Just about the time he started feeling the beginnings of a cramp in his bicep, a condition that was becoming too frequent, he heard a very feminine voice, and looked up.
"Hey, no...not mine, and yea, sure, company is always welcome."
'And even more so when it looks like you.'
He sat up and set the weights down, before disengaging his legs and moving up to straddle the board. Rubbing the towel over his face and hands, he stood and held his hand towards the woman.
"I've begun to think no one else ever uses this stuff, cause I never run into anyone...it's like a tomb here most of the time. Nic...Nic Lache."
He tried not to be too obvious as he checked her out, but it was obvious she wasn't a stranger to working out. He could see she was in 'fine' shape.
"In fact, I've even started alternating my schedule, hoping to find out when it is others do come in here."
Of course that statement had an air of desperation in it, and when he heard it he mentally cringed.
'Maybe she won't pick up on it...' he hoped, but was ready to explain more, if she seemed at all interested.
Snips and snails and puppy dog tails...
Sadly sulking, Nic entered Liefde slightly breathless. When Kem said NOW, Nic took it to mean just that, and ran most of the way back to the towers.
Along the way, he did some thinking on why exactly he seemed to be having such a difficult time of it, since coming to Nachton. The only idea he could come up with was that maybe clan life just wasn't in his cards.
Though he had been part of Evenhet for as long as he could remember, it had been in name only. He moved around so much, he just never took the time to get in with the clan or it's people before. And, had he not screwed the pooch so badly since coming to Nachton, he might have not really gotten too involved then.
However, whether it was this stage in his life, or something else, Nic had the desire to really belong to something, and somewhere, now. It was sad to think that he might not have the emotional where-with-all to handle it now.
Knowing that MARI had to be around somewhere, he casually greeted her, as he started up the stairs. If she didn't pick up on it, it wouldn't be a big deal. He figured she probably wouldn't be too happy with him now either. It was difficult for him to think of her as just a machine. Nic still pictured some woman somewhere sitting in a room, and talking for the AI. For with his lack of knowledge on modern computerized technology, it was a little less creepy, that way.
When he got back to his suite, he was relieved to see his things weren't sitting outside in the hall. He wouldn't have been surprised if they had. The first order of business was to shower, and redress, tossing the buttonless shirt into the waste bin.
Then, curling up on the couch, Nic waited. For what, he didn't know...he just knew something was bound to happen.
(ooc-Ok...he's ready for whoever wants to rip him open...or as ready as he'll ever be :o )
Nicholae
18 years ago
Maeve
18 years ago
Her smile widen when he spoke. She watch quietly as he sat up then grasped the offered hand. "It's nice to meet you Nic. I'm Maeve Fraser."
She wasn't completely oblivious to his attentions as she stood there, but she chose to appear as if she were. She may not have been intimate with a man in a very long time, but she still appreciated it when a man noticed and admired the effort she put into her appearance. She'd always taken pride in her athleticism. Besides she actually enjoyed working out.
"It does seem to be rather dead in here, but think of it this way. No waiting for the equipment. We'll have it all to ourselves and spotters to boot."
She gave him a wink, though her smile faded ever so slightly. Just on first impressions, she wouldn't have guessed that Nic would ever be lonely for company. There had to be more to it than that. She looked at him thoughtfully for a moment.
"Do you like company while you work out that much?" She gave him a teasing little grin as she spoke.
She wasn't completely oblivious to his attentions as she stood there, but she chose to appear as if she were. She may not have been intimate with a man in a very long time, but she still appreciated it when a man noticed and admired the effort she put into her appearance. She'd always taken pride in her athleticism. Besides she actually enjoyed working out.
"It does seem to be rather dead in here, but think of it this way. No waiting for the equipment. We'll have it all to ourselves and spotters to boot."
She gave him a wink, though her smile faded ever so slightly. Just on first impressions, she wouldn't have guessed that Nic would ever be lonely for company. There had to be more to it than that. She looked at him thoughtfully for a moment.
"Do you like company while you work out that much?" She gave him a teasing little grin as she spoke.
Nicholae
18 years ago
Previously, when he had met Aishe and Dani in the gym, things hadn't gone very well. Not that they had gone badly, just not as well as he had hoped. For some reason, things that had come easy to him in the past, now seemed to require a LOT more effort.
Maybe it was the changing times. Women were an independent lot these days. Nic didn't mind, but old habits died hard, and he couldn't help but automatically open doors, and pick up checks when with them. It really wasn't that bad a deal, was it?
"Sorry, I think I've been cooped up in these towers a bit too long."
It was his feeble attempt to excuse his momentary lapse in attention.
"Company is nice...here, or anywhere. Some how though, I usually meet people just as one of us is finishing up and leaving. I'm in luck today though, I just got here a short while ago."
Returning the weights to their shelves, Nic pulled his tank top back on, and went over to the stair machine, in between one of the treadmills, and one of the bikes.
"I haven't seen you around...are you new here, or just been busy working? I've just started helping out in the archives myself...kind of tedious, but it keeps me out of trouble, and I think that was the general idea. It's not what I usually do though, so I tend to get a little bored with it after a while."
Nic laughed as he started climbing the hill.
"Listen, don't mind me. I've only been in Nachton for a few months, and things just didn't gel for me right off, if you get my meaning. But they're looking up now."
And a quick look in her direction indicated he wasn't talking about work any longer.
Maybe it was the changing times. Women were an independent lot these days. Nic didn't mind, but old habits died hard, and he couldn't help but automatically open doors, and pick up checks when with them. It really wasn't that bad a deal, was it?
"Sorry, I think I've been cooped up in these towers a bit too long."
It was his feeble attempt to excuse his momentary lapse in attention.
"Company is nice...here, or anywhere. Some how though, I usually meet people just as one of us is finishing up and leaving. I'm in luck today though, I just got here a short while ago."
Returning the weights to their shelves, Nic pulled his tank top back on, and went over to the stair machine, in between one of the treadmills, and one of the bikes.
"I haven't seen you around...are you new here, or just been busy working? I've just started helping out in the archives myself...kind of tedious, but it keeps me out of trouble, and I think that was the general idea. It's not what I usually do though, so I tend to get a little bored with it after a while."
Nic laughed as he started climbing the hill.
"Listen, don't mind me. I've only been in Nachton for a few months, and things just didn't gel for me right off, if you get my meaning. But they're looking up now."
And a quick look in her direction indicated he wasn't talking about work any longer.
Maeve
18 years ago
She frowned slightly, giving Nic a quizzical look. "Cooped up?"
She walked over and climbed on the treadmill next to him. She started out at a slow comfortable jog so she would still be able to carry on a conversation. "And now talking about company being a good thing and keeping you out of trouble? Okay, there's a story there. I'm sure of it." As she teased him, more of her slight Scottish lilt became apparent. It always worked that way when she got really upset or playful the accent she hadn't lost was always more pronounced.
"Actually, I just got in very early this morning. I keep a suite here for any time I might need it. The last few years it's been mostly for fashion shows in New York though. So if working on archives isn't your usual thing, what is?"
She smiled as she noticed his look. She had a feeling that whatever hadn't been going his way was part of the story.
She walked over and climbed on the treadmill next to him. She started out at a slow comfortable jog so she would still be able to carry on a conversation. "And now talking about company being a good thing and keeping you out of trouble? Okay, there's a story there. I'm sure of it." As she teased him, more of her slight Scottish lilt became apparent. It always worked that way when she got really upset or playful the accent she hadn't lost was always more pronounced.
"Actually, I just got in very early this morning. I keep a suite here for any time I might need it. The last few years it's been mostly for fashion shows in New York though. So if working on archives isn't your usual thing, what is?"
She smiled as she noticed his look. She had a feeling that whatever hadn't been going his way was part of the story.
Nicholae
18 years ago
About the only time Nic refrained from talking about himself was...well, maybe never. Even knowing he had royally screwed up a few things recently it wasn't enough to deter him from hiding away himself or his 'talents'. He hoped he had learned a few more things though, as he didn't relish being looked upon with scorn.
Yet for now, he really didn't want to go into great detail about his shortcomings. He wasn't going to lie, or mislead Maeve, but he would avoid just coming out with his foibles, at least for a while longer. Maybe with this one he'd be able to spark more than just a passing interest, and THEN he might consider showing a weakness or two.
"There is a story, I guess you could call it such, but honestly, not one I'm up to telling just yet. Suffice to say, it wasn't anything criminal, or too terrible."
And that was honest. Not that she knew him well enough to trust anything he had to say. But again, the day might come when it would be important that he hadn't lied.
"I will warn you though...trouble would have been a better middle name for me, had my parents had any foresight at all."
And with that he gave her a cheshire grin.
He liked the way she spoke, her accent was melodic. It had been a long time since he'd been in the parts of Europe where her's would have been the prevalent accent. His own accent lost many, many years ago, when he began to portray those of other nationalities. Now and then, on very rare occasions, if he happened to be speaking a specific word with origins from his native country, someone with an acute ear might pick up on it, but for the most part he sounded very slightly British.
He reset the tension on the stair stepper to increase his incline, and he began to really work his legs.
"My forte used to be acting...back in the forties I was under contract for RKO for a while, and have been in over thirty films, though most aren't shown much anymore. People today have little time for the old black and whites, which is a shame...there were a lot of fine stories told back then."
But Nic wasn't the nostalgic type, and though he would have enjoyed seeing himself on film again, he had gotten used to the fact that those days were gone.
"Now...well, I've invested well, and have a knack for buying the right things at the right times, and then selling when they're at their best price."
He shrugged, mainly because it was a gift, not really anything he had learned, and as such, something he took for granted.
"You're a model?"
To him fashion shows meant fancy clothes, and fancy clothes meant the models who wore them. Maeve certainly fit into the category of having a nice form for displaying clothes.
Yet for now, he really didn't want to go into great detail about his shortcomings. He wasn't going to lie, or mislead Maeve, but he would avoid just coming out with his foibles, at least for a while longer. Maybe with this one he'd be able to spark more than just a passing interest, and THEN he might consider showing a weakness or two.
"There is a story, I guess you could call it such, but honestly, not one I'm up to telling just yet. Suffice to say, it wasn't anything criminal, or too terrible."
And that was honest. Not that she knew him well enough to trust anything he had to say. But again, the day might come when it would be important that he hadn't lied.
"I will warn you though...trouble would have been a better middle name for me, had my parents had any foresight at all."
And with that he gave her a cheshire grin.
He liked the way she spoke, her accent was melodic. It had been a long time since he'd been in the parts of Europe where her's would have been the prevalent accent. His own accent lost many, many years ago, when he began to portray those of other nationalities. Now and then, on very rare occasions, if he happened to be speaking a specific word with origins from his native country, someone with an acute ear might pick up on it, but for the most part he sounded very slightly British.
He reset the tension on the stair stepper to increase his incline, and he began to really work his legs.
"My forte used to be acting...back in the forties I was under contract for RKO for a while, and have been in over thirty films, though most aren't shown much anymore. People today have little time for the old black and whites, which is a shame...there were a lot of fine stories told back then."
But Nic wasn't the nostalgic type, and though he would have enjoyed seeing himself on film again, he had gotten used to the fact that those days were gone.
"Now...well, I've invested well, and have a knack for buying the right things at the right times, and then selling when they're at their best price."
He shrugged, mainly because it was a gift, not really anything he had learned, and as such, something he took for granted.
"You're a model?"
To him fashion shows meant fancy clothes, and fancy clothes meant the models who wore them. Maeve certainly fit into the category of having a nice form for displaying clothes.
Maeve
18 years ago
She looked over at him and nodded, an understanding smile on her face. She could understand not feeling able to go into details, and she certainly wasn't one to pry. She was pleased that he felt comfortable enough to share what he did. She returned his grin with a playful smile. "Consider me warned, but you don't seem too dangerous to me. I don't think I'll run screaming...at least not just yet."
She watched out of the corner of her eye as he increased his work out on the stair stepper. She couldn't help but notice the muscles in his legs. Okay, yeah she actually could notice when a man was handsome and Nic certainly was that. Fiona would have a heart attack if she knew Maeve had even thought that. She knew the other woman didn't think she was capable of noticing or appreciating things like that, but she was. She just chose not to act on it. Of course, surprisingly she hadn't met anyone in all her long life that made her want to, not since Latharn anyway.
She easily kept up her jog as she listened to his history. This wasn't a tough work out by any means, but it was having the desired effect. She could feel the muscles in her legs and back losing the kinks they'd had from the flight.
"That's definitely true. Hard to find movies like that anymore. The women always seemed more glamorous and the men so much more chivalrous than they are today. I miss those days sometimes."
She had actually gone on a few dates since her turning, but they were few and far between. And none of them were ever anything serious. Some of her fondest memories of those times though were back when men opened doors and knew how to treat a lady like a lady. Yeah, some would say she was old fashioned, but she made no apologies for that.
She perked up as he talked about his experience with investing. Book keeping was one of those things she just did well and it had served her greatly through the years. To her, his shrug just seemed as though he was selling himself short.
"Sounds like a good talent to have. I'm better with the book keeping aspect of it than the actual investing, but I've had my fair share of good investments over the years myself."
She laughed at his question, a warm rich sound. "Not exactly. I've done some modeling, but you'll usually find me behind the scenes. I'm a fashion designer. The shows were actually mine." This time it was her turn to shrug. Designing clothes had always simply been something she'd loved to do. It just happened to be that she was good at it as well.
She watched out of the corner of her eye as he increased his work out on the stair stepper. She couldn't help but notice the muscles in his legs. Okay, yeah she actually could notice when a man was handsome and Nic certainly was that. Fiona would have a heart attack if she knew Maeve had even thought that. She knew the other woman didn't think she was capable of noticing or appreciating things like that, but she was. She just chose not to act on it. Of course, surprisingly she hadn't met anyone in all her long life that made her want to, not since Latharn anyway.
She easily kept up her jog as she listened to his history. This wasn't a tough work out by any means, but it was having the desired effect. She could feel the muscles in her legs and back losing the kinks they'd had from the flight.
"That's definitely true. Hard to find movies like that anymore. The women always seemed more glamorous and the men so much more chivalrous than they are today. I miss those days sometimes."
She had actually gone on a few dates since her turning, but they were few and far between. And none of them were ever anything serious. Some of her fondest memories of those times though were back when men opened doors and knew how to treat a lady like a lady. Yeah, some would say she was old fashioned, but she made no apologies for that.
She perked up as he talked about his experience with investing. Book keeping was one of those things she just did well and it had served her greatly through the years. To her, his shrug just seemed as though he was selling himself short.
"Sounds like a good talent to have. I'm better with the book keeping aspect of it than the actual investing, but I've had my fair share of good investments over the years myself."
She laughed at his question, a warm rich sound. "Not exactly. I've done some modeling, but you'll usually find me behind the scenes. I'm a fashion designer. The shows were actually mine." This time it was her turn to shrug. Designing clothes had always simply been something she'd loved to do. It just happened to be that she was good at it as well.
Nicholae
18 years ago
Well, he had warned her, even if he had done it teasingly. But she had stayed where she was, so that boded well.
He had no qualms about watching her as she slowly ran alongside, but he managed to keep his eyes around her face level, for most of the time. It seemed ages since he had been with a woman, and aside from young Theo, every woman he met danced across his mind as a possibility for something more. Well, Theo and Pakpao...Nic didn't want Artemis upset with him, so he steered way clear of that girl.
But he was a healthy male...as far as vampires could be healthy, and he missed feminine affections. His quick and short foray into the male/male sexual encounter, he decided was just not for him. Addison had been an interesting experience, but Nic liked the female parts better, and was itching to get his hands on them again.
Besides which, he had never had the problems dating women, that he had gone through with his one male date. Not that it was Addison's fault, but none the less.
Shaking his head, clearing his thoughts of anyone besides Maeve, Nic picked up on the common ground they shared in investing. The fact that she mentioned her aptitude with bookkeeping wasn't lost on him...and the fact that Addison was an accountant.
"Crazy as this sounds, and it's really not a pick up line, but I'm in need of someone to do my own books. I've got a firm in England that handles most of my heavy investing, but I've been looking for someone to handle my personal stuff here, in the states. Is there any chance you might know someone local, that you could refer me to? I only make money easily...I don't manage it at all well."
Addison was definitely out as anyone to assist Nic...but he still had to find someone, sooner than later, especially with April 17th looming.
As for her being a dress designer, Nic would have loved showing her a genuine interest in her trade, but lacked all interest in clothes what so ever.
"Clothes...funny subject. I've a personal shopper in England who sends me things when I run out...somehow she always finds exactly what I need, and what looks good on me. Unfortunately, I'm completely out of my element though, when it comes to knowing designers and what they do.
Do you design for everyone, or are you more into those real pretty gowns women wear?"
And thinking of gowns, Nic made a mental note to call England and order up a tux for the charity ball he just got tickets to. He found it a little surprising to hear of the event, just about the time he had been told he was now free to leave the Towers...as long as he steered clear of Addison.
And that would be an easy enough feat, he knew.
He had no qualms about watching her as she slowly ran alongside, but he managed to keep his eyes around her face level, for most of the time. It seemed ages since he had been with a woman, and aside from young Theo, every woman he met danced across his mind as a possibility for something more. Well, Theo and Pakpao...Nic didn't want Artemis upset with him, so he steered way clear of that girl.
But he was a healthy male...as far as vampires could be healthy, and he missed feminine affections. His quick and short foray into the male/male sexual encounter, he decided was just not for him. Addison had been an interesting experience, but Nic liked the female parts better, and was itching to get his hands on them again.
Besides which, he had never had the problems dating women, that he had gone through with his one male date. Not that it was Addison's fault, but none the less.
Shaking his head, clearing his thoughts of anyone besides Maeve, Nic picked up on the common ground they shared in investing. The fact that she mentioned her aptitude with bookkeeping wasn't lost on him...and the fact that Addison was an accountant.
"Crazy as this sounds, and it's really not a pick up line, but I'm in need of someone to do my own books. I've got a firm in England that handles most of my heavy investing, but I've been looking for someone to handle my personal stuff here, in the states. Is there any chance you might know someone local, that you could refer me to? I only make money easily...I don't manage it at all well."
Addison was definitely out as anyone to assist Nic...but he still had to find someone, sooner than later, especially with April 17th looming.
As for her being a dress designer, Nic would have loved showing her a genuine interest in her trade, but lacked all interest in clothes what so ever.
"Clothes...funny subject. I've a personal shopper in England who sends me things when I run out...somehow she always finds exactly what I need, and what looks good on me. Unfortunately, I'm completely out of my element though, when it comes to knowing designers and what they do.
Do you design for everyone, or are you more into those real pretty gowns women wear?"
And thinking of gowns, Nic made a mental note to call England and order up a tux for the charity ball he just got tickets to. He found it a little surprising to hear of the event, just about the time he had been told he was now free to leave the Towers...as long as he steered clear of Addison.
And that would be an easy enough feat, he knew.
Maeve
18 years ago
She had to laugh at his assurance. "Well, I'd say that I'd help you, but I'm actually woefully ignorant when it comes to American tax code. I have a friend from New York that I could ask. She knows...just about everybody I think. She could probably point you in the right direction, if I can catch up with her of course."Â?
Boy was Fiona going to be surprised to hear Maeve was in town. The look on her face alone would be worth the trip, or the silence on the telephone depending on how she told her. She wouldn't be at all surprised if her darling French friend was a little annoyed by her arrival, but hey she just wanted to help her out. For some reason she'd always had this habit of playing mother hen when it came to Fiona. As far as Maeve was concerned that one needed looking after.
She giggled again. Not that she was really surprised. It seemed most men didn't really have a knack for clothes. She was pleased that he'd asked about her work even if it wasn't really his element.
"I design a bit of everything, though I do love designing fancy gowns. Maybe it's that princess syndrome that most girls never quite get over. I don't know. Over the years I think I've designed everything from wedding gowns to peasant smocks. Just kidding on the peasant smock thing by the way." She just couldn't resist teasing him just a bit about that, and gave him a playful grin. "It really all depends on my mood at the time and what I get inspired to start sketching. I think I have sketches for a lady's suit, a ball gown, and some simpler dresses all in various stages of completion right now."Â?
Boy was Fiona going to be surprised to hear Maeve was in town. The look on her face alone would be worth the trip, or the silence on the telephone depending on how she told her. She wouldn't be at all surprised if her darling French friend was a little annoyed by her arrival, but hey she just wanted to help her out. For some reason she'd always had this habit of playing mother hen when it came to Fiona. As far as Maeve was concerned that one needed looking after.
She giggled again. Not that she was really surprised. It seemed most men didn't really have a knack for clothes. She was pleased that he'd asked about her work even if it wasn't really his element.
"I design a bit of everything, though I do love designing fancy gowns. Maybe it's that princess syndrome that most girls never quite get over. I don't know. Over the years I think I've designed everything from wedding gowns to peasant smocks. Just kidding on the peasant smock thing by the way." She just couldn't resist teasing him just a bit about that, and gave him a playful grin. "It really all depends on my mood at the time and what I get inspired to start sketching. I think I have sketches for a lady's suit, a ball gown, and some simpler dresses all in various stages of completion right now."Â?
Nicholae
18 years ago
"I would appreciate it very much if you are able to reach your friend, and can put in a good word for me. I really should have taken care of all this months ago, but time has a way of getting past us before we know it."
But that was Nic's way of most things. If there wasn't someone constantly pushing him to do something, chances were it didn't get done. If he ever got organized again, and truly settled here in Nachton, he was going to need a personal assistant. It had been a good twelve years since Bernadette had passed on, and another five since she quit working for Nic. He hadn't really missed her though, as by that time he was traveling all the time. Staying in one place for very long would definitely require adjustments.
"You girls have your princess syndrome, and we guys have our knights in armor syndromes, though both seem to be on their way out. I don't see many young ones these days falling into those traps. Not that I ever mind coming to the rescue of a lovely lady...just in case you find you might need assistance with something while you are staying here.
Is this only a season you're joining us for? "
He wiggled his eyebrows, boldly flirting with her, but quickly added a friendly grin. He truly didn't wish to frighten her away. In fact he was already sorry to hear that she seemed to only be visiting Nachton.
Thinking along those lines, he wondered if she might want to wear one of her creations, and accompany him to the charity ball. The tickets were purchased as a tax write-off by one of his people in England, that was keeping very good tabs on him in Nachton. Besides that, Nic really didn't think he was going to be allowed to attend, so he didn't give the idea any further thought. But now all things seemed to have changed.
"Speaking of seasons, I'm not sure if you're aware or not, but there is a huge charity event...a ball, being put on here in Nachton next week. I realize it's very short notice, and if you've already got plans, I'll understand. But if you're free, I'd like to invite you to attend, as my guest?"
He hoped it wasn't too rude inviting her on such short notice. And if she chose not to accompany him, he really would understand. It never hurt to try...
But that was Nic's way of most things. If there wasn't someone constantly pushing him to do something, chances were it didn't get done. If he ever got organized again, and truly settled here in Nachton, he was going to need a personal assistant. It had been a good twelve years since Bernadette had passed on, and another five since she quit working for Nic. He hadn't really missed her though, as by that time he was traveling all the time. Staying in one place for very long would definitely require adjustments.
"You girls have your princess syndrome, and we guys have our knights in armor syndromes, though both seem to be on their way out. I don't see many young ones these days falling into those traps. Not that I ever mind coming to the rescue of a lovely lady...just in case you find you might need assistance with something while you are staying here.
Is this only a season you're joining us for? "
He wiggled his eyebrows, boldly flirting with her, but quickly added a friendly grin. He truly didn't wish to frighten her away. In fact he was already sorry to hear that she seemed to only be visiting Nachton.
Thinking along those lines, he wondered if she might want to wear one of her creations, and accompany him to the charity ball. The tickets were purchased as a tax write-off by one of his people in England, that was keeping very good tabs on him in Nachton. Besides that, Nic really didn't think he was going to be allowed to attend, so he didn't give the idea any further thought. But now all things seemed to have changed.
"Speaking of seasons, I'm not sure if you're aware or not, but there is a huge charity event...a ball, being put on here in Nachton next week. I realize it's very short notice, and if you've already got plans, I'll understand. But if you're free, I'd like to invite you to attend, as my guest?"
He hoped it wasn't too rude inviting her on such short notice. And if she chose not to accompany him, he really would understand. It never hurt to try...
Maeve
18 years ago
"Yes time can do that, but this is one of those things you really should stay on top of you know. I'm sure that Fiona can at least give you a name of someone you can contact. She always seems to know someone for every need or occasion."Â? She chuckled at the truth of that statement. Fiona did have some great connections, she'd give her that.
She laughed and had to admit that to some extent he was right. "Well I'm not sure about the guys not falling into that trap, but I think most little girls still do, at least for a time. I'm sure you were just wonderful at rescuing damsels in distress too, and I will be sure to let you know if I'm ever in need of your assistance."Â?
The eyebrow wiggle was more than she could take and her jogging actually faltered for a brief moment as she laughed brightly. She quickly regained her stride however, and gave his question some serious thought. The only thing she could be sure of at this point was that Fiona would probably have a lot to do with how long she stayed. She mentally berated herself for that, but what could she do. For some unknown reason she cared about the redhead's well being, and thought she played too many games for her own good. This was not an area to take those games as lightly as Maeve felt Fiona did. The games around here could get you killed. She'd learned that much about the local politics from Colin. She sighed.
"Honestly, I'm not sure how long I will be in town. I had planned for a fairly short visit, but I am completely open to extending my stay of there's a reason."Â?
Hearing the invitation her first inclination was her usual one, decline politely. It was rare for her to even accept a dinner invitation. Dates were just not something she was interested in. But for some strange reason she actually found herself accepting his kind invitation. After a bit of a pause, trying to figure out just what was going on with her she turned to him with a smile.
"I hadn't heard about it, but I would be honored to accompany you. Besides I wouldn't be much of a princess if I passed up a chance to wear a pretty dress now would I?"Â? She paused again, and when she finally did speak her voice was quiet and the accent thicker again. "Thank you, Nic."Â?
What the hell was going on with her?
She laughed and had to admit that to some extent he was right. "Well I'm not sure about the guys not falling into that trap, but I think most little girls still do, at least for a time. I'm sure you were just wonderful at rescuing damsels in distress too, and I will be sure to let you know if I'm ever in need of your assistance."Â?
The eyebrow wiggle was more than she could take and her jogging actually faltered for a brief moment as she laughed brightly. She quickly regained her stride however, and gave his question some serious thought. The only thing she could be sure of at this point was that Fiona would probably have a lot to do with how long she stayed. She mentally berated herself for that, but what could she do. For some unknown reason she cared about the redhead's well being, and thought she played too many games for her own good. This was not an area to take those games as lightly as Maeve felt Fiona did. The games around here could get you killed. She'd learned that much about the local politics from Colin. She sighed.
"Honestly, I'm not sure how long I will be in town. I had planned for a fairly short visit, but I am completely open to extending my stay of there's a reason."Â?
Hearing the invitation her first inclination was her usual one, decline politely. It was rare for her to even accept a dinner invitation. Dates were just not something she was interested in. But for some strange reason she actually found herself accepting his kind invitation. After a bit of a pause, trying to figure out just what was going on with her she turned to him with a smile.
"I hadn't heard about it, but I would be honored to accompany you. Besides I wouldn't be much of a princess if I passed up a chance to wear a pretty dress now would I?"Â? She paused again, and when she finally did speak her voice was quiet and the accent thicker again. "Thank you, Nic."Â?
What the hell was going on with her?
Nicholae
18 years ago
It wasn't anything he was really accustomed to, being ignored or rejected, but since arriving in Nachton the women all seemed to do pretty much that.
Well, okay...in all fairness he hadn't given anyone much more than a passing fancy, so he really couldn't claim that anyone of the women he'd met had truly rejected him. But for someone who had spent so much of his life in the limelight, having women throw themselves at him, anything less did feel like rejection, to Nic. And since Maeve didn't fall into the latter category either, he steeled himself for a polite 'no'. It didn't help that she was now telling him that she probably wouldn't be in town long.
Except...did she just give him an opening...or was he reading too much into her words.
"A reason, eh? Well then, I guess we'll have to find you one of those then. Especially if you're going to the ball with me. I'll need more than one night to get to know the princess, and finding a horse to ride to your rescue on will take even a bit longer, I'm sure. But I court the chance to do so. Even if it's more to take you on a ride somewhere, rather than a rescue."
Nic was already thinking ahead to the night of the party. He might not find a horse, but he had been thinking of something else ever since arriving in Nachton. Now he had even more incentive to follow through with that idea. The thought made him smile.
Her acceptance of the invitation bolstered his attitude immensely, and his smile grew. But there was still a small voice in the back of his head that told him more was going on within her.
"You're more than welcome, but it's really I who should be thanking you. I'm looking forward to celebrating my...freedom, and having a beautiful woman to share that with will be the icing on the cake."
The timer on his stair machine kicked off, and he slowly dropped to the ground, and stepped off. Once again he put the towel across his shoulders, but instead of walking away, he remained, and leaned against the machine, putting him in even closer proximity to Maeve. He now also focused his full attention onto her. She didn't seem aware, so he took the time to study her face.
He was more than a little surprised to see a few fine threads of grey in her hair, and wondered if it was genetic or if she had led a difficult life at some time. She didn't look any older than he was, which was why he guessed the grey had surprised him. And her hair looked soft...so soft that he found himself raising his hand to touch it. Of course he discreetly moved the hand to rub behind his neck, once he saw what he had been going to do.
Mentally shaking himself, he moved to straddle a bench directly in front of her, and faced her. He even sat on his hands there, not trusting himself. It had been a LONG time since he'd touched a woman like that.
"So Maeve...when you come to visit Nachton, what do you do for fun? I'm sorry to say I know very little about the city really. I've not had much time to get out and see much of it."
Well, okay...in all fairness he hadn't given anyone much more than a passing fancy, so he really couldn't claim that anyone of the women he'd met had truly rejected him. But for someone who had spent so much of his life in the limelight, having women throw themselves at him, anything less did feel like rejection, to Nic. And since Maeve didn't fall into the latter category either, he steeled himself for a polite 'no'. It didn't help that she was now telling him that she probably wouldn't be in town long.
Except...did she just give him an opening...or was he reading too much into her words.
"A reason, eh? Well then, I guess we'll have to find you one of those then. Especially if you're going to the ball with me. I'll need more than one night to get to know the princess, and finding a horse to ride to your rescue on will take even a bit longer, I'm sure. But I court the chance to do so. Even if it's more to take you on a ride somewhere, rather than a rescue."
Nic was already thinking ahead to the night of the party. He might not find a horse, but he had been thinking of something else ever since arriving in Nachton. Now he had even more incentive to follow through with that idea. The thought made him smile.
Her acceptance of the invitation bolstered his attitude immensely, and his smile grew. But there was still a small voice in the back of his head that told him more was going on within her.
"You're more than welcome, but it's really I who should be thanking you. I'm looking forward to celebrating my...freedom, and having a beautiful woman to share that with will be the icing on the cake."
The timer on his stair machine kicked off, and he slowly dropped to the ground, and stepped off. Once again he put the towel across his shoulders, but instead of walking away, he remained, and leaned against the machine, putting him in even closer proximity to Maeve. He now also focused his full attention onto her. She didn't seem aware, so he took the time to study her face.
He was more than a little surprised to see a few fine threads of grey in her hair, and wondered if it was genetic or if she had led a difficult life at some time. She didn't look any older than he was, which was why he guessed the grey had surprised him. And her hair looked soft...so soft that he found himself raising his hand to touch it. Of course he discreetly moved the hand to rub behind his neck, once he saw what he had been going to do.
Mentally shaking himself, he moved to straddle a bench directly in front of her, and faced her. He even sat on his hands there, not trusting himself. It had been a LONG time since he'd touched a woman like that.
"So Maeve...when you come to visit Nachton, what do you do for fun? I'm sorry to say I know very little about the city really. I've not had much time to get out and see much of it."
Maeve
18 years ago
"Oh will we huh?"Â? Okay, so she had been talking about Fiona giving her a reason to stay longer, but what could it really hurt to have another. Nic seemed like a nice guy. Someone she could easily become friends with. She laughed and smiled. "You're right though. It would definitely take more than one night to get to know this princess. Many layers to get through, piled on by many years and experiences. And a horse is an absolute must. No knight could possibly be complete without his noble steed. I haven't ridden in ages. I used to love it though."Â?
Her girls had loved to ride too, and they had definitely had the princess complex even way back then. And her darling boy had love to pretend he was a gallant knight. She sighed again. Some things never changed while others changed so much it was unbelievable. She shook her head to clear it of those thoughts. She tried her best to avoid them, but every now and then they snuck up on her. She refocused on him in time to hear him speaking of celebrating his freedom. There was that story again and she hoped that one day he would feel comfortable enough to share it all with her someday.
She looked down at the timer on the treadmill when she heard the other timer go off and found she had a few mintues more. Her mind wandered again as Nic stepped off and grabbed his towel. The thoughts of her children had opened up old wounds again and she found herself once again constructing a picture of Latharn and her beloved Highlands in her mind. He would always be in her heart, and the reason that even to this day she always wore something black somewhere in her attire. She pushed those thoughts away, not wanting them to diminish the enjoyment she was having this evening. Instead she focused on the movement of her muscles and her breathing. Allowing the rhythm of both to spread calm through her.
She was pulled from her reverie the rest of the way by Nic's voice. She smiled when she saw him sitting in front of her. "Actually it has been so long since I've spent any real amount of time here that I never really had much time to really do anything for fun. I was always here for work and mostly stopped in to sleep between getting ready for a show. I'm afraid I won't be much help on that subject."Â?
Her girls had loved to ride too, and they had definitely had the princess complex even way back then. And her darling boy had love to pretend he was a gallant knight. She sighed again. Some things never changed while others changed so much it was unbelievable. She shook her head to clear it of those thoughts. She tried her best to avoid them, but every now and then they snuck up on her. She refocused on him in time to hear him speaking of celebrating his freedom. There was that story again and she hoped that one day he would feel comfortable enough to share it all with her someday.
She looked down at the timer on the treadmill when she heard the other timer go off and found she had a few mintues more. Her mind wandered again as Nic stepped off and grabbed his towel. The thoughts of her children had opened up old wounds again and she found herself once again constructing a picture of Latharn and her beloved Highlands in her mind. He would always be in her heart, and the reason that even to this day she always wore something black somewhere in her attire. She pushed those thoughts away, not wanting them to diminish the enjoyment she was having this evening. Instead she focused on the movement of her muscles and her breathing. Allowing the rhythm of both to spread calm through her.
She was pulled from her reverie the rest of the way by Nic's voice. She smiled when she saw him sitting in front of her. "Actually it has been so long since I've spent any real amount of time here that I never really had much time to really do anything for fun. I was always here for work and mostly stopped in to sleep between getting ready for a show. I'm afraid I won't be much help on that subject."Â?
Nicholae
18 years ago
He knew exactly when her thoughts seemed to change. It was her sigh that gave her away. His eyes narrowed just a bit, as if by doing so he might see what it was that now bothered her.
'Nic, old man, no point in going there. Everyone has their ghosts to deal with.' He found it hard to believe she had been alone long, but wasn't in a position yet to bother her for details.
At least she seemed quick to pull herself back to the present. He was almost certain her mind had taken her back in time somewhere. The past had a way of putting that look on people faces.
"All right then, another reason for you to stay longer. There must be many things of fun and interest here. We'll have to find some of them together."
He was trying not to overwhelm her with attention, though he could tell he was becoming excited. So far Maeve had shown him a lot more interest than he'd seen in a woman, in...ages.
"And if you're game, after the ball, providing I haven't scared you away by then, we'll see if we can find us a couple horses?"
More Hollywood lessons, he did pretty good on horses.
Standing up, Nic used the towel on his face, and then held the ends as it hung from his neck. He was loathe to leave her now, almost afraid once he walked out of the gym he might never see her again. She seemed just that...ethereal. But he had no choice. He hadn't fed in quite a while, and was starting to feel the pull of hunger above almost all other sensations. Not to mention, he couldn't very well follow her around from now till the ball.
Walking up to the treadmill, he waited until it stopped, which was just a matter of seconds. He reached for her hand, and brushed the back of her knuckles with his thumb.
"And now, I'm sorry to say, I've got a few things to attend to. But I will be looking forward to our 'date', and will get in touch with you in a few days to confirm everything?"
He looked at her with heat in his eyes, unable to disguise it fully. Yet knowing how he must look, he immediately blinked, and turned towards the door. Once he reached it, and was walking through, he turned for just a second, and looked back, before he let the door close.
(Nic out)
'Nic, old man, no point in going there. Everyone has their ghosts to deal with.' He found it hard to believe she had been alone long, but wasn't in a position yet to bother her for details.
At least she seemed quick to pull herself back to the present. He was almost certain her mind had taken her back in time somewhere. The past had a way of putting that look on people faces.
"All right then, another reason for you to stay longer. There must be many things of fun and interest here. We'll have to find some of them together."
He was trying not to overwhelm her with attention, though he could tell he was becoming excited. So far Maeve had shown him a lot more interest than he'd seen in a woman, in...ages.
"And if you're game, after the ball, providing I haven't scared you away by then, we'll see if we can find us a couple horses?"
More Hollywood lessons, he did pretty good on horses.
Standing up, Nic used the towel on his face, and then held the ends as it hung from his neck. He was loathe to leave her now, almost afraid once he walked out of the gym he might never see her again. She seemed just that...ethereal. But he had no choice. He hadn't fed in quite a while, and was starting to feel the pull of hunger above almost all other sensations. Not to mention, he couldn't very well follow her around from now till the ball.
Walking up to the treadmill, he waited until it stopped, which was just a matter of seconds. He reached for her hand, and brushed the back of her knuckles with his thumb.
"And now, I'm sorry to say, I've got a few things to attend to. But I will be looking forward to our 'date', and will get in touch with you in a few days to confirm everything?"
He looked at her with heat in his eyes, unable to disguise it fully. Yet knowing how he must look, he immediately blinked, and turned towards the door. Once he reached it, and was walking through, he turned for just a second, and looked back, before he let the door close.
(Nic out)
Maeve
18 years ago
If Nic noticed that her mind had wandered he did an excellent job of hiding it. She cocked her head slightly and gave him a smile. "That actually sounds like a nice idea. Might be fun to see what this city has to offer, especially if I wind up spending some time here huh? And I don't know where we'd find horses around here, but if we did, that would definitely be a lot of fun."Â?
She honestly didn't know what to think when he took her hand. She stood on the now still treadmill and looked at him. That touch and the look in his eyes almost made her back out of the ball. Instead she found herself nodding. "I look forward to it."Â?
Okay, yeah she probably should say more, but for once in her life, Maeve was at a loss for words. She watched him walk to the door but just stood on the treadmill after the door closed behind him. She sighed as she finally stepped off the machine and threw a towel over her shoulder. She could already hear Fiona telling her that she always managed to complicate things as she headed back to her suite.
(Maeve out. Lock please.)
She honestly didn't know what to think when he took her hand. She stood on the now still treadmill and looked at him. That touch and the look in his eyes almost made her back out of the ball. Instead she found herself nodding. "I look forward to it."Â?
Okay, yeah she probably should say more, but for once in her life, Maeve was at a loss for words. She watched him walk to the door but just stood on the treadmill after the door closed behind him. She sighed as she finally stepped off the machine and threw a towel over her shoulder. She could already hear Fiona telling her that she always managed to complicate things as she headed back to her suite.
(Maeve out. Lock please.)