Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: |M| {In the Garden of the Waterbearers} |1x1| Alura x Kiro Akira |

  1. #1
    Member
    Alura's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Wherever I land.
    Posts
    1,915
    Mentioned
    32 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    102

    Default |M| {In the Garden of the Waterbearers} |1x1| Alura x Kiro Akira |

    Water fanned out in concentric circles, rippling around him. His lips curved into a smile and the humidity of the evening that had clung to him lapped away with the little waves. Torchlight studded the imported flora of the garden and the theme of the party illuminated by it was cause for costume just as exotic. Zebras, lions, monkeys, and other equally unlikely creatures cavorted in clusters and stole kisses under the boughs of oak and chestnut. The yew and boxwood trees that lined the most intimate pathways were festooned with garlands and the flowers that dripped from the arches to leave a petal-strewn path beneath the feet of the festive guests.

    It was amongst these mischievous and colourful figures that Giscard de Veyrac found himself reveling. He had been pleased to receive an invitation from Count Alexandre to celebrate amongst the most famed and enviable of the nobility. His pleasant features and youthful strength making him a welcome addition and easy favourite amongst the other attendees. They had gathered from every corner of the region to spill as freely as fragrant blooms through the estate, seeming to flow everywhere about the grounds at all hours in the same manner as the wines that stained their lips flowed from their generous host.

    The party, which had been meant to last only one night and incorporate a viewing of what they were given to understand was a rare occurrence of celestial storm, had stretched into what was now its third night. The predilections of the count's guests grew progressively more venturesome as the time passed. Their bawdy and bright laughter, dancing, and other merriments were the stuff upon which their monarch thrived. Some rumours even said the prince himself had come to join the festivities in secret, enraptured by the charms of the count's eldest daughter, Emeline.

    It was to take a breath from the ceaseless luxury and mischief that de Veyrac had come to the gardens to clear his mind and found the rolicking menagerie still actively stalking through the grounds. With a laugh to himself he had unbuttoned himself from his coat and left it draped at the edge of the fountain, gazing into the eyes of the marbled mosaic mermaids that swam beneath the waters. He dipped his fingers into it and splashed his face, standing as a rustling caught his attention. A nude gazelle broke across the garden path and ran through two potted tropical plants in her escape from a tiger in nearly the same state of undress.

    Blinking and startled for a moment, Giscard laughed. Touching a hand to his temple as a wave of dizziness passed over him, he wondered if his wine-addled brain had imagined the scene. Reaching to collect his coat, he sighed at the sudden peace amidst the revels. He blew a kiss to the mermaid gazing down on him from her commanding position at the center of the little courtyard, torchlight glimmering from the water that spilled from the pitcher in her arms. Her travertine eyes regarded him without sight, her two sisters whispering to her from the standing tableaus of which they rose half-swimming out of the friezes in which they were trapped, tears running into the basins beneath them. The basins were etched with waves, and the three sisters seemed somehow mystical in the quiet moment.

    Giscard lifted an arm on a whim to touch the mermaid's smooth hand and fell forward, his lips still curved into a smile as the little waves lapped at his body. In a few moments time, he was dead.

    ////^\\\\

    "The gardens of the Alexandre Estate boasted one of the grandest collections of non-native flowers and trees in its day and even up to the present it remains one of the most impressive in the country. Many of the show gardens designed in the years after its commission took cuttings from the estate rather than buying entirely new and costly ones themselves. This practice continued into the current century, though from time to time a few are auctioned off to help with the upkeep of the estate.

    "You will note that the architecture is in some places badly in need of restoration, just as with the interior. For the next few years this process will be ongoing, beginning with structural repairs to the mansion itself and landscaping work in the gardens. For now, public tours such as these are limited to the renovated areas of the garden. Private tours are available through a few of the most well-preserved rooms during the restoration process and to the sites within the grounds that have already been partially restored. If any of you are interested in these, please see me after the tour and I shall be happy to book one for you."

    The guide stood with her back to the small courtyard in which a crumbling fountain stood in disrepair. The shape of a mermaid rose above her, becoming a little more indistinct with age and weathering, but still identifiable as the creature she was. Her arms still lifted the same pitcher she had borne for hundreds of years, though it was filled with dust and leaves. A silken web covered half her face and an orb-weaver spread its long, striped legs like a fan to hide her unseeing eyes.

    Birds cawed overhead, calling to one another amidst the trees and the guide followed the glance of one of the small group of only about six people - most of which were reporters - and giving a friendly acknowledgement to where they rested their gaze.

