RP:Pumpkin Patch Pranks... And An Unofficial First Date

Summary: After the eventful morning, in which Elioyahazer had killed Riordan in self-defense, he became the new weapons expert of the Adventurer's Guild, almost by default. Lanara and Eli had parted ways, as she went to work damage control with Riordan's widow, and handle some guild business. Later that day, the two decide to go on an impromptu event, and they find themselves at a pumpkin patch. Eli has his first moment of 'falling' into a leaf pile, and then the two of them try and up one another, as they prank the local farmers. The evening ends as the two have a heart-to-heart conversation over a romantic dinner, and they realize they have quite a bit in common.

After the brief meeting with Eliyohazer, where he had accepted the position of ‘weapons expert’ in the guild, the two had parted ways. Lana had damage control to cover, and she honestly couldn’t keep herself from paying a visit to Lavina, the wife of the late Riordan. The woman had fallen to pieces when learning of his death, and the witch was happy to offer comfort, consoling words, and coin to assist for a proper burial. Despite the dramatic turn of events, she had left the small home in Xalious, feeling lighter than when she initially entered. Meanwhile, Eli was sent back to Lana’s cottage, to rest his injured ribs, with the promise of going pumpkin picking that evening. Making the short trip back, Lana tends to her sliced palm along the way and purchases a few things from the market. She wasn’t used to having a house guest and she had to be sure she had extra food and supplies. Arriving back home, she heads into Taly’s room and changes her clothing. She had to get the feeling of the morning off of her flesh, so she slips into a copper colored turtleneck, tan leggings, and thigh-high leather boots. She takes the top layer of her hair and clips it back, leaving a few loose curls to frame her face, and she applies a hint of makeup to her eyes and lips, for a natural look. Was this a date? Why was Lana taking extra care in her appearance? They were grabbing dinner and going to pick pumpkins for the party she was throwing on Samhain. It wasn’t anything fancy. The witch hesitates, eyeing her form and face in the mirror, her gaze lingering on her lush lips. Would they kiss again? This was the longest they’ve gone without touching mouths. With a sigh, Lana turns from the mirror, exits the room, and heads towards her private quarters, which were now occupied by the desert dweller. “Hey… Are you feeling better? If not, I can make us dinner and we don’t have to go out.”

Elioyahazer had been spending some time there resting, and getting ready for their evening. The truth is, he had gone shopping with Lanara, and while she was busy, purchased a few articles of clothing for himself. Trying to look a little more relaxed in these lands. He realized that if he wasn’t going out on a mission, what was the point of wearing the garb? Why did he need to hide from her? There wasn’t any point to it at all. Now, he can’t seem to get comfortable in these foreign items. None of it was like anything he had gotten used to. Elio decided on something a little more casual, and wore an actual pair of blue jeans. A form fitting, woolen top; even though it’s made of such a warm material, it is rather thin. However, he brandished a new keffiyeh tied around his neck like an overly large scarf. It’s colors were black white and gray; bearing some intricate flannel and checkered patterns. His shoes, however, were nothing too fancy and appropriate for the weather. When he hears Lanara’s voice he pops the door open, his features completely uncovered, and only a single blade laid strapped horizontally to his lower back. He looked a little uncomfortable, but otherwise ready to go out. He hoped this more casual look fit him, while still attesting to where he comes from. “I am feeling better, and I’m ready to go out and pick some pumpkins with you.” He steps through the threshold of her old room and closes the door behind him. Indicating that he was ready to go. Of course he glances over Lanara’s attire and gives her a smile. “You look beautiful.” As always. Elio is ready to head out whenever she is.

