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Post by Lavinia Aquila on Jan 12, 2011 1:07:32 GMT -5
Lavinia wrinkled her nose as she listened to Galahad's response. She gently leaned against the stall and crossed her arms as she watched the knight settle his horse into the stall as she let the wheels in her brain turn. In some ways Lavinia was a mechanist. She believed that the human body was just a machine with parts that worked. She did not believe in a religious soul, but at the same time she knew that there was more to a human body and a human life than to just go through the motions.
"Yes, but you are not just a killing machine, are you?" Lavinia asked, allowing the disappointment to show in her voice. She had gotten a feeling that there was more to the young knight than just the chivalric code instilled in him since a young age the same way that she was not a slave, though she had been born one and raised to serve. Lavinia uncrossed her arms and stepped closer to Galahad, looking up into his comforting eyes. "When I look, I don't see a killer," she said softly, almost a whisper. Again she had to suppress the desire to stroke his cheek as she made her comment.
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Post by Galahad on Jan 12, 2011 1:20:12 GMT -5
Was he more than a killing machine? Galahad paused, his fingers stopping their movements upon the buckles of his saddle. There was a time when he thought that there was nothing more to him than death and blood. He was a young boy when he was thrust out into the battlefield with nothing more than a weapon and the sheer will to survive. He had lost count of the nameless faces whose lives he had taken. His life had threatened to become nothing more than blood and death but he had never let it, never let his soul be taken. Galahad had the will to live; he lived it, breathed survival. He refused to die and that is how he found himself standing here, still alive when so many of his brothers in arms had fallen. Quietly he stood up, letting his hands fall away from his mare’s saddle. He turned, his breath catching in his throat as Lavinia stepped closer to him, so close that he could reach out and touch her.
Gods she was beautiful, even more beautiful the closer she got to him. Her eyelashes were impossibly long and Galahad found himself staring at the way they swept across her cheeks every time she blinked. And those eyes, deep and hazel staring up at him, such mystery hidden in those eyes. Gods he wanted to kiss her!
“I am glad” Galahad replied softly and then grinned. “I am pretty good other things as well, or so I’ve been told.”
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Post by Lavinia Aquila on Jan 12, 2011 1:29:50 GMT -5
Lavinia did not shrink, though normally she would when she was this close to a person. But she loved the feeling of every molecule in her body vibrating when she was close to him. Her breathing was slow and regular, though her heart was pounding inside her delicate body. Of course Lavinia was not as delicate as she looked, but next to the tall, seasoned knight, Lavinia was very delicate.
Lavinia's body was leaning slightly in toward Galahad as she looked up at him. "Like what?" Lavinia asked, her voice low and husky. Later she would mentally kick herself for her behavior, but in the moment her judgment was clouded, and could anyone blame her? But something was nagging in the back of her mind. Something blonde and Saxon and she did not know why. Perhaps she had seen the shared glances between Galahad and the Saxon princess in the banquet hall before. Still, she was not doing anything wrong standing next to this knight and secretly desiring him.
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Post by Galahad on Jan 12, 2011 1:41:00 GMT -5
He shouldn’t be doing this. He shouldn’t be thinking about what he wanted to do right now. He shouldn’t have gotten himself into this situation with a beautiful, stunning woman staring up at him. Her deep hazel eyes staring up at him, not just looking at him but looking into him. She was so close that Galahad could almost feel her breath against his skin. His heart pounded in his chest, so loud that the Knight was sure Lavinia could hear it thundering. Why was she standing there looking up at him like that? And why was he still standing there looking down at her, such thoughts running through his hazy mind. Gods her lips looked delicious, full and red and why did he have the strongest urge to taste those lips.
“Like kissing…” Galahad whispered, his voice deep and low as his tongue ran across his bottom lip. Really he should not be thinking this!
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Post by Lavinia Aquila on Jan 12, 2011 1:54:00 GMT -5
Lavinia closed her eyes briefly as she enjoyed feeling his presence near, but then she slowly opened them and looked back into his eyes. She could hear a little voice in the back of her head telling her to run, but the sound of her pounding blood in her ears overrode the noise of the little voice. Lavinia stepped closer, some baser instinct taking over her motor functions. She placed on slender hand on his chest and could feel his own heart beating. Right now in this moment it was thrilling for Lavinia. She had not been this close to a man with these sort of feelings for a long time. It thrilled and terrified her like the thought of infinity.
As Galahad responded, Lavinia's eyes drifted down toward his lips. The little voice in her head was telling her that this was wrong. But her emotions were telling her this was right. Sometimes Lavinia could be too reasonable and she could easily talk herself out of these situations. But there was something different about Galahad. "Anything else?" she whispered back, her eyes slowly moving from his lips to his eyes and back down again. She was so close that her whole body was warm and buzzing.
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Post by Galahad on Jan 12, 2011 4:52:51 GMT -5
Despite wearing a shirt and thick tunic, when Lavinia placed her hand upon his chest it felt like fire burning into his skin. Galahad shivered such an intense sensation crashing over his body. He knew he should not be feeling like this, he should not want to raise his own hand and place it over Lavinia’s. He should not want to run his hand up her slender arm, to feel the heat of her skin against his. And he most certainly should not want to kiss those rosy full lips. Galahad knew he should not be feeling or thinking any of this but it was as though his body was running on instinct. As though his mind and his body were heading in two separate directions and even if he wanted to, which Galahad was finding he did not, he could not stop himself. His deep blue eyes locked with Lavinia’s Galahad leaned forward closing the distance between his face and the woman’s standing so close to him. His eyes fluttered back down to those thick lips and Galahad’s breath stopped….
Suddenly there was a loud sound echoing throughout the stall and seeming to bounce off the stable walls. It sounded like hooves stamping against the ground and then there was a loud neigh from a horse. The sudden noise shocked Galahad and he flinched, his heart leaping into his throat as he instantly straightened up, blue eyes wide. It took him a moment to realise what had happened and it was only when he heard another neigh that it clicked it was his horse… his mare that had stamped her foot against the ground as though she was warning Galahad not to do what he was about to do!
A flush of red swept across the Knight’s cheeks and Galahad found himself laughing, his hand reaching out and patting his horse’s side. Dear Gods what was he doing?!
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Post by Lavinia Aquila on Jan 12, 2011 14:45:37 GMT -5
It felt like a century had passed around them as they stood still, her hand on his chest. Her thoughts had stopped as her brain shut down and only her desire to be near him remained. Lavinia inched a little closer, completely closing the gap between him as she continued to look up at him, not knowing what she was doing or what was happening. Slowly, Galahad began lean in, his lips so close to hers that she could almost feel them touching. She lifted her other hand and caress his cheek and as soon as she touched it, there was a sudden noise.
It took a second longer for Lavinia to realize what was happening, but as soon as she did, she jumped back, almost like a small black kitten encountering a snake. One could almost imagine her hissing as her claws came out, except a little less feral. A dazed look lingered in her eyes as she tried to regain composure. Lavinia tried to speak, but words failed her. She knew that later she would spend many hours analyzing what had just happened and tomorrow she would day dream about what happened if he had kissed her, but for now she just wanted to feel secure again.
Lavinia began to walk away, wanting to hide her face, but she was also afraid of leaving him like that.
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Post by Galahad on Jan 12, 2011 14:56:04 GMT -5
“Hey wait!” Galahad called out as Lavinia turned to walk away. His instincts kicked in and his hand flew out, long fingers touching the brunette’s upper arm and gently trying to stop her from leaving. He had no idea what he was doing and he knew that whatever was happening shouldn’t, but somehow Galahad found that he could not stop himself. He wanted this beautiful woman. She was gorgeous and a mystery and he wanted, no he needed to find out more about her.
“Look… I’m sorry… I…” I what? Galahad thought to himself. He cursed under his breath in Sarmatian, his blue eyes darting to glare at his mare who simply stood there as though she had done nothing at all. Bloody horse knew exactly what she had done and Galahad was not sure if he was grateful or furious. Turning his eyes to look back at Lavinia, Galahad grinned almost shyly as a hand came up to run once more through his dark curls.
“I uh, I also play a pretty good game of cards, do you play?” Galahad blurted out, the look on his face obvious that he was trying to think of something not only to keep Lavinia’s attention, but to keep her in the stables with him.
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Post by Lavinia Aquila on Jan 12, 2011 15:16:19 GMT -5
Lavinia nearly jumped when she felt Galahad's fingers on her arm, but she stopped in her tracks and let him talk. She did not want to hurt him and thought that leaving him here without talking might do just that. So, Lavinia stayed, but when she heard him apologize, her pride was hurt. She turned around, anger flashing in her eyes briefly before she calmed herself. She realized, once looking at him, that he was probably sorry for trying to kiss her for her sake and not because he did not want to. So she let a small half smile form on her lips.
"I will be alright," she said quietly, looking down at her hands. She could not look at him directly afraid to let him see inside of her. She knew that eyes were windows into one's soul and she did not want him to know what she was feeling right now. Even she did not know what she was feeling right now.
"I know how, but I'm not great," Lavinia said, calming her breathing and her heart. So, he did not want to talk about it, but he also did not want her to go. She did not know how she felt about it, but part of her was content and the other part was worried. Had he just wanted to seduce her for the night? It was a pretty cold night. Or did he connect with her the way she felt like she connected with him?
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Post by Galahad on Jan 12, 2011 15:28:20 GMT -5
Galahad was not blind to the anger that flashed in Lavinia’s eyes. He noticed it immediately and instantly felt terrible. He had never wanted to hurt the beautiful brunette, in fact that would be the very last thing he wanted to do! His stomach seemed to turn as though he was struggling to work out exactly what he was feeling right now and his brain was no help either since it had all of a sudden decided to shut down and become completely unresponsive! Gods why was he so bad at this?! Why could Lancelot walk up to a woman, lean in and kiss her and have her attention for not only that night but for whenever he wanted it? Why could Gawain wink and pull a woman to him and have her laughing and clinging to him and yet he could not even kiss this beautiful woman who was standing right in front of him?! The Gods were cruel sometimes!
The Knights fingers lingered upon Lavinia’s upper arm and Galahad stared at them for a moment, unwilling to pull away. He just wished he knew what he was supposed to do know. He was a grown man and yet he felt about as awkward as a young boy trying to kiss a girl for the first time. What a fool Lavinia must think of him right now. Slowly and very reluctantly he let his fingers slide down her arm, his hand brushing against those long delicate fingers which he desired greatly to hold.
“I could teach you? Galahad offered, finally tearing his eyes away from Lavinia’s hand to look back up into her eyes. He tried to give his best smile, head tilted to the side ever so slightly. “I mean, to play cards, I could teach you if you want?” Alright seriously Galahad had to get it together this was starting to sound pathetic!
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Post by Lavinia Aquila on Jan 12, 2011 23:00:15 GMT -5
Lavinia continued to stand in front of Galahad, letting him touch her. Part of her allowed herself to enjoy it, though she knew it was torture. Something was preventing him from kissing her and she felt she knew why. There must be another woman. Lavinia shook her head mentally. Perhaps her fate was to be alone. She had been in love with an unavailable man before. She was accustomed to the pain and unfulfilled desire. Yet, though she knew this, she did not walk away from him. She knew this would not be different, but she wanted to be near him just the same. Maybe she could be his friend somehow, be close in some other way. But why did she develop such strong feelings for him in such a short time?
Finally his fingers brushed down her arm and fell by his side. Lavinia was finally free, but she still did not move. She stood there, waiting for him. "Perhaps you could," Lavinia said, conjuring a smile. She was not going to ruin this moment with moping.
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Post by Galahad on Jan 13, 2011 1:12:50 GMT -5
Perhaps? Galahad felt his heart sink into the pit of his stomach making him feel as though he had just been punched in the gut. Perhaps was not a no, but then again it was not a very positive yes. Perhaps sounded as though if Lavinia did not have anything better to do then maybe, just maybe she would give him the time of day, but only maybe. He nodded, trying not to let the disappointed expression creep any further across his face. Nodding Galahad returned Lavinia’s smile, looking at her for another moment before remembering that he was supposed to be taking the saddle off his horse.
Galahad took a step back and turned slightly away from Lavinia so that he was once again facing his mare. With the buckles undone he reached out and easily pulled off the saddle glad that he had something to occupy his hands for a moment. Gods above if awkward had a description then surly it would be this moment! Not even his first time sleeping with a woman did Galahad feel this nervous or awkward! It was completely crazy and yet the Knight could not help but want to turn back and kiss those beautiful full lips of Lavinia’s.
Turning he hoisted the saddle up and lay it over the side of the stall before turning back to look at his mare. He reached out and gently ran his hand down her side checking the saddle had not hurt her in anyway.
“Do you know how to ride a horse?” Galahad suddenly asked, turning to look at Lavinia his hand still upon his mare’s side.
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Post by Lavinia Aquila on Jan 16, 2011 14:33:24 GMT -5
Lavinia's eyes widened as she noticed a small change in Galahad. She did not mean to imply disinterest, though it was true that she was not as fond of cards as other activities, but perhaps her tone of voice and lack of true interest had hurt him a little. She did not like the idea that her feelings could affect such a kind, young knight. She could not even imagine how such a thing was possible, but now she realized she must be a little more diplomatic in her responses so as not to hurt him anymore.
Lavinia watched as Galahad undid his saddle. She wanted to go and help him, but she remembered what he said about his feelings for his horse, and so she stood back. Part of her wanted to move, to dance, but she remained still, like a Roman statue. A small lock of hair fell down again and brushed against her forehead and cheek, but this time she did not push it back, wanting not to make any sounds as the knight took care of his horse.
Lavinia's eyes had glazed over as she looked down at the horse's hooves, but suddenly she heard herself being addressed. She quickly looked up and felt the sudden electric jolt as their eyes met again. "Yes, but not very well," she said. It was true that Lavinia knew how to ride a horse, but she was not too accustomed to it. Perhaps he was trying to see if he could teach her. Lavinia smiled, "Not as well as you, I am sure," she added with a twinkle in her eye.
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Post by Galahad on Jan 17, 2011 4:32:47 GMT -5
As Lavinia spoke again Galahad’s lips curled upwards in a cheeky and youthful lopsided grin. He felt his heart beat a step faster than it had done and the sound of Lavinia’s beautiful voice sent a shiver down his spine. He caught the look in her big hazel eyes and immediately a surge of hope coursed through the Knight’s body.
“I could, um… teach you if you’d like?” Galahad asked, this time his breath catching in his throat as he silently prayed that this would be the right question and he would not be turned down again. “My mare is strong and very smart and you’d have nothing to fear…” Galahad continued trying to throw as much encouragement as he possibly could into the suggestion.
Boldly he took a breath and stepped forward. Reaching out he gently touched Lavinia’s long graceful fingers which had captured his attention a short moment ago. A spark ran through his own fingers as their skin touched and slowly he wrapped his fingers around hers. Gently he raised the brunette’s hand and guided it to his mare. He placed Lavinia’s hand on the side of his horse and let his sweep across hers and come to rest also on his horse. “She’s beautiful…” Galahad whispered, his words directed both at Lavinia and at his horse.
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Post by Lavinia Aquila on Jan 18, 2011 9:53:43 GMT -5
Lavinia's smile widened as Galahad offered to teach her how to ride. She tilted her head to the side, her chin down so that she had a coy look on her face. "I am sure if there is anyone to teach me, it would be you" Lavinia said, continuing to smile. She could imagine Galahad on his horse, sword in hand, practicing with the other knights. He probably looked very handsome and very brave. Lavinia turned her eyes to the mare when Galahad mentioned his horse. The horse was a beautiful creature.
Suddenly she felt his big, coarse hand gently grab her own and Lavinia nearly jumped back from instinct, but she made sure she didn't so as not to ruin the moment. Lavinia wanted to close her eyes and just feel his fingers wrapped around her own, but she was too afraid to show Galahad what exactly he did to her when they touched. So she watched as he placed her hand on his mare's side. She could feel the heat radiate from the horse's skin. There was a smoothness, but also a fragility to the horse. Lavinia had always been fascinated with animals. There wasn't much difference between an animal and a human being. At least, she had been treated like an animal a few years ago.
Lavinia's eyes flicked back to Galahad's when he spoke again. "Yes, she is," she said in a husky voice, looking up at him.
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Post by Galahad on Jan 18, 2011 22:24:55 GMT -5
Galahad dared to tear his eyes away from his hand to look into Lavinia’s deep orbs. The moment he did his heart skipped a beat and he felt his chest tighten. This woman, the dancer with her elegance and grace had ensnared his attention and utterly captivated him. He wanted to know more about her, why did she like to dance? Why had she chosen to stay in Briton? What was hiding beneath the hazel of her eyes? And why could he not stop looking into those beautiful eyes? Swallowing hard Galahad grinned a small lopsided grin as he nodded his head, his dark curls bouncing softly around his forehead.
“Anytime you would like a ride I’d be more than happy to take you out” he said in a low voice, his hand still placed slightly covering Lavinia’s on his mare’s side. What he would not give to kiss her and taste those full lips. But what if he did? Would she slap him? Run? He never had had much luck with women and perhaps he was reading this whole situation wrong? But what if he wasn’t? Could there be a chance that Lavinia was interested in him? Why did everything with a woman have to be so bloody complicated?!
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Post by Lavinia Aquila on Jan 23, 2011 1:48:11 GMT -5
Lavinia stared at their hands for a long time, though she could feel his eyes on her now, and she looked back at him. There was the smallest hint of a smile on her lips as she continued to look up, her attention split between his hand on hers and his eyes gazing into hers. She wanted to step forward every time she looked into those eyes. She knew that this feeling of comfort and happiness was coming from him, yet she was nervous and a little pained by her confusion and inability to embrace him. And then it was now against her nature to let people in and let people see the real her, except when she was dancing. That was one of the few times she bared her soul to people, and yet she still was hidden beneath the silk and jewels.
"I would love that," Lavinia said with a smile, her voice low and a little childlike. She could imagine being on the back of his mare with him, his strong arms wrapped around her frail frame. She could imagine him taking her into his arms even now and holding her there, pressing his body against hers until they were one. Lavinia was a romantic at heart, even if her heart had been damaged severely in the past.
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Post by Galahad on Jan 23, 2011 3:21:52 GMT -5
Galahad couldn’t stop looking at her, like he was caught in her beautiful snare, a happy fly trapped willingly in a spider’s web. Gods, even if he wasn’t entrapped by those deep hazel eyes Galahad knew he did not want to get away. Right now all he could look at was those beautiful full lips. He watched as those lips turned upwards in a smile, making Lavinia’s eyes seem to sparkle even brighter. Galahad found himself mimicking her smile although his own a little lopsided. He could feel his calloused hand half on top of her own as he held it against the warm body of his mare, but his mind was focused on those lips.
He was going to kiss her damn it. Right here, right now he was going to do it!! He did not care if his mare tried to interrupt again, this time he was not going to let that stop him. He was going to kiss Lavinia, right here in the stable and he would be damned if he didn’t. She was not running from him, nor laughing or teasing him which surely was a good sign. Galahad was never as confident at reading the signals of a woman as say Lancelot was. But he was certain that there had to be something behind those beautiful hazel eyes, something more than just a friendly look.
Taking a deep breath Galahad could feel his heart thundering within his chest. His deep blue eyes focused only on Lavinia he leaned forward slowly closing the distance between himself and the beautiful woman beside him. Boldly he closed the last of the space between them and pressed his warm lips against Lavinia’s kissing her deeply and with great passion.
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Post by Lavinia Aquila on Jan 31, 2011 12:40:27 GMT -5
Lavinia felt like she had been holding her breath for the longest time until Galahad kissed her. Suddenly something inside her was set on fire as her arms lifted around his neck. One hand nestled into his mop of curls as she passionately kissed him back. She could feel her body melding to his as she stood on the balls of her feet to reach him.
In one moment there was calm and excitement raging through Lavinia and all around her. But then suddenly something changed and she pulled away. "Wait," she said breathlessly. "We can't do this, not now." That wasn't what she wanted to say, but her defense mechanism was kicking in and she was feeling flighty. "I'm sorry," Lavinia said, looking up at Galahad. One second longer and she would have kissed him again, but instead she turned to run.
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Post by Galahad on Feb 1, 2011 4:45:15 GMT -5
A soft groan rumbled through Galahad’s body as he felt Lavinia’s long slender fingers thread into his dark curls. The kiss was deep and passionate and it had been quite some time since the Knight had kissed a woman with such pent up desire. Galahad was just loosing himself in the kiss when suddenly Lavinia pulled away. For a moment he was not sure exactly what had happened… can’t do this? Sorry? Galahad blinked and must have looked completely shocked. One minute he was kissing this beautiful, no, stunning young woman and the next she was telling him that they could not do this. What? What had he done wrong?! Instantly the Knight’s mind began to race. Had he read the signals wrong? He had honestly thought that she was as interested in him as he was in her, how could he have been so wrong? But that kiss… there was something there, he had felt it.
“Wait… what?! Galahad gasped beyond confused now. His blue eyes widened in horror as Lavinia began to turn away from him and without thinking he darted out his arm and gently touched the young woman’s upper arm. “What did I do? I’m… I’m sorry if I… I thought you… I thought you wanted me to…. The words died on Galahad’s lips as he struggled to find any words to describe the confusion he was feeling. Damn, sh*t and every other curse word he knew in Sarmatian… how could he have read the moment so wrong?!
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