    "Ah, you've noticed the chestnuts. While much of the grounds host non-native plants, you will also find specimens of natives from all around the country. These are some of the oldest of their kind, and quite productive in season.

    "Now, behind me you will see the small courtyard that was one of our first spots for renovation. The tiling of the courtyard itself has been excavated and fitted together, and a master craftsman is currently using materials from the same region of Italy from which the tiles were created. We are fortunate to have sculptors and artists both independent and from the local university to lend us their expertise in the renovation decisions. In fact, there are many subcommittees that lend their support to these efforts.

    "Back to the fountain, you will notice the natural colour. It was made in several large pieces and so well-fitted that the structure itself has remained largely intact. It was chosen to complement the terra cotta construction of the buildings throughout the estate and the style is very appropriate for the era. It was said that the reigning king's son took inspiration for the royal gardens from some of the features found in the Alexandre gardens.

    "Something unusual about this fountain in particular is an unusual stain on some of the tiling and the fountain itself."

    Stepping to one side, the guide waved a hand to allow the group to move closer. Cameras flashed as a deep brown stain became obvious, running along the side of the fountain itself and spilling outside the fountain on the lighter marble and stone.

    "Our historians are still going over the information we have from the period, including Count Alexandre's personal diaries that give an account of his life. There are also letters and similar diaries kept by many nobles and other people who spent time within the count's home. Testing has shown the stain to be blood, that of a human male, but little else is known at this time and whether or not the man who matches it survived is also currently unknown."

    Smiling at her little tantalizing tidbit, the guide whose name badge read 'Cherie Duvalle' began walking again.

    "If you will all follow me to the terrace walk, we'll have a final look at the hanging gardens before lunch."

    When the group had moved on, a lone visitor in the group lingered behind, eyes still drawn to the rusty brown bloodstains on the tiles. The wind lifted the boughs of the trees surrounding it, leaves rustling so that the three mermaids seemed to whisper to each other.

    Spoiler: Completely Unsolicited, Contextual Praise Definitely not Acquired via Torture 

  2. #2
    Archmage of RPA
    Kiro Akira's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Where the final ones reside.
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Depends on the day
    Posts
    2,914
    Mentioned
    20 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    129

    Default

    The young man followed the crowd with one of those disposable cameras he bought from the gift shop. The ones that you know are way over priced but due to irresponsibility? You had to buy it anyways. Taking a few small pictures of the trees, he focused his attention to the flowers and the pretty aroma they brought.

    "What I wouldn't give to snag a few of these for pressing at home."
    He mumbled mainly to himself and dragged his fingers across the 'safety' pole that stopped visitors from passing the line and stomping on them. The metal cold to the touch. His eyes wavered as he gave a soft sigh and made his motion back to the group.
    "Ah, you've noticed the chestnuts. While much of the grounds host non-native plants, you will also find specimens of natives from all around the country. These are some of the oldest of their kind, and quite productive in season."
    The voice of the woman lingered behind him as not only had he taken note of them but a few others as well.

    "Roasting on an open fire? Should we burn it?" A voice chimed in as group of kids most likely in their early twenties or still in teen years chuckled to themselves.

    A group of three making a joke of nature. Sad to see someone disrespect something that is many decades older then them. And likely in a real fight would put them down just by falling on them. This own lousy thought of him placed a smile across his face as he reached down and picked up a lone chestnut that happened to fall and make it's way onto the path. Quickly he adjusted his shoe and placed it into his pocket for safe keepings.

    Scanning the group before him he took a quick snap of a picture and then hurried back to the group already a few feet ahead and continuing on to the courtyard before them. Seeing this in person was one of the main reasons he had wanted to go to this place. To add to it. He heard tales of a man murdered at the fountain and the stain he could see now proved it. His eyes stared at the patterns and the remarkable view of the fountain and focused on the mermaids. The winds blowing his hair into a tussle as he could almost hear the words 'closer' in the breeze. Or so it sounded to him, as it was an entrancing view. But as he turned to rejoin the group he paused to see another individual standing before him.

    Giving a soft smile he took a few steps back in their direction. "Astounding isn't it? Do they whisper to you too? What do they say? Or is it the murder scene that falls before you? Do you see a man's death before you?"
    Spoiler: Quotes? 