Lanara was expecting the male to open the door looking much as he had earlier, in his usual robes, with most of his face covered. The fact that he’s wearing jeans, a sweater, and a scarf that leaves his face completely bare, is surprising. The most pleasant of surprises. No one would know this mystery man at the woman’s side, as none had seen his true identity out of the robes, save for Lana. If anything, they’d think the robed figure, and this ethnic male, were two different beings. It would make their little evening safer, in a sense, and it’s touching that Eli is trying to blend in with those in the area. He rocked those jeans, and that sweater really brought out the blue flecks in his eyes. Lana realizes she’s staring, her lips parting, as the shock registers on her fair face. “You look amazing.” She blurts out, catching herself at the last minute, as she tries to hold her tongue from any further embarrassment. She also doesn’t want to make Eli uncomfortable, or embarrass him in any way. This was all so new to him. When Lanara came to the lands five years ago, she had loads of new experiences. She had crashed with numerous people over the years, Ansel, Emilia, Desparrow, Largakh’s grandparents, Tiber, and many times with her sister, Talyara. She had worked many odd jobs, a nanny, an exotic dancer, a bikini model, a tender of an orchard, a magic tutor, a college professor, and now the founder of an animal sanctuary. Many friends had come, gone, and passed away. Animals were adopted, repeatedly. The fashion had changed over the years, as had the rulers in the kingdoms. Lana rolled with the punches, but she knew how terrifying it had to be for Eli, and her expression softens as she loops her arm through his, as they exit the small cottage. “You really do look amazing. I know this all is probably so new to you, but I assure you, it will all get easier. We all have new experiences. Every ‘first’ is terrifying, but so far you are flying with passing colors. Your clothes, your new job, a new friend…” She coughs out her next statement, “The first kiss.” As he compliments her, she smiles, “Thank you. This is nothing; I just wanted to wear festive colors.” The distance to the pumpkin patch is a good two mile walk, and the evening is brisk, as the sun sets in the distance. Feeling the chill, she sidles a little closer, “So, is there anything you want to try tonight? That you haven’t done in your desert lands?”

Elioyahazer is surprised to hear those words coming from Lanara. Honestly, he feels like he’s been put up on stage in a mock trial before her, over something he had no control over – he’s uncomfortable feeling in these clothes. However, if she enjoyed him in this attire, he would strive to adjust. After all, he does fit in with the locals a whole lot more. “Uh, thanks.” He gives off an uncomfortable smile, but a pleased one and scratches the back of his head. “It really is new. A lot of things here are.” But then she’s speaking of that first kiss. How strange is it really to have gone through life to Eli’s age and just not gone through with something like that? Is it really unheard of? He remembers that kiss that she had granted him, and this time a full smirk stretches over his features. “The kiss is a very good memory. Even the one at breakfast.” He turns his attention to her chocolate eyes, remembering that sky blue sun dress she wore. He’d love to see that one again. When she scoots a little closer, he isn’t sure what she’s attempting, and mulls it over. Did she just want to close the distance betwixt them? He figures that he should try that at first, and just see how she reacts. So, he lets out a breath and just goes for it. Hell, he was trying all kinds of new things with her. His arm raises up behind her, and grasps at her shoulder - the one furthest from him, and pulls her in. “Well, I remember reading books as a kid. There was this one picture book of a giant pile of leaves. The boy in the book was named Timmy. He would jump into the piles. Over and over. He looked so free and happy. I thought one day when I’m near trees I’ll do that myself. You game for taking me to a place like that?”

Lanara relaxes as he puts his arm around her shoulders, and she leans against his side, mindful of his taped ribs. She can tell he was nervous, as he inhaled sharply before making a move, which makes her melt inside. He was a good foot taller than her height, so she’s the perfect arm rest for the man, and his sweater and form provide the right amount of warmth on this chilly night. Lifting her head so that she can look into his eyes, she smiles as he reflects on a book from his childhood, her chocolate hues sparkling. “I’m from a faraway land, Kelvar, and it’s always autumn. No other seasons exist there, and it’s perfect. Here? We only have autumn for such a few short months. I miss the leaves changing color, the chill in the breeze, the scent of the woods welcoming a new life, and the gourds and pumpkins. I am really happy that we are going pumpkin picking tonight, Sandman. And… Guess what?” Leaning in, she stands on her toes to lower her voice, as though this was some big secret, “There will be –loads- of leaf piles for us to jump in!” The witch babbles on about her plans after dinner, where they’ll head back and carve a pumpkin together, and she’ll make them salted seeds to nibble on, and how they’ll light a candle and watch the pumpkin in the dark. Eli can almost feel her excitement with each step that brings them nearer to the designated pumpkin picking area. After speaking with the farmer and ordering a truckload of pumpkins for the ball, it’s their turn to pick a private pumpkin for each of them. Naturally, Lana plans on taking hours to choose the perfect pumpkin, but before that, she sees Eli walking along the outskirts and she can’t help but smirk. He did say he wanted to end up in the leaves, right? She walks at his side, pointing here and there, at malformed gourds, kids squealing in delight with their parents, and a stray cat roaming the fields, and when Eli least expects it, Lana makes her move. “Look over there, Sandman!” Her hand lifts to push him to the right, while her foot expertly plants before his own, aiming to trip him, face first, into a giant pile of multicolored leaves. “Oops!”

