RP:Picturesque Picnic

Summary: It's Lanara's birthday and her boyfriend, Elioyahazer plans a picnic in the most surreal setting. The fall day is in full swing as the colors of autumn bathe Sage Forest, and the witch is pleasantly surprised that he had gone to such lengths to pick a location that reminded her of Kelvar, her homeland. The two jump in leaf piles, discuss the upcoming Samhain ball, and have some deep discussions over pastries and wine.

It turns out that Eli had found a rather small clearing tucked deep within the ancient forest. He had chosen this spot, in hopes that it reminded her of Kelvar. At least of the good things she had revealed to him. The leaves have turned to reds, golds, browns, and greens and are dominating the landscape with their bright autumn colors. Even the air smelled of the season - cool and crisp. Refreshing to breathe in; granting a vitality to those who happen to find some form of relaxation within this scenic spot. Before Eli, stands a single picnic blanket, covered in a plethora of foods, snacks, cakes, and wines. In fact, the sandman had spent a lot of time just meandering around to find suitable items for this special day. Lana’s special day. He sure as hell hoped that his chosen location would help in adding to his efforts for this. Of course, he didn’t have a present, as there wasn’t enough time. The desert born, however, is determined to at least make today special for her. Eli, stands nearby the blanket, waiting for his witch to arrive. Dressed in casual keffiyeh, a blue wool sweater and jeans; not his usual garb.

Lanara had spent most of the morning at the sanctuary, tending to a trio of chipmunks that were torn from their mother well before they were weaned. Scheduling their feedings had been a nightmare, and she was relieved when Venin had arrived with a team of volunteers to work around the clock with the newborns. The witch returned home, expecting to find flowers, gifts, and cards, yet nothing sat on the front porch, or in the kitchen, and her mood instantly began to darken. How could Talyara forget her older sister’s birthday? Where was her boyfriend, Elioyahazer? Did everyone truly forget?! Stomping down the hallway to her room, she discovers a note taped to the door, and she greedily snatches it, and absorbs each word. Moments tick by, as the parchment is clutched to her chest, and the brooding of the morning dissolves, as she is suddenly beaming. After stripping out of her work clothes, she slips into a semi-formal salmon shift, and a pair of suede knee-high boots. Slight makeup enhances her fair face, and her long locks are left loose, to cascade midway down her back. The journey to the location that Eli has picked solely for her surprise is a bit of a trek in heels, yet she enjoys the scenery. The autumnal atmosphere is consuming, her eyes twinkle, and she inhales the brisk air. It was the perfect day for a picnic! Rounding a thick row of tall trees, she spots her assassin, standing before a blanket, with a plethora of sweets, fruits, and fine wines, spread out for their consumption. Closing the distance, her arms wrap around his waist, and a look of adoration appears on her face as she looks into his eyes. “You look handsome. So… -This- is what you were up to all day, huh? You are the sweetest man, Sandman. It’s perfect. I love the spot you picked, that you went all out to make my day special… I’m a lucky lady.”

Elioyahazer grins and nervously chuckles to himself, despite having her arms wrapped around his waist. In truth, he had no idea how these things were supposed to happen. The three old crones he had gathered advice from all thought something different. One thought it best to just ignore the day. Eli thought that bad advice. The other thought something small, a gift of some sort would be best. The last nearly slapped them all with her words and said ‘Make a big show of it or you’ll never live it down. Get some food, wine, whatever, and take ‘er some place special. You don’t need presents, she just needs yer attention.’ Well, once she had spilled the beans on this, the other two shrugged their shoulders and agreed. “Yeah.” He scratches the back of his neck. “I didn’t really want you to know what I was up too, until it was time to meet me. I didn’t really have all the time in the world to place this out you know?” Finally his own arms wrap her up for a simple, chaste kiss and a firm hug. “Happy birthday Lanara.” Happy birthday indeed. “So, tell me a little more about home. From what you’ve said, it looks a little like this place.” He is certainly hoping that’s true. The sandman moves to the blanket, snatches her hand and pulls her down into his lap. Oh yes. This he certainly does. A free hand, snatches a pair of glasses and he pours the wine, which has already been airing out, for both of them.

Lanara accepts his embrace, as his lips find purchase on her soft cheek. He had dressed casual, aside from donning the keffiyeh, a hint at his heritage. Was he nervous? “You didn’t have to do anything, Sandman. We haven’t known each other that long, and I only told you a few days ago that my birthday was coming up! This is more than perfect. It’s the ideal way to spend my birthday. In the forest. Surrounded by the beauty of fall. With a handsome man. Seriously… There’s nowhere else I would rather be.” Her little sister forgetting her birthday was another story, but she’d deal with that at a later time. The pair moves to sit upon the carefully laid out blanket, and as her hand is snagged, Lana is placed on top of Eli’s lap. Perching carefully, so that her weight doesn’t cause his thighs to go numb, she chuckles, and accepts the offered glass of wine. “Thank you for everything. Let’s make a toast! To an amazing man… To a phenomenal girl… And to the hopes of celebrating my next birthday in this very same place, exactly as everything is right now.” Their glasses clink, and she takes a hearty sip, the smile not once wavering from her plump lips. “You want to know about Kelvar? Hm…Well, it’s very far from here. Weeks by horseback, and then you’d have to travel the rest of the way on ship. It’s an island… Filled with thick forests. My very small village is dead center; however, you wouldn’t be able to find it. Only those that are born in Kelvar can actually make their way home. Others… They wouldn’t find it on a map. And if you were to come across it by chance, you wouldn’t be able to enter, as it’s covered by a thick fog. Only those with the true Kelvarian blood can lift it, other magic won’t work.” Clearing her throat, she reaches out to snag a strawberry, and holds it up to Eli’s mouth, “Everyone is an elf, there… Mostly females. We look different than other elves. We have dark hair, dark eyes, and if you’ve noticed… Our ears aren’t quite as tapered or large. Some claim we are ‘exotic’ and there is an actual slave trade to possess one of my kind. I was, uh, captured and sold, a few months ago, but I handled it. Anyways. Kelvar is no longer… The Drow came, and torched the forests and homes. They killed my kin. I visited two years ago, and I had to slaughter those that remained… They turned into this dark cult, no longer the peaceful coven I once was a proud member of… It’s bittersweet when I think of Kelvar. But my Mother! Oh, the stories I could tell you about my youth… If you wanted to know…”

Elioyahazer wonders if all were mostly females, did the men have multiple partners? He assumes that a culture that is mostly female, did probably share their mates, much like his Dal’ra tribe. He freaking hopes that he’s not going to have to open up to another person. One is weakness enough. Eli takes a bite of that strawberry and laughs. These little things are supposed to be for her, not himself. “So you’re home town is hidden?” He thinks further upon her words. “Well, you did say we would take turns learning about where we both come from. I figured that today, since we are out here together, on your birthday. You could teach me a little.” He quirks a brow and raises a strawberry to Lanara’s lips as well. Two could play this game. He is shocked to know that there is a slave trade for her particular species of elf. He wonders why that is? Eli’s free hand moves to shift her hair behind that mildly tapered ear; where he promptly studies. He wonders, perhaps, if it’s more sensitive than other ears. A grin besmirches his visage. He’s about to find out, though he’s sure it’s the same. His hand again brushes along that tip, and then pulls free her hair to let it cover her ears back up. Meanwhile the Sandman just gauges her reaction. Of course he could just ask her. But what’s the point in that? “Of course I want to know about your youth.” He smiles once more. “Go ahead.” He waits to hear the details of her past. The good ones that is.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara catches the way Eli’s gaze shifts to the right when she mentions her homeland residents being predominantly female. Did he suspect they shared partners? An appendage swats playfully at his chest, as though she senses his line of thinking, “The few men that were in my village didn’t have multiple partners, if that’s what you’re assuming. There’s a high holiday that we celebrate… Beltane… It’s also known as May Day. It’s the beginning of summer, and fires are lit, poles are braided with ribbons and good intentions, and it’s a huge day for lovers.” Lana’s eyes flicker with emotion, as she nips the strawberry that is offered, her tongue grazing his thumb. Chewing for a moment, she swallows, before leaning in to pull the remaining half of the berry from his grasp. A teasing nip is delivered, and laughter ensues, “Okay, okay, back to my explanation! So, on Beltane, everyone goes to this big festival on the island. And they often, um, sleep with another person. They take a partner for one night only, no questions asked. Most of them are in costumes or paint. It’s to bless fertility, in the womb, and crops. Once in a while, a man will become so besotted with a lady, that he returns to Kelvar. Other times, one of our own will give birth to a male. That’s why there are so many women. –I- have only been to a Beltane festival once in my life… At least one that involved all the surrounding villages and where mating was present. However, I didn’t take part. I was merely there to observe and keep an eye on my little sister.” Eli’s fingertips brush her hair behind her ear, fingering the slightly tapered area, his mottled hues and the soft touch of his digits sending a shiver through Lana’s form. “Oh!” Clearly, she enjoyed the unexpected moment of pleasure, though he pulls away far too soon.

(Post 2 of 2) Cuddling closer, she takes his hand and presses her lips against each of his knuckles, as her nails lightly trace the veins in his wrist. A content sigh leaves Lana as Eli states he wants to further his education on the elf, “Well… I lived home until I was about three. That’s when my magic began to manifest. I turned my grandfather into a squirrel, and my mother learned that I was an empath. She had little choice, but to send me away. I was a danger to myself and to those that I loved. I was only allowed to visit home on the holidays and for a month in the summer. I had to live at an academy until I was well out of my teens. They kept me in complete solitude, in a padded room; with enchantments in place so that I wouldn’t go haywire with my spell casting...They trained me well. Eventually, I was able to leave, and on the day of my ‘graduation’ one of my professors made a move. He grabbed my ass and pushed me onto his desk, and although I was taught to contain my anger, and to only heal and help others… I lashed out. I forced such thoughts into his body, that his mind was so overcome with grief, and he killed himself. I will spare you the details. At that time, I realized what a weapon I had become. I knew my only hope was to set out on my own, to learn self-control. So, I ran home. And home was no more, everyone was dead, and everything was gone.” There’s a brief pause, “I have fond memories, though. My whole childhood wasn’t built around magic and isolation… My mother was so beautiful. Her name was Kuruni. People say that I could pass as her twin! She made the –best- apple pie. Taly and I would go apple picking, and I would hide in the treetops and pounce on my little sister! We would tumble down the hill, through piles of leaves, and giggle the –entire- time! She would be furious, of course, and pelt me with an apple, and then it became a game of dodging hits, and tossing a few of my own her way. Mother would find us, hours later, covered in apple juice, skins in our teeth, and napping on a bed of leaves. The crust would be waiting, she had grown sick with worry, and we were outside playing around! She would be so angry, but then she’d realize that we were only pretending to be asleep, and the –three- of us would roll in the leaves and spend the rest of the afternoon messing around.”

When that flirtatious nip is placed ‘pon his fingers - a grin wiggles across his features. Those discolored eyes shift to her lips. Watching her during that tease. But his grin isn’t toothy, or bright, but dripping with thoughts of her in this light. His mind wanders for moments, coming to a halt over this holiday she describes. Eli can’t fathom this. He can’t picture sharing Lanara with someone else. And by the gods of sand and time, he swears that he wouldn’t. Nay couldn’t. This Holiday in particular is not one he wishes to enjoy or partake of. It can stay part of Kelvar for the desert born had no intention of adopting it. The witches near shudder to having her tapered ear touch does not go unnoticed. In fact, he is sure to make a mental note of it; an action he might save for a later date. Her mother however, sounds delightful. Would his own be held in such regard? If she lived would he have similar memories? Would he look back fondly upon her? Out of the entire story that she has presented him with, he only has one question. “Did you ever obtain your mother's recipe for apple pie?” Obviously the sandman is hinting at making it together, and could be a reminder of the good days she has in her past. As for playing in leaves, well, they’ve done that at the pumpkin patch already. The rest of her story, the handsy professor, isn’t ignored, but skipped. He didn’t want the details. This was supposed to be a good day for her. “It sounds like you and your sister made her worry often,” his voice has grown softer. Gentler. He finds himself a little jealous of that past. His own being very different. Jez never really cared if he ever came home. And once he had gained a place in her heart, it was only as a tool. Eli had never known love as she had and does.

The tenderness in his tone, the gentle look in his expression, and the way he’s taking in every last detail of her youth, is pulling Lana deeper into the oceanic flecks in Eli’s mismatched gaze. She feels as though she’s drowning, the waves colliding against the shore with such tenacity that every granule of sand is slowly tugged into the sea. This was the epitome of falling in love with someone that you had serious chemistry with, and there would be no turning back. The desert man would sense the shift in her aura, as she presses her lips against the glass and diverts her gaze. “Yes. I have the recipe… Why? Would you maybe like to go apple picking with me, um, sometime?” The sudden shyness is refreshing for Lana, alluding to what she suspected to be true. The man was –much- more than someone she was killing time with and it’s both terrifying and comforting to realize. “You would have liked my mother. She was amazing in the kitchen. I learned all of my baking skills from her, and my –favorite- dessert that she used to make? I have perfected the recipe! They are chocolate chip cookies with slivers of almonds… And dipped in this strawberry sauce. I make Taly a batch every few weeks. I’ll have to make you some.” Tilting her head, she nibbles on a piece of fudge, ever having the sweet tooth, and she leans in for a kiss. Once her face is a mere inch from his, she closes her eyes, “Thank you for doing this, Sandman. It’s perfect.” A pause. “I totally think we should jump in the leaves some more…”

Much as the witch is adrift in the swells of her desert borns oceanic blues; Eli finds himself captivated within the profundity of her own mahogany eyes. He finds their expanse as vast as the deserts of home, flickering with life, not mirage. However thirsty he might be is ignored, while waiting with baited breath on her responses. Seeking out any inclination of those sentimental moments that wreak havoc upon her features; sparse seconds which expunge her minor bereft expressions with sincerity. Lanara’s mother does indeed sound wonderful, but in reality, he’s more interested in his empathetic partner. The one who senses the needs of animals. The one who is beginning to hold his own heart hostage. Would she crush it one day? Would the weight of his past deeds overwhelm her current opinions of Elioyahazer? These thoughts only flicker to life for mere milliseconds - overwhelmed by the fireworks he feels when he catches her nerves. That sudden shyness she’s displaying. Does she know how adorable she really is? Certainly not. Elioyahazer lifts his own glass of wine, gives it a mild swirl and partakes of the fruity flavor. Those chocolate chip cookies do sound delicious, but he’d rather make that apple pie with her. “I’d like to go pick apples, with you.” He wanted to spend a little time doing things she loved to do. Not just what he does. When that kiss is presented, and she continues to speak, Eli nearly snickers. “Shush,” she had no need to be so nervous, nor any need to thank him. “And just give me a kiss.” Eli’s inflection carries a deep resonance - soft and smooth like butter. The breathless moments of his lips caressing her own are soft, yet longing. A special one filled with his current gentle nature. But much alike designs drawn in the sand, the waves of his world wash over it all, and drown those moments with something much deeper; erasing the previous intention and filling it with a sparking desire. When they finally break apart, his eyes open and Eli stands abruptly. There is a rather nice pile of leaves beneath the tree. A single digit points in its direction. “You first or me?”

Leaves continue to fall, cascading through the air with an almost preternatural descent, landing on their forms and coating the ground in an array of autumnal colors. The picturesque location is enchanting, and Lana basks in the warmth of their kiss, lingering in his hold for what feels like an eternity. She was beyond smitten and hopelessly hurtling further into the crimson abyss of the desert borns heart. Just like the changing of the seasons, falling in love was much the same, slow to begin, and then it quickly happens all at once. Lana’s lashes lightly brush against his cheek, as she opens her eyes and they slowly break from the embrace. Somewhat dizzy, and feeling the stirrings of desire, she’s left hungering for more of Eli’s affections, and relieved to have a moment to collect her emotions. The mention of playing in the leaf piles is welcome, and she takes his offered hand, allowing him to gently pull her from the blanket to stand at his side. She’s wearing a dress that grazes her knees, definitely not the proper attire for tumbling through the woods, unless one wished to give a peep show of their undergarments. But, she wouldn’t let this deter her from having a good time! Plus, it’s not like Eli hadn’t seen her in a bikini, or less, prior to this picnic! “I think… We should take the first jump together, don’t you?” She waits on bated breath for his reply, hoping his answer would be a ‘yes’ and that much like their relationship, they’d dive in without inhibitions. The food and drink is left as it was originally set out, so that they could return to it later, if they worked up an appetite, and Eli would find himself tugged towards the largest of piles. Once nearby, the witch would sprint, yanking on his appendage, before they would both leap into the cushioned landing. Lanara is laughing hysterically when she resurfaces, a fistful of gold and red in her hand, as she playfully tosses them at Eli’s chest, before following suit, and throwing herself into his arms. “Gotcha!” There’s a lull before her next words, “Will you celebrate Samhain with me, Sandman? I want to carve pumpkins with you, and show you a ritual… We can even dress up! And we can stay up all night and tell ghost stories, and make that apple pie we just talked about. I-I… I never celebrated Samhain with anyone other than my sister, and once with an old friend and her triplets… You would be the first boyfriend that I’ve shared this holiday with… I mean, I understand if you aren’t up for it, or if it’s too soon…”

Elioyahazer finds himself being tugged away by Lanara, towards that massive pile of leaves, where they both jump in. If her question about going together was meant to be answered, he received no time to do so. Instead, the spellblade finds himself landing in that bed of leaves and laughing. Much to his surprise Lanara is doing the exact same thing. But both seem to have the same idea. For not only has she snatched up handfuls of autumns foliage, he has as well. Both end up colliding with the other, which provides a curtain of sorts, blinding Eli from her near tackle. He promptly falls back behind the force, landing back in the pile of leaves with her in his embrace. A broad grin besmirches his visage, “Of course I’ll celebrate Samhain with you. I mean, we’ve already bought the pumpkins remember?” The two had yet to carve them up, or even cook the seeds as she had promised previously. “But what do you mean by dress up? Do I need to get a suit?” He suddenly looks awfully concerned over the idea of dressing up. Perhaps he doesn’t actually understand what she means? “So yes, I’m up for it, Lana.” He doesn’t know what she means by ‘too soon’. They already shared a place together, and here they were celebrating her birthday alone. She had no clue of the power she held over him. “When is Samhain?”

The couple cannot seem to stop chortling as they tumble through the leaves, rolling around in each other’s arms, and pausing to finally catch their breath. Lana’s dress is hiked up on her thighs, twigs and berries are stuck in her hair, and faint grass stains mar her tan boots. She’s beaming, the runway model relishing her tomboyish nature, and always maintaining that perfect balance of the girl next door. Leaves continue to descend from the half-bare treetops, and it’s raining shades of gold, crimson, and apricot. The afternoon sun shifts in the sky, and evening was surely arriving, as the chill in the air intensifies and a gentle breeze sweeps through the lust forest. A few of the flaky pastries shift on the picnic blanket, and the duo would have to gather their things and head back to the cottage soon. However, Lana is staring so intently into that mottled gaze that it takes every fiber of willpower to break their contact. Rising to her feet, she holds a hand out to assist Eli to a standing position, and she laughs, still somewhat breathless from their playfulness in the piles. “I’m so happy that you want to spend Samhain with me… And we will carve those pumpkins, and I will make the salted seeds, -and- I will make pumpkin muffins, too! We can go apple picking and make apple pies. And there’s a ball that Taly and I are throwing up in Xalious…In twelve days, on the eve before Halloween.” He would be her date, by default, as they were an official couple. “You wouldn’t need a formal suit or anything like that… I mean a costume! One year I was dressed as a black cat, another time I wore a butterfly mask and some wings. Basically, you can dress up in whatever you want to be, even something scary! I don’t know what I’m going as this year, as Taly is making my costume and it’s a surprise.” Wrinkling her nose in distaste, she prays that her little sister wouldn’t embarrass her in any way. Lana was the ex-model and had greater fashion sense than the shorter elf, who lived for oversized shirts and rarely combed her untamed locks. Filled with pride that the sandman had agreed to spend the holiday with her in private, as well as attend a public event as her date, she honestly feels that this is her most memorable birthday to date. After cleaning up the food and drink, she folds the blanket, and hand in hand they head back home, talking excitedly about the upcoming festivities.