    Spoiler: Kiros current favorite quote 

  3. #3
    Member
    Alura's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Wherever I land.
    Posts
    1,915
    Mentioned
    32 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    102

    Default

    The blonde woman stood alone slightly closer to the fountain than the man who had stayed behind the tour. For a moment as he addressed her she seemed to waver there in silence. Finally she turned, face sad. Her attire might have been that of a re-enactor, expertly tailored of fabrics that would have been in high fashion for the period the Alexandre gardens had been in their prime.

    "... closer... would have...brother." She said, fair ringlets curling around her neck and shoulders as she glanced at the young man holding a disposable camera and a chestnut. It was soft, faint as if she were a great distance away and warbled as though she were underwater. "Prince...never..."

    She gazed at him for a moment, brows drawing down as if confused, perhaps at the young man's presence. She turned and there was anger in the lines of her body despite the soft look in her eyes. There was conflict there also. She vanished.

    For a moment, the garden was still, the soft sway of the trees and plants the only interruption in the hot, hazy afternoon.

    A rustling began then, the overgrown grasses at the far side of the courtyard began to rattle dryly as if something shook them. It grew louder and more insistent until, in a moment, a cat sprang from the tangles of the foliage and swatted along after a butterfly. The butterfly flitted, almost teasing the feline who lashed its tail in annoyance. It hesitated a moment, slitted eyes regarding the man with keen disapproval. "Rrauo," it advised him, casting one final judgment upon him before slinking off between two old, cracking vases, tail flickering as if it took a secret with it.

    "You must go." The words were solid and urgent. The blonde woman's face was immediately beside the visitor's. She lifted her arms as she surged towards him and passed directly through him, carrying beyond him a few steps before she continued to speak. Something was wrong. She was too pale, skin once sun-kissed almost transparent in the daylight.

    "If they find you here, like this,... "

    As she moved away from the man again, it seemed as if she was holding the arm of someone... but there was nothing but the woman and the air. Her concern was palpable, her one-sided conversation almost like viewing an actress in front of a green screen without any context to explain it. As quickly as she had reappeared, she vanished again, fading on the sunlit haze as she reached the edge of the path leading towards the front of the nearest building.

    The courtyard and the surrounding area were once again silent, save for the clicking heels of the guide who, inexplicably, had elected to forego more sensible footwear for the excursion. The clicks were far away, but it was likely she had realised one of her number was missing.

    The whispers in the courtyard faded, but the feeling of watching could still be felt when standing inside of it. High above, one of the paneless windows resounded as its shutters slammed tightly closed.

    Spoiler: Completely Unsolicited, Contextual Praise Definitely not Acquired via Torture 

  4. #4
    Archmage of RPA
    Kiro Akira's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Where the final ones reside.
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Depends on the day
    Posts
    2,914
    Mentioned
    20 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    129

    Default

    The man reveled at the appearance of the woman. A pretty one at that, and the style that had been once forgotten. She seemed quite beautiful in his appearance. And while her clothes seemed 'out of this world' so to speak, she seemed quite normal. It wasn't too odd to see someone coming to a place like this and trying to put themselves back in the past. While it was a bit odd, he'd seen it before.

    "Closer would have brother? Prince never what?"
    Eli questioned her words. "Is that a pu-" He blinked and froze as the woman's look grew to anger and before his question finished she seemed to distort and vanish. "W=Wait..... Where'd you go?"
    The confusion on his face and the phrase threw his mind for a loop trapping him in thought only for the wind to pick up and the rustling captured his attention.

    Eyeing the foliage for a few moments he stared at it, half expecting the girl to spring from behind them. It was tall enough if she laid down, but as his focus honed in a cat sprang from the bushes swatting a butterfly. Eli jumped and shook his head his heart picking up the paces. Letting out a heavy sigh he shook his head "Stupid cat." He muttered before turning to look beside him. "Gah!" He half shouted and jumped away peering at the female. His eyes focusing on her. "My god you scared the shit out of me."

    "You must go." She spoke once more. This time the softer tone was gone, holding the solid tone that her facial expression held just a few moments ago. "Go? Go where?" Eli questioned the female again. Had she meant back with the group? "Shouldn't you be with us?" He said taking a few steps towards her only to have his questions answered by the girl rushing and phasing through him.

    Eli's blood ran cold feeling the experience apparated through his figure. And while there was no 'physical' contact he still promptly fell back onto his rear blinking numerous times. "Find you here, like this?" He echoed her words behind him before looking back to see the woman reach out to him..... Wait, not him? The confusion built and before he could process everything.... She vanished again.

