RP:Together, Forever.

Public Gardens

Betraying the mainly elvish blood of the residents the gardens are, in fact, a grove of intertwining trees. People come here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town and, quite often, the unrelenting sun, seeking cool shade. Some spread blankets on the ground and get out picnics while watching their children on the beach. Others sit quietly, often close to a tree, communing with nature.

Skylei is making her way off the beach and through the gardens. Her clothes are covered in errant grains of sand and her hair has been blown wild across her face and falls in a tangled mess around her shoulders. Her face is pulled into a tortured grimace as though she might burst into tears at any moment. Bow, carried in hand is quickly slung over her shoulders as the half-elf makes her way to one of the larger trees in the garden. With a jump, she grabs the lowest branch, pulling hersef up into the greenery. She feels safe with the trees to protect her. She is at home here amongst the things that the earth has brought to life. Slowly but surely, the beating heart and racing breath of the half-elf would slow and she would be left sitting in the peace of the tree alone with her thoughts.

Tyler :: As Skylei makes her nest among the trees, the wood elf might find herself too preoccupied to notice the on goings around her. The ground through the public gardens is slowly engulfed by a thick fog that lumbers across the earth with an eerie chill that creeps across the land. The open night sky has faded to a veil of pure darkness and the sound of all life have faded. Beneath the branch standing a mere ten feet from Skylei resides a single figure that levitates from the ground, garbed in heavy black robes and hooded only to show a jaw of rotted and torn flesh with bloodied meat hanging to the left. The figure begins to part it's lips, a solemn whisper echoing across the garden as his right hand raises and waves across open ground. Suddenly, tendrils escape flaking finger tips and erupt into the dirt below causing two open palms to burst from the graves below and grip toward freedom. It doesn't take long for the rest of the hosts to free themselves, and before the necromantic figure stands two zombified creatures rapidly increasing their distance to Skylei with hands held high and mouths spread wide.

Skylei doesn't notice the fog spreading across the garden until the entire floor is cloaked in blackness. There is a chill that pulls at her flesh, drawing her eyes open to look at the darkness below. Muttering a string of expletives, the half-elf makes her way into the highest bowers of the tree, in the hope that she is out of sight of whatever is bringing this darkness to her place of peace. She may be well away from the bloodied necromancer, but her nose is assaulted by the smell of rotting flesh and she is well aware of the purpose that such a figure possesses. Sky searches for an escape route. She finds none. She could try jumping from tree to tree until she reaches rooftop, but she may well break her neck. As she desperately searches for an escape, the undead creatures break forth from the earth. More expletives roll from her lips without sound. She has nowhere to go, nowhere to climb and she is afraid that that the undead don't bleed as real men do. What in all of the world is she supposed to do? She panics.

Tyler :: While Skylei is busy worrying herself sick for her own safety, the duo of undead minions advance. The forward most villain makes his arrival to the bark, decayed fingers clawing at the chipped wood as he cries upward to Skylei, milky white hues beckoning for dinner. The opposing would arrive moments after the other, though this previously orc-kin is much fiercer than his friend and uses brute strength the begin climbing the tree rapidly extending an arm to take hold of Skylei and pull her from the branch to the fog covered dirt below.

Skylei has naught working in her favour, but the fact that she is light and nimble, to avoid the creatures that are making their way up the tree towards her. The top branches of the tree are too thin and spindly to take her weight and crack as she tries to scramble up into them. She realises within seconds that there is nothing she can do to outrun that undead orc-creature that is clambering towards her. It would be an orc. It's like they know that she hates orcs. Seeing no other option her bw is pulled from her back and an arrow quickly strung. Not quickly enough. As soon as the bow is strung and (unfortunately, unlit) arrow is released, the creature would locks a hand around her angle. Sky lets out an undignified scream and a series of unrepeatable words as she squirms attempting to kick the creature in the face and free her captured foot.

Tyler :: The arrow Skylei drops bounces off of the orc-kins forehead and collides with forsaken dirt below. The (pale) green skin releases a feral growl and shout as he takes hold of Skylei's foot, pulling her to the ground, the woman kicking and screaming to be set free as he moves to dig her canines into her. He is cut short as her heel manages to make contact with his forehead, sending two hundred and fifteen pounds of zombie body colliding with the ground. As Skylei sits now on the ground with the orc zombie unconscious beside her, the human partner rapidly approaches.

Skylei bellows as the teeth make contact with her flesh. Blood pours freely as sharp teeth break the skin and Sky nearly drops the bow that she has clasped in her hands. Then she is sent spiralling through the air and makes contact with the ground with a heavy bump. "Ouuch!" The half-elf is only just back on her feet when she realises that there is another one of the forsaken creatures approaching. For the first time in her life, Sky almost wishes she had suffered the company of the drow rather than living through this hell that she is engulfed in. Bow is strung with much more haste this time and as the human draws closer, Sky is able to set the arrow alight. It crackles as flames burst forth and, without question, Sky sends it towards her next assailant. It is aimed towards the lower portion of his kneecap; simply designed to cripple and maim. Sky rarely shoots to kill.

Tyler :: The arrow makes its mark, piercing the knee of the undead human and sending him collapsing to the ground where his finger would continue to claw at the dirt as he attempts to advance on the wood elf despite his wound. The orc-kin has managed to get himself back to his feet and is much closer to the woman than his companion. Snarling the beast takes heavy footsteps towards Skylei and once he is within range, his arms extend in an attempt to take hold of her shoulders as he aims to bring yet another bite, this time directly in the soft flesh of her neck.

Skylei screams as she feels the hand of orc on her shoulder. Elbow reflexively moves backwards towards his stomach with the aim of winding him. She's clearly not realised that her assailant as an orc and her elbow makes little difference to the oncoming assault. She ducks desperately trying to avoid the onslaught of his teeth bit she doesn't move quickly enough and the disgusting teeth of the undead creature dig deep into her soft flesh. The pain causes her to drop the bow in her hand to the floor and the half-elf lets out a pathetic whimper of pain. She continues to dig her elbow backwards, attempting to push the creature away from her and break it's contact with her neck.

Tyler :: As the orc burrows his teeth deep into the flesh of Skylei the necromantic figure across the gardens seems to of had enough. His hand raises and another whisper is chanted, the tendrils erupting from his finger tips to strike the undead minions forcing them back into the earth with a heavy grind. The blanket of fog that covers the earth below slowly begins to dissipate and where the being once floated, now stands firm two boots dug into the soil. He approaches; "If this were drama, I'd happily grade you an A, however, I was looking for survival and I'm afraid you, my love, have made an F." His right hand tugs at the hood, pulling it back to reveal the (non-rotten) face of Skylei's human of choice, Tyler. Along with the reverted status of his complexion Skylei would find that no real damage had been inflicted upon her, though the sting of the bites might remain her skin is fair and well. As the distance between the two closes, the robes Tyler dons would fall to the ground and shatter before fading from view, beneath he wears his traditional blue ninja-suit, a signal that he has been moving with intent to return to Chartsend. He stands before her and extends a hand to help her to her feet; "You got bitten. You know that's infectious, right? Tsk, tsk." He awaits her reaction, though he feels it might be less than joyous.

Skylei accepts his hand to pull her to her feet as though he has not put her through the most torturous five minutes of her week. Once she is stood up the half-elf examines him properly and then throws a well-timed and powerful punch at his right jaw. Whether she fit or missed, she would carry on pummelling at him aiming to cause him any number of real injuries as she screamed abuse. "What the hell, Tyler?! I hate you! I hate you! I bloody hate you! Why did you think that was an okay thing to do?! What in the name of Sven made you think that was legitimate way to treat the woman you love?" She's still hitting him. She likely won't stop any time soon; Tyler and nearly every other person on the earth had never seen Sky quite this furious before.

Tyler is quick to dodge the first blow and continues to dance around them, however, at such a close distance his game would give and he begins to take blows to the torso though minding to avoid those aimed for his visage. He allows her to continue striking, to abuse him until she is wearing herself out and as she takes another shot for his face he would quickly snap to catch her fist in his right palm and then follow up to capture her opposing. He doesn't grip tightly, nor does he offer venomous words such as hers. "Hate? That's quite the strong word isn't it?" His eyes fall upon her frustrated stare and he remains still. "Too ensure your capable of living without me, sure, you did well before me and to be quite blunt I wouldn't of cared of your death prior to us meeting, though now I fear it might just break me." A moment of silence as he ponders his sentiment. "Because I love you." He concludes before releasing her hands and taking a step back in case she decides to swing again. The man inhaling a deep breath as he questions his decision to return to Chartsend, prior night thoughts giving his mind the beating of a life time. "I saw you and Vakko, I felt your frustration. I figured what better time to test your judgement than when you are so clearly distressed." The words catch up to the human and he begins to back away a bit more. 'Hate', it stung and it stung badly, though he knew she was likely speaking out of anger he couldn't fathom speaking such ill-will in her direction. "I'm sorry, I'll leave you be." The man continues to back away until her is far enough away that he feels comfortable she wouldn't connect with a shot. Turning on his heel, he begins to make his way back from wince he came, hands tucked tightly in his pockets.

Skylei would have loved to have carry on throwing shots at him but eventually she relents her struggle as Tyler grabs hold of her hands. She would have easily broken free, she could have done it within a few seconds but Tyler has her pegged. Skylei doesn't hate him, not even a little bit. She's distressed, upset and hurt that he would punish her in such a way when she had been making an effort to bond with someone she absolutely despises to make him happy. What more could he have asked of her. But his words sting her just as much as hers hurt him and she ends up just standing watching as he walks away. Her belly turns as she realises the gravity of what she has said; she has told him that she -hates- him. That couldn't be further from the truth, she knows that. She loves him, with all her heart she loves him; but at this moment it doesn't look like he believes that. And so she feels as though she could burst into tears. "Tyler!" she calls out of him desperately "Please don't go. Please wait, Tyler!" She wouldn't embarrass herself further by chasing after him but she can't let him walk away. Not after that.

Tyler feels a weight of relief as he hears her voice. Dirty boots freeze in place as the man closes his eyes and accepts the moment. He remains with his back to Skylei for a few seconds as a freezing breeze is cast across the gardens, burning his bare cheeks. Grinding his teeth together he exhales through his nostrils in great excitement that she didn't let him leave, this wasn't what he was here for. Turning to face her once more, his gaze settles to her and offers an odd stare that seems to be consistent of fear and panic. As he approaches the look would fade, he doesn't stop once he reaches Skylei, instead taking her hand and pulling her behind him only calling out; "Follow me." The human begins to lead her back to the beach, not a word more escaping his chapped lips as they proceed.

Skylei stands dead still as Tyler pauses. Her heart thumps in her chest with anticipation and fear that he might just start walking away again. Just as her resolve starts to wane and tears start to form in the corners of her eyes, he turns to look at her and Sky catches that expression. It's one that she doesn't understand, that she can't read. Is her human afraid? She would look to either side, scanning the garden as though there is something lurking in the shadows waiting to grab at them. But now the illusions have dissipated, there are no monsters lurking and they are as good as alone amongst the trees. He beckons her to follow, but doesn't take her hand. Trepidation consumes the half-breed but she would follow his command to the letter, trailing after him without question and even without trying to grab at his hand for comfort. Something is not right.

Sandy Beach

South of the creative mass of Dami's beach is a gentle, sandy area dominated by high cliffs to the South. These protect the beach from winds and it is a pleasant area for everyone to lounge or swim. If they wish, they can seek shade in the gardens to the East. Many people look towards the cliffs, sure that they can see faint, hand-made outlines on them.

Tyler would come to another halt as his boots sink into the sand near the middle of the shoreline, his eyes cast out to the stars above the ocean, the sound of crashing waves and seagulls toying with his senses despite the chilled weather of winter. As Skylei takes point by his side he takes a moment to find his mind and compile a useful sentance, question rather. He doesn't look at her, no, he keeps his sight forward and his posture erect. He refuses to look at her, he can't, his body physically won't allow him. His next words come hard, he clears his throat; "Do you love me?" Innocent enough, the question is offered and soon followed up, "And if so, why?"

Skylei is utterly confused as to why Tyler would need to question her adoration of him, save for the fact that she has recently thrown a barrage of hate in his direction. "Tyler, look at me." If he still couldn't, she would take his hands into her own, if he was willing to give them and answer his question as honestly as she could, "Tyler, I love you with every inch of my being. You are in my thoughts from the moment I wake to the moment I sleep and beyond. I…" Sky trails off briefly before continuing on in a barrage of emotion that she so rarely is willing to show, "I dream of a future for us, together. Skylei and Tyler; we might not be the perfect couple, but we love each other more than anyone else in this world knows or could love another person. We've been through so much together," she doesn't bother to list the examples of trauma they've faced, but their first few nights together, the aftermath of Tyler's bout with Javier and her recuperation from Vailkrin are three such instances that spring to mind, "and you've always been by my side, even when I make mistakes, even though you hate my friends, even though sometimes I'm nothing but a damn fool blinded by my own stubborn nature to see what truly matters. And that's you, Tyler. I would give it all up for you; everything I have, if you asked." When she finishes she can't look at him. Her own head is tilted towards the sand and she has to fight hard to force the tears threatening to roll down her cheeks to stay away. Why does she feel as though she is begging for him not to leave her at this moment?

Tyler refuses to make eye contact with the woman as she spoke, it was too hard for his intention. He does however, allow her to take hold of his hand and he provides a firm grip as she makes her plea. Her words reached his ears and were well received though he couldn't fight the nagging in his mind that this wasn't right, he speaks. "Even with -my- flaws? The awkward anxiety, the constant finding of battle, the needless risks and the ill-thought out remarks? The charade back there? What if I were evil, what if you found the skeletons kept in my closet. Would you still love me? Or, would you gather your things and leave. Would you ignore my very existence?" His voice shakes a bit at the end, the first sign of raw negative emotion since his return from the journey with Linken and friends. The sensitivity of his past life outside of Hollow digging into him as he speaks. He attempts to push the thoughts of his family from his mind and focus on Skylei's reply. His composure regained as he becomes devoid of all emotion and continues to maintain a longing stare into space and beyond.

Skylei has heard Tyler speak of this inner evil before and yet, she refuses to believe that it can truly exist. "I love you all the more for your flaws." She is cold and would attempt to press herself against the human in the hope that she would be able to steal a little of his heat and perhaps gain a little physical affection at the same time. With Tyler in this mood, the latter seems highly unlikely. "I don't want perfect, I want you. All I've wanted since the day we met was you; the man who can barely speak to strangers, who gets seriously injured on a near weekly basis. I will always be running after you, no matter what you do." Sky offers him one more piece of evidence for her love before a question rises on her lips, "I haven't walked away yet and nor do I intend to do so anytime soon. Why are you asking me these things?"

Tyler doesn't answer Skylei's question. In fact, he remains caught in the moment of the night, unmoving as blank caramel eyes shift about the star filled sky. As Skylei presses into him he doesn't seem to notice. He had confessed his evil to her twice now, and he figures until he is caught displaying an act she wouldn't believe the truth. What happens then? How much worse would the heartbreak be when it was against both parties will, in a time of desperation? Tyler's eye lids slowly fall shut and his jaw begins to flex rapidly as he gives deep consideration to his next move. A deep swallow is given as his mind is made, he finally addresses Skylei. "I'm glad to hear you say that, Skylei. Though I feel those words may have a change of heart one day..." The human slowly turns to face the wood elf before him and he breaks his hold on her hand, moving to place his index finger to her chin and raise her eyes to meet his. "I pray to a god that I don't believe in, they won't." The human adjusts himself and finally breaks his left hand free from his pocket and takes to a single knee in the sand. As he kneels before his beloved he reveals a small object that had been so well kept in his pocket - though not expensive, nor as elegant as most, the amethyst engagement-ring is held before him and Tyler speaks in a soft tone; "Skylei, I can't place in words the feelings I have for you. Had you not decided to frequent the drunkards den that night, I likely wouldn't be here." He doesn't refer to Chartsend, nor Hollow... "Since the night we met, you've occupied my every thought. Every choice I've made has been forced to take you into consideration, you were my first real friend, and are still my best and only true friend. Before you came into my life I was alone and thought one-hundred percent that I would always be that way. Never did I expect to find someone to call my own, nor did I expect to fall in love, especially in such a short period of time. I can't think of anyone else in this world that I would rather have in my life... I am not me, without you." He swallows again and stares at her longingly; "Will you marry me?"

Skylei had opened her mouth to object to Tyler's insistence that there was some kind of evil that existed in his person. Before she has a chance to speak he has dropped down to his knee and is looking at her with those adoring eyes. Twenty minutes ago she had been willing to beat him black and blue and scream words of vile hatred at him. Now she is standing here on the precipice of everything that she has longed for, everything she has spoken of in secret whispered conversations over a glass of wine with her friends. And yet she can't hear the words of love that come from his mouth, words that seem so carefully planned and yet fall forth with such brutal honesty and emotion that there can be no doubting that they are real. All she hears is the pounding of blood in her ears and the double speed beat of her heart. Her mouth still hangs open with words unspoken; words that would never burst into existence now. As she gazes down to her human she cannot help but think how quickly their love has blossomed and grown and that, whilst he is right; this courtship has been quicker than most, and fraught with more danger than one could ever wish for, she would not want anyone else by her side for the years to come. And so she nods once, then twice. She cannot speak quite yet, she's still too shocked and terrified of what is to come. And yet she couldn't be more willing to bind herself to him for better and for worse.

Tyler finds his signature tooth filled grin spread across his visage once more as Skylei nods, the look in her face describing all of the things she is unable to say and he can only chuckle lightly for a moment before taking her hand and sliding the engagement ring onto her finger with care and then bringing his lips to kiss knuckles. Rising back to his feet he ignores the sand clinging to his blue tinted suit and moves to wrap his arms around his wood elf in a silent embrace.

Skylei wraps her arms around Tyler's neck as he embraces her. Over his shoulder she is able to, for the first time, properly examine the ring that he has gifted her with. Her mind instantly goes to the worst possible place; how in the name of the gods had he found the money to buy an engagement ring and, for that matter, had he even paid for it? Sky was not completely blind to her, now, fiancé's nimble fingered ways and that, combined with his lack of employ of late leads her to think terrible things about how he had obtained the beautiful ring on her finger. She chooses not to question him on this, not wanting to ruin the beautiful moment that had just transpired. Eventually she would buy her head in his shoulder and whisper a couple of words, "Tyler… I…" She still can't finish the sentence, her heart is beating too fast and her head is spinning. But he would know what she meant; he always did.

Tyler squeezes Skylei's torso and cranes his head to place a kiss on her neck as she fumbled with her words. Another sharp exhale as he finds humor in the moment just before breaking their embrace though his hands stay locked with hers. "I love you, Sky..." He replies before tugging at her hands playfully. "What do you say we move to the Eel for the night? I'd rather not freeze to death the night of my engagement." A smile as he pulls towards the east to head for warmth before offering one off topic phrase. "Oh, Milious is a no. Cenril it is." His attention still focused on Skylei and the idea of warmth, though he felt the need to proclaim their destination before he forgot. After all, he was an idiot.

Skylei :: It's been a big night for Skylei. Not only has she got engaged to the man she loves more than anything but he seems to have come round to moving to the place that she had had her heart set on from the get go. It's a definite victory. "I love you too," she would smile up at him as he drags her, willingly, through the town and towards the warmth of the Eel and the comfort of bed. After all of the madness that has consumed them, she is ready to lay down her head and sleep. As they walk, Sky would steal glances away from him every so often to the ring on her finger, as though she almost cannot believe that he or it are real. It has been a truly crazy night.