RP:A Troubled Desert Born

From HollowWiki

Part of the Of Contracts and Families Arc



Location: Lanara’s Animal Sanctuary, and Starry Heavens.

Synopsis: In recent events Elioyahazer is having difficulty coming to grips with his reality. Constantly pushing himself further away from Lanara and burying himself in work. The woodland witch decides that it’s high time that Eli picked up a new job. Something other than just working at her animal sanctuary without pay. Instead her bubbly nature and need to cheer him up sort of back-fires. He’s definitely being a pain. Turns out all he wants is to vent. She happily agrees to doing just that, and plans a special night for them.

A Troubled Desert Born



For some reason, Elioyahazer had grown more quiet over the last few days. Not that his presence had disappeared from Lanara’s life, but she could tell that things were troubling his mind. His verbal responses had grown quieter still, though he did perform the tasks asked of him. Often Lanara could find the desert born working within the animal sanctuary. Shoveling excrement, changing hay, feeding and general care taking. He was trying to learn something new. Trying to put himself into something other than being lost in thought. Torn over the fact that all he had trained for, had been of someone else’s choice. His reasons to be an assassin were non existent. Now he finds those skills he’s harvested, useless. If Lanara were to find him now, she’d come across the desert man while pushing a wheelbarrow of smelly animal dung. It’s clear that he’d been at work most of the day. The other odd thing she might find, is the small flask of brandy tucked into his back pocket. When did Eli start drinking?


Lanara sensed that things had been very off with her assassin, ever since he had discovered the truth about his past. He wasn’t to blame for the murder of his aunt, Michael was his biological father, and Jez remained alive. Quincy and several bands of highly trained experts that had been sent after them had been exterminated, but the greater threat still remained, as more would come to finish what the last was failed. Eli no longer knew where he stood in the world, as his entire past had been one giant lie, and a future that he was forced into against his own will. He had stated several times that he would never again kill for hire, and Lana believed his words to be truthful, but if he wasn’t an assassin, he’d have to find a new line of work. The witch had been rather aloof the past two days, as she’s constantly questioning her own beliefs, and fears that she lacks empathy for others, aside from animals. After having met up with Khitti the evening before, she takes the advice of her spiritualist, and seems to have found her smile again. The sun is shining bright, there’s a beautiful breeze coming from the west, and she’s eager to see Eli, as she rounds the corner and sees him pushing a wheelbarrow of feces and soiled hay. Had the fight that always boiled in his blood vanished? Was he truly happy working at the sanctuary? Lana clears her throat, to announce her arrival, and closes the distance between their forms. She’s used to the stench emitting from the cart, and she’s wearing knee-high boots, so she doesn’t seem to mind the mud splashing against her ankles as she excitedly wraps her arms around Eli’s middle. “Hi! I missed you! I’m sorry I wasn’t here earlier… I had some business to tend to in Cenril and didn’t get home until late last night. You were gone this morning when I woke up, and I had to meet some of the boys in Xalious. We rescued a mountain lion with a broken paw.” Her voice trails off as she looks into his mottled gaze, still having her arms firmly around his waist, as she fully takes in his appearance. He was a hard worker, but there’s a sadness in his eyes that wasn’t ever there before, and she knows just what to say to cheer him up. “So… I have been doing some thinking. And I set up a few job interviews for you… I know that you’re not sure what you want to do, just yet, so maybe spending a day or two in a few different positions can shed some light on things. I will even be accompanying you to the first interview! It’s, um, in Kelay.” Sneakily, she glances away, lowering her voice, “You’d be a line cook… At that, um, restaurant… Apparently –all- of their staff was slaughtered in cold blood during brunch a few weeks ago.” It’s then that she notices the flask in his pocket, and she nips her lower lip in worry. Would her sandman be alright?


It’s not that Eli enjoyed working in the animal sanctuary, but he had chosen to do so because it was close. He lacked the certain empathetic quality that his partner had. Besides, he had realized that his new pet, the fire breathing wolverine, enjoyed being in the area. The silly bugger had found out that he could burn hay, and made small shows with flames. But right at this particular moment, the creature was looking up to the sandman quizzically. Lanara and her bubbly attitude draw a half smile from Eli. During her embrace, smokey the wolverine, paws at the empaths leg - basically screaming ‘don’t forget about me! This bum’s ignored me all day. Should I set his pants on fire?’ Little did the sandman know that his pet was conspiring against him. “A line cook?” Lanara would definitely be able to smell the last shot he took upon his breath. “I’m not sure about that.” The wheelbarrow is set down, with a mild clank. Smokey is eyeballed and then pet once. This little furball had been causing him trouble all day. “I appreciate the offer Lanara, but I don’t want to cook for others.” He hadn’t explained his reasonings for such things, but he knew she was just trying to help. In truth, he had been avoiding her and discussions of work. He felt that if he just took her advice and dove into work at the sanctuary that she would leave him alone. Its bad enough that his only solace lied in the depths of that silver flask. Brandy - an amber liquid that hasn’t been so kind to his stomach or head. But it sure took the edge off of all those awful thoughts.


Lanara immediately uncoils her arms from the middle of her partner, and bends to scratch beneath the wolverine’s chin. “Hey there, Handsome! How are you doing? You having fun at the sanctuary? Don’t think I didn’t catch your little fire show!” A finger wiggles in a ‘tsk tsk’ gesture, though the grin on her fair face shows that she’s not the least bit bothered that the fire breathing animal put his gifts to use. He was having fun, and that was all that mattered to the animal empath. Appropriately named, Smokey continues to paw at her leg, and as he uses telepathy to speak to her, she erupts into a fit of giggles. “Perhaps… In a few moments. Depending on his answer…” The co-conspirators both look innocently at Eli, and as he rejects the offer of a job interview, Lana quirks a brow. “Why not? It’s a decent job. It’s respectable. You’re excellent with knives, you have speed on your side, and you made me a few incredible meals. You can at least –try- being a chef… Even for a few days. Come on, Sandman… I went to great lengths to score you this interview.” Unleashing an exasperated sigh, Lana runs her fingers through her long locks, in an effort not to dig her nails into her palms and scream. The assassin had been frustrating to deal with, ever since the ritual that unearthed his true memories. She understood that he’d need some time to fully absorb what had happened in the past, and where that would lead his future, but hiding out at the sanctuary wasn’t the answer. He had been unusually quiet, uninterested in any topic she had broached, and she was only trying to help her assassin get back on his feet. The scent of liquor on his breath is the last straw, and she narrows her eyes, “Elioyahazer…” He’d know she meant business, as she used his full given name. “I care for you, and I’m trying to give you a nudge in the right direction. Please, just walk with me to the restaurant? Even if you bomb the interview, or realize you despise cooking after working there for a day or two… It would mean a lot to me.” Smokey cocks his head to the side, those kohl eyes full of mischief, and Lana gives a subtle nod. Within a matter of seconds, the hay beneath Eli’s boots begins to spark, and both the woman and the wolverine wear wicked grins. He could either stay here in the blaze, or take his partner’s advice and get his buzzed butt to Kelay.


Eli finds himself wondering what the big deal was? Here he is, being productive, helping her sanctuary out, and here she is trying to push him on towards Kelays restaurant. He had zero interest. He lacked the drive to even bother. Besides, cooking was a task forced on him by Jez. For right now, that shaman and her brainwashing can go to hell. The sandman understands that Lanara is just trying to help him, but right now he is starting to feel like she’s pushing a little too hard and it’s not an argument that he’s going to win. He knows that. Despite this fact, it’s still going to happen. The flask in his back pocket is snatched up and a few pulls are tugged from it before being placed in his pocket again. It's obvious that he has no intention of stopping anytime soon. Before his words are even produced, the depressed desert born is shaking his head. “Not today Lana.” The fires started beneath his feet by smokey are ignored for a moment. His eyes don’t even go wide in surprise. Instead, he momentarily waits - catching the hem of his pants on fire and finally glancing down. He’s not just slow to react from the booze. It’s not that he’s just being lethargic. He wholly doesn’t give a flying dragons rump. A sigh is released as the ex assassin steps forward and bats the flames upon his legs out. His gaze moves to his fiery pet, who he had won in competition. “If you’re trying to catch me on fire, it would be more effective to aim -at- me, not the ground.” An unamused glance is thrown at Lana. Great, now she’s conspiring against him. Why bother.? “I’ve got some work to do Lana, unless you’d rather I go sit down at a bar and just drank there.” The wheelbarrow of fecal matter is grabbed again and Eli begins to haul it away. Oh he knew the wrath of his witch was coming - long before he made his choice. Without any more words Eli rounds the corner, and makes it to the ‘dump’ site.


Those three words decide Eli’s fate, as he lifts the flask to his mouth and greedily takes a pull of the alcoholic beverage. She can’t even fathom how some amber liquid beat the competition of exploring a world through new eyes, of beginning a positive future, of testing the waters to see where one fit in. Did the assassin not care? He had gone to such lengths to discover his past… Yet, those realizations had stuck him in the land of depression and she was nothing more than a bystander, helplessly watching the show that was his life unravel. “What do you mean, not ‘today, Sandman? When –will- be a good time? You are letting it all go to waste… My magic. Your findings about the past. Michael. Toothpick. The fact that you can start anew and just be who and what you want to be. Not many are given that option.” Lana feels a modicum of sympathy as he fans out the flames on his pants, and Smokey unleashes an annoyed huff. He had tried many times in the past few days to help his master unwind and to tug him from the depths of despair, though all of his attempts were futile. The witch was their last hope, it seemed, and even she was failing her boyfriend. Lana lowers her gaze as Eli threatens to head to a bar, where he’d be able to drown in his sorrows, peacefully, rather than deal with her needless interrogations and offers to kick start a career as a culinary artist. “I would rather you come and sit down with me… Show –us- some attention.” Was she referring to herself and the wolverine? Their relationship? His newfound family in Cenril? Her words hang in the air, the rejection of her assistance slapping her in the face as firmly as the autumn breeze, and tears sting those soulful hues, threatening to spill at any given moment. “I’ll just leave you be… I was only trying to help… And trying to give you some fun experiences, even if they don’t pan out as a career choice…Because I care. Because I see a future with you. Because…I… I-I…” Was she truly going to say THOSE words?! Yes, it looks like she is, as she inhales, meets his gaze, and slips those three honeyed words to his ears, “I love you, Elioyahazer.” As the assassin rounds the corner with his cart, a single tear splashes onto the ground, and Lana turns away, prepared to leave.


Elioyahazer turns to Lanara at those three words, his feet coming to a halt. It’s true that Lanara is the Queen of bad timing. She’s not just an accidental seductress. There’s so much more to his situation that she’s just not seeming to grasp, and she just throws a love confession at him? Eli can’t even tell if he should be angry with Lanara right now. I mean, twenty years of meticulously plotting out his vengeance upon Michael came to an end on her whim. Because she throat punched him. Should he call her supportive after that? Eli grits his teeth, and sets his jawline hard. Should he just throw his arms around Michael and fawn over him just because ‘he’s dad?’ Even with Eli’s reality altered, the truth is that his father’s contract, still destroyed Elioyahazers life. Should he be happy that Lanara is trying to get him to work in a place where he murdered a lot of people? Thinking back on the events of that diner make his stomach nauseous. He wants to upheave the contents he’s so willingly and devoutly put down. This new Eli hated the fact the he is a trained killer. That there is so much blood on his hands. She just expected him to let this all go? To just bounce back? To just wander off on some long and unknown journey, because she thinks he has another chance at life? Eli doesn’t see it that way. He can’t even swallow the truth of his life. Could he tell her any of this without offending her? Of course not. That’s where the bottle came in. Which he just pulls from his back pocket and hands over to her. Despite the feigned smile upon Eli’s features in reaction to her confession, he loses his grip on sorrow. Tears an all. “This last week hasn’t been easy. My whole world has been changed. Forgive me if I can’t just accept it and go run around for fun. I chose to work here at the Sanctuary because -you- are still close. But at the same time, it provides me with the solitude I need to work through this.” His hand waves to his pet Smokey, “Even Smokey can have his needs met here. I don’t want to go work somewhere else. I don’t want to go run around.” Eli finally gives off a sigh and just lets that inner turmoil shed. “Maybe we could go look at the stars again? Just us?” Eli doesn’t want the company of anyone else. “I’m sorry Lana. I didn’t and don’t mean to ignore you. And..” His eyes move to the pet which had tried to set him on fire before returning to her. Eli still couldn’t talk about his inner world. “I love you too.”


Lanara grasped the situation, just fine; however, being a witch that aims to promote positivity, she’s saddened to see that Eli is unable to see the bright side of things. Was it so awful to shine some light on the issue? Being one that had returned from the dead, and developed a newfound appreciation for life, she only wants what’s truly best for her assassin. Those lively chocolate hues hold a hint of depression as she swats at her high cheekbones, lest any more rogue tears make an appearance. Eli wasn’t respecting her need to help him figure out his life, and she wasn’t respecting his desire for space and to keep his mind busy. It’s a typical man versus woman ordeal, as each were on opposing sides of the emotional line, both towing into each other’s safety zone, and turning their world upside down. “I’m only trying to help, Sandman…” The words seem forced, her tone thick with emotion, and she looks as though she’s about to turn on the waterworks, but somehow, she holds it all together. He needed a strong woman in his life, and she’d try to be all that he’d need, even if he wished to drown himself in liquor and battle her at every turn. Eli hands her the flask and delivers a heartfelt explanation, which she swallows down, unable to voice a reply as she’s trying her damnedest to be perceived as having complete composure. She’d break down in her own time, because this moment wasn’t about the witch, it was about her assassin. The apology earns Eli a shake of her head, as there wasn’t any need to say he was sorry for going through a difficult time, which she entirely understood. Lana hadn’t felt neglected, though maybe Smokey had, in his own animalistic way. Finding her words, she gives a curt nod, a small smile on her lips as he returns her affections, “Star gazing would be wonderful.” Did he mean to return the ‘L’ word, or was it spoken out of obligation? She wholeheartedly held those words to be true on her end, though next time, she’d let him say it first. A plan is hatched in her mind, and her smile widens as Eli turns to head towards the rear of the building, to wash his face. “I have some work to do… But, I’ll leave a note with Venin, on where to meet me for dinner. I have a little surprise for tonight!” His form fades from view, and she lifts the flask to her lush lips for a slow sip. It burns her throat, and she fights not to cough, as Smokey laughs at her, telepathically saying, “Try breathing fire!”


The desert born gives Lanara and exasperated look. He’s grown tired of living up to expectations that were beyond his own - livid of the path others had put forth for him. For right now, he doesn’t need a partner who pushes him to other objectives. Ideas that weren’t his own. This much he is sure of. What he wants is a partner that will just listen, perhaps help him achieve a few things that -he- comes up with. By their interaction over the last week, things have only grown more frustrating for him. These odd jobs and interviews which she seeks to throw at him are only driving a wedge further between them. He hadn’t told her those three words out of obligation - it’s true that he felt them as well. But here he stood, unable to even touch upon the surface of his inner world. It isn’t just himself being unavailable. It’s on both of their shoulders. Though he doesn’t voice any of this. “I’ll finish my tasks here, and then go wash up.” Eli gives her a half drawn smile - hiding that inner turmoil. “And then go see Venin for that note.” Perhaps star gazing and some alone time would in fact take his mind off of everything? He does know that he hasn’t felt close to her in a few nights. This might actually do them some good. That half drawn smile turns to a full genuine grin, wiping the other emotions that had been splayed out over his visage. With a nod Eli turns on foot and moves to finish his tasks, vanishing from Lanara’s sight. Some time later that evening, the desert born has finished bathing and no longer reeks of animal dung. When he finds Venin, she looks none too pleased about being Lanara’s delivery girl. She’s also irritated that Eli is being pulled away from sanctuary duties. With a frustrated sigh, she delivers the note and leaves. He sets himself to the task of reading over it and then heads out to meet her - taking the notes advice literally and saddling a horse to climb up the mountains of xalious. He hoped that tonight would clear his worries.



Starry Heavens



This room doesn't seem to have walls at all instead you are standing underneath the dark sky. The roof of the tower is completely flat, and there is nothing between you and the ground below. Millions of stars are sparkling above you, and you feel that if you would stretch out your hand you could touch them. The constellations are clearly visible here, slowly moving around the polar star in a gracious, eternal dance. After you have been standing here for some time, lights appear on the northern horizon, slowly moving and changing colors. Then twelve stars grow stronger in light, and you see they form a circle in the sky, like a silver wheel or a starry crown the corona borealis. They slowly begin to spin, slow at first, but then faster and faster until it looks like a brilliant circle in the sky. The other stars become less visible as the light brightens, and all that you can see is the spinning orb in the darkness of the sky. After a while the spectacle in the sky has stopped, and you find yourself standing again underneath the quiet heavens. You realize you have witnessed something very special and mysterious, although you are not sure yet what it all meant. Slowly you go down the stairs again. Blended in almost perfectly as a set of steps made of stars, heading up.

(Post 1 of 2) As Elioyahazer’s steed makes his way up the winding path of the Xalious Mountains, the witch makes certain that everything has been perfectly placed. She had spoken with several citizens in the area, and they had granted her permission to reserve this sacred space for the evening. A burly guard stands at the entrance to the place that had been set aside for the two lovers, and were anyone aside from Eli to come traipsing his way, they’d be met with the pointed side of a spear and escorted down the side of a cliff. Obviously, Lana had given Lloyd a thorough description of her assassin, so the guard merely ushers the man and his horse pass the velvet ropes and motions them onwards with a wink. This wasn’t his first rodeo in keeping out a watchful eye while a pair took their privacy, and he wasn’t cheap to hire, either. The witch had gone to great lengths to find the perfect place to stargaze, and gold was of no matter when it came to cheering up a loved one. Eli would take in the atmosphere, first and foremost, noticing how the heavens seemed to part, and sprinkled shooting stars just out of reach. If one reached out, it’s almost as if you could touch the glowing forms, or as if your voiced wish would truly be heard from the close proximity of the skies. The view is beyond breathtaking, the scent of fresh flowers and a hint of vanilla providing comfort to one’s anxiety, and the rose petals lining the way to their camping spot for the evening. A plethora of meats and cheeses lie on a blanket, enchanted to remain warm, so none of the food would spoil. To the right of the blanket is a small ever-flowing chocolate fountain, along with sharp sticks, marshmallows, bites of pound cake, and various fruits, for dipping. Silver plates and cutlery have been placed for two atop a small table, along with wine glasses, and an ice bucket which houses various types of liquor, depending on one’s preference. A wooden bench rests behind the table, with heart shaped pillows, and a stuffed animal of a hawk rests in the center, as though it were a gift for someone special. Further along, a giant massage table has been erected, with oversized towels, oils, and scented lotions. Lit candles flicker in the night from the faint breeze that enters from the south, adding some ambience to the already picturesque scene. The softest twinkling of bells and a violin can be heard in the background, should one wish to dance, or be left to their own thoughts with some audio enhancements. Finally, the last area that Eli would come to see would be where dozens of oversized pillows have been neatly arranged, to provide cushion atop the ground, and so they could literally sleep beneath a blanket of stars. Some of the pillows resemble bean bag chairs, others are pink and fluffy, and a select few have been stuffed with the finest feathers in the realm, all for their comfort.


(Post 2 of 2) Atop the center row of pillows, lounges the brunette, looking exquisite in a floor-length black velvet gown, which leaves little to the imagination. The neck line is cut nearly to her navel, and there are two slits on the sides, which hike up past her shapely thighs. The dress is form-fitting, as always, and her lustrous locks cascade to the middle of her back in gentle waves. Extra care was given when applying a thin layer of makeup to accentuate her fair features, and a pair of diamond stud earrings is worn on her lobes. She also spritzed some expensive perfume that she had purchased that morning in the market, which is far more alluring than her usual lavender scent, and also wouldn’t bring back harsh memories of Eli’s past. Perhaps Lana was aiming to compete with the beauty of the starry heavens? If so, she was giving those stars a run for their money, as she pushes herself to stand, and waits for Eli to dismount his horse. The steed whinnies at Lana, as she slips a few sugar cubes into his mouth, before he obediently retreats to wait at Lloyd’s side until the following morning. “Hey, Handsome.” Doe eyes sparkle beneath the full moon, as she pulls Eli in for a tight hug, inhaling his scent, relieved that he no longer reeks of manure. “I hope you’re hungry. I know we don’t often choose to eat meat, but I think its comfort food to most men, so I’ve had Chef Gordyn prepare some of his best dishes for us this evening.” Her arms would drop, and she would take his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as she leads her assassin over to the space she had designated as the dining area. Taking a seat, she eyes Eli, rather than the food, and she purses her lips, as though having had prepared a speech hours before, though everything feels so different when looking into his mottled gaze. “I feel like ignoring what happened isn’t working for either of us… And though I only want to help, it’s not my intent to push you away from me. I’ve realized that your future plans… For a job, an area to live, perhaps a whole new outlook on things… None of that is –my- choice. I can recommend some things that worked for me. I can push you into new experiences. But… Overall? It’s all about what makes you happy. And if you are happy, that makes me happy. The only thing I can push for… Is a future that keeps us together, no matter what… Because my feelings for you are true. I’m in love, and… I want to be with you, whether you are an assassin, a man that shovels animal feces, or something else entirely.” She pauses, hoping her words reach his ears, before she speaks again, “So… Tonight is for you. We can talk about what’s bothering you, and I will just listen. I won’t offer advice, unless that’s what you want. I just want you to know that I am here for you, through the good and the bad. I want to be here for you, always. I’m sorry if I haven’t been there for you much this past week. I honestly can’t wrap my mind around what you are feeling, and I thought space was best… So… If you want to vent, cry, laugh, forget, talk, or just cuddle beneath the stars all night… Or even –all- of those things… I’m with you, Sandman.” A nervous smile breaks through her façade of having it all plotted out, as she had never gone to such lengths to impress a man.


Eli finds himself flabbergasted; lost in the evidence of the place before his mutated eyes. Swept up in the sights of those shining stars. In her. Did her errands involve preparing all of this? He realizes that she has even gone through the trouble of hiring a guard. What had she planned out? Though his loss of words only continue when his gaze meets hers. Suddenly he’s more overwhelmed by her, and that black dress holds his attention for longer than it might usually. The plain attire he’s equipped is meant to keep him warm through his journey up the mountain, not to flatter his form. As such, he’s in blues and greys, wearing that keffiyeh around his neck as per usual and as such, he feels rather underdressed - unprepared. He gives the whole area one last glance and then affixes his gaze on the elegance and allure of his witch. Through all of her speech, the cinnamon skinned male bites his tongue - remaining silent and absorbing her purpose behind this act. Meat for comfort food? Eli had never tried such a thing. When she’s done he lets that silence reign for a time - licking his parched, wind dried lips. “That’s where you’re wrong, my Canary.” The inflection behind his tone is calm. “Tonights for us.” A single digit points to her, and then back to himself. They were finally going to acknowledge the things going on between them. The problems of Eli’s world that have him so torn up. He never thought this would happen. But the swell of that realization nearly produces his own water works. Once again he’s not alone. Left to wander in the dark without a guide or so much of a torch. She cared, and here he thought that this was beginning to slip through his fingers. Contrary to his previous statement, he whispers “You did all of this for me?” His hands wave to the area around them. He’s acknowledging the effort she’s put into this and producing a genuine, ivory lined smile; showing those near perfect teeth of his. With a sigh he gives in, and caves. “I’m sorry that I’ve been distant myself. I just need, and still need time to process it all.” He looks directly into those mahogany colored eyes of hers. “But I would like to share those thoughts with you. I don’t like feeling alone with all of this.” Finally, he takes a seat and takes a better look at the food she’s produced for the evening. She might be right, meat might actually hit the spot right now. “Thank you for this Lana. Really.” Another long pause takes control, but she could tell that there is something that he wishes to get off his chest. Eventually he words it. “I’m in love with you too Canary.”


Lanara swirls the rose wine in her glass, the effect of his words reflecting in her captivating gaze, as she gives a slow nod. They were truly addressing what they had become, seemingly overnight. The male had never directly asked her to be his lady, thus, they had never held an actual relationship title. Their courtship was constantly in fast forward, as their lives were often in danger, and romance had taken a back seat eighty percent of the time. The little moments, however, never left. Waking up next to each other after a night of passion, or cuddling after an exhausting day of training and work and facing off against their pursuers. The sharing of meals, a home, and meeting all of Lana’s strange animal friends. The few social events that they had graced with their presence, each the other’s doting date. As inseparable as they were, it was scarce that they had discussed their feelings for each other, or spoken aloud their wishes for a potential future. Was this Eli’s way of saying that he felt the same? That he mirrored the thoughts that made her heart skip a beat? The assassin looks delicious in his casual wear, and although she’s beyond overdressed for a night of camping beneath the stars, she wouldn’t have it any other way. The keffiyeh is from his homeland, and it had kept him warm on his journey up the mountain. And she would never grow weary of seeing him dressed simple, as when they had first met he was covered from head to heel in thick robes. His mismatched hues are glued upon her form and a shiver runs along Lana’s spine, though it’s a welcome tingle, and her lips curve into a silken smile. “To us…” She murmurs, as they clink their glasses and prepare to dine. Forking some pork medallions and mushrooms onto their plates, she follows by spooning some wild rice, and finally some lemon and garlic coated broccoli. Their salad bowls are filled with mixed greens and strips of grilled steak in a balsamic dressing, and a freshly baked bread basket sits to the front of their plates. The elf is famished, as she had left work, made the preparations and spent the entire day carting pillows up to the heavens. Her first bite of the pork has those lids half closing and she practically purrs at that taste the envelopes her senses. “Mmm…” Eli is apologizing, so she pauses in her meal, never once removing her attention from his lips, as his words echo in her tapered ears. “There’s no need for you to apologize, Sandman. I don’t expect you to bounce back overnight… You found out some things that were meant to remain hidden for the rest of your life. Of course it’s a shock and you’re trying to sort through it all. Tonight, I’m happy to listen. I found that being one with nature… The food, the stars, the ambience of this magical place… Maybe it will provide some clarity. I just want you to know that I’m here…” For as long as he wanted her to remain at his side. Almost shyly, she tucks her hair behind her ears and leans in to place her lips atop his own, in a kiss that starts out as tender. It would deepen, as if she’s in no hurry for it to end, growing slightly more passionate, as though they had been apart for many months, and this was a welcome home type of embrace. A hand slides up his chest to his neck, as she lovingly caresses his cheek with her thumb, having missed the closeness, missed tasting his lips, and missed the man who had completely unraveled her world. Eventually, their lips part, and she rests her forehead against his own, her words a gentle whisper, filled with emotion. “I’m so helplessly in love with you, but I’m pretty sure you gathered that by now.”


Elioyahazer is saying all of those things, in his own way. She is his everything. Despite the frustration of depression. The loss of his path in life. She is his anchor. The only solid place that exists within his mind. Yes, I love you, he thinks to himself. The more such things are pondered over the more he realizes the truth of it. When that glass of wine is raised, he too joins her toast, and clinks his glass softly against hers. He was never very proper with these types of manners anyway. No matter how polite he comes across to strangers. “The only thing I need right now, is your company Lana,” his mutated eyes are sure to make direct eye contact during that statement. He was sure that she could read his tone for exactly what it was. When that kiss reaches his lips - time seems to slow; stopping for those moments their lips collide. Like a meteor to his world, altering the inner most thoughts. Erasing the bad he had been stuck on, even if only for tonight. This again reaffirms the pull that she has within his beating chest. He’s crazy about this little witch, and he never planned to let her go. The feeling of longing in her touch is suddenly obvious. As though he were a man that had been away for months on some rotten quest which had pulled him away from her. That she couldn’t help but melt within his embrace. But much to her surprise, he is reacting the same way. He longed for that closeness again. For that touch. Her affections. How he had ached for it and just suddenly felt it all lifted away - like weights pulled off of his chest. When that kiss ends Eli’s eyes are flicking down to those lips of hers, still hungry for more. “I know Lanara,” He offers a smile to her, teasing her with his words for a moment. “And I you.” The tone in his voice reveals the feelings which he had been trying to portray. “I missed this.” His hand reaches up to caress her delicate cheek. “I missed you.”


Lanara finds herself unable to fully pull back from the kiss, her lips a mere inch from his own as her affections are returned, entirely. It felt so good to feel cherished, to feel his fingertips running up and down her spine, while his hand cupped her silken cheek. The hunger in his gaze, the desire they both felt when their lips were pressed against each other, all were signs that their week spent semi-apart hadn’t lessened their feelings in any way. If anything, the pull felt stronger. Lana feels that it’s vital that her hand remain atop the area where his heart lies, that her dark gaze remains glued to his face, as she softly smiles, “I missed you, too. But… We never really parted, did we? I just wanted to give you space so you could sort through your own emotions, without my influence. Even if it killed me to keep my distance.” Canting her head to the side, she gives a slow nod to their food. “Let’s eat, okay? Then maybe we can return to this?” The look she’s giving Eli is intentional, as though she’d rather be devouring the man, instead of the finely prepared food set upon their plates. She had brought him here to help him forget his problems for one night, so that they could rekindle that spark that had been put on hold when life got in the way, and she wanted to make sure that he was properly fed and given the opportunity to talk about anything that was on his mind. Lana is mentally scolding herself for starting off their evening with such a passionate kiss, as she had planned on that occurring a bit later. Her stomach growls and she apologetically frowns, lifting the glass to her lips as she takes a sip, “I’m sorry. I meant to deliver that little speech, dine you, and then spend a night beneath the stars. Instead, I tried to ravage you before the main course.”


Elioyahazer finds himself lost in the moment, but can’t resist a little flirting. Not when she’s looking and talking to him like that. “You mean I’m not the main course?” He teases her with a quirked eyebrow. The food before him looked delicious, and he finds that his hands have shifted to grab a few things here and there. “Well, don’t let me drown for too long next time.” He’s nearly laughing at his own words. About how he had literally felt alone once again. Eli takes a bite of the food for the first time tonight. He isn’t sure who this Ramsey guy is, but his food is good. Perhaps a little over-blown though. Regardless, her efforts aren’t unnoticed. “Yeah, we never really parted. You were always around and I was always working in the sanctuary.” His eyes shift to her momentarily, “but I never thought you were so far away until then.” His words were the truth that he felt within. Though the expression on his face sours. The truth is that isn’t what’s bothering him. With a sigh, he finally gives words to those thoughts he’s been drowning in. “You work in one trade your entire life, you know. And it’s a trade you thought you loved. Turns out that love was a lie. Everything you enjoyed about it. A lie. The lives I’ve taken, in reality, are lives that I never would have taken. Not even for all the gold in the world. I’m nothing more than a murderer, brought into life at someone else’s whim.” Lastly Eli sets his fork down, and turns his head to stare off into the distance. After a minute or two of silence, he begins to talk. “I still see all of their faces, Lana.” Another sigh is given. “Breaking the memory spell, didn’t erase those things. Just changed my perception of it.”


Lanara laughs at the flirtatious banter, giving a quick shake of her head, “Nope. You’re dessert, Sandman!” The faintest outline of a blush is evident on her high cheekbones, though it rapidly fades when the conversation takes on a serious tone. Despite the fact that she’s famished, she fills up rather quickly, and she lowers her fork to the plate to devote her attention to Eli. She knows opening up doesn’t come easy to the assassin, as he had been trained not to form attachments of any kind, and keep things confidential was vital to his occupation. Yet, he trusted her with his heart, something neither of them ever thought possible. She yearns to pull him into her embrace, but she can see how he’s struggling, and looking far off in the distance. Was he visualizing something else? The next words hit too close to home, and she takes another sip of wine, giving a slow nod. She knew exactly what he meant, and only when the words cease does she reach out and take his hand. A gentle squeeze would follow, before she cradles the appendage to her chest, nuzzling her cheek against his knuckles. It’s the only comfort she can provide at this moment, as she knew he needed a tapered ear that was willing to listen, and lush lips that would offer words of encouragement. “Hey… I know that you see their faces. That all of the things you found out were so far from what you ever expected to discover. Your true path was stolen, decided by another, and you adopted that way of life, never knowing any better to question anything. Now, you do know the truth. And yes, it won’t clean any of the blood you spilled, those that died by your hand… But, you feel remorse. You’re capable of change. Eli, this is your second chance. You create who you become in the end, and that’s what matters. You’ve made the decision to never again murder for money. Your remorse is your repentance. And… I just want you to know that you are a product of your past, not a prisoner of it. The path to healing starts with forgiveness. If you want to heal… Direct the blame to Jez and those that brainwashed you.”


Elioyahazer turns his gaze to her after her words. “Even you don’t quite understand. I’m repenting for things that I’m not responsible for. Yes I killed them, but for reasons that were beyond my control. I was nothing more than a puppet.” How silly to say it that way. But when you think about it, he wasn’t. They were things he had been forced into by Jez and her Magic. “Yet I suffer for it. Now that the puppet-master has gone, my strings have come undone and I lie limply on the floor. Will I ever stand on my own again?” He doesn’t really know how to explain his thoughts to her. She stood on the side of optimism. ‘You have a new chance, Sandman.’ A new chance at what? To figure out how to cope with his dark past, and move on to something better? It doesn’t happen so easily. “Everything I am is because of her. And I don’t really know how else to explain it to you. But it’s not something that I can fix by trying to ignore it.” With a final sigh Eli shakes his head, and just grabs the fork in front of him. It’s more frustrating that he can’t even word his thoughts. As if they were even guarded from himself - beyond his own grasp. Now he’s really just unable to even speak of them. His mind moves to the food in front of him, trying to change the subject. “This is rather good Lana. Who did you say made all of this?” He pops another bite of food in his mouth, shutting himself up effectively.


Lanara frowns, her expression changing from hopeful to concerned. She couldn’t reach him, no matter how hard she tried. He was unhappy wallowing in self-pity, yet he didn’t want to move on and figure things out, either. He was a shell of the brainwashed man he once was, and she feels as though she’s failing him on every level. She lowers his hand, so that he may use it to slice his food, and she crosses her legs, nervously toying with the hem of her expensive gown. “I do understand. I’m just trying to see it from a different perspective. I’m sorry for what you went through, for the ghosts that haunt you, and for the uncertainty in your future. I’m sorry that you are repenting for merely being their puppet. This is –all- unfair, Sandman. Every drop of blood spilled. Every accepted coin. Every horrible thing they did to an innocent child. It’s so unfair. I… I wish I could take your pain away. I wish I could face off with Jez and make her answer to her Maker. But… Sadly, we are here. I don’t have all the answers, though I wish I did. I can only suggest that you try to find a way to cope, and to find something you enjoy doing, a purpose… I… I know you’ve lost yourself, and that you feel like life is meaningless. I know that you just want everything to slip away. But… I’m not going anywhere, Sandman. If you want to talk, I will listen. If you want comfort, just pull me into your arms and I will remain there until you’re strong again. If you want to vent, we can spar or go for a run. Just… Please don’t push me away and discount the things I say, because where you think I don’t understand… It’s really just my heart telling me to help the man I love. If you take a decade to be okay again, I will wait. There’s no rush. You are mourning and trying to figure things out, and it won’t happen overnight. I just hope you know that you aren’t alone in all of this, and that you’ll never be alone again.” He had Lanara’s mind, body, and soul, attached to his own. As well as a biological father who was desperately hoping for a relationship with his only son. “Gordyn Whamsey. He’s a little crazy in the kitchen, but his food is the best.” This is said softly, her fingers tearing a thread from the gown, as she nips her lower lip in worry. Was Eli growing angry with her again?


Elioyahazer was more frustrated over his own inability to explain himself - it’s not necessarily Lanara thats at fault. Instead she’s picking up his shortness, and anger towards himself. “I didn’t and don’t mean to snap at you. I just wasn’t looking for answers, though I do appreciate them.” What was mostly important was that she just listened and understood him. He wasn’t aware that she had until just moments ago. He gives her an honest smile, showing those pearly whites, and grabs that hand fidgeting with the hem of her dress. “I’m still here, and you are helping me.” He gives that hand a squeeze, “You in that dress is difficult enough of a distraction for any man. Depressed or not.” Once more he’s alluding to the nature of her in that beautiful thing. She was stunning, not just as always, but because she was there for him. Doing what she knew to pull him from out of his current funk. “Have you tried this yet?” Eli pulls a bit of desert onto his fork and offers to feed Lanara. “I don’t think I’ve ever actually tried to feed you.” The Sandman begins to laugh a little bit. “But, it would be a shame to let this food and your efforts go to waste. Besides, I’m kind of dying to see whats underneath that dress.” It seems that his mood had finally been pulled from the dark recess, and tonight she would have her playful Elioyahazer back. The man who would literally wine and dine with her all night long.


Lanara wasn’t looking for an apology; she merely took each statement that was laced with anger as though it were a direct hit towards her, and not just towards the desert born. They were a couple, after all. If he was hurting, she felt pain just in watching him suffer in silence. Being a witch, she had followed the only example she knew in life, the path of her ancestors. She couldn’t imagine waking up one morning and finding out that it was all a lie, that the Goddess didn’t exist, that magic was nothing more than a myth. Lana also had issues with her own biological father, so she understood Eli’s hesitation to let Michael into his life. If she couldn’t redesign his past, or repair his present feelings, she could at least help him to have a happier future. The witch is lost in her own thoughts, comparing their entwined lives, that she’s surprised when a bite of carrot cake is held before her mouth. Chocolate hues lock on Eli’s mottled gaze, as her lips part, and she takes a dainty bite, savoring the flavor on her tongue. “Mmm… This is amazing. I’m going to beg Whamsey for the recipe. Last time, I asked about his gravy he threw a frying pan at me!” She giggles, nervously, as he turns on the charm, commenting on how beautiful she is in that dress. She did look ravishing, and it had cost her a pretty penny. The ex-assassin was worth impressing, and she knew he’d –really- enjoy seeing the pricey lingerie she had tucked beneath the bed of pillows in the corner. “Before we do anything of that nature… I believe I promised you a massage to help you unwind.” There’s a hint of desire in her eyes, though she’d quell any urges. Tonight was all about Eli. The couple finishes their dessert and Lana rises, taking his hand and leading him over to the porcelain table that had been set up. “Why don’t you strip down, and lay on your belly? You can drape this towel over your, um, privates. And I’ll be right back. I’m just going to change into something suitable for a massage.” The candles remain lit, the stars twinkle in the night sky, and the area smells of roses. Eli would see several bottles of warming lotions, with scents ranging from the basic vanilla, all the way to an exotic cherry almond.


Elioyahazer found himself laughing. “I suppose I should go with you the next time you ask this chef for a meal? At least I can protect you from flying frying pans and UFO’s of all types.” After a moment he gathers his composure once more. “A massage?” In truth, Eli has a hard time just letting her meander out of that room to change. Evidenced by his hesitancy to even let go of her hand. But eventually he complies, and strips down - using that towel she so advantageously left for his modesty. Which doesn’t really exist with her to begin with. Instead he takes a deep breath and calms his nerves. Without any further words he lays face down as she has instructed. Eventually his eyes wander from each bottle she brought here, until her massage starts. The sandman enjoys this time with her, and playful banter between the two continues rapid fire throughout much of their evening. An evening which eventually ends in a night where the two do things that are a little less appropriate... He does however, make note of what she had one beneath that dress.