Elioyahazer let himself beam inwards - Lanara didn’t push the advance away. Perhaps that is what she was looking for. He gives her shoulder a gentle squeeze while listening to the story of autumn permanency in Kelvar. She grew up with only one season? “I have to admit it’s the first time I’ve really seen autumn. There aren’t trees where I’m from.” His eyes shift to the plethora of yellows and oranges. “All of this is new to me. And if your homeland looks like this often I can see why you speak of it as such.” It sounds like she missed it, but thinks this might be a topic for a different day. He didn’t want to dive too deeply into her past. Tonight was supposed to be about fun. Another smirk is granted to Lanara when she speaks of those piles of leaves. Seemed like she was willing to have a little fun with him as well. His eyes shift to the kids squealing, the malformed gourds and all the pumpkins. Just when he thinks that he’s found one that he would like personally, Lanara has gone and done something dirty. Trusting her more than he should, his guard is down, and he does indeed fall into the pile of leaves. His fall isn’t all that ungraceful but he doesn’t try to catch himself either. In fact, there is suddenly a loud laugh after the leaves explode outwards from the impact of his weight. He felt like a kid. So this is what it feels like? The others around might wonder what these two were doing, but he couldn’t care less. “Lana,” he snickers to her and the shove. “That wasn’t very nice. And here I was,” he makes a feigned pouty face, “thinking I could trust you.” He leans forward, snatches her hand and pulls her into the giant pile of leaves as well. “You reap what you so,” he raises an eyebrow at her. He wants nothing more than just to wrap her up in his embrace, and continue to play, but he needs his pumpkin first! Finally Elio stands and then offers her a hand. “Come on you, I need to get that pumpkin.” He points in the direction of a massive orange plant. He really wants that one?

Lanara jumps up and down and claps, delighted that her prank came to fruition, and that Eli was allowed to have another special ‘first’ experience in her presence. The elf aimed to please, though several grown-ups were now having to corral their children, as they all wanted to play in the leaves like the two ‘big kids’ on the side of the field. “You were sooooo happy to land in the leaves, and you know it! You can’t even hide that smirk on your face, Sandman!” Reaching out to help him stand, she finds that she’s yanked into the pile as well, and she squeals as her butt is planted in the leaves. “Hey!!! You were only supposed to fall for me, and now I fell for you!” The playful slip of the tongue, regarding the season and his actual misstep, would be construed in more ways than one, but she doesn’t care. A faint blush rises in her cheeks, as her dark locks are stuck with red, orange, and yellow leaves, the crunching underneath her form a reminder of her homeland. And then, its game on, as Lana is tossing fistfuls of leaves at the male, tickling his sides, and rolling in the pile from side to side.”I can’t believe you pulled me in!” As ‘annoyed’ as she’s pretending to be, Eli can tell that the playful witch is relishing in the fact that they are acting like little kids and having fun. Lana practically pouts as he leaves the pile and wants to get back to pumpkin picking. With a groan, she pushes herself up and takes his hand, eyeing the pumpkin that he had picked. It’s massive. How would they even get it back home? Her eyes widen, though she’s not going to tell him he can’t have that particular pumpkin, as it was another first for him, and so she studies the gourd. Finally, a nod is given, and she looks up at him, “It’s perfect. You have good taste, Sandman. Are you going to carve a happy face or an angry monster?” A faint breeze ripples through the area, and a rogue leaf falls from Lana’s hair, though instead of letting it fall, she catches it in the air and gently places it in her pocket. Eli was the first man she’d ever jumped in the leaves with, or took pumpkin picking. It would be a reminder. “I’m hungry, so you better figure out how to get that big boy to the restaurant in Kelay, and then we’ll head back home?” She’s smirking, knowing that Eli is going to struggle with the weight of the orange gourd, so she pretends that she is going to carry it the entire way. Bending over, she struggles, trying to turn the pumpkin onto its side, but it won’t budge an inch. Resting her hands on her hips, Lana catches his gaze, “I think you’d have an easier time carrying me than this pumpkin. Maybe we can borrow a hand cart? Or have them hold it here, until we are done with dinner?” Approaching Eli, she gets very much into his personal space, and lifts a hand to pull a twig from his hair, “Someone’s having fun, huh?”

Oh Eli knew that Lanara wanted to keep playing, but he had suddenly stumbled upon a funny idea. Lanara would be privy to it. Watching her struggle with pumpkin only further confirms these thoughts. His mismatched eyes turn to meet her gaze with a smile, “You mean I can pick you up and take you home?” He gives her a playful tease as he marches towards the giant pumpkin. “I don’t think we will be able to get this one, but I’ve got an idea. I’m not sure it will work though.” His voice is low, “After this we can go get some food.” The light within his eyes shows that childish nature. Right hand reaches forward, and Lanara might feel the pull of magic once again. His eyes close while he concentrates, and then finally the spell is revealed. Another illusion - the pumpkin appears to shrink, to something much smaller. Its still a big pumpkin but actually seems like it could be handled now. Which certainly wouldn’t be the case. A single finger reaches up to his lips, its a warning that his prank is about to start. The desert assassin stands and calls an employee over and explains the situation. An all too eager man named Steve arrives with a smile on his face. “How can I help you?” Elio turns his attention to the employee. “Now I hate ask this of you, but my wife here is supposed to be on bedrest,” He points to Lanara and grabs her hand gently. “And unfortunately I’ve been in an accident, and broke a few ribs. We would both -love- to have this pumpkin, but neither one of us can carry it at the moment. Could you, by chance have that brought up to our home?” The attendant response, “Oh yes of course! Let me just pick that up for you!” However, try as he might, it’s all for not. The veins in his forehead bulge from the sheer force that he attempts before he gives up and wipes the sweat from his face. “Man that’s really stuck in there. It can't be that heavy.” Once more the employee tries in vain and turns his attention to Elio. “I’m sorry sir, but I just can’t seem to pick that up. I’m not sure what’s going on here.” The assassin sighs, “That's unfortunate. I guess we'll just have to come back another time.” With that Elio, still holding Lanara’s hand if she hasn’t let go, begins to walk away from the picking field. The illusion bursts right in front of the employees eyes and leaves him totally baffled! Is the pumpkin haunted? Does it possess intelligence and power of its own?

Lanara laughs as Eli asks if he can pick her up and take her home, her cheeks flooding with color. In truth, they would be heading home together, as their rooms were across the hall from each other. Being carried wouldn’t be a problem either, as she was rather petite, though she was easily the cutest pumpkin in the patch, with her copper shirt, red cheeks, and goofy grin. Lana doesn’t even know how to reply to that, she’s suddenly shy, though it’s then that Eli seems to come up with a plan of his very own. Was that mischief in those gorgeous eyes? Tearing her gaze from his face, Lana gasps as the pumpkin begins to mysteriously shrink, and she’s not sure exactly what the assassin is plotting. The next thing she knows, her hand is grabbed, she’s referred to as being his wife, and apparently she’s expecting something. Lana quirks a brow as Steve dares to try and lay a hand on her very flat stomach, as though he wanted to give Junior a little knock hello. It was time to up the ante, and to show she had a mischievous side of her very own. Maybe Elioyahazer had met his match? “Um. I have rabies. I’m expecting to foam at the mouth and chomp down on an unsuspecting pumpkin picker’s ankle. I’m –not- carrying a baby.” What?! Her answer didn’t even make sense! Lana’s eyes narrow into slits as Steve backtracks, and focuses on lifting their chosen pumpkin, likely in an effort to keep the ‘couple’ happy and to get the rabies-infected witch away from their other customers. Was she really offended? Playing along? It was hard to tell with her poker face, though she does return the gentle squeeze to Eli’s hand. The male, obviously is struggling under the weight of the pumpkin, unable to discern the mirage of the shrunken gourd, to the massive pumpkin that is truly in the patch. As the time passes on, Lana begins to growl, going as far as taking a menacing step towards Steve, her gaze focused on the surprisingly heavy gourd. A random toddler waddles by, happily chasing a leaf fluttering in the breeze, a cup of cocoa in his hands. Lana dips her fingers into the melting marshmallows and coats her lips, at the precise time that Steve lifts his head to offer an apology, and the man pales. How was he going to tell this husband and his rabid wife that he was too weak to lift their chosen pumpkin? Eli picks up the conversation, and states they’ll be back another time, and gently pulls her towards the exit. Lana sneers over her shoulder, baring her teeth, and the illusion fades, as they exit the clearing. She bursts into a fit of giggles and rummages in her purse for a napkin to dab at her lips, “That was so much fun! I didn’t think you had it in you, Sandman!” The two of them share a long moment of laughing, still holding hands, and Lana gets most of the marshmallow off her lips, though a touch remains at the corner of her mouth. “So! Dinner? And you so better have a plan for later? Because we are –not- going home without a pumpkin. I’m making a pie, and pumpkin seeds, and we are so going to bicker over what sort of face to carve onto it.” She smiles, enjoying herself, and she meets his eyes, lingering for a moment beneath the moon, as she studies the assassin. Was he the marrying type? Did he want children? Perhaps she’d ask some of those questions over dinner at the restaurant to the west of the area. Hand in hand, they’d walk down the main strip of Kelay, still in hysterics over their pumpkin patch prank.

There is no smile which threatens to raise the corners of his lips into a devious smile. No kiss of emotion which beckons emotion to portray his inner laughter as Lanara begins to froth at the mouth. Steve, would have no reason to believe that Lanara is joking or even think that she isn’t his wife. Instead, the joke continues to play out and he says nothing further, only allowing sheer disappointment to etch its way onto his well kept features. When the two begin to walk away, laughter finally gets the better of him, and a smile stretches across his cinnamon kissed skin. “Rabies?” He asks between his fits of laughter. She could have claimed any number of things, but she stumbled upon rabies? Once he regains his composure, he simply plucks a different pumpkin off the ground, which is still of decent size. “Oh we aren’t leaving without a pumpkin, I just wanted to have some fun with an employee.” His captivating Sectoral Heterochromia eyes flick to meet her gaze; initiating direct eye contact for moments. His calloused hand reaches up to pluck a single leaf which still clung to her hair from that pile he had pulled her into. His movements are slow and gentle, still wearing that smile for her. “Gods you are beautiful.” His words are a whisper, meant only for her ears. That same hand moves to raise her chin up - an act done so he might place a kiss ‘pon those tender lips. It's certainly nothing dramatic, flashy or showy, though it’s enough to put his thoughts on display about her beauty. How he had her attention, he will never know. “As for dinner, where could we go?” His frame turns to head off towards the nearest employee and pay for his chosen pumpkin. Finally, his hand returns to hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Unfortunately, I can’t woo you with my knowledge of local food, so I’m afraid you’ll have to choose a nice spot for the two of us.”

The witch is still pawing at her lips, wanting to smear any remaining marshmallow goo off of her face, before Eli notices. However, he’s captivated by her beauty, and as his hand reaches out to gently pluck the leaf from her hair, she is taken aback. He thought she was beautiful?! This man… He had a dark side that she had seen several times in the past two days yet he had been so tender in his actions with Lanara. It was as if he was two completely different men, possessing one well-toned body, and having a plethora of weapons at his disposal. It’s true, Lana does have a type. Often they are men of a bestial nature, or they work along the lines of something nefarious, that society would frown upon. She reveled in having the power to turn a macho man into putty in her hands, and she loved being their sole weakness. Would Eli fulfill the blank space in her life? Or, would things never go beyond a pleasant evening picking pumpkins? Maybe it would end as the others had, in total disaster? Whatever position the assassin would or would not fill, is far from her mind, as his lips meet hers in a kiss. A few kids are heard making smooching sounds and the toddler from earlier is crying hysterically, as he noticed all the melted marshmallow somehow disappeared from his cocoa. Lana’s lips are sweet, and she finds that her arms wrap around the man, deepening the kiss. After lingering in each other’s arms for several minutes, they take the purchased gourd, and head to the restaurant in Kelay. Once they are directed to a table and peruse the menus, they are left to their own devices, and Lana can’t help but smirk as they lock eyes. How had she managed to draw this man’s attention? “So… I know that assassin’s usually lead a rather lonely life… Have you ever considered, um, a family? Or, uh, settling down, one day?” She finds her wording to be awkward, but her curiosity is overwhelming.

Once the two have finished putting on their public display of affection, he smiles, following Lana’s lead to her chosen destination. Though her next line of questioning as they sit confuse him so. Is she hinting at something? He takes a moment to ponder over these thoughts. Did he ever want to settle down, and have a family? The question leaves him in an awkward position. He’s never thought about such things. Once he has decided upon an answer, he pours himself a glass of water and looks directly into those enchanting chocolate hues of hers. “I’ve never thought about it till just now. Honestly.” She made him second guess all of his training. What is with this witch? “We usually do lead a rather tiresome and lonely life, you’re right about that.” Surely no one knew of his existence before her. He had never let his guard down. If that group of warriors hadn’t attacked her, he probably wouldn’t have pulled this woman into his life. But now, he is questioning everything. “I would be a terrible father.” He raises his glass to take a few sips. “But, I’m second guessing my chosen life right now.” He’s referring to his situation with her. This unexpected person which he is finding himself attached too. “Perhaps if things work out with you, I will.” He leaves that statement as his answer to her questions, as blunt as it is. He could imagine himself with her. The two had so much fun together. “And you?” He fumbles through the menu to make his own order, which happens to be fish.

Lanara smiles at the waitress that pours their wine, giving her a nod, after she places her order for ravioli’s in a truffle sauce. The sip of white wine goes down easily enough, and she’s pleased it’s not dry; however, she can swear her throat is closing as Eli delves into an answer. She had assumed he’d give a noncommittal yes or no, yet, here he is getting deep with emotion. Lana listens intently, nodding at the correct moments, as their starter dish, a salad loaded with carrots, is set before them. Taking a dainty bite, she chews, mulling over his words about how he had never thought about a life outside of flying solo. Krystan, her first love, was much the same, until he set his eyes on the little witch. However, loose ends had caught up with him and he died a mere week after they confessed their feelings. Lana looks as if she just bit into an unripe olive, her expression souring, until Eli says those nine fateful words. He was already imagining a future, together?! She swallows, and immediately feels her windpipe being obstructed by a crouton. Now, full on choking, she lifts her hands to claw at her turtleneck, aiming to rub her throat and ease the sharp object the rest of the way down. Her eyes brim with tears, she gasps for air, and –finally- by the grace of the Goddess, the hardened bread smoothly passes the rest of the way, and she’s able to catch her breath. Feeling like an utter fool, Lana latches onto her glass of water, and greedily gulps. Her throat felt badly scratched, her cheeks are bright red, and her eyes have a film of water over them, yet she fights to compose herself. A few moments later, no longer choking, Lanara clears her throat, and meets Eli’s magnificent gaze. She gives him a shy smile, as she nervously forks some lettuce onto her fork, vowing not to choke like that again. At least not during this meal! “I can’t have children, Sandman…” She lowers her gaze and takes a deep breath, before continuing, “I was with child, a few years ago. In the very early stages. I had taken a bad fall, and lost it. So, my chances of carrying a child to full term were greatly diminished.” She lifts her gaze again, wanting to see his true expression, as most men were adamant about carrying on their bloodline. “And then, about eight or nine months ago, I sustained some horrible injuries. The healer had no choice but to perform a surgery, to stop the internal bleeding. I don’t know exactly what he did; just that he had to remove an organ or two, which is used for making a baby.” A pause. “I never really imagined myself being a mother, yet, when that option was taken from me, I found myself picturing a future with a child. Sometimes, I feel like I’m less of a woman if I don’t follow in the ways of my own late mother. And finding a partner that is ‘okay’ with not having a typical family isn’t easy. I’m sure there are magical ways I can reverse things, but I honestly don’t want to tempt karma. And all of my animal companions are my children, so I fulfill any maternal instincts I have with them. I’m no longer saddened by being unable to have children.” Lana gives a shrug, and takes another bite of her salad, hoping that her words didn’t turn him off. True, he said that he’d be a ‘terrible’ father, but most men believed that, until they actually became a parent. Still, she’s glad that it’s off her chest and at this early a stage, in case he didn’t want to pursue anything romantic. They eat their salad, and just before their meal arrives, Lana answers his inquiry on marriage. “I was engaged, briefly, in the past. I’ve loved only three men, in all my life… And, I hope to marry one day. I believe in sharing your heart, your life, and your love, with one person. I’m not sure if I’ll find that fairytale ending, but I’d like to try, and to bring a little light to someone’s darkest days. I’ve never stopped believing the power of love.”

The assassin is beside himself with worry as Lanara literally begins to choke on a piece of food before him! What evil dastardly bit of her meal dares to lodge itself in her throat? Eli’s features carry this sudden blur of worry as rises quickly to get around her. Though before he can make it, she’s breathing yet again. Whatever god had granted her further breath, he finds himself thanking. With an audible sigh, Eli sits back down with a concerned and wary eye upon her. “You alright?” She didn’t need to answer. His question is more of a formality, a way to double check that everything is working as it should be. “I didn’t mean to surprise you with my answer. I apologize. I just think what’s the point in dating, if I can’t imagine a future with them? This isn’t a game to me.” He further clarifies his position with her. When she reveals the fact that she cannot have children, he gives no disgusted emotion. He’s clearly not bothered by this fact in the slightest and just simply shrugs it off. “I can see why you think this would keep men away.” He takes a bite of that salad before himself as well and swallows it down after thoroughly chewing his food. “I was a bastard, an unwanted child. I’m also an assassin. I can’t guarantee I will live a long life or that I will always return breathing.” He thinks upon this further and gives her another answer which might help her. “The life I lead, will not continue forever Lana. That’s true. I’m human and someday, I will lose my battle with age. If there ever comes a time, that I want a child or my partner and I want one, I’d prefer to adopt.” He has his reasons for such things. However, he doesn’t need her to bear his children or his line; Just a partner whom he can love. Someone who lets him lead the life which he’s been dealt. “I will never see you as less of a woman for that. You’re stronger than you think for just admitting it to me.” And it’s true she has plenty of animals. Perhaps one day he shall adopt something from her? Eli does like that even though she has loved others, she is still available. This brings a smirk to his cinnamon kissed features. Finally their meals are delivered by the waitress who excuses herself to move on to a new table. As if to reassure her, “I will never ask you to tempt Karma.”

A shake of the head is given as Eli stares at Lana, his brows furrowed in concern, and an apology spilling from his lips, as though his answer was the reason she choked. He had startled her, but in a good way. She hadn’t thought this novice to women and relationships would have been so blunt in his answers, and that he’d imply he could see them having a future. After all, she had known him a matter of days, they both were somewhat on the run from a band of assassins, and this was their first unofficial date. It’s refreshing to talk to a man that isn’t afraid to reveal his emotions, and Lana finds herself reaching across the table, and brushing her fingers over the back of his hand. Before she knows it, they are full on holding hands, and she laces her fingers through his own, and gives the gentlest of squeezes. The waitress sets down their main course, gives them a knowing grin, and deep down envies the ‘in love’ couple that are holding hands at a candlelit table. Lana listens to Eli’s explanation and she nods in complete agreement, “You’re right. Relationships are something I hold sacred, as well. If I give my heart to another, it’s without hesitation, and it’s only given to one person. I don’t believe in playing the field, toying with ones emotions, or as you say, playing any games…” She pauses here, unsure how much she wants to reveal just yet, “I do feel an attraction with you that I didn’t think possible of ever finding again, in anyone. We do have a connection, and even though it’s in the very early stages… I can see us being something serious in the future, too.” Her hand would slip off of his, to pick up her fork, as she takes a bite of her ravioli, a look of satisfaction on her face. This place made the best truffle gravy! The satisfied emotions deepen as Eli states he doesn’t see an issue with the fact that she can’t have any children, and that adoption is always a viable option. “Yes, adoption is something I would absolutely consider. Before Larz passed away… I used to volunteer with him, at the orphanage in Gualon. I taught the kids some dance lessons; I’d have little parties for them, and donate food and items. And… The fact that you and I are orphans, at this point in our lives, if we were to get to that point romantically, I think that it makes the most sense that we’d adopt a child that has gone through similar experiences, so we could give them the best life imaginable.” Smiling, she spears some pasta onto her fork and offers a taste to Eli, his comment on karma, his acceptance of her flaws, and the fact that he was eager to focus on building a possible future with her, all indicators that they could be on their way to that fairytale future she swore she no longer believed. Perhaps the sand man and the earth daughter would evolve into much more than friends, in due time!