tongue-tied, but desire did such things to a man. He pursed his lips before attempting to speak again,

"I didn't imagine my betrothed would be so... intoxicating. It makes this easier, yet my feelings are more conflicted than ever. You know what's coming. The announcement is just two days from now. Then... parties, festivities, preparations. I have other obligations. I can see it in your eyes that you dread this as much as I. And yet..." be pulled close to her again, his hand trailing lower to grasp at his fiance's thigh. His touch set along her flesh as his chest heaved against hers. The struggle he knew was evident. The Fahe scion reached into his coat with his other hand, carrying the velvet box in his palm before he breathed into her ear,

"What should we do? Escape from this? Try to convince Sheud Fahe and Elise Talius that we simply cannot be? It hardly seems believable," he mused, cursing the words that flowed from his mouth.

To be continued...

[Kasoria]

Review Rewards

Isthmae

Points awarded: 15xp

Knowledge:
Telepathic Communication: Breaching into Thought
Telepathic Communication: Relaying Words
Telepathic Communication: Transmitting Ideas
Stealth: Failure in Approach
Stealth: Hiding in Alleyways
Detection: Catching the eye of a mark
Seduction: Taking Advantage of Close Quarters
Seduction: Control of the Situation
Research: Using Available Resources

Non-Skill Knowledge:
Raven Talius: Betrothed
Raven Talius: Attraction at first sight
Raven Talius: Burning, Foreign Desire
Raven Talius: There are Worse People to be Engaged to
Raven and Sheud: Avoid seeing these two at the same time
Family Ties: Obligations of the Aristocracy
The topography of the Viden Academy
Sheud Fahe: Soul of Viden's Academy


Raven

Points awarded: 15xp

Knowledge:
Politics: Arranged Marriage
Politics: Two Parties Have to Agree
Politics: Appearance Matters
Detection: Window Reflections
Seduction: Dominance Games
Seduction: Lust Before Like
Seduction: Scent increases Attraction
Seduction: Pain can be Pleasure
Seduction: A Burning Touch

Non-Skill Knowledge:
Isthmae Fahe: Physically Attractive
Isthmae Fahe: Meets Challenges
Sheud Fahe: Soul of Viden Academy
Isthmae Fahe: Marked by Yvithia
Isthmae Fahe: Intoxicating
Verity Talius: Cunning


Notes:
Y'know, strange as this my sound considering how fluffy and whimsical my character is, I'm not big on romantic stories... but THIS was genuinely intriguing! Very troperiffic in the whole "two fervent loners clashing" stereotype, but you manage to find real nuance and personality in both of them. I like how it's still very much a chemical, physical attraction for the moment. More than that... well, it may come, it may not. You both also did a great job of defining your characters in what they want and who they are IN RELATION to each other. So, the board is set, the pieces ready to move...

Great job, guys. I really liked this. Oh, and good job with the Telepathy, Izzy. Didn't overplay it at all.

Your review request is here. Also, please indicate on your request thread that this has been reviewed by using the button below (just add my name at the end). Thanks!

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