    The area before him grew silent once again as he heard his lovely guide coming back down the path likely to round him up back into the group of people he arrived with. Taking one final look at the fountain he stood himself up blinking a few times. His focus instantly shooting up as the windows shut tightly echoing above. "Didn't have to slam them." He muttered assuming a staff member had shut them above.

    As the guide arrived, Eli let his heavy breathing of his sped up heart rate show. "Sorry, had a moment. I have terrible asthma." He lied to the clearly annoyed lady before him.
    Spoiler: Quotes? 

    Spoiler: Kiros current favorite quote 

  5. #5
    Member
    Alura's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    Wherever I land.
    Posts
    1,915
    Mentioned
    32 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    102

    Default

    As Eli sat alone in the windy courtyard, the blonde woman did not return. Whether she had been re-enactor or the haze of imagination in the heat of the day only he could judge. When he rose with questions still unanswered, the mermaid's eyes - still veiled by cobwebs - regarded him in coy silence no matter how much he blinked. What had he seen? Was he merely talking to himself?

    The courtyard echoed with the resounding slap of wood against paint-chipped wood before the sound was lost in insular overgrowth. The steady clicking of heels had grown closer and cool fingertips reached to touch his arm as Cherie Duvalle rejoined him. If she had heard the commotion above she gave no sign of it, lips pressed together in annoyance at having to teeter all the way back along the uneven path to find her wayward touring lamb.

    At the mention of asthma, all irritation vanished. "Ah, are you alright? Do you need a doctor?" Bracing one arm around him supportively, she waved a hand to the trees and flora about them. "Between the dust from the renovations and the pollens and such out here it is a small wonder. If you think you can make it back to the others we can find you a place to sit in the shade and some water to soothe you on the back lawns."

    She rubbed his back reflexively as she awaited his answer, shivering without realising she had done so when a chill touched her despite the heat of the day. She glanced over her shoulder at a heavy set of doors that led off the courtyard and into the old home. It was doubtful if the interior would bring any relief to an asthmatic, but if the plumbing had been sorted out for the building he might at least be able to splash some water on his face for a moment out of the direct sun and settle his breathing.

    On the other side of the fountain from the pair a dark figure wavered, tall with broad shoulders though it was so inky and amorphous that it seemed only to be the shadow of the fountain itself when one blinked and looked again. Cherie Duvalle did not even notice it with her concern tied up in the potential scandal of a medical emergency on one of their very first public tours. She had told the programme coordinator that it was too soon for guests and now look at how things were playing out... Director Marshall would be none too pleased if this went amiss.

    Spoiler: Completely Unsolicited, Contextual Praise Definitely not Acquired via Torture 

  6. #6
    Archmage of RPA
    Kiro Akira's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Where the final ones reside.
    Favourite Roleplay Genres
    Depends on the day
    Posts
    2,914
    Mentioned
    20 Post(s)
    Rep Power
    129

    Default

    Blinking at her reaction to the sound he opened his mouth to speak but paused as she answered his other 'issue' "A doctor? No not at all, just got a bit winded is all. I'll be fine I just needed a moment. Water would be a nice gesture if you don't mind." He gave a big smile and a nod to reassure her that he would be fine. His deception worked which was a surprise. Then again he'd been lying most of his life to get through situations he was terrified of.

    Taking a few steps forwards he motioned to where the tour guide had pointed him to. "The rest are this way correct?" He asked giving his voice a bit of extra breathe to add to the Asthmatic sound of things. His eyes had glanced once to the shadowy figure and he paused and shook his head at it, once again in disbelief. He wasn't too Keen on the idea of ghosts but situations were really pushing his beliefs today. "A-Actually..." He spoke turning back to the woman. "Where is the closest restroom? And could someone possibly direct me to it and back to the group after? I would hate to hold the group up." He said as his eyes darted between the lady and where the once figure stood.

    Eli was at a loss of everything. First he saw a simple woman. Then she terrified him into believing she was a ghost. Next he was seeing shadows and hearing banging noises. Was he going insane? Or was this actually happening... He wasn't sure at this point and hoped maybe a pee break and some splashing of water would wake him up from some delusional half dream he was having. Or was he actually in some nightmare? He was sure he bought these tickets to come here. But dreams can do magical things to ones mind... Was this one of them?
    Spoiler: Quotes? 

    Spoiler: Kiros current favorite quote 

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •