RP:Hope and Honey
Summary: Xiem and Lita enjoy a night at the Broken Barrel Inn before he offers to walk her home.
Broken Barrel Inn
The laws of the land do not apply to this establishment, yet somehow there is order among chaos. Aged, abused by the weather, the Broken Barren Inn stands defiantly against the stormy shores of Rynvale just off the dock, but it is a place far from welcoming. The split, oak carved sign hangs sideways on only one chain, irony not quite lost in the words tarnished by rain. Through that open door barely sitting on it’s hinges, the light of a blazing fire reflects across a dingy interior made to look more wealthy with trinkets. The walls are covered with artifacts and cheap glamour from other worldly locations and ports; rusted weapons and sea-monster fishing lure, ship wheels, a gold-braided rope, the mounted bones of an aquatic creature with seven limbs, tapestries and carvings of various culture, and instruments that no one could know how to play. Centering all of this is Redbeard’s Maiden, herself: a sultry, golden-haired mermaid bust with red painted lips and a beckoning smile, caught in a net draped to the rafters. Mounted to the wall not far behind, a fish-like tail adorned by flawlessly painted emerald scales stretches out behind her. For every first tankard bought in the Broken Barrel she is afforded a salute, a custom that Simon, the bar’s general, has not allowed to die over the years. Dominating the center of this room is an impressive four-sided bar, flanked by booths along all ways, each lit by a hanging candelabra of worked iron. Gatherings of shady sailors and outlaws collect in groups, keeping the atmosphere noisy with harmonica and bagpipe while others plot their next dastardly scheme. While invited to venture upstairs, wandering toward the cellar door might earn you a few dirty looks.
Xiembantointh and company started off the day early and by now everyone looks well worn except for Xiem as the sun starts to set. There have been some tables lined up together so they can eat banquet style and upon the table is a feast for them all, along with pitchers filled with ale, but a locally brewed stout is placed in the center for Xiem and he shoots a knowing grin over to Simon who surprisingly smiles back. It seems that Xiem has even made a friend of the old salt! Xiem looks a bit misted from sweating, which typically doesn't happen, but the warmer weather takes advantage of his cold heritage. Other than that, he doesn't look nearly as ragged from work like most of the rest even though his clothes look like hell. Maybe he should have bright another shirt to change into, but hopefully Lita won't mind the mess since she got ink all over him that one time. He has yet to sit as he keeps eyeing the door, trying to contain his anticipation in the hopes that Lita will show. Taking a chance, he goes over to the bar to ask Simon if he knows Lita and luckily he does which is great because then Xiem can request her favorite drink so it is ready for her. Oddly enough, he doesn't feel nervous, just excited and he meanders back on over to the table, "go ahead, guys dig in. Start without me," a few of the workers give each other knowing grins before doing so, but they don't need to be told twice! It is then he sees Lita, beaming in her dress and a smile cracks over his face. The few nosy coworkers follow his gaze and one even lets out a wolf whistle. "Lita," he easily speaks over the lively crowd of the Barrel before slipping his way over to her for a big bear hug. "How are you?" Then he inspects her dress, "sorry, I didn't get anything on your dress did I?" He really wasn't thinking as his attire has been obviously hard at work with him. When his gaze lingers a bit longer than usual, he forces his azure gaze back to her face, "you look," hot, "great."
Lita is decidedly less nervous when she spies him at the bar. Though she lingers near the door still, watching him for a moment. She could still turn around and leave, come up with some excuse about work or some such. She was used to running. But she doesn't want to. And it doesn't take long for him to spot her and she moves through the throng of people to meet him before she's swept into a hug. She inhales the scent of him- wood and sweat and sun. She scarcely has time to hug him back, let alone answer him. "It's fine." She waves a hand about the dress and smiles up at him. "Thank you." She glances past him at the large tables they've set up for everyone. "Am I late? I'm sorry." She's grateful when he dismisses her apology as unnecessary and takes her hand to lead her towards the table to find seats. He introduces a few coworkers along the way, who seem to be giving Xiem knowing looks. She's relieved with Simon sends a girl over with two glasses of his famed honeyed whiskey and she takes one, downing it in one swift gulp. It steadies the nerves. A few of Xiem's coworkers are giving her looks now and she's not sure if it's because they're judging or impressed. "Okay," she says finally. "I'm not gonna lie, I probably won't remember your names. I'm just not good with them, I'm sorry." She hadn't really meant to interrupt their conversations but it dwindles for a moment until someone at the other end of the table throws out, "Xiem's been telling us for weeks to be on our best behavior." A ripple of laughter follows. "Oh, please don't." Lita answers. "I want to hear all the sordid stories." She teases.
Xiembantointh wouldn't hear of it, she arrives when she means to. Of course he is introducing her left and right, everyone is eager to meet the mysterious reason he has been extra smiley. He is a consistent ball of contagious joy wherever he goes, but something has been a little extra about him these last couple of months. One of the guys in the group asks, "is Miss Lita a client of Nildran construction?" This is a tense moment for the male workers and the few females roll their eyes at the question because they know what is on the men's minds. Moment of truth- is Lita 'just a client.' "No. She's the one who did my tattoo," the group as a collective is enthralled by now! A couple of the fellas seem a bit zealous that this gorgeous woman is not a client and now they have the option to attempt to woo the woman with some harmless flirting. He sits back and watches her shift miraculously into one of the many layers that make her up while all he can do is smile at her as he is thankful to just be next to the light she shines. The table erupts in boisterous laughter at her bluntness along with Xiem. When a coworker attempts to out him, he scoffs, "you know that is for the fact that we're working in a high society and that order is from my daughter." His daughter can be a little stuck up at times, mostly when it comes to people representing her good name. All of his workers are courteous and respectful even though Lita isn't a client, but they are enjoying her completely. Xiem is just sitting back and enjoying it while periodically drinking from his tankard.
Lita is enjoying seeing him in his element. She's grateful for the compliments when he mentions her being the artisan of his tattoo but he doesn't mention she's a client. That was a good thing, wasn't it? One of the men asks about her own ink and she's not shy about sharing the smaller pieces on her wrists, the spade and the dual triquetra but when he asks who James is, nodding towards the larger piece on her clavicle, she hesitates a beat. And the man's cheeks flush, feeling like he might have crossed some line but Lita manages a playful wink for him across the table. "Now, now, a lady can't tell all her secrets on the first date." Fair enough. She's on her third drink and fielding multiple conversations and stories at once feels easier. Someone asks what she's been drinking as she's taking a sip and she's no qualms about handing over the glass to share. "House special. Simon cooks this honeyed whiskey. It's divine." She orders a round for the table on her tab and won't hear any argument from Xiem for it. When the music picks up at the other end of the bar, one of the guys asks a female coworker to dance and she shuns him playfully. Lita senses there might be some history there, or maybe she just shouldn't have had that last drink. Either way she's on her feet and reaching to take the man's hand. "Consolation prize?" She offers and he's looking up at her as if she's anything but. For a moment Lita wonders if he might glance at Xiem, as if asking permission. Maybe she should have asked him to dance instead. But she's already here. And thankfully the man takes her hand and follows her to the dance floor.
Xiembantointh hears some playful jeering after he mentioned his daughter for the mishap in words, "I'm sorry, I mean 'our employer'." The laughters are genuine as it is obvious Xiem has walked that fine line between friendship with his coworkers and garnering respect from them. Xiem is carrying on his own conversations, but he is still very aware of Lita sitting next to him because she smells quite nice and is getting all of the attention she deserves. Every once in a while, he finds himself watching her for a moment too long before being pulled back into a conversation with, "hm?", "wait, what?" and, "huh?" Everyone raises their shot glasses high and downs the shots with the ring leader, who has become Lita. Of course the whiskey has little to no effect on Xiem due to being a dragon and all. It seems there is a break in conversation and he leans in towards Lita to whisper something, "hey," but then she is off like a whirlwind to dance with one of the workers and his grin returns as he can see what she is up to. The man doesn't look to Xiem for permission, he has no clue how close Lita and Xiem have become. The guy is friendly with everyone he meets! He watches them dance with a smile on his face for how precious she looks because he truly is not the jealous type. Of course she should be asked to dance and flirted with, she is a gorgeous woman. The only time it would become an issue is if she was visibly uncomfortable in a situation and then, only then would he intervene. It takes him a minute to peel his gaze off Lita and the way she moves in a dance with another guy to see the woman he left behind looking pouty. Leaning on the table to get the woman's attention with a grin, he simply says, "next time he asks, go." Then she also starts to grin while blushing because she knows Xiem is right.
Lita feels a little more comfortable on the dance floor. She's used to the chaos of it. The meshed sounds of music and laughter and people drowning out unconscious thought, the press of people. Her feet know the steps and she doesn't have to think about it. She scarcely notices when Cal steals her hand away from Xiem's coworker without asking and spins her away from the man. The smuggler is a head taller than she is, salt and pepper hair betraying his years, the lines of his face hard won, familiar pale blue eyes cutting across her in the new dress. "I like this." He says, snapping the thin strap of the garment against her shoulder. "Business or pleasure?" He asks, nodding towards Xiem and their party. "I don't see how that's your concern." She manages. She tries to meet Xiem's coworker with an apologetic smile but the man is already returning to their group. "Protecting my business assets." Cal says, drawing her attention again. "We work together, not for one another." She stresses, a little annoyed. "You're lettin' Leo prowl around the shop now. I don't remember agreein' to that." His arm finds her waist as he steers them towards the bar as the music shifts into the next song. "I don't remember needin' your permission." She tosses back. Cal flags down Simon for a couple of drinks and Lita glances towards Xiem who is thankfully engaged in a conversation but she doesn't want to be rude. "It's a symbiotic relationship." He says, as if annoyed that the explanation is needed. It's not and Lita shoots him a look. "On top o' Leo you got the spellblade puttin' holes in the floor and now this one?" He motions a hands towards Xiem in a vague gesture. "Lits, what're you doing?" She reaches for her glass and downs it. "You're not this person." He continues. "Maybe I am." She argues. "Maybe I could be. Maybe something has to give or change or something." She sounds less confident by the end and Cal doesn't look convinced. "Am I supposed to wish you luck or tell you there's a bottle with your name on it when you wise up?" She doesn't bother with an answer, just heads back to Xiem's table to find her seat again. She reaches out to squeeze his forearm gently. "Sorry. You missed a good dance."
Xiembantointh considers cutting when the song is over for the next dance and he thought he had seen someone stealing her away before he gets the chance, but then he spots his daughter entering the Inn. He quickly makes his way over to her because she already looks aggravated to be in such a rowdy place. She stands out because when you can choose what your human form looks like, why not. A gorgeous creature to look upon, but never touch. They have a short conversation and she smiles in a defeated way before shrugging. The way he kisses her forehead and holds the door open for her, it is obvious she is his daughter. He is completely oblivious to the odd conversation which he might have tried to intervene by judging Lita's body language, but he unfortunately missed it. They seem to return to the table at the same time when someone asked what their employer wants and he answers with, "ah. She just wanted me to stay at her home in Elimdor, but I told her I like to stay with my coworkers when we are working on a project. She understood," plus he would be closer to Lita if he stayed here at the Inn. He looks down to her with a charming smile, taking her hand, "I did? Is there no more room on your dance card for another?"
Lita doesn't miss the arrival of the other woman that Xiem moves to greet. Even amidst her conversation with the smuggler, the woman was an impossible sight to miss in this place. She's not as evolved as Xiem, maybe because there's a pang of brief jealousy in the pit of her when she steals his attention. But the way he is around her, it's clear the girl is his daughter and Lita feels a bit foolish for her previous feelings. He confirms as much when she returns to their gathering and he explains he was choosing to stay in town. "I can make an exception, I s'pose." She smiles at him. "Just this once." And she'll take his hand to follow him back out onto the dance floor.
Xiembantointh lets his grin soften as he says only loud enough for her to hear when she relents, "lucky me." For only a moment does he let her lead him on their way to the dance area and then it is his turn. He possesses no cool moves and his skill is adequate enough. The music has a fast tempo, so he has fun improvising a quick step type dance with a twirl thrown in for Lita a couple of times, but then the music suddenly settles into a slow dance. It feels quite cliche, but he merely lets out a low chuckle while pulling her in for a proper slow dance if she wishes to continue. His eyes turn down to look far off into her own as a comfortable silence rests between them. "You seem to be enjoying yourself," he genuinely smiles down at her. "At least, I hope you are." One of his hands holds her own in their close slow dance and his thumb gently caresses over the outer edge of her's.
Lita rather enjoys getting to steal away to the dance floor with him. Even just for a few minutes to get to laugh at some of his dance moves. It's endearing though, really. When he draws her closer for that slow dance, she glances over her shoulder at his coworkers, not quite sure if they're supposed to be here. "I am." She says softly. She glances up at him but doesn't quite meet his gaze, dark eyes tracing the line of his jaw instead. "I was really nervous about coming tonight." She admits quietly between them. "About seeing you again." Her smile broadens a bit, clearly the nervousness wasn't entirely a bad thing.
Xiembantointh also glances at his coworkers and conveniently positions them so there is a large wooden beam mostly obscuring their view, but a dance is harmless… right? He grins a little wider when she says she is having a good time, feeling victorious once again even if he isn’t the sole reason she is having a good time. “Yeah? That’s good. I’m glad,” he offers genuinely as he is suddenly well aware that his hand is placed in the middle of her back and the tip of his pointer finger is pressed flush against the cool skin on her back where her dress begins. He doesn’t dare move his hand, unless she seems bothered by it, but then she is admitting she had been nervous and his brow raises with curiosity, “is that so? Why for?” Then she adds the part about being nervous to see him and his cheeks flush just a little, “me?” Maybe it's the atmosphere or how cute she looks in the dress he doesn’t know is new that causes him to admit, “I’ve been looking forward to seeing you again, but never nervous because for some reason I just feel comfortable around you. Like, you understand me in ways most people don’t and I know it doesn’t make sense because we just met not long ago, but I just genuinely enjoy being around you,” his voice is low enough for only her to hear again and doing so makes his warm timbre crackle just a little bit more.
Lita is only vaguely aware of the way he positions them out of view of his coworkers. She's not sure if that's because he wants to keep his private life private or because it's her. Maybe both. Maybe it doesn't exactly matter. His hand on her back leaves her in no great rush to move, her fingers flexing gently around his, her free hand on his shoulder, curving upwards towards his neck. The way he talks of their time together draws a smile across her features and though she glances away briefly, she lifts her gaze to meet his eyes finally. "I think that's exactly why you make me nervous." She says. "I'm not used to letting people see me." Judging by the way he was ducking the eyes of his coworkers, maybe he wasn't either. She draws a half step closer to him, her palm flush against the side of his neck, her thumb caressing the line of his jaw. "Is it okay, if I really want to kiss you right now?" She offers him a coy smile but before he can answer, the music drifts to a close around them and people begin drifting away from the dance floor. Maybe next time. Instead she draws her hand from his neck and grasps the hem of her skirt, offering him a playful little curtsy as a thank you for the dance.
Xiembantointh only wishes to keep his work life in functioning order and if they see him slobbering all over Lita, then he might lose a little respect, but he foolishly wanted to see her anyway and if you ask him it is worth it. “You aren’t?” Xiem is mostly an open book and the way she seems like a social butterfly floating all around gracefully here and back at her shop, he doesn’t see a closed off woman. “I see you, Lita,” he finally responds with an expression on his face that hints he likes what he sees. Then she is being alluring and he has a feeling she knows exactly what she is doing as his gaze slips down to her lips again during that dangerous question. The music stops and their feet stop, which is also dangerous and then they just stand there a moment as people mill around them to find their seats, but this moment feels stretched across eons as they simply wait. For what? Who knows. “It could be, but-“ he starts she is retreating and he already feels like he didn’t get enough time holding her like that. “But it is getting late, would you let me escort you back to the shop or your villa?” He asks once she concludes curtsying while offering his arm for her to take if she is ready for a stroll under the moonlight.
Lita feels the room spin a little when he says that bit about being able to see her. Maybe it was true. Maybe Cal was right. She isn't sure which might worry her more. Lita glances over her shoulder, back towards the tables where his coworkers are still carrying on and having a grand time it seems, even in his absence. As much a she wants to be selfish with his time and these moments, she doesn't want to keep him from this time with them either. It's a ritual for them, sounds like. "I would like that. But I don't want to keep you from their company, either. That hardly seems fair of me." Even so she takes his offered arm. She's always been willing to be selfish about the things she wanted in the past. Why changed that now? "You don't think they'll mind me stealing you away for a while?"
Xiembantlointh follows her gaze to a table that seems just as rowdy and lively without him. “They’ll have more fun without their boss for a bit, trust me,” and at this he adds a playful wink because everyone knows no one can really relax with their boss around no matter how friendly and chill they may be. With the shake of his head, they slink out of the tavern with no one the wiser, “this night is more for them anyway and I’m sure whenever I get back they will still be there and I’ll help wrangle them to their rooms.” The streets are calm and he looks up to find the moon, but when he places his hand on top of Lita’s as it’s looped around his other arm, maybe she will notice the simple wedding band missing from his ring finger now. A comfortable silence rests between them before he breaks it to mention, “I can tell everyone got a kick out of you and of course, so do I.” His strides are long, but slow as he’s in no hurry to actually say goodbye to her. “So, am I escorting you to SoulsKin or the Villa, Lita?”
Beachside Villa
A worn path edged by beach primrose leads up to the stained-teak porch of this spacious, seaside villa. The foundation is built upon thick stilts that lift this island architecture only a few feet above the sand, allowing that ocean breeze to flow under the house to keep it naturally cool, as well as providing safety from a high tide flood. The interior beyond is simple: wicker and wood furniture, a short bar and bottle rack built into a back wall. Rooms for rest remain behind closed doors, and only a few exotic trinkets line the shelves. Large, open windows are dressed with the vintage, velvet curtains selected long ago by it's original owner, framing that paradise view of tumbling waves and swaying bitter panicum.
Lita knows he's right, about bosses and their employees. His demeanor makes it a simple thing to forget that he's the boss at all. His employees all seem to respect and look up to him and that's not an easy thing but speaks volumes about the man he is. She follows him outside the tavern, the cool night air and the quiet stillness of the streets a welcomed reprieve. "I was hoping I'd make a decent impression." The whiskey had helped, she's sure. "The villa." She answers him finally. It was farther away, even if only by a little, which meant she could steal a bit more time with him. She notes the absence of his wedding ring but she doesn't mention it. It feels like a personal thing. "Your daughter is beautiful." She says finally. The silence feels an easy thing between them. It still feels a bit like a dream that he's here at all, after the last few weeks of exchanging letters. She keeps glancing sideways at him, as if to make sure he's really there at all. "I hope you won't feel stretched too thin, working on her house and my deck. Even if you don't want to work on the villa, I'll be grateful just to spend some time with you while you're here. I hope you know that."
Xiembantointh keeps figuratively holding his breath at times for the guilt bomb to fall because there have been times in the past where he becomes suddenly aware of the flirtations from someone, but it somehow felt like cheating when it ever went further. It had almost always been there from the start when the courting began… There is something different this time with Lita and he doesn't even care to read into it. His steps continue at a leisurely pace as their thinking is similar to traveling farther and walking slowly in order to steal just a little more time. "She never tires of hearing it, that is for sure. In either form," he grins down at her while he is also stealing side glances her way while they journey. "No. Not at all. I love what I do and it never really feels like work to me." He pats her hand while her villa comes into view, "what do you think I'll be doing on my days off the next six months?" He still has yet to mention that they will be working on a mansion and it is more work than usual, but he doesn't mind a bit if he gets some quality time with his daughter and just as enticing, getting to know Lita better. His azure gaze takes in all the delicate details of the villa before he sets his gaze back down to Lita to take in all the delicate details of her face as they stand out on her front porch. He doesn't feel this night requires any more words as he uses the back of his hand to shift her thick raven hair from her shoulder and then his hand gently grasps the back of her neck to secure her. He lowers his face down so close to hers that their noses touch and he looks far off into her dark mysterious eyes once more before they shift to a close when their lips meet for the first time. His heart beats hard under the tattoo Lita made for him and his nose is filled with her intoxicating scent when he inhales her in before gently letting cool exhale out across her cheek because he is holding the kiss if she allows.
Lita understands all too well the concept of work not being work at all. She felt that way about her art and the shop. "I can't say it won't be a thrilling thing to get to watch you working out in the sun, probably with tools, all sweaty and what not. Preferably shirtless but you know, I'm not picky." She's teasing him, maybe. Though if there was anything to lend truth to her words it would be in the way she'd looked at him in the tattoo parlor when he'd had his shirt lifted to show her how that tattoo had healed. She'd no shame in appreciating the creation of him then, or now, or hopefully in the near future. Six months, he'd said. Six months to get to spend time with him and get to know him. Her gaze dips to his hand when he lifts it to her neck and as his fingers settle beneath raven curls and her breaths hitch as she tilts her face up to meet the bright blue of his gaze. Her hand leaves his arm and her fingers curl against the front of his shirt, tugging him closer, enveloped in the sudden warmth of him. Her free hand lifts to his cheek and she remembers to return his kiss in earnest. Her hand drifts upwards across his cheek, little fingers in his hair. He tastes like whiskey and new possibilities. "I like you." She murmurs with a smile against the corner of his mouth, nuzzling against his cheek. She can feel the beat of his pulse against her skin, beneath his fingertips and for a moment she bites at the inside of her lower lip, stifling a girlish little sound of delight. In the past she would have asked him to stay, she would have rushed things and been okay when they inevitably ended. But there's a thrill of anticipation in knowing she'll see him again. In knowing she'll miss him. And that maybe he'll miss her, too. "I should..." the words trail away from her as she draws away from him reluctantly, reaching behind her to open the front door without turning away from him. She lifts her free hand and brushes her thumb across her lower lip, still able to feel the warmth of his kiss lingering there. She reaches for the front of his shirt again, tugging him forward so she can kiss him again, gently. "Thank you, for tonight." And then she draws away from him at last, disappearing behind the front door of the villa before she can talk herself out of it again.
Xiembantointh feels her melting into the kiss and his lips part ever so slightly to allow her upper lip to fit between the pair of his lips which deepens the meaningful lock more so. His other hand has wrapped around the smaller woman and his fingertips gently dig into her back over the fabric of her dress in a gesture of desire. She might feel how his beard is a little tickly against her soft skin and he commits every little detail to memory because it will be something he wants to look back on for a long time. The way her hand grips his work shirt to pull him in tandem with him pulling her, the feel of her cool touch against his cheek and all of it. Her lips taste like hope and honey. He's never been so close to someone since Nildran without feeling a pang of guilt, but somehow Lita makes sense of things he cannot understand yet. Xiem's cheeks feel warm as he is smiling against her in the same fashion she is, returning the nuzzling and he replies, "I like you, too." It didn't need to be more complicated than that. While she's trying to stifle a girlish little sound of delight, he gives the cheek he is nuzzling a quick smooch to punctuate his reply. Xiem considers this moment to be too precious to stay even if she asked because he wishes to remember this first kiss all on its own no matter how thrilling and tempting it would be to stay. He is already missing her as she is untangling herself from his embrace and the corners of his lips curve into a kind smile that twinkles in his eyes while locking his gaze to her again, "you should…" He agrees and then she is pulling him back in for one last little kiss which makes him grin wider when the kiss breaks. "It was my pleasure, Lita. I'll be back in four days," which already feels too long. For a moment he stands on her porch alone with a stupid grin on his face as he feels the spot her hand had a hold on his shirt, but then he eventually makes his way fown the porch steps to take one last look at the space they stood during their kiss and then finally manuevering his way back to the Inn.
Over the next few days when the sun is rising and she is opening up shop at SoulsKin, she will find a single flower laid on the window sill's outer edge closest to the door. It will usually be a simple dandelion, pose, carnation, or lily which is easily found along the road from the Rynvale part of town to Elimdor. He remembers that she isn't much of a flower person, but he just wanted to show her she's still on his mind every day. So, he sees a random pretty flower and picks it if it doesn't belong to a garden, then he lays it on the window ledge of SoulsKin while passing on his way back home, but this is the time most of the shops have closed up for the night and hopes she starts out every morning with